Chettinad Dental College & Research Institute, Kelambakkam

Chettinad Dental College & Research Institute (short name: CDCRI) is a private dental education institute located in Kelambakkam, near Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The college was established in 2007 by the Rajah Muthiah Chettiar Charitable Trust with the aim of providing excellence in dental education, research, and oral healthcare. The institution’s core purpose is to train competent dental professionals through high‑quality academics, clinical exposure, and community service, nurturing leaders in dentistry with a commitment to integrity, quality, and innovation.

The institute’s address is Rajiv Gandhi Salai (Old Mahabalipuram Road), Kelambakkam, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu – 603103, situated within the Chettinad Health City campus about 35 km south of Chennai city centre. The campus is tranquil and strategically located along the IT corridor, providing an optimal learning environment. The college is spread over a well‑planned area with dedicated academic blocks, clinical facilities, and student amenities, emphasizing a holistic and accessible approach to dental education and patient care.

CDCRI is affiliated with The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai, and is approved by the Dental Council of India (DCI). The institute holds a NAAC “A+” grade accreditation, and its dental programmes are recognized at the national level, reflecting quality standards in dental education and training. It also has accreditations recognized by various regulatory bodies and consistently appears in national rankings among leading dental colleges.

The college is part of a larger multidisciplinary healthcare campus that includes medical and allied health sciences institutions. CDCRI offers modern academic facilities, dedicated departmental blocks, and a clinical dental hospital where students gain practical exposure. The faculty comprises experienced and specialized dental educators and clinicians who guide students in both theoretical and practical aspects of dentistry.

Chettinad Dental College offers undergraduate (BDS) with 100 seats annually and postgraduate (MDS) programmes with 23 seats across several specializations. Admissions are based on NEET‑UG for BDS and NEET‑MDS for postgraduate courses, with seat allocation through centralized counselling conducted by the Directorate of Medical Education, Chennai. Eligibility criteria include completion of 10+2 with science subjects for BDS and requisite dental qualifications for MDS aspirants. Scholarships, including merit‑based options, may be available as per institutional and state norms.

The institute’s infrastructure includes spacious lecture halls, air‑conditioned classrooms, digital and physical libraries, advanced clinical dental laboratories, and a 300+ chair dental hospital for extensive hands‑on clinical training. Hostel accommodations for boys and girls with modern amenities, cafeteria, gym, sports facilities, internet/Wi‑Fi, and other student‑friendly services are provided, fostering a supportive academic and residential life.

While specific placement data for dental graduates varies, the college prepares students for clinical practice, research roles, and professional careers in both private and public dental sectors. CDCRI’s reputation for clinical competence and academic rigour enables students to pursue internships, postgraduate opportunities, and careers as dental practitioners, researchers, or educators. Some reports highlight strong career outcomes and support for professional advancement.

In conclusion, Chettinad Dental College & Research Institute stands as a prominent dental education centre in Tamil Nadu, blending solid academic foundations, comprehensive clinical training, and a mission‑driven approach to oral healthcare. Its affiliation, accreditations, and campus environment make it a noteworthy choice for students aspiring to careers in dentistry, contributing meaningfully to professional growth and community wellness.

Some Highlights Chettinad Dental College & Research Institute, Kelambakkam

Admission Process:

Admission to Chettinad Dental College & Research Institute (CDCRI) is based on merit in the NEET-UG exam for BDS and NEET-MDS for postgraduate MDS courses. Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria, including completion of 10+2 with science subjects for BDS, and a BDS degree with a completed internship for MDS. Eligible candidates participate in state-level or institution-level counselling, followed by document verification and fee payment to confirm admission. The college also offers merit-based scholarships and has seats under government and management quotas. All admissions prioritize NEET scores, ensuring a fair and transparent process for aspiring dental professionals.

Admission Criteria

BDS- 5 Years Course

Admission Process 

• Appear for NEET‑UG (conducted by NTA).

• Participate in centralized counselling (MCC‑DGHS) to get allotted a seat at SBDCH. 

• Once allotted, report to the college with original documents (10th, 12th mark sheets, NEET scorecard, etc.) for verification. 

• Pay tuition and other fees through RTGS/NEFT or Demand Draft. 

• Complete any other admission formalities (medical fitness, verification, etc.) as per the college’s instructions.

Eligiblity

• Candidates must have passed 10+2 (HSC) with Physics, Chemistry & Biology (or Biotechnology) and English. 

• Minimum marks: 50% aggregate in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) for general category; for SC/ST/OBC the requirement is lower as per DCI norms. 

• Age: Must be at least 17 years old as on December 31 of the year of admission. 

• Must qualify in NEET‑UG, since admission is based on the NEET exam score.

MDS - 3 Years Course

Admission Process

• Appear for NEET‑MDS, get a rank. 

• Participate in counselling by MCC‑DGHS (or relevant counselling authority) depending on seat allotment. 

• Report to SBDCH’s Admission Office with required original certificates: NEET‑MDS scorecard, BDS degree certificate, internship certificate, dental registration, academic mark sheets, identity proof, photos, etc.

• Pay the tuition and other fees (again via RTGS/NEFT or DD).

Eligiblity

• A BDS degree from a recognized dental college / university. 

• Completed compulsory rotating internship (as required by DCI) and have dental council registration (DCI or State) when applying. 

• Must qualify in NEET‑MDS (conducted by National Board of Examinations).

Scholarship

Chettinad Dental College & Research Institute, Kelambakkam offers scholarship support to eligible students through both institutional and government schemes. Students can benefit from Tamil Nadu government scholarships such as the SC/ST (Aadhi Dravida) scholarship, First Graduate Scholarship, and other post-matric schemes based on category, income, and merit. In addition, dental students may apply for external scholarships like the Colgate Keep India Smiling Scholarship and central government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Applications generally require income, community, and academic certificates, and students are advised to contact the college administration or regularly check NSP notifications for current eligibility and deadlines.

Transport

Chettinad Dental College & Research Institute, Kelambakkam provides transport facilities for the convenience and safety of students and staff. The college operates its own bus service covering various routes across Chennai and nearby areas, enabling easy daily commuting for day scholars. In addition, the campus is well connected by public transport, with the Kelambakkam bus stop located very close to the institute and served by several MTC bus routes. These transport options ensure smooth and reliable access to the college from different parts of the city.