The Thiruvananthapuram Dental college was started during the year 1959. Till 1953 there were no Dental colleges in South India. In an attempt to provide avenues for formal dental education, dental colleges were started at four state capitals of southern states. Dr. A.R Menon was the Minister for Health when the Dental college was started. The Government Dental College, Thiruvanathapuram was first started in a small block of the Medical College Hospital. Dr. M. Thangavelu was the Principal of the Medical College during that period and he was instrumental in the initial organisation of the institution. Dr. A. M. Clement, Dental surgeon of the Medical College was appointed as the first Director of the Dental college. The present building of the Dental College was commissioned during 1962. In the same year the BDS degree was recognised by the Dental Council of India. Nearly 1500 students have graduated from this institution so far. Initially 20 students were admitted yearly but presently 40 students are admitted.

Paradental courses viz. Dental Hygienists Course and Dental Mechanic Certificate course were started in 1962 and 1964 respectively. Postgradute courses were started in 1966. The college has eight full fledged departments and all of them offer postgradute courses. Independent status for this institution headed by a Principal was sanctioned by the Government during the year 1996. Dental College was made the centre for M.Ortho RCS Ed. and M.O.S RCS Ed. examination as well as Dip NB examination in the year 2000. A scholarship was instituted for research among the under graduate students during the period 2000-2001. Government Dental College Marches on Serving the Nation and the State of Kerala.

Indo-Danish Cancer Control Project,1976
Dr Jacob Zachariah, Prof Pindborg,
Dr Thankavelu in GDCTVM.