Overview
The Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry is a specialized branch of dentistry committed to ensuring the oral health and well-being of children from infancy through adolescence, focusing on preventive, therapeutic, and educational dental care tailored to the unique needs of young patients, including those with special healthcare needs. This department thrives on a strong foundation built by its dedicated faculty, often referred to as the "Dream Team Facilitators." These experienced educators are committed to nurturing and shaping students into competent professionals, striving every day to enhance their skills and knowledge.
The department emphasizes practice-based teaching and learning, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience tailored to meet real patient treatment needs. This approach significantly improves their clinical skills, preparing them to handle diverse cases with confidence and competence.
Research remains a cornerstone of the department, with structured mentorship and active guidance provided to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The department’s strong emphasis on innovation and scientific inquiry has resulted in an outstanding academic record, with a total of 149 publications, including 86 indexed in reputed databases such as Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), and PubMed. In recognition of its exemplary research output, the department was honoured with the Highest Publications Award at Santosh University in the year 2025. Further reflecting its commitment to advancing dental science and innovation, the department has secured 21 copyrights and 9 patents.
To promote early oral health, the department conducts ante-natal counselling sessions, raising awareness among expecting mothers about the importance of oral hygiene and early intervention for their child’s dental health. Over 6300 expecting mothers have been screened, emphasizing the department’s role in proactive community health.
The department actively engages in school dental health programs, screening nearly 7,500 children from nearby schools. This initiative aims to reduce dental diseases and instil positive dental habits that children will carry with them for a lifetime. A dedicated special child care clinic is in place to diagnose and manage children with special health care needs. This specialized care ensures that every child, regardless of their health condition, receives the attention and treatment they deserve.
The department proudly welcomes students from across India, fostering a diverse and dynamic learning environment. This diversity enriches the educational experience, offering unique perspectives and challenges that contribute to the holistic development of future pediatric dental professionals. With 30 postgraduate students having successfully graduated from the program, the department continues to emphasize preventive care and patient education.
The department has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, with students achieving top honours at the institutional level. Notably, the MDS Topper Award has been secured by students from the department for two consecutive years. Furthermore, in 2025, the Best Outgoing Student of Santosh University was also from the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry.
These accomplishments reflect the department’s sustained commitment to excellence in education, research, and clinical training. Building on this strong foundation, the department continues to advance as a centre of academic distinction and clinical expertise. It remains dedicated to shaping competent, compassionate, and skilled pediatric dental professionals, while actively contributing to community well-being through innovative practices and outreach initiatives.
Facilities
The Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry is situated on the first floor of the College. It houses UG and PG Clinical Sections, a Seminar Room, a combined Department Library and Digital Section, a Computer Section, a Counseling Room, Play Room for patients, faculty rooms, and a Postgraduate Students' Room. The department also includes a dedicated special care clinic and a fully equipped sedation room to facilitate the management of children requiring advanced behavioral and pharmacological support.
The department is equipped with 40 dental chair units, an X-ray unit with RVG, and a well-equipped laboratory. Additionally, it features state-of-the-art ICT tools to support undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum activities, along with a dedicated recreation and entertainment area for children featuring virtual reality devices and audio-visual aids.
The department operates to provide specialized pediatric dental care in a safe and nurturing environment. It boasts modern infrastructure, advanced dental materials and cutting-edge equipment such as a nitrous oxide sedation unit, Computer Controlled LA Delivery device, Endomotor, Apex Locator and the Laser Diagnostic Tool – Diagnodent etc. Furthermore, the department offers comprehensive, high-quality dental care services under general anaesthesia.
Types of treatment offered:
• Pulp Therapies (biomaterial and nanoparticle-assisted)
• Regenerative Endodontics & Apexification
• Space Maintainers & Regainers (conventional, CAD-CAM, 3D printed)
• Crowns (stainless steel, zirconia, bioflx, CAD-CAM)
• Preventive Dentistry – APF Gel, Fluoride Varnish, Pit & Fissure Sealants
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) & Rampant Caries Management
• Laser-Assisted Pediatric Dental Procedures (frenectomy, gingivectomy, disinfection)
• Management of Cleft Lip and Palate Cases – Feeding Appliances
• Child & Parent Counselling (VR-based behaviour guidance)
• Special Care Dentistry Initiatives (audio-assisted Braille booklet and sign language–assisted oral health education video©)
• Diet Counselling ( AI enabled dietary assessment – Kidglucopal©, customised diet diary counselling-Nutrinest©)
• Dental Treatment under Nitrous Oxide Sedation
• Dental Treatment under General Anaesthesia
