The future of dentistry in India is promising, with current trends expected to continue in the coming years. Dental courses in India are anticipated to attract an increasing number of students, and job opportunities are likely to grow with the expansion of dental clinic chains. However, a key challenge in this landscape is the quality of education provided by dental colleges. Despite the high number of dental graduates, public awareness about oral health remains limited, and India continues to rank among the top countries for oral cancer and other diseases. This is where institutions like Saraswati Dental College and Hospital play a vital role, leading a new generation of dental professionals dedicated to addressing these challenges and making a lasting impact in the field of dentistry.
Established in 1998 at Uattardhona district of Uttar Pradesh, Saraswati Dental College and Hospital (SDC&H) is named after “Maa Saraswati,” and has been shaping its students into highly skilled, dedicated, career-ready professionals. The institute was the visionary dream of its Founder Chairman, Late Lt. Col. Dr. T. S. Mathur (Retd.), and over the past 25 years, SDC&H has earned numerous awards and accolades, most notably as the only NAAC A+ graded, NABH accredited, and NIRF-ranked dental college in the entire North India. The institution is currently headed by the visionary Chairperson Mrs Madhu Mathur ably supported by a very dynamic and charismatic President Dr. Rajat Mathur. Other members of the Management include Mrs Smita Mathur (Director SHRC & BSM College of Nursing), Mr Charit Mathur (Director Finance) and Mrs Ritu Mathur (Director HR).
Saraswati Dental College in a Nutshell
Saraswati Dental College and Hospital (SDC&H) was established with a mission to create an inclusive campus that values diversity, regardless of religion, caste, creed, or culture. In line with this vision, SDC&H promotes a stress-free and an inclusive working environment promoting participative management and provides state-of-the-art smart classrooms, laboratories, clinics, and an ICT-enabled library.
Offering BDS and MDS degree programs, the institution admits students following the guidelines of the Honorable Supreme Court, with its courses recognized by the Dental Council of India.
SDC&H houses eight clinical departments and one basic sciences department, providing specialized learning in fields such as Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, and more, with additional support from its own hospital, Saraswati Hospital & Research Centre (SHRC). The institution also offers choice-based programs, hands-on workshops, and value-added courses to enhance students’ clinical skills and research capabilities.
Excellence in Curriculum Development and Innovative Teaching
Saraswati Dental College is known for its innovative teaching and evaluation methods, and a highly qualified, dedicated faculty, who involve themselves thoroughly in curriculum development, delivery and evaluation. This whole process is overseen by several key committees, including the Institutional Examination and Academic Committee (IEAC), Institutional Enhancement Committee (IEC), Internal Quality Assurance Committee (IQAC), and the Department of Continuing Dental Education (DCDE). Whereas, the curriculum delivery is meticulously planned and documented, with the syllabus divided among faculty based on the allocated didactic, practical, and clinical hours set by regulatory authorities.
The curriculum particularly is mapped according to clearly defined Graduate Attributes (GA) and Learning Outcomes (LO), which are aligned with program-specific goals. Additionally, techniques such as the Tell-Show-Do-Act methodology, project-based learning, and role play are integrated into the curriculum, along with interdisciplinary and add-on programs that address cross-cutting issues and promote sustainable lifestyles through activities like yoga and meditation.
The Dental College also implements advanced training models like Bloom’s Taxonomy and the SPICES model, ensuring excellent clinical exposure through a high patient footfall and numerous community outreach programs. Furthermore, with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, the in-house innovation center, “SDC-SPARK,” enhances the professional growth of its students and stakeholders.
Fostering Cutting-Edge Dental Research
Saraswati Dental College and Hospital (SDC&H) places a strong emphasis on research and innovation, integral to its academic activities. The institution actively fosters both fundamental and applied research in dental and allied sciences, with specific focus areas identified at both organizational and departmental levels.
To support research endeavors, SDC has established comprehensive facilities within its departments and a centralized research wing. This wing, managed by experienced faculty, offers essential research resources and support for ongoing and completed projects, including MDS dissertations. Financial assistance for research-related activities, such as conferences and symposia, is facilitated through a dedicated budget. Additionally, seed funding is available to help researchers establish the feasibility of their projects. And since 2016, SDC has been recognized as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science & Technology.
The institution also hosts experts as honorary visiting faculty to provide specialized guidance and fosters opportunities for students and young faculty through visits to prominent national research institutions. These interactions help expand their understanding of quality research and pave the way for future collaborations.
In addition to clinical training, SDC offers value-added lectures on entrepreneurship to benefit students. The institution adheres to a research publication-based promotion system as per the Dental Council of India (DCI) rules. Over the past two decades, SDC has produced numerous publications, patents, and books, and its faculty members have earned prestigious awards for their innovative contributions.
Strengthening Industry-Academia Ties and Community Engagement
Striving as a hotspot of excellent industry-academia relationships, SDC&H has so far established significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with numerous prestigious national and international organizations. These agreements cover various aspects such as exchange programs, teaching, and research. Key collaborations include:
– University of Tennessee (USA)
– Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota
– Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (IITR), Lucknow
– CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow
– CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow
– Lucknow Cancer Institute
– Department of Pulmonary Medicine, KGMU, Lucknow
– Sushrut Institute of Plastic Surgery, Burns & Trauma (SIPS)
– Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur
Additionally, SDC&H participates in the “UNNAT BHARAT ABHIYAN,” an initiative by the Government of India aimed at enhancing healthcare in remote areas. The institution has adopted 22 villages and 6 schools, and collaborates with several NGOs to address the oral healthcare needs of underserved communities. Notably, the “JAN PRAGATHI” NGO partners with SDC&H to provide dental care to children residing in slum areas of Lucknow.
In the Days to Come
Before exploring how Saraswati Dental Hospital is dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable healthcare, Commander Sumit Ghosh (Retd.), Advisor at SDC&H, outlined the institute’s future goals. Looking ahead, the institute plans to introduce a Ph.D. program in dental specialties, develop advanced e-content and simulation-based training resources, and forge global partnerships in fields such as Genetics and Artificial Intelligence. Additionally, SDC&H aims to enhance its incubation center, SDC SPARK, to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, expand its MoUs and exchange programs, implement the National Education Policy (NEP), and incorporate cutting-edge technologies like virtual and augmented reality in dentistry.
State-of-the-Art Facilities and Comprehensive Dental Care
Before concluding the overview of Saraswati Dental College and Hospital (SDC&H), it is important to highlight advanced infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities available at the hospital, which was designed to meet the contemporary needs of patients.
SDC&H is equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic, surgical, and specialized equipment across its dental clinics, laboratories, and operating theaters, enabling it to deliver a broad spectrum of dental treatments and procedures that adhere to Dental Council of India (DCI) norms. The hospital’s commitment to providing high-quality, affordable healthcare is reflected in its range of low-cost basic treatments and comprehensive care for all age groups, including differently abled individuals.
With nine specialized departments, including a radiology department with a CBCT machine, an Oral & Maxillofacial department featuring modular operating theaters and surgical microscopes, and a pediatric department equipped for conscious sedation, SDC&H ensures advanced care across various domains. The institute also offers specialized clinics for LASER, Implants, Hair Transplant, Aesthetic services, Sleep Apnea Prosthesis, Oral Cancer Detection, and Geriatric Oral Health. Its extensive range of procedures, from digital x-rays and Cone Beam Computed Tomography to advanced pathology and microbiology services, underscores SDC&H’s dedication to providing the most advanced dental care through interdisciplinary and innovative approaches.
Pursuing Success and Glory
The institution has many great disciplined and dedicated leaders & followers alike and is ever marching steadfastly on the path to success and glory under the team led by President Dr. Rajat Mathur and comprising of Dr. Kunal Sah (Acting Principal & Director IQAC, Dean PG), Dr. Pradyumna Misra (Vice Principal &), Cdr. Sumit Ghosh (Advisor), Dr. Alka Yadu (Dean Basic Sciences) and Dr. AK Jha (Dean UG) alongwith the Heads of Departments and professional staff.
