A PhD in Dental Science is a 3-6 year doctoral course based on research work. It is a research-based study of human oral disease and health. It equips candidates with dental science knowledge to be able to conduct research, contribute to the discipline, and specialise in oral and maxillofacial surgery, periodontics, or orthodontics.
Candidates who are interested in pursuing this course must have a master's degree in Dental Surgery or any other relevant subject with a minimum of 55% marks. UGC-NET and CSIR-NET are some of the common entrance exams for a PhD in dentistry.
Some of the career options open for PhD holders are Lecturer, Clinical Researcher, Dentist, Research Associate, and so on. They can look forward to a package of around INR 10 - 15 lakhs annually.
PhD in Dental Science Highlights
The basic details of a PhD in Dentistry are as follows:
Particulars | Course Details |
Course Name | PhD in Dental Science |
Duration | 3 - 6 Years |
Eligibility | Candidates must have a master's degree in dental surgery or a related field with a minimum of 55% and should have cleared entrance exams like UGC-NET, GATE, and CUET-PG. |
Admission Process | Entrance Based |
Entrance Examinations | GATE/ UGC-NET/CUET (PG) |
Average Course Fees | INR 1,00,000-5,00,000 |
Career Prospects | Lecturer, Clinical Researcher, Research Associate, Dentist |
Average Package after PhD | INR 10 - 15 lakhs per annum |
What is a PhD in Dental Science?
Doctor of Philosophy in Dental Science is a doctoral degree focused on research involving oral health, dental procedures, and the prevention of diseases. The curriculum includes significant areas such as tooth decay, gum disease, dental materials, and cutting-edge treatment techniques to enhance general dental care.
By pursuing a PhD in dentistry, a person can study the efficacy of a new generation of longer-lasting filling materials that can prevent cavities more efficiently. The study assists them in formulating improved dental treatments and enhances patient care.
Why Study a PhD in Dental Science?
PhD Dentistry offers a number of career opportunities in research, teaching, and professional clinical practice. The course gives students a profound understanding of oral diseases, new technologies, and oral health improvement.
This course is in high demand since oral health matters in terms of overall well-being, and specialists are required to create improved treatments, dental materials, and prevention solutions.
PhD in Dental Science Eligibility
Students should have the following eligibility to take admission in a PhD in dentistry :
- The candidates must have a master's degree in a related field, preferably MD, and a minimum grade of 55% marks.
- Candidates should have cleared entrance exams like UGC-NET and CSIR NET.
PhD in Dental Science Entrance Exams
Some of the popular entrance exams for a PhD in Dentistry include UGC-NET and CSIR-NET.
Entrance Examination | Registration Date | Date of Examination |
UGC NET 2026 | 19 November to December 10 2025 (Tentative) | 3 to 16 January 2026 (Tentative) |
CSIR NET 2025 | - | 28 Feb to 2 March, 2026 (Tentative) |
PhD in Dental Science Colleges in India
Some of the top colleges for PhD Dentistry based on the NIRF Ranking 2024 are as follows:
NIRF Ranking 2024 (Medical) | College Name | City, State | Fees |
1 | Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | INR 1,50,000 |
5 | Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune | Pune, Maharashtra | - |
- | Teerthanker Mahaveer University | Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh | INR 4,00,000 |
- | Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University | Dharwad, Karnataka | - |
- | SGT Dental College Hospital & Research Institute | Gurgaon, Haryana | INR 4,50,000 |
PhD in Dental Science Jobs
Some of the career options available after completion of a PhD in Dentistry are as follows:
- Industry: The PhD holders can work in academia, government, and private sectors or related fields.
- Employment Demand: PhD holders in dentistry are in high demand. They are offered jobs like Lecturer, Clinical Researcher, Research Associate, and Dentist.
- Average Salary: The average salary of PhD holders in dentistry varies depending on experience, industry, and location. The average salary is between INR 10- 15 lakhs per annum.
There are various job roles available for PhD holders in Dental Science. As per Payscale, the average package of various job roles according to the years of experience is mentioned in the table below:
Job Roles | Entry level | Experience level |
Research Associate | INR 4-6 LPA | INR 6-12 LPA |
Lecturer | INR 6-10 LPA | INR 10-15 LPA |
Dentist | INR 8-12 LPA | INR 15-20 LPA |
Clinical Researcher | INR 4-6 LPA | INR 6-12 LPA |
PhD in Dental Science FAQs
What are the key research areas in dental science?
While pursuing a PhD in Dentistry, students can conduct research on any of the topics in their curriculum. Some of the topics include oral-systemic health, regenerative dentistry, dental biomaterials, periodontology, implantology, and AI-driven diagnostics.
What are the key challenges faced by students in a research-based PhD in Dental Sciences?
PhD students usually face difficulties with managing the workload, getting a supportive mentor, securing funding, and finding balance in taking classes & conducting their own research.
How does the interdisciplinary approach in the PhD program benefit students?
The PhD in Dentistry includes studies from another field as well, like genetics, bioengineering, etc. This allows students to conduct better research. .
What are the key skills needed to succeed in a PhD program in Dentistry?
Key skills needed to succeed in a PhD in Dentistry are strong research and analytical skills, time management, critical thinking, and technical proficiency in lab techniques and dental materials.
