PUBLIC HEALTH DENTISTRY
INTRODUCTION
The Department of Public Health Dentistry has been functioning since the inception of this prestigious institution in 1985 under Karnataka University and was recognized by Dental Council of India and the Govt. of India in 1989. Postgraduate training programme was started in 1991 and recognized in 1994 .
This branch of dentistry identifies the need for a curative clinical service that is concerned with the early diagnosis and prevention of oral diseases. Urbanization, increasing levels of education, standards of living and better health awareness are bound to make Public Health Dentistry an important discipline.
The Department of Public Health Dentistry intends to create, promote and establish positive perceptions about oral health in the community. To achieve this, department identifies the prevailing oral health problems in community. The professionally enriched staff and skilled students renders suitable need-based preventive, curative and prompt services. The students are motivated to attain precision in conducting research and its application for the “Betterment of mankind”.
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM
With 100 students admitted per year, the Department of Public Health Dentistry trains and guides the undergraduate students to be responsible dentists, clinicians and researchers so as to create, promote and establish positive perceptions about oral health in the community. Our undergraduate students are involved in descriptive, analytical and clinical trials research. Several students have received grants from ICMR, IAPHD and Colgate Palmolive. The department boasts of several external funded and self-funded UG/PG research projects. Apart from the DCI prescribed curriculum, Department of Public Health Dentistry also encourages the undergraduate students to be part of the various programs like Early clinical exposure program for 1st & 2nd year undergraduate students, in Short Term Scholarship (STS) projects, in creating educational and promotional study models and videos.Undergraduate students are trained to conduct health education, screening and render treatment to the community at large. They are also encouraged and trained to participate in various conferences and present the scientific papers and posters. They are taken for Field visits to water treatment plant and primary health centers.
POSTGRADUATE PROGRAM
The highest standard of training is provided to the postgraduate students, so that they evolve as great leaders, policy makers, clinicians, epidemiologists, statisticians and researchers.
Along with the formal Postgraduate teaching they are encouraged to do clinical and preventive procedures. They have an opportunity to work in basic research laboratory to carry out various in-vitro procedures and animal-based trials in collaboration with ICMR and Ayurveda Research Labs to work on indigenous projects and gain expertise in it.
The Postgraduate students are trained to conduct various types of observational, descriptive and experimental studies throughout their curriculum and are also given adequate training to frame and draft research proposals and critically evaluate scientific literature.
The Postgraduate students are also trained in the development of communication skills and teaching skills to excel in community-based outreach programs.
We conduct Postgraduate exchange programs where we train Postgraduate of other institutes in India. We have a number of alumni who have excelled in research and academic fields. Some of them alumni are currently holding prestigious posts as Dean, Principal or Head of the Departments in various government and non-government organizations, nationally as well as internationally.
Ph D COURSE
Ph D course was started in department of Public Health Dentistry in 2006. We have been instrumental in shaping 5 dedicated researchers to PhD scholars. Some of them have extensively researched on herbal products as they believed that “Nature is the best Healer”. One of the product has been applied for Patent which will be helpful in preventing caries among children.
ALLIED COURSE
Training the dental hygienists
CERTIFICATE COURSE
Undergraduate Biostatistics workshop: Every year a workshop on “Fundamentals of Biostatistics in Dental Research” is scheduled for final year undergraduate students in the Department of Public Health Dentistry under the able guidance of skilled and dedicated staff.
Postgraduate Biostatistics workshop: Every year a workshop on “Fundamentals of Epidemiology and Biostatistics in Dental Research” is scheduled for 1st year Postgraduate students. We have experienced Epidemiologist and Biostatisticians as the resource persons for the same.
ENRICHMENT PROGRAM FOR INTERNS
Training and guidance for NEET Entrance Exams is provided in the subject of Public Health Dentistry.
 BDS, MDS, PhD Professor & Head |
 BDS, MDS Professor |
 BDS, MDS Reader |
|---|---|---|
 BDS, MDS Reader |
 BDS, MDS Lecturer |
 BDS, MDS Lecturer |
INFRASTRUCTURE
Department , Dental Museum, Mobile Dental Unit & satellite centres Department & Mobile Dental Unit
Total area – UG lab, PG lab, preclinical section and clinical section
The total built up area is 5032 sqft. We have State of the Art UG and PG section and Museum where the health education models are displayed. The department of Public Health Dentistry is the first and one of its kind to render the comprehensive dental care in the department. The staff and the students are competent to provide preventive and curative dental treatment to the patients visiting the department. This comprehensive dental care is made available to many needy patients in remote areas, staying true to our motto “We Travel Miles To Create Smiles” with the help of mobile dental units, satellite centres and conducting dental screening and treatment camps. Dental health education is the most versatile method to create awareness on oral health to the general public by displaying various posters, models and audio-visual aids.
Another Feather in the Cap is the “Dental museum” which houses innovations and miniature models developed by students to help motivate and educate general public about the recent information in dentistry.
Satellite centres
The department has adopted 7 satellite centres in and around Belagavi district. Multispecialty treatment is provided in all the satellite centres so that even the needy who reside in the rural areas and are away from the vicinity of the city can benefit from the preventive, curative and therapeutic care. They are present within the range of 2.5 kilometres to 80 kilometres. BDS staff with years of experience in clinical skills are permanently posted in the satellite centres. Postgraduates from Public Health Dentistry and Interns are sent on rotatory basis. Specialists in the various fields of dentistry visit periodically as consultants to render a specialized dental care at an affordable rate.
| Sl.no | Satellite centres | Established on | Number of dental chairs |
| 1. | Ayurveda | 1992 | 2 |
| 2 | Gokak | 2003 | 4 |
| 3 | Nipani clinic | 2007 | 4 |
| 4 | Bailhongal clinic | 2007 | 3 |
| 5 | KLE multi-speciality dental clinic | 2011 | 3 |
| 6 | Chikodi | 2016 | 3 |
| 7 | Yellur clinic | 2017 | 3 |
| 8 | Central Prison – Hindalga | 2018 | 1 |
HIGHLIGHTS
Workshop on “Rethink, Reframe and Research” from 16th and 17th August 2023
Dr. Roopali Sankeshwari was invited as a resource person to deliver workshop on the topic “Framing research problem and study hypothesis” organized by KAHER’s Pharmacy College, Belagavi, Karnataka.
EARLY CLINICAL EXPOSURE
Department of Public Health Dentistry conducted sensitization lecture and visit to all specialty departments of KLE VK Institute of dental sciences as part of early clinical exposure for first-year BDS students. It was held from July 1 st – July 8 th , 2023. As part of this program, students visited Kakati Government School, KLE Dr. M. S. Sheshgiri College of Engineering and Technology, and the dental satellite center of KLE centenary charitable hospital at Yellur. Additionally, they visited the KLE Advanced Simulation Centre and Clinical Skills Lab, gaining invaluable insights into practical dentistry and fostering direct interaction with field experts. This initiative significantly enriched the students’ understanding and engagement with the dental profession.
Department of Public Health dentistry conducted sensitization lecture and visit to dental and other laboratories such as Indian Council of Medical Research- National Institute of Traditional Medicine (ICMR-NITM) and Basic Science Research Centre (BSRC) as part of early clinical exposure for second year BDS students. It was held on 22nd and 26th May, 2023. The students benefited from this initiative as it provided them with valuable insights into the practical aspects of dentistry and the opportunity to interact with experts in the field.
WORKSHOP ON “DESIGN THINKING –A TOOLKIT FOR INNOVATION” – 16th May 2023
Dr. Roopali Sankeshwari was invited as a resource person to a workshop on ‘Design Thinking’ organized by KLE College of Pharmacy, Hubbali on 16th May, 2023.
RADIO TALK
On the occasion of National toothbrushing day, Dr. David Coutinho, Senior lecturer in Department of Public Health Dentistry delivered a radio talk through Venudhwani on the “Importance of toothbrushing” on 7 th November,2023.
On the occasion of World Oral Health day-23rd March 2023, Dr. David and Dr. Laxmi Kabra delivered a radio talk through Venudhwani on the “Importance of oral and general health” in Marathi and Hindi respectively.
Dr. Laxmi Kabra delivered a radio talk through Venudhwani on the “Importance of
toothbrushing” on 5 th November,2022.
Lecture on “Effects of tobacco on Oral health” on 29/08/2022
Dr. Roopali Sankeshwari was invited as a resource person to deliver lecture on Effects of tobacco on Oral health organized by NTTF, Dharwad, Karnataka
Workshop on “Research Designs and Manuscript Writing” from 14th to 16th September 2022
Dr. Roopali Sankeshwari was invited as a resource person to deliver Workshop on Research Designs and Manuscript Writing organized by KAHER’s Pharmacy College, Belagavi, Karnataka
Webinar on “Seminar Presentation and Case Presentation” on 20th January 2022
Dr. Roopali Sankeshwari was invited as a resource person to deliver Webinar on Seminar presentation and Case presentation for MDS students organized by Bharati Vidyapeeth Dental College and Hospital, Sangli through online Zoom platform. It benefitted more than 500 MDS students all over India.
Treatment procedures rendered in the Department
The Public Health Dentistry department mainly renders preventive and comprehensive dental treatment. The preventive aspects include health education and health promotion to the general mass and target population in the community. The preventive therapeutic treatment involves ART, fluoride application , varnish application, and pit and fissure sealants. The curative aspects include procedures like placement of a permanent restoration, oral prophylaxis, and tertiary care like simple extractions and root canal treatment.
Events Organized
NATIONAL TOOTHBRUSHING DAY
On the occasion of National Toothbrushing Day, the Department of Public Health Dentistry at KLE VK Institute of Dental Sciences, Belagavi, organized a screening camp on Wednesday, November 7, 2023, at the Government Upper Primary Marathi School in a remote village, Kusamali. The event featured free dental check-ups, an informative health education session, and a demonstration of proper tooth-brushing techniques. Students were provided with free toothbrushes and toothpaste, resulting in a positive impact on over 200 school students. On Wednesday, November 8, 2023, the department extended its outreach to the Government School for hearing and speech-impaired children in Azam Nagar. The event included dental check-ups, engaging health education sessions, and demonstrations of proper tooth-brushing techniques. The students were given free toothbrushes and toothpaste. This initiative reflects the institute’s dedication to promoting oral health and well-being within the community.
NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH DENTISTRY DAY
Monday, JUNE 19, 2023
On the occasion of National Public Health Dentistry day, the Department of Public Health Dentistry organized student activities. A photography contest, exclusive to postgraduates, was conducted on the theme “Public Health Dentistry through my lens”. A lecture on ‘Scope of public health dentistry’ was organized for the dental interns. The initiatives enriched students understanding, fostering appreciation for this specialized field.
WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY
Wednesday, MAY 31, 2023|Kangrali|NSS activity
On the occasion of No Tobacco Day, the Department of Public Health Dentistry organized a camp in collaboration with the NSS unit of KLE VK Institute of Dental Sciences in the Kangrali industrial area. Dr. Roopali Sankeshwari delivered a health talk to over 100 factory workers. The program received an overwhelming response from the factory workers, who not only absorbed the message but also sought further support by returning for dental check-ups and tobacco counselling sessions in the following days.
WORLD HEALTH DAY on Friday, APRIL 07, 2023
World Health day was celebrated on 7th April 2023, Monday at C.B Kore Sugar factory, Chikkodi on behalf of Department of Public Health Dentistry, KLE VK Institute of Dental sciences, Belagavi. Free dental check-up, health education talk, demonstration of tooth brushing technique was conducted. Toothbrushes and toothpastes were distributed. 60 individuals were benefited from this program.
NATIONAL TOOTHBRUSHING DAY on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 07, 2022
Tooth brush day was celebrated on 7th November 2022, Monday at Madhyamik Vidhyalay, Jambotti on behalf of Department of Public Health Dentistry, KLE VK Institute of Dental sciences, Belagavi. Free dental check-up, health education talk, demonstration of tooth brushing technique was conducted. Toothbrushes and toothpastes were distributed to the Students. More than 200 school students benefited from this program.
NATIONAL TOOTHBRUSHING DAY on Tuesday, 9th November 2021.
Toothbrush day was celebrated on 9th November 2021, Tuesday at Sardar High School, Belagavi on behalf of the Department of Public Health Dentistry, KLE VK Institute of Dental Sciences, Belagavi. A free dental check-up, Health Education talk, demonstration of tooth brushing technique, and oral health instructions containing pamphlet distribution was conducted. More than 100 school students benefited from this program.
WORKSHOP ON “RESEARCH METHODS AND GRANT WRITING” on 7th September 2021.
Dr. Roopali Sankeshwari was invited as a resource person to deliver a workshop on research methods and grant writing organized by UDHP, KAHER, Belagavi.
OUTREACH PROGRAMS
Oral Health Check-up and Health Education Camp for Visually impaired children
Saturday, April 10, 2021, | Maheshwari School for Blind| Department of Public Health Dentistry-
An extensive camp was organized by the Department of Public Health Dentistry for visually impaired children of Maheshwari Blind School, Belagavi on 10th April 2021. The camp involved one-to-one reinforcement of brushing technique, diet, and oral health education. Salivary physical and microbiological parameters were also assessed of the children. Dr. Apurva Deshpande conducted camp along with 3 interns. A total of 26 children benefited from the camp.
District oral health mission
2010 -District oral health mission
To celebrate 25 years of KLE VK ID S, The Honorable Chancellor of KLE University, Dr. Prabhakar Kore initiated the “District oral health mission” on 4th January 2010. In the span of one year, nearly 85,558 students were screened and educated for oral health and 14,887 children were treated.
2016 – Oral health mission
“Oral health mission” was initiated to celebrate KLE Society’s centenary celebration. It was a one-year project initiated in November 2015 reaching out to 1,17,116 children.
District oral health mission 2010 &2016 details
| 2010- Silver jubilee celebration
Total number of school- 488 Total children screened- 85,558 Total treatment done-14,887 Filling-7848 Extraction-3697 Scaling-2775 Pulpotomy-361 Root canal treatment-206 |
2016- Centenary celebration of KLE S
Total number of school-484 Total children screened-1,17,116 Total treatment done-25,608 Filling-12,033 Extraction-5671 Scaling-7904 |
Special programs for various population in and around Belagavi
Special days celebrated
WORLD HEALTH DAY
Wednesday, April 07, 2021 | Public Health Dentistry|
NSS activity
Department of Public Health dentistry conducted Mega Oral health education and checkup camp on occasion of world health day on 7th April at KSRP, Macche, Peeranwadi, Belagavi. Sensitization was given on appropriate brushing technique, common oral health problems, healthy diet and nutrition in dental awareness talk delivered by Dr Roopali Sankeshwari. The Camp benefitted around 200 ASHA workers, Anganwadi Workers and Reserve force police.
NO TOBACCO DAY CELEBRATION
NO TOBACCO DAY CELEBRATION: Every year on the 31st of May, “NO TOBACCO DAY” is celebrated. We have organized health talks on ill effects of tobacco, screening for precancerous lesions due to tobacco in various industrial workers, role-play and rallies raising slogans against tobacco usage by our students to create awareness.
IAPHD DAY CELEBRATION
“IAPHD DAY”, 19th June 2021
The poster and Reel making competition was organized by the Department of Public Health Dentistry, KLE VKIDS on the occasion of “IAPHD DAY” on 19th June 2021 for the undergraduate students. The theme of the competition was “COVID PROTOCOLS TO BE FOLLOWED BY GENERAL POPULATION”.
Posters and the reels were judged by Dr. Trupti Sadhunavar. E-certificates were awarded for the best posters and reels.
IAPHD DAY CELEBRATION: In order to emphasize the social responsibility of Indian public health dentists, we celebrate IAPHD day on the 21st of June every year. We organize various competitions for postgraduate and undergraduate students. Oral health education and screening camps are conducted across the city.
The Department in collaboration with other departments also celebrates World Health Day, Sadhbhavana Diwas, NSS 7-Days special programs, Blood Donation camps with Red Cross Society, and the women empowerment cell of KAHER University.
COLLABORATIONS
The Department of Public Health Dentistry intends to create, promote and establish positive perceptions about oral health in the community. The Undergraduate & Postgraduate students are trained in the development of communication skills and Research Aptitude to excel in community-based outreach programs To achieve this, department has MOU with various companies and Institutes.
| Sl.no | Name of the Collaborating Institution for Research |
| 1 | Prabhakar Kore Basic Science Research Centre (BSRC), Belagavi |
| 2 | Department of Microbiology, JNMC, Belagavi |
| 4 | KLE Institute of Pharmacy, Belagavi |
| 5 | Dept of Physics, Shivaji University, Kolhapur. |
| 6 | KLE BM Kankanwadi Ayurvedic Medical College, Belagavi |
| Sl.no | Name of the Collaborating Institution for Community Service |
| 1 | Hindalga Jail Belagavi |
| 2 | Chiguru Seva Foundation At Post Yaragatti , Belagavi |
| 3 | Motichand Lengade Bharatesh Polytechnic |
| 4 | Shivshankar Jolle English Medium Public School Tal Chikodi Belagavi |
| 5 | Shanti Vruddhashram Belagavi |
| 6 | Aditya Birla Hindalco Belagavi |
| 7 | Leomel Society for the care of the Dying and Destitute |
| 8 | Polyhydron systems pvt ltd Belagavi |
| 9 | Ekal Abhiyan Belagavi |
| 10 | Lions clubs International Khanapur |
| 11 | Shree Tatyasaheb Kore Warana Sahakari Sakhar Karkhanaltd Waranangar |
| 12 | Shree Renuka Sugar ltd Belagavi |
| 13 | Rajarambabu Patil Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana ltd Rajramnagar |
| 14 | Auto India Belagavi |
| 15 | Shree Doodhaganga Krishna Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana ltd Chikodi |
ALUMNI
Being a university topper during BDS and a gold medalist in MDS, Dr. Ridhima Gaunkar went on to join Goa Dental College and Hospital in 2011 as the first Public Health Dentist in the State of Goa. Since then, she has planned and executed several community-based oral health programs like teachers training and Pit and fissure sealant program under National Oral Health Program, National Health Mission for the entire state of Goa.
She is trained as a Master trainer under National Tobacco Control Program, Ministry of Health and Family welfare and has conducted various training sessions for dentists, medical and health officers in the Public Health care system in the field of Tobacco cessation.
She is also the Nodal officer for Oral division of Mega medical camps, Government of Goa.
She has several best papers and more than 20 national and international publications to her credit. She is an Executive Committee member of Indian Association of Public Health Dentistry (2017-2021) and Joint Secretary of Indian Dental Association , Goa State Branch.
Dr. Ridhima Gaunkar, Dr. Vaibhav Kumar is a Public Health Dentist, Research Consultant and Preventive Dentist based in Mumbai, India. He is a gold medalist from the prestigious KAHER and currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the TPCT’s Terna Dental College, Navi Mumbai. He is the National Scientific Officer of the Indian Association of Dental Students. He is one of the youngest Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy. He has over 25 publications to his credit within a span of 4 years. He has won over 30 best paper awards at various scientific podiums and forums. He has also undergone extensive training in Christian Medical College, Vellore and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
He is the proud recipient of the Colgate Palmolive MDS Research Grant and has been the top four Pan-India finalists at the Sun Pharma Science Scholar Award for Young Scientists- 2017, in the sphere of biomedical sciences. He has been awarded multiple accolades, including the one by the Pierre Fauchard Academy, Famdent-Excellence in Dentistry Award, IDRR Young Researcher and Budding Dentist Award, Bite-In Award, Guiding Award for excellence in dentistry, the IADS Pan-India award for best PG student and the Indian Health Professionals Award for Rural Dental Service.
He has also received the Student Merit awards by the Indian Society of Periodontology and Indian Association of Oral Medicine and Radiology. He has also won the International College of Dentists Bronze Plaque Award.
Dr. Vaibhav Kumar Dr. Arpit Gupta is presently an Assistant Professor in Preventive & Community Dentistry at the Oral Health Sciences Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, where he is making critical contributions to the National Resource Centre for the Oral Healthcare of Children and Elderly under the National Oral Health Program, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. He is also working on a multicentric Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) task force project for integrating Oral Health care with the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) through Anganwadi workers at PGI Chandigarh. He had served the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi as a Senior Resident and also as a Research Officer at the National Centre of Excellence for the Implementation of National Oral Health Program (NOHP). During the tenure at AIIMS, he was proactively involved with the activities of WHO Collaborating Centre for Oral Health Promotion at the Centre for Dental Education & Research. Post Graduated from KLE VK Institute of Dental Sciences in 2013, Dr Gupta is an MDS University Topper and overall MDS – Public Health Dentistry National Topper 2013(as per data released by IAPHD). He has to his credit various awards and National/International publications including DrArunSethia Award by the International College of Dentists, Section VI and International Scholarships by Johns Hopkins University as well as by German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), ULM University – Germany. He had been a member to the various technical committee for Oral Health by the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, New Delhi including one on drafting the National Oral Health Policy, planning a National Oral Health Survey, phasing down the use of Mercury from Dentistry etc.
Dr. Arpit Gupta , TESTIMONIALS
Email: pgnaveenkumar@gmail.com
+91 9482562631
When I finished my graduation and joined KLE, I was overwhelmed by the infrastructure, knowledge of teachers and their dedication towards dentistry. Unique thing about the campus is all the facilities like faculties of Modern Medicine, Pharmacy, Dental, Nursing, BPT, Huge Multispeciality Hospital and all the respective hostels under one roof, which makes interdisciplinary learning, research more accessible and feasible.
Regarding Dept of Public Health Dentistry, it is one of the few departments in the country where holistic approach for counseling and treatment of the patients is followed. Post graduates are given free hand to deal with patients under active supervision.
“Reach the unreached” motto is justified by the presence of chain of satellite centers in and around areas of Belgaum both rural and urban and presence of well equipped Mobile Dental Unit for outreach activities. Tobacco cessation is always given a special emphasis.
I am forever indebted to KLE management and my Teachers.
Prof. P G Naveen Kumar, Public Health Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, UPI express my heartfelt gratitude to this beautiful institution for helping me build a fruitful foundation for my successful career in dentistry. The 3 years spent there were full of learning with guidance from our knowledgeable staff. The excellent infrastructure, safe and secure environment and beautiful campus will definitely grab your attention as you walk inside the huge premises. Our institution is good in all aspects starting from academic excellence to cultural activities. Good patient flow has helped me gain a lot of clinical exposure and regular dental camps boosted my confidence to take up various community outreach programmes. It has been a great experience at KLE VK Institute of dental sciences , and we had a good opportunity to meet students from different countries too. I am grateful to my Head of Department and all my teaching faculties who were of great help during my entire course of study. I will always cherish the time spent in the Public Health Dentistry department.
Dr Barkha Tiwari, Research Fellow, TATA memorial centre for treatment, Research and evaluation in cancer Mumbai