The current millennium marks a transformative era in healthcare, characterized by an increasing emphasis on delivering high-quality services. However, in the urban population of a country like India, this shift presents unique challenges. Patients today have heightened expectations regarding dental treatment outcomes, demand the latest technological advancements, seek cost-effective solutions, and insist on greater accountability from dental professionals. In this complex landscape, many dental practitioners face difficulties adapting to these evolving demands due to gaps in education, limited practical experience, and a lack of clearly defined standards for professional conduct. This underscores the crucial role of premier educational institutions in shaping competent dental professionals who are prepared for the future. Equally important are the visionary leaders who guide these institutions and their students. Dr. Nikhil Srivastava stands out as a pioneering figure in this realm, blending dentistry with deep social and ethical responsibility rather than viewing it solely as a professional duty. As the Principal of Subharti Dental College, one of the constituent colleges of Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, he is committed to achieving and maintaining excellence and dependability in dental education. His dedicated work as an educational leader has earned him recognition among the 10 Most Prominent Principals in Dental Education in 2025.
From Scratch
Dr. Nikhil Srivastava hails from Lucknow, where he completed his schooling and pursued professional studies at King George’s Medical College. Entering dentistry at a time when the field was relatively obscure, he secured admission through the CPMT exam. His inclination toward health sciences and community service, coupled with personal experiences addressing his father’s and several children’s dental issues of his family and friends, guided him toward specializing in pediatric and preventive dentistry. Alongside his academic role, he maintains a clinical practice with his wife, who specializes in endodontics.
As the Principal
As the principal and dean, Dr. Srivastava manages overall operations of Subharti Dental College and its associated hospital, ensuring excellence in academics, clinical services, and research. He also remains actively involved as a faculty member and clinician, carefully dividing his time between administrative duties and teaching responsibilities. His disciplined schedule allows dedicated periods for meetings with students, staff, and patients, while reserving the remaining time for departmental clinical work and instruction.
During his 15-year leadership at Subharti Dental College, he has fostered a culture of accountability among the 90-strong faculty by clearly defining departmental roles and establishing a comprehensive annual plan with quarterly performance evaluations. Under his guidance, the college has modernized its infrastructure with advanced technologies such as CAD/CAM, lasers, and 3D imaging. A robust feedback mechanism prioritizes patient care quality, and efforts are underway to achieve prestigious accreditations like NAAC A+, GLP and NABH, further elevating institutional standards.
Overcoming the Odds
When asked about the biggest challenges faced as Principal, including during the pandemic, Dr. Srivastava highlighted the widespread lack of awareness about dental health, even among educated individuals. He explained, “Dental treatment is often costly and mostly paid out-of-pocket due to limited insurance coverage, which means people seek care only when serious problems arise.” To address this, the college actively runs public awareness programs emphasizing the critical connection between oral health and overall well-being.
He also pointed out the challenges posed by the lengthy and expensive dental education system, which includes five years of undergraduate and three years of postgraduate study. “Establishing a practice after such extensive training can be difficult,” he noted. Another significant issue is the urban-rural divide, with the majority of dental professionals concentrated in cities, leaving rural populations underserved.
Regarding the college’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Srivastava said the team remained fully committed to patient care despite the hardships. “We adhered to strict safety protocols, using PPE, pre-procedural mouthwashes, fumigation, and limiting aerosol-generating procedures.” During this period, the focus was on emergency cases involving pain, swelling, and trauma, while routine treatments were postponed. He added a personal note: “I contracted COVID three times but continued fulfilling my responsibilities throughout.”
On a Personal Note
Apart from his duties at Subharti, Dr. Srivastava is currently serving his third term as a member of the Dental Council of India, contributing to the regulatory framework governing dental education and practice across the country. Beyond his professional commitments, he has diverse personal interests. He is an accomplished musician who enjoys playing instruments such as the mouth organ, guitar and percussion, although he now finds less time for music due to his busy schedule. In his earlier years, he actively played cricket and badminton, but these days he prioritizes morning walks, running, and watching political debates, activities that provide him relaxation and stimulate critical thinking. He also values weekends as an opportunity to connect with friends and family, maintaining a balanced social life.
In addition to his late father Sri Hari Kant, Dr. Atul Krishna (Founder of Subharti), Padma Bhushan Dr. Anil Kohli and his brother, Dr. Ashish Kumar, are among his most significant sources of motivation and mentorship.
Guidance and Encouragement for Emerging Dental Professionals
Addressing aspiring dental professionals, Dr. Srivastava emphasized the vast opportunities within India’s oral healthcare sector, where the current number of practitioners is insufficient for the population’s demands. He advised newcomers to embrace perseverance and resilience, recognizing that achievements in medical fields require time and consistent effort. He encouraged focusing on personal growth by strengthening weaker areas, engaging in ongoing education, and actively participating in research. Acknowledging the challenges of establishing a practice, he noted that financial stability may only materialize after several years of dedication. Ultimately, he reassured that with unwavering commitment and steady advancement, limitless success is attainable.