Indian Journal of Dental Education

In a nation where career trajectories are often linear and traditional, my journey stands as a testament to the unexplored paths that dentists can tread. Beginning as a dentist, I ventured into the world of education, leaving a trail of transformation in my wake. This article unveils my narrative, showcasing the extraordinary strides I’ve taken in reshaping the landscape of both healthcare and education, while addressing the challenge of underpaid dentists in India.

A Divergent Pathway to Education: My first steps beyond the dental chair led me to Aakash Institute Pune, where my roles expanded from patient care to molding young minds. As an Associate Professor, I found myself imparting knowledge and kindling aspirations. This transition underscored the transferable skills dentists possess, enriching the pedagogical experience for students.

A Quantum Leap: My journey took a quantum leap when I joined Adamas Career, an endeavor of the RICE Group, carving out an unconventional niche in the educational sector. This platform proved to be the crucible where I honed my craft as an educator, equipping me with skills that transcended classroom boundaries.

Aakash Kolkata and Beyond: My sojourn led me to Aakash Kolkata in 2015, where I embarked on a mission to craft more than 5000 doctors. Beyond the role of an instructor, I embraced the responsibility of grooming new faculty, shaping the next generation of educators. Stepping onto interview panels, I contributed to curating a cohort of passionate professionals who share my commitment to medical education.

A Clarion Call for Dentists: My trajectory also emphasizes the untapped avenue of NEET coaching for dentists. My journey underscores that dentists possess the aptitude to ignite the dreams of medical aspirants. In a society where careers are often linear, this call to explore NEET coaching heralds a renaissance, leveraging the depth of dental knowledge to foster future healthcare professionals.

The Clinic and Beyond: While the education sector absorbed my energy, my commitment to clinical practice remained unwavering. I owned a dental clinic, where I continue to provide patient care. Simultaneously, my role as a mentor to budding dentists brought new dimensions to my clinic. This synergy of practice and education underscored my commitment to both fields.

Catalyst for Change: As a clinical oncologist and ECG analyst, my journey ventured into healthcare realms that extended beyond dentistry. I bridged gaps between disciplines, symbolizing the adaptability of dentists in addressing multifaceted healthcare needs.

Addressing the Compensation Challenge: India’s dental community often grapples with the challenge of being underpaid, despite their pivotal role in healthcare. My journey is a clarion call to society, spotlighting the multifaceted capabilities of dentists. Education, mentorship, and healthcare services converge, amplifying their value and potential.

In a country where convention often shapes careers, my trajectory underscores the audacious avenues dentists can traverse. My journey as an educator, clinical oncologist, mentor, and clinic owner serves as an ode to the untapped potential within the dental community. It’s time for society to recognize the manifold talents of dentists, offering them a stage where their versatility can thrive, creating a more equitable future for all healthcare professionals.

Regressive alteration like erosion, abrasion, abfraction, attrition are multifactorial conditions causing loss of enamel and dentin, especially in the elderly population. Prevention is better than cure. Hence efforts should be made to preserve the remaining tooth structure. A prosthodontist should have complete knowledge of the regressive alterations affecting the teeth and their management. This article provides an overview of factors affecting the structure of teeth and their treatment.  

Artificial intelligence (AI) has gained interest of many researchers in the last decade. Every field has embraced artificial intelligence including dentistry. AI is useful for patient care since the inception of recording patient history to diagnosis. AI is of great help in prostheses planning and fabrication of complicated maxillofacial prostheses. It makes the workflow of dental operatory more streamlined by helping in maintaining records, diagnostic aid for planning the treatment and predicting prognosis, making dental treatment more predictable. AI is changing the face of healthcare like any other sector. Improved accessibility of efficient healthcare to population and practicing evidence based dentistry will have positive influence in a long run.
 

Background: Dental caries and periodontal disease are significant public health problems worldwide. Previous research has shown that dental practices and behaviors, such as brushing and flossing frequency, sugary drink consumption, and dental visits, are key factors in preventing these oral diseases. However, little is known about the relationships between these factors and oral health outcomes in the community.

Methods: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the associations between dental practices and behaviors and oral health outcomes in a India community. A total of 233 adults aged 18 years and older completed a self-administered questionnaire that assessed their oral hygiene habits, sugary drink consumption, dental visits, and oral health outcomes, including dental caries and periodontal disease.

Results: Participants who reported brushing less than twice a day were more likely to have dental caries, while those who reported flossing less than daily were more likely to have both dental caries and periodontal disease. Sugary drink consumption was also associated with dental caries. However, we did not find a significant association between dental visits and either dental caries or periodontal disease.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that dental practices and behaviors are important predictors of oral health outcomes in the community. Public health interventions that aim to promote good oral hygiene habits and reduce sugar consumption may be effective in preventing dental caries and periodontal disease. Dental visits alone may not be sufficient to prevent these oral diseases, and a comprehensive approach that includes promoting good oral hygiene habits and reducing sugar consumption may be needed. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and investigate other potential factors that may influence oral health outcomes in the community.