Department

Overview

Since its establishment in 2005, the Department of Orthodontics at Santosh Dental College has been a beacon of excellence in diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities. Home to a prestigious Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) program admitting five students annually, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of orthodontic leaders through a personalized and innovative approach. 

Our department is distinguished by its state-of-the-art Aligner Fabrication Lab, launched in January 2023, and the integration of aligner treatment planning into the postgraduate curriculum. Equipped with cutting-edge digital imaging technologies, including intraoral scanning, students gain unparalleled hands-on experience, aligning with global orthodontic advancements. 

With 40 graduates excelling nationally and internationally, our department emphasizes the perfect blend of theoretical rigour and clinical expertise. Located in the vibrant city of Ghaziabad, our facilities include specialized clinics, seminar rooms, and research spaces designed to inspire excellence. 

Vision Mission

Vision:

  • Making the department ‘Most Preferred CHOICE’ for BEST orthodontic grooming
  • To impart the highest calibre of education and clinical skills training to students with strong ETHICAL values
  • COMMUNITY enriching RESEARCH enabling to fulfil SOCIAL responsibility

Mission:

  • To be among the Top 5 Departments Internationally
  • To set benchmarks in quality education and promote the use of digital technology

HOD

Qualifications: 

  • B.D.S. & M.D.S.
  • Fellow of the International College of Dentists (F.I.C.D.)

Dr. Rajiv Ahluwalia, a distinguished academician with over 26 years of expertise, serves as the Dean of Student Welfare at Santosh Deemed to be University, NCR Delhi. A renowned orthodontist and educator, he has been the Head of the Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics at Santosh University since 2007. He also leads the National Dental Bioethics Program under the UNESCO Chair in Bioethics and is a member of the International Advisory Council for the International Chair in Bioethics. His leadership roles include serving as Vice President of the Indian Orthodontic Society (2014-2015) and being elected Chairman of the 60th Indian Orthodontic Conference, Delhi (2026). 

Dr. Ahluwalia's academic contributions are extensive, with qualifications from the Manipal Academy of Higher Education and specialized training in bioethics from UNESCO and the University of Porto. His commitment to research and innovation is evident in over 100 publications, multiple patents, and copyrights in dental sciences. He has authored books on bioethics in dentistry and has been a sought-after speaker at national and international conferences. His accolades include the Outstanding Professor Award by the Indian Orthodontic Society (2023), the Best Researcher Award by Santosh University (2022), and the Innovation in Teaching and Research Methodology Award (2021). 

As a mentor and thought leader, Dr. Ahluwalia has contributed significantly to education, research, and professional ethics in dentistry. He has been featured in media discussions on medical ethics, including appearances on Sansad TV and NDTV. His dedication to academic excellence, student welfare, and ethical healthcare practices continues to inspire the next generation of dental professionals. 

Dr. Rajiv Ahluwalia

Professor & HOD

Thrust Areas

  • State-of-the-Art Aligner Fabrication Lab 
    • Established in January 2023, offering complete in-house aligner production. 
    • Integrated Clear Aligner Module launched on 12-12-2023 in the MDS curriculum.  
    • Hands-on training with cutting-edge digital imaging technologies, including intraoral scanning. 
  • Integration of Bioethics in Teaching & Patient Care 
    • Incorporation of bioethics components into all aspects of education and clinical practice. 
    • Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with UNESCO Chair in Bioethics, Haifa, and the Indian Orthodontic Society.  
    • Integrated Bioethics Module introduced to the BDS curriculum on 12-12-2023. 
  • Research in Aligners – Biocompatibility, Mechanical properties 
  • Affordable Treatment & Advanced Training 
    • Development of strategies to provide cost-effective orthodontic care. 
    • Introduction of fellowships in Lingual Orthodontics and Micro Implants. 
  • Accelerated Orthodontics 
    • Focus on reducing overall treatment time with advanced orthodontic techniques. 
  • Super-Specialized Training 
    • Advanced education in lingual orthodontics, aesthetic orthodontics, aligners, and micro-implants. 
  • Community-Oriented Research & Preventive Actions 
    • Identification of prevalent malocclusions in the Ghaziabad population. 
    • Implementation of preventive measures to enhance oral health and fulfil societal commitments. 
  • PhD Program: Pioneering a Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS)/Elective Course System since 2018. 
  • Interdisciplinary MDS Program: Emphasizing collaboration across dental specialties for holistic learning. 

Team

Facilities

  • Aligner Training & Digital Orthodontics 
    • Hands-on training in aligner fabrication and treatment planning. 
    • Integration of cutting-edge digital imaging and intraoral scanning technologies. 
  • Headgear & Functional Appliance Treatments 
    • Comprehensive management of orthodontic cases using headgear for growth modification. 
    • Expertise in functional appliances for early intervention and skeletal corrections. 
  • Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment 
    • Full-spectrum orthodontic care, including fixed and removable appliances. 
    • Personalized treatment planning for diverse malocclusions. 
  • Advanced Lingual Orthodontics 
    • Training in aesthetic and invisible orthodontic techniques. 
    • Specialized lingual orthodontics for complex cases. 
  • Cleft Lip & Palate Cases 
    • Multidisciplinary approach to managing cleft and craniofacial anomalies. 
    • Coordination with surgical and prosthodontic teams for holistic patient care. 
  • Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder Management 
    • Diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorders and associated functional disturbances. 
    • Integration of splint therapy, occlusal adjustments, and advanced imaging for comprehensive TMJ care. 
  • State-of-the-Art Aligner Fabrication Lab 
  • Intraoral Scanning of Patient
  • Software Treatment Planning
  • 3D printing
  • Aligner Fabrication
  • Aligner Lab

Research

  • Extensive Department Publications 
    • Over 100 research papers published in indexed journals. 
  • Intellectual Property & Innovations 
    • More than 20 Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), including patents and copyrights. 
  • Collaborative Research Initiatives 
    • Multiple department research collaborations with leading institutions, laboratories, and industries. 
    • Nine Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) signed with research labs and academic institutions. 
  • Academic & Faculty Development 
    • Active faculty exchange programs to enhance academic and research exposure. 
  • Doctoral Research & Advanced Studies 
    • Established PhD program in Orthodontics, fostering high-level research and innovation. 

Events

  • Faculty Student Exchange Program (Apr 29-30, 2024, Saraswati Dental College, Lucknow) – Interactive learning, hands-on training, and exchange of orthodontic innovations. 
  • World Orthodontic Health Day (May 15, 2024) – Celebrating advancements with patient awareness sessions and expert lectures. 
  • National Orthodontic Day (Oct 5, 2024) – Honoring orthodontic contributions and discussing future trends. 
  • Orthodontic Rally – Spreading awareness on orthodontic health through community engagement. 
  • Professional Development: Dr. G. Dharmadeep (May 28, 2024, Selfy Lingualigner) – Insights on Selfy Lingualigner with hands-on training. 
  • Professional Development: Dr. Sarvaraj Kohli (May 5, 2024, TADs in Orthodontics) – Understanding TADs, placement techniques, and complex case discussions. 
  • Professional Development: Dr. Sanjay Labh (May 15, 2024, Lingual Orthodontics) – Learning lingual orthodontics with hands-on wire bending. 
  • Professional Development: Dr. Anand Tripathi (June 22, 2024, Ethics in Clinical Practice) – Exploring ethical decision-making in orthodontics through real case scenarios. 
  • Workshop on MDS examination by Dr. Sridevi Padmanabhan on August 8, 2024 
  • Professional Development: Dr. Sridevi Padmanabhan (February 24, 2025, Diagnosis and Treatment Planning in Contemporary Orthodontics) 
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