Established in 1986, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Dental Sciences popularly known as SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital started with a vision to train students to excel in knowledge, skills and service to the community. The mission of the college was to improve the oral health of the local population.

The college provides quality education to the students and has pro-actively decided to develop international academic linkage. The college is recognised by Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow as a centre in India for conducting Primary FDSRCPS examination.

The college currently conducts Part A and B of MFDS, Membership Examination in Maxillofacial Surgery and Morth examination of the RCPS, Glasgow. In-patient services in the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery were commenced in 1992 with 20 beds and a single operating room.