Faculty of Dental Sciences (RAMAIAH UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES)

0

In today’s health conscious world the importance laid on  oral health is at an all-time high, as a result the demand for institutions offering quality dental education has increased dramatically. Apart from expecting dental colleges to train aspiring dentists to face real-world challenges, the new- generation dental colleges are also expected to train students to become all-rounders, who have increased awareness about oral

health and its advancements.

Amidst the many dental colleges striving to meet these evolving expectations, the Faculty of Dental Sciences at M. S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences stands out as a welcome example. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, this institution has established itself as a haven for quality dental education, setting new standards for the field.

The Beginning

One of the top dental colleges in India, -Internship opportunities are available both in India and abroad, allowing students to gain valuable experience. Graduates of the faculty are employed by prestigious healthcare organizations worldwide, with many establishing successful practices of their own.

“Our curriculum adheres to the norms of the Dental Council of India, providing comprehensive coverage of oral and dental health”, shared – Dr Silju Mathew, Dean of Faculty of Dental Sciences, RUAS. He continued – “Rigorous practical training is provided under the guidance of experienced faculty members, promoting research and nurturing students’ scientific curiosity”. Through an elaborate conversation with the Dean, he also spoke about how the College’s infrastructure blends tradition, originality, and modernity, incorporating stakeholder needs and enhancing functionality. “Our journey to excellence has seen a shift from traditional classroom lectures to outcome-based education with a credit-based system, where students’ performance is measured by earned credits and grade point averages are calculated based on both formative/internal assessments and summative/university examinations”, he exclaimed.

A Hub of Comprehensive Dental Education

The Faculty of Dental Sciences provides a comprehensive dental education with a 4-year undergraduate program, including a one-year internship leading to a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree. Additionally, there is a 3-year postgraduate program leading to a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) degree. The faculty comprises nine departments covering various areas such as Oral Medicine & Radiology, Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology, Prosthodontics, Public Health Dentistry, Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Oral Pathology & Microbiology, and Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.

Furthermore, the faculty offers a Doctoral research program leading to a Ph.D. degree. All programs and curricula strictly adhere to the guidelines set by the Dental Council of India (DCI), where the outcome- based curriculum fosters critical thinking skills and practical expertise, ensuring a seamless transition from academia to the professional environment. Students have the opportunity to pursue their internship either in India    or abroad, based on their preferences.

Redefining Infrastructural Brilliance

FDS consists of a series of well-equipped labs, providing hands-on experience for developing psychomotor skills very much needed for clinical practice. Under the guidance of experienced faculty, students prioritize patient care while strictly adhering to protocols and regulations. Alongside department labs and clinics, FDS has a 250-chair  Dental Hospital, an Advanced   Learning   Center and access to partner hospitals for observational and practical learning. This multifaceted approach equips  the students not only with knowledge but also skills needed to navigate their future as clinicians or researchers. They emerge as independent thinkers, determined scholars, and competent healthcare professionals committed to prioritizing patient well-being.

The RUAS campus provides amenities such as hostels, medical support systems including a physiotherapy center, a state-of-the-art gymnasium, ample parking facilities, and a sports complex. Vigilance and security measures are in place, with CCTV surveillance throughout the campus. The library, divided into reading, reference, journal, and internet  sections, offers textbooks, journals, and digital resources with Wi-Fi connectivity. Students’ needs are met with a   variety of eateries, cafes and convenience stores.

Additionally, the Faculty of Dental Sciences has three Research Centers that conducted groundbreaking research  in the field of dental care. Established in 2015, the Oral Cancer Research Centre (OCRC) is envisioned as a translational research platform that advances and accelerates research on oral cancer and pre-cancer. The Centre adopts a multidisciplinary approach to research, working closely with the Faculty of Life and Allied Health Sciences, the Ramaiah Medical College and Hospital, as well as other sister institutions. The efforts of the Centre are focused on diagnostic pathology and molecular diagnostics. In order to achieve its goal of furthering current understanding of oral cancer, the Centre maintains an exhaustive Oral Cancer Database as well as a biorepository with specimens of high quality and integrity. The database and the biorepository are maintained using high standards of ethical transparency.

Forging Strong Connections

FDS has partnered with Special Olympics Bharat and Federation of Special Care Dentistry. The dental school also has international collaborations with UIC, Auburn University and a summer school program at Ghent University, Belgium, along with having signed MOU’s and partnerships within and outside Karnataka. Their Outreach Centre at Kaiwara, established in 1999, provides specialized oral healthcare services to the rural population. The Centre conducts oral health programs for special children and organizes camps focusing on oral cancer, cleft lip and palate, and oral rehabilitation. It also maintains a database of oral cancer cases and refers patients to Ramaiah Dental Hospital for treatment.

Dr. Silju Mathew

Dean, Faculty of Dental Sciences – RUAS

The Faculty of Dental Sciences at RUAS is renowned for its exceptional faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to shaping the next generation of dental professionals. We believe in fostering a dynamic learning environment that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and innovation. By combining comprehensive theoretical knowledge with practical hands-on experience, we equip our students with the skills necessary to thrive in the ever-evolving field of dentistry.

Our commitment to cutting-edge technology is reflected in our state-of-the-art dental clinics and laboratories, equipped with the latest diagnostic and treatment tools. This allows our students to gain hands-on experience with advanced dental techniques, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the evolving needs of patients.

We take pride in our alumni, who are making significant contributions to the field of dentistry worldwide. Their success is a testament to the quality education and training they received at our institution. As part of our extensive alumni network, they continue to support and mentor our current students, fostering a sense of camaraderie and a strong professional network.

I invite you to explore our institution, as we highlight our achievements, programs, and the exceptional talent that thrives within our dental college. Whether you are a prospective student, a dental professional, or a member of the community interested in oral health care, we welcome you to be a part of our institution’s journey.