“Our vision is to be a nationally recognized leader in dental education, known for our commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service. We aim to produce graduates who are well-prepared to meet the present day demands of oral health of diverse communities and who are dedicated to advancing the field of dentistry through their clinical practice, research, and leadership.”
The mission of the Dental Education Unit is to provide a comprehensive and innovative educational program that prepares dental students to become competent and compassionate dental professionals. We strive to create a learning environment that fosters critical thinking, ethical behavior, and lifelong learning. The unit also aims to transform teachers into highly competent dental educators.
Enhance the quality of dental education: The primary objective of a Dental Education Unit is to improve the quality of dental education provided to the students. This may involve developing and implementing innovative teaching methods, providing continuing education for faculty members, and creating a supportive learning environment.
Foster professional development: Another objective is to facilitate the professional development of dental students and faculty members. This may include offering opportunities for research, clinical practice, and leadership development.
Promote ethical behavior: A Dental Education Unit also aims to instill ethical behavior and values in dental students. This involves promoting honesty, integrity, and professionalism, and adhering to ethical principles in all aspects of dental education.
Improve patient care: Dental Education Units also strive to improve patient care by educating students on evidence-based practice and the latest advances in dental treatment. This objective involves preparing students to provide high-quality dental care that is safe, effective, and patient-centered.
Evidence synthesis for Good Educational Practices: Dental Education Units also aim to identify and disseminate effective teaching strategies and methodologies in the field of dentistry, such as clinical skills training or didactic instruction.
Integration between different professions: To recognize the interprofessional nature of healthcare and the importance of collaborative practice. By promoting integration, the unit seeks to foster effective communication and cooperation among dental professionals, as well as with professionals from other healthcare disciplines.
Faculty exchange programs: To foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among dental institutions. These programs provide an opportunity for faculty members to engage in professional development, expand their understanding of different teaching methodologies, and gain exposure to diverse perspectives in dental education.
Feedback from students and peers: To provides an avenue for students to share their thoughts and suggestions, enabling continuous improvement in teaching methods and curriculum. Peer feedback fosters collaboration among faculty members, promoting the exchange of ideas and innovative approaches to enhance the overall quality of dental education.
Develop administrative skills: To equip faculty members with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in administrative roles. By providing training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities, the Dental Education Unit strives to nurture a pool of qualified and capable faculty who can take on administrative responsibilities with confidence and competence.
Chair
Unit Head
Unit Coordinator
Advisor
Advisor,
Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore
Faculty Member,
Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics
Faculty Member,
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Faculty Member,
Department of Oral Pathology
Faculty Member,
Department of Prosthodontics
Faculty Member,
Department of Periodontology
Faculty Member,
Department of Orthodontics
Faculty Member,
Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology
Faculty Member,
Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry
Consultant,
Amrita School of Medicine
Consultant,
Amrita College of Nursing
Consultant,
Amrita School of Arts & Sciences
Consultant,
Amrita School of Pharmacy
Innovate : A Professional Development Program for Faculty
The Dental Education Unit organized its first session of the Innovate: A professional development program for faculty on the topic “New BDS Curriculum and National Dental Commission Act 2023” on June 25, 2024 (Tuesday) from 10:00 am to 1:00 pmat Dental School Auditorium. The resource person was Dr. Devadathan A, the Dean of the Faculty of Dental Sciences at Kerala University of Health Sciences.
Dr. Devadathan A meticulously outlined the salient features of the proposed revised Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program, emphasizing the transition towards a competency-based dental education framework. He highlighted the major differences between the current curriculum and the proposed revisions. The session also explored the structure and objectives of the newly established National Dental Commission (NDC) under the National Dental Commission Act 2023. Dr. Devadathan A explained how the NDC aims to streamline dental education and practice in India, ensuring uniform standards and promoting high-quality dental care across the country. The faculty members actively engaged in discussions, seeking clarifications and sharing insights on the implications of these changes for dental education and practice. Dr. Devadathan A’s detailed presentation and the interactive nature of the session provided the attendees with a thorough understanding of the forthcoming transformations in dental education, equipping them with the knowledge needed to adapt and excel in this evolving landscape. The session concluded with a consensus on the importance of staying updated with regulatory changes and continuously enhancing teaching methodologies to better prepare future dental professionals.
The lecture was attended by 55 faculty members.
Upgrade – A Professional Development Lecture Series for House-Surgeons (Lecture 6)
On September 15, 2024, Dr. Krishnaa Vijayan, Reader in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, led an informative session on “Best Practices in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery” as part of the Upgrade professional development lecture series for house surgeons, organized by the Dental Education Unit. The session, which was attended by 52 house surgeons and 3 faculty members, was jointly organized with the Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of India (Kerala Chapter) as part of their Prudentia 2024 initiative. Dr.Krishnaa covered critical aspects of oral surgery, starting with the proper examination of lymph nodes, a key step in diagnosing various oral conditions. She also addressed the management of common post-operative complications such as hemorrhage and dry socket, providing practical guidance for young surgeons. The session included essential discussions on the risk of transmission and needle-stick injuries, along with best practices for minimizing these risks in clinical settings. Dr. Vijayan offered evidence-based recommendations for the use of antibiotics and analgesics in surgical procedures, emphasizing judicious and effective prescribing practices. Lastly, the diagnosis and management of TMJ disorders were discussed, equipping the attendees with a foundational understanding of this complex condition. Overall, the session was highly engaging, offering valuable insights and practical tips to enhance surgical competence in house surgeons.
Upgrade – A professional development lecture series for house-surgeons (Lecture 5)
On August 22, 2024, from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Dr. Jose Thomas, a Restorative Dentist and Endodontist from Metropolis Dental Care, Calicut, conducted an engaging lecture and hands-on session on “Posterior Composites – Esthetics and Function” as part of the Upgrade professional development lecture series for house surgeons, organized by the Dental Education Unit. The session was organized in association with Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics and supported by Clinician’s Choice and Dentex India. The session was attended by 48 house surgeons and 8 faculty members. Dr. Thomas covered key topics, starting with current concepts in caries removal and modern principles in tooth preparation and design. He also introduced the latest techniques in bonding, debunked myths surrounding pulp protection, and demonstrated how to create effective functional contacts. Participants learned about the use of sectional matrix systems and followed detailed finishing and polishing protocols. The hands-on component allowed attendees to apply these concepts practically, enhancing their skills in achieving both aesthetic and functional results in posterior composite restorations. The comprehensive session provided valuable insights and practical knowledge, leaving participants with improved confidence in handling posterior composites. The session was attended by 21 interns and 5 postgraduates.
Upgrade – A Professional Development Lecture Series for House-Surgeons (Lecture 4)
On August 9, 2024, from 8:30 to 9:30 am, Dr. Ravi Varma, Professor Emeritus of the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, delivered an insightful session on “Dental Composites: Esthetics Personified” as part of the Upgrade professional development lecture series organized by the Dental Education Unit. The session was attended by 39 house surgeons, 5 postgraduates, and 5 faculty members. Dr. Varma provided a thorough overview of the material composition of dental composites, emphasizing their esthetic properties and functional benefits. He then walked the attendees through the detailed steps involved in composite restoration, offering practical tips to ensure optimal outcomes in clinical practice. The session concluded with key take-home messages, focusing on best practices and techniques for achieving long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing restorations. Dr. Varma’s expertise and clear presentation made the session highly informative and engaging, leaving participants with valuable insights into the effective use of dental composites in restorative dentistry.
Upgrade – A Professional Development Lecture Series for House-Surgeons (Lecture 3)
On July 27, 2024, from 8:30 to 9:30 am, Dr. Thankappan K R, Professor and Head of the Department of Public Health, along with Dr. Malathi Mini, Assistant Professor in the same department, conducted an informative session on the “Scope and Opportunities of Master of Public Health (MPH) Course” as part of the Upgrade professional development lecture series organized by the Dental Education Unit. The session, attended by 48 house surgeons and 8 faculty members, provided a comprehensive overview of the various career paths and opportunities available to those pursuing an MPH in India. Dr. Thankappan and Dr. Malathi discussed the growing importance of public health professionals in addressing global health challenges and the diverse roles MPH graduates can play in government, academia, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. They also highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of public health education, which equips graduates with skills in research, policy-making, health promotion, and disease prevention. The session offered valuable insights into how an MPH can open doors to impactful careers in public health, encouraging attendees to consider this dynamic field as a potential pathway for their future professional development.
Upgrade – A professional Development Lecture Series for House-Surgeons (Lecture 2)
The Dental Education Unit along with Alumni Committee organized second lecture in the season 4 of Upgrade – A professional development lecture series for house-surgeons on the topic “Exploring the Specialty of Prosthodontics, Beyond Undergraduate Learning” on 26thJune 2024 (Wednesday) from 3:00pm to 4:00 pm at Dental School Auditorium. The speaker was Dr. Aditya Nalluri, an orthodontist and aligner specialist from Braces and Smiles Dental Care in Guntur and a BDS alumnus of the 2008 batch.
This session was attended by 37 house surgeons and 6 faculty members. Dr. Nalluri began the session by emphasizing the importance of effective clinic management, discussing strategies for optimizing clinic operations, maintaining a clean and organized environment, and ensuring smooth workflow. He then delved into patient management, highlighting the significance of building strong patient relationships, effective communication, and ensuring patient satisfaction through personalized care and follow-up.
In the segment on inventory management, Dr. Nalluri provided practical tips on maintaining an adequate supply of dental materials and equipment, implementing an efficient inventory tracking system, and managing costs without compromising on quality. He also addressed staff management, focusing on the importance of hiring skilled personnel, fostering a positive work culture, and providing ongoing training and development opportunities for the team.
Financial management was another critical area covered during the session. Dr. Nalluri shared insights on budgeting, financial planning, and managing expenses to ensure the profitability and sustainability of a dental practice. He also discussed the importance of understanding insurance processes, setting appropriate fee structures, and exploring avenues for additional revenue.
Recognizing the demanding nature of dental practice, Dr. Nalluri dedicated a portion of the session to stress management. He discussed techniques for managing stress, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and preventing burnout. He emphasized the importance of self-care, and regular physical activity
Attendees left with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted aspects of dental practice management and practical strategies they could implement in their future careers.
Upgrade – A professional Development Lecture Series for House-Surgeons (Lecture 1)
The Dental Education Unit organized first lecture in the season 4 of Upgrade – A professional development lecture series for house-surgeons on the topic “Exploring the Specialty of Prosthodontics, Beyond Undergraduate Learning” on 18thJune 2024 (Tuesday) from 8:30am to 9:30 am at Dental School Auditorium. The speaker was Dr. Manju V.(Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, Amrita School of Dentistry).
The session was attended by 44 house surgeons and 4 faculty members and covered the recent advances and emerging avenues in prosthodontics. Dr. Manju V highlighted key topics such as CAD/CAM technology, which enhances precision and efficiency in dental procedures; maxillofacial prosthesis, focusing on rehabilitating patients with facial defects; digital dentistry, showcasing the revolutionary impact of digital tools and workflows; and implantology, discussing the latest trends and the integration of digital technology in implant planning and placement. The lecture was highly interactive, fostering an engaging learning environment and encouraging participants to consider further specialization in prosthodontics.
The Deeksharambh BDS Student Induction Program 2023, organized by the Dental Education Unit of Amrita School of Dentistry, held from September 28, 2023, to October 20, 2023, aimed to provide orientation and vital information to the new batch of BDS andDiploma in Dental Mechanics students. Comprising of 18 sessions covering several aspects of the course, campus, personality development and team bonding activities, the program achieved several positive outcomes. Feedback from both students and faculty was overwhelmingly positive, praising the well-structured sessions. The interaction between students was strengthened, promoting a sense of camaraderie. The program also brought-forth the talents of the students. The program’s efficacy in achieving its objectives demonstrates its importance in ensuring a smooth transition for incoming students as they embark on their educational journey at Amrita School of Dentistry.
The inauguration of the BDS and DDM programs was held on 28th September 2023 in the gracious presence of Sampoojya Swami Poornamritananda Puri. Dr. Prem Nair (Medical Director), Dr. Balagopal Varma (Principal), Dr. Rakesh S. (Vice Principal) and Dr. Narayanan Unni (Administrator Operations) spoke on the event and distributed the curriculum to the incoming batch of students.
Date: 28-09-2023
1st year BDS (2023 batch) with members of Dental Education Unit
Session 1
Session 2
Session 3
Session 4
Session 5
Session 6
Session 7
Session 8
Session 9
Session 10
Session 11
Session 12Session: 13
Date: 17-10-2023
Topic: Visit to departments and clinics in the dental school
Session 14
Session 15
Session 16
Session 17
Session 18Upgrade: A Professional Development Lecture Series for House-Surgeons (Lecture 7)
The Dental Education Unit organized the seventh lecture of Upgrade – A professional development lecture series for house-surgeons on the topic “Medical Communication in Dental Practice” on 5th April 2024 (Friday) from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at Dental School Auditorium. The speaker was Dr. Jaeson M. Painatt (Reader, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Amrita School of Dentistry).
In this lecture on medical communication in dental practice, Dr. Jaeson discussed several key topics to enhance effective communication and documentation within the dental setting. Proper prescription writing practices were emphasized to ensure clarity, accuracy, and patient safety, including appropriate medication dosage and instructions. Referral letter protocols were outlined to facilitate collaboration between dental professionals and other healthcare providers, emphasizing the importance of clear and concise communication of patient history and treatment needs. Additionally, guidance on medical certificate writing was provided to accurately document patient conditions and treatments for legal and administrative purposes. Lastly, informed consent recording procedures were highlighted as essential for ensuring patient understanding and involvement in treatment decisions, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive documentation to mitigate legal risks and uphold ethical standards in dental practice. The session was attended by 95 house-surgeons and 10 faculty members and postgraduates.
Upgrade: A Professional Development Lecture Series for House-Surgeons (Lecture 6)
The Dental Education Unit organized sixth lecture of Upgrade – A professional development lecture series for house-surgeons on the topic “Orthodontics beyond UG curriculum” on 26th March 2024 (Tuesday) from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at Dental School Auditorium. The speaker was Dr. Sapna Varma (Professor, Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Amrita School of Dentistry).
In this lecture, attendees delved into advanced topics and techniques not typically covered in basic undergraduate dental education. The session provided a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge orthodontic procedures, including the latest advancements in braces, aligners, and other orthodontic appliances. Participants explored complex treatment planning strategies and learned about emerging technologies reshaping the field. Moreover, the lecture delved into interdisciplinary approaches, highlighting the integration of orthodontics with other specialties like ENT for managing cases of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The session was attended by 34 house-surgeons and 8 faculty members.
Upgrade: A Professional Development Lecture Series for House-Surgeons (Lecture 5)
The Dental Education Unit organized fifth lecture of Upgrade – A professional development lecture series for house-surgeons on the topic “Tobacco Cessation: All you need to know about” on 6th February 2024 (Tuesday) from 8:30 am to 9:30 am at Dental School Auditorium. The speaker was Dr. Beena Varma (Emeritus Professor, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Amrita School of Dentistry).
In the lecture on tobacco cessation, attendees explored nicotine addiction, health risks, and the benefits of quitting. They gained insight into effective cessation methods, third hand and fourth-hand smoke. They were also introduced to courses available to get trained in tobacco cessation counselling and how counselling could be practiced in dental clinic settings. The session was attended by 49 house-surgeons and 4 faculty.
Upgrade: A Professional Development Lecture Series for House-Surgeons (Lecture 4)
The Dental Education Unit organized fourth lecture of Upgrade – A professional development lecture series for house-surgeons on the topic “Diagnostics” on 29th January 2024 (Monday) from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm at Dental School Auditorium. The speaker was Dr. K. V. Arun (Professor, Department of Periodontics, Amrita School of Dentistry).
This lecture focused on empowering participants with comprehensive understanding and proficiency in assessing periodontal health and proper diagnosis. Fundamental diagnostic techniques, such as probing depth measurement, clinical examination of gingival tissues, and radiographic interpretation, were thoroughly explored to facilitate accurate assessment of periodontal conditions. The session was attended by 31 house-surgeons and 7 faculty.
Upgrade: A Professional Development Lecture Series for House-Surgeons (Lecture 3)
The Dental Education Unit organized third lecture of Upgrade – A professional development lecture series for house-surgeons on the topic “Mastering CV preparation techniques and interviews” on 20th December 2023 (Wednesday) from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Dental School Auditorium. The speaker was Dr. R. Venkitachalam (Reader, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Amrita School of Dentistry).
In the session, the emphasis was on equipping participants with essential skills to prepare a Curriculum Vitae. Strategies for crafting impactful CVs for different roles were discussed. Furthermore, techniques for excelling in interviews, including effective communication, confident presentation of skills and experiences, and handling common interview questions, were discussed in detail. The session was attended by 28 house-surgeons and 3 faculty.
Upgrade: A Professional Development Lecture Series for House-Surgeons (Lecture 2)
The Dental Education Unit organized second lecture of Upgrade – A professional development lecture series for house-surgeons on the topic “Oral Pathology in Clinical Practice” on 27th November 2023 (Monday) from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at Dental School Auditorium. The speaker was Dr. Rakesh S. (Professor, Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Amrita School of Dentistry).
In this lecture, the focus was primarily on common oral lesions encountered by clinicians. Diagnostic techniques such as clinical examination, imaging modalities, and biopsy procedures were discussed to aid in accurate identification. Additionally, key aspects of management and treatment strategies for these lesions were addressed to ensure effective patient care. The lecture was attended by 38 house-surgeons and 3 faculty members of the dental school.
Upgrade: A Professional Development Lecture Series for House-Surgeons (Lecture 1)
The Dental Education Unit organized first lecture of Upgrade – A professional development lecture series for house-surgeons on the topic “Listen to the patient: S/he is telling you the diagnosis” on 19thSeptember 2023 (Tuesday) from 8:30 am to 9:30 am at Dental School Auditorium. The speaker was Dr. Beena Varma(Emeritus Professor, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Amrita School of Dentistry). The lecture focused on the importance of proper history taking and communication to arrive at a correct diagnosis and also build a rapport with the patient. The lecture was attended by 23house-surgeons and 8 faculty members of the dental school.
The Dental Education Unit organized its first workshop on the topic “Evaluate: Workshop on Assessment in Dental Education” on 2nd August 2023 (Friday) from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at Dental School Auditorium. The resource person was Dr. Ravi Shirahatti MDS, PGD (Health Professions Education, PGD (Biostatistics) (Prof and Head, Department of Public Health Dentistry, SDM College of Dental Sciences, Dharwad). The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Balagopal Varma (Principal and Chair of Dental Education Unit). Dr. Chandrashekar J. (Prof and Head, Department of Public Health Dentistry) and Dr. R. Venkitachalam (Coordinator, Dental Education Unit) spoke on the occasion.
The workshop focused on various aspects of students’ assessment in dental education like characteristics of a good assessment system, a critical analysis of the present assessment system of dental students, assessment of knowledge domain (MCQ, written and oral examinations), assessment of skills and attitude domain (Practical, OSCE, OSPE, mini CEX,portfolios etc.) and methods to improve assessment of students. The workshop was attended by 28 faculty members of the dental school.
The Dental Education Unit was officially inaugurated on 23rd June 2023 by Dr. Baiju R. M. (Chairman, Faculty Training Cell, Government Dental College, Kottayam), Dr. Balagopal Varma (Principal), Dr. Narayanan Unni (Chairman), Dr. Rakesh S. (Vice- Principal) and Dr. Beena Varma (Professor Emeritus). The event outlined the need and purpose for establishing the Dental Education Unit, released its vision and mission statement and had a formal induction of its office bearers for the first term of the unit. The results of the needs assessment survey for establishing the Unit was disseminated by Dr. R. Venkitachalam (Coordinator, DEU). Logo of the unit was released by Prof Anila K. P. (College of Nursing). The proposed activities of the unit was summarized. The event was attended by 60 faculty members.
In connection with the inauguration of Dental Education Unit, a keynote lecture on Competency based dental education was delivered by Dr. Baiju R. M. (Chairman, Faculty Training Cell, Government Dental College, Kottayam). Dr. Baiju spoke about the changes in the new curriculum proposed by Dental Council of India. He also provided an overview of Competency based learning and how it can be adapted to dental teaching.
Dr. Nandita Sujir“>