Leadership in higher education often demands a choice between vision and action, but Prof. (Dr.) Vijay. V. K. refuses to choose. As Director and Principal of RVS Dental College & Hospital, he is as involved in research strategy as he is in grassroots outreach. From expanding postgraduate programs to mentoring students and driving global collaborations, his impact is both deep and wide-ranging. It’s a legacy in motion, one that rightly earns him recognition among the “20 Most Prominent Principals in Higher Education – 2025.”
From the Scratch
Born with an initial inclination towards engineering, Dr. Vijay’s academic path took an unexpected turn when circumstances led him to pursue dentistry instead. What began as a pragmatic shift soon evolved into a genuine passion. He completed his undergraduate dental education (BDS) and went on to earn his MDS from the prestigious Annamalai University, an institution recognized for its longstanding contributions to higher education in Tamil Nadu.
A pivotal influence during this formative period was his mentor, Prof. (Dr.) Senthilkumar, whose ability to seamlessly navigate both clinical practice and academia left a lasting impression. Inspired by this model, Dr. Vijay charted a career, remaining equally committed to patient care and teaching.
Journey towards RVS
Dr. Vijay’s professional trajectory reflects a steady ascent through the ranks of dental academia. He began his teaching career as a Senior Lecturer at Rajah Muthiah Dental College, part of Annamalai University in Chidambaram. Eager to broaden his horizons, he later relocated to Madurai, where he took on roles as Reader and subsequently Professor at Best Dental Science College.
Alongside his academic responsibilities, he continued to enhance his qualifications, in turn, earning an MBA in Hospital Management, securing a Diplomate from the International Congress of Oral Implantology, and completing a Fellowship in Academic International Dentistry.
Today, Dr. Vijay holds the dual mantle of Director and Principal at RVS Dental College & Hospital in Coimbatore. His expertise has also been recognized internationally, with his membership in the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow, underscoring his global standing in the dental profession.
As the Director-Principal
Dr. Vijay assumed the role of Director at RVS Dental College & Hospital three years ago, taking on a responsibility that extends far beyond the dental faculty. In addition to leading the college as Principal, overseeing academic progress, student development, and faculty coordination, he also manages the administrative framework of other health institutions under the RVS banner, including those focused on Homoeopathy, Siddha, Nursing, and Pharmacy. While each of these institutions has its own Principal, Dr. Vijay’s oversight ensures coherence in governance and strategic planning across the board.
His decision to accept this comprehensive leadership role was greatly influenced by the guidance of the institution’s visionary Hon. Chairman, Dr. K.V. Kupusamy, a stalwart figure whose hands-on involvement continues to inspire the entire academic community.
Upon joining RVS, Dr. Vijay identified a critical need to enhance outpatient services, which directly impacted both community care and student clinical training. With support from the Head of Community Dentistry, he launched a series of outreach initiatives, including the adoption of 52 villages around Sulur to provide consistent oral health services. In addition, strategic partnerships were established with 43 Wing Airforce Station – Sulur, extending dental care to over 632 Air Force families. To further this community-driven model, 77 local schools (16,000 school children) were screened and given basic treatment in collaboration with the Department of Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry.
Under his leadership, the college also expanded its academic offerings with postgraduate programs now running in six out of nine clinical departments. A strong emphasis has been placed on research, leading to numerous patents filed under the institution’s name. Dr. Vijay continues to champion clinical research through affiliations with the Tamil Nadu Government and ICMR, while also encouraging students to present their findings at national conferences.
Vision for Growth and Innovation
When asked about the future he envisions for RVS Dental College & Hospital, Dr. Vijay speaks with clarity and conviction, anchored in both experience and ambition.
“We’re moving toward a stronger postgraduate presence,” he shares. Plans are already underway to expand advanced academic departments and strengthen specialty training. But the vision doesn’t stop at curriculum. A key area of focus is the integration of advanced technology into dental education.
“Digitalization is no longer optional,” Dr. Vijay notes. “We’re looking to incorporate artificial intelligence and clinical simulators to enhance student learning and pre-clinical precision. Some tools are already in place, but there’s room to grow, and we’re committed to that.”
Research, too, remains a top priority. The college is preparing to pursue large-scale, ICMR-funded research projects, with a structured push toward innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Finally, Dr. Vijay highlights infrastructure as an ongoing area of attention. “We already have a strong foundation, but there’s always room for refinement, whether in administrative efficiency or physical facilities.”
A Leader Who Never Stops Learning
In spite of his multifaceted responsibilities, Dr. Vijay remains deeply grounded in the simple pleasures of life. A quiet morning walk, a fresh newspaper, and conversations with colleagues are his preferred ways to unwind and stay intellectually curious.
Yet, among his favorite pursuits is driving, a passion that aligns perfectly with his frequent travels for academic collaborations. His role has taken him far beyond the gates of RVS Dental College, with recent MoUs signed with Malaysia’s MAHSA University and plans underway with two more Malaysian institutions as well as the University of Glasgow.
Whether behind the wheel or behind a strategic vision, Dr. Vijay continues to steer RVS Dental College on a path defined by innovation, inclusivity, and global relevance, making him not just a principal, but a principal force in Indian higher education.
