Department

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 is a cornerstone of the department, with active guidance provided to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The focus on innovation has led to an impressive record of 107 publications, including 65 indexed in prestigious databases like Scopus, WOS, and PubMed. Additionally, the department holds 17 copyrights and 7 patents, reflecting its commitment to advancing dental science. 

To promote early oral health, the department conducts ante-natal counseling sessions, raising awareness among expecting mothers about the importance of oral hygiene and early intervention for their child’s dental health. Over 6,000 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 7,000 children from nearby schools. This initiative aims to reduce dental diseases and instill 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 a total of 30 postgraduate students having successfully graduated from our program, we emphasize preventive care and education, equipping future dentists with the skills necessary to promote oral health from an early age. Our department is a leader in pediatric dentistry, dedicated to shaping healthier futures for children through innovative practices and community outreach.

Vision Mission

Vision:

  • To be recognised as International Leaders in Paediatric Dental Education, research and to develop a clinical delivery model to serve the unmet needs in oral health care of children

Mission:

  • To promote oral health of infants, children and adolescent including those with special health care needs through education
  • To provide comprehensive and complex clinical care at highest level
  • To conduct innovative and transformative research in the field of Paediatric Dentistry

HOD

Qualifications: BDS & MDS 
Work Experience: 16 Years of Teaching Experience 

Dr. Nidhi Gupta is a Professor and Head of the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry at Santosh Deemed to be University. With an extensive educational background, she holds a BDS and MDS, specializing in Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry. Dr Gupta brings over 16 years of teaching experience, during which she has contributed significantly to the academic and clinical training of students.  
Her expertise lies in pediatric dentistry, and she is dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment for both students and young patients. Dr Gupta is committed to advancing the field through research, continuous learning, and implementing the latest techniques in pediatric dental care. 

Conferences Attended:

  • FDI Annual World Dental Congress, New Delhi 2004 
  • Delhi Dental Update 2005  
  • 28th ISPPD Conference, Rohtak 2006 
  • 29th  ISPPD Conference, Banglore 2007 
  • 30th ISPPD Conference, Hyderabad 2008 
  • 31st ISPPD Conference, Ghaziabad 2009 
  • 32nd ISPPD Conference, Amritsar 2010 
  • 33rd ISPPD Conference, Mangalore 2011 
  • 35th ISPPD Conference, Jaipur 2013 
  • Dental synergy IDA North West, Delhi, 16,17 Aug 2016 
  • 39th ISPPD Conference, Chennai 2017 
  • 1stBiennal South Asian Association of Pediatric Dentistry (SAAPD) conference, Delhi 2018 
  • Denasia 5th National Dental Conference “Rang Desh”, at Mahatma Gandhi College Jaipur 2019. 
  • 41st Annual Conference ISPPD 2019 at ITS Greater Noida NCR Delhi 7th -9th Nov 2019. 
  • 44th Annual Conference ISPPD 2023 at Ahmedabad 27th -29th Oct 2023. 

Conventions Attended:

  • 4th PG Convention of ISPPD 2007, Chandigarh
  • 5th PG Convention of ISPPD 2008, Ludhiana
  • 7th PG Convention of ISPPD 2010, Udaipur
  • 16th PG Convention ISPPD, 2019 Meerut
  • 17th PG Convention ISPPD, 2020, Jaipur
  • WORKSHOPS ATTENDED 
  • Lecture & Hands-on “Crowns in Pediatric Dentistry”, Santosh Dental College, Ghaziabad, 15th April, 2024 
  • Hands-on Course on “Face Mask Therapy” in 4th ISPPD Convention 2007, Chandigarh
  • Hands-on Course on “ Cosmetic Dentistry for Children & Adolescents” in 5th ISPPD Convention 2008, Ludhiana
  • Workshop on “Technodent – Technology in & for Dentistry” in 2007, Jaipur 
  • Zirconia Crowns in Children,1st Biennial Conference of South Association of Pediatric Dentistry, SAAPD, New Delhi, 4th – 6th, May 2018 

List of Publications:  

  • Original Research: 
    • Formulation of different concentrations of nanosilver fluoride incorporated dentifrices, evaluation of its cytotoxicity and antimicrobial effect on Streptococcus mutans. Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry 42(4):p 336-343, Oct-Dec 2024.  
    • A Comparative Evaluation of Herbal Extracts and Triple Antibiotic Paste as Intracanal Medicament Against Enterococcus Faecalis – A Microbiological Study; International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, May- June. 2024;17(3): 285-290 
    • Comparative Evaluation of Antifungal Efficacy of 3% Sodium Hypochlorite, 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate, Ozonated Water, Alum Water, and Normal Saline Solutions against Endo-donto-pathogenic Microorganism, Candida Albicans: A Microbiological In Vitro Study, International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry 2024 
    • Assessment of Oral Health Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Among School Teachers Training Visually Impaired Children; Santosh University Journal of Health Sciences July- Jan. 2024; Vol 9(2) 
    • Comparative Evaluation of Intracanal Smear Layer Removal by Different Root Canal Irrigants – A Scanning Electron Microscope Study; International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, July- Aug. 2023; 16(4): 633–638 
    • Forensic Dental Photography – A Review; Journal of Advanced Zoology 2024; vol.45(2); 1178-1185 
    • Comparative Evaluation of 0.2% Chlorhexidine & Magnetized Water as a mouth rinse on Streptococcus Mutans in Children; International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry; Sept-Dec. 2011; 4(3):190-194 
    • Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Silver Diamine Fluoride with Potassium Iodide on Candida albicans and Lactobacilli and effect on salivary pH in children- In Vivo study, Journal of Pharmaceutical Negative Results, 2022, vol.13, page no.- 844–848
    • Comparative Evaluation of Reduction in Pain Perception using 5% tropical LA vs Freezed Cone as a preparatory agent for intra-oral injection in children and effect of VRD as a Distraction technique, International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry 2022 Sep-Oct;15(5):558-563
    • Comparative Evaluation of the effect of different Varnishes (MIVarnish, Clinpro, Fluor Protector) on Candida albicans count and salivary pH in children aged 6-12 years- - A Randomized Control Trial, Journal of Pharmaceutical Negative Results, 2022, 13(6), 537–541
    • Comparative Evaluation of Different Varnishes and Pit and Fissure Sealants on Streptococcus mutans Count in Saliva of Children, Internation Journal Clinical Pediatric Dentistry 2022; 15 (3):362-365. 
    • Efficacy of Silver Diamine Fluoride on Streptococcus mutans count present in Saliva, International Journal Clinical Pediatric Dentistry 2021 Sep-Oct;14(5), 700-704 
    • Management of para symphysis fracture in a young child using arch bar fixation: A case report. J Pharm Negat Results. 2022;542–6. DOI: 10.47750/pnr.2022.13.S06.074 
    • Stress Distribution in the Cervical Lesion of Mandibular First Premolar in 3-D Finite Element Analysis Scholars Journal of Dental Sciences, Feb 2019, vol. 6, Page no.- 38-42 
    • Comparative Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of 4 Different Restorative Materials: An in-vivo study, International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry 2019; vol 12, issue1: page 47-49
    • Comparative evaluation of stress distribution on endodontically treated deciduous maxillary central incisor restored with different post materials under various traumatic loading conditions: a 3-d finite element analysis, International Journal of Dental Sciences and Innovative research, March-April 2019, vol2, issue 2: page 170-18 

As Co-Author: 

  • Age Estimation Techniques Used In Forensic Odontology In Pediatric Dentistry; Conference Proceeding (2nd International Scientific & Practical Conference: “Medicine: from Science to Practice” October 26- 28, 2023, Yoshkar- Ola, Russia) 
  • Interceptive Orthodontics- The Preventive Step In Pediatric Dentistry; Conference Proceeding (2nd International Scientific & Practical Conference: “Medicine: from Science to Practice” October 26- 28, 2023, Yoshkar- Ola, Russia) 
  • Dentist’s Role In Child Protection: A Comprehensive Review Of Child; Conference Proceeding (2nd International Scientific & Practical Conference: “Medicine: from Science to Practice” October 26- 28, 2023, Yoshkar- Ola, Russia) 
  • Antenatal Care- A Must for All Expectant Mothers; Conference Proceeding (2nd International Scientific & Practical Conference: “Medicine: from Science to Practice” October 26- 28, 2023, Yoshkar- Ola, Russia) 
  • Practise of Pedodontics with Endodontics: The Synthesis; (ijfans) International Journal of Food and Nutritional Sciences Journal, 11(10), 2023 
  • Frenula Treatment Recommendations for Pedodontic Patients According to the Guidelines. Ijfans international journal of food and nutritional sciences, 11(10), 845–851. 2023 
  • Nanosilver fluoride: ultimate blessing for the carious teeth, EJPMR, Vol 9, Issue 1, 2022. 
  • A fatal fungi: Mucormycosis in children, a concern to a pediatric dentist, EJPMR, Vol 9, Issue 1, 2022. 
  • Restoring the Lost Smile: A Case Report. A Journal of Advanced Dentistry Updent, 11(01), 13–15.2022 
  • Restoring the Candy Crushers – A Case Report On Ecc. A Journal of Advanced Dentistry Updent, 11(01), 19–22.2022 
  • Silver Diamine Fluoride -A Futuristic Remedy for Caries Termination. IJISRT. Volume 7 - 2022, Issue 3 – March 
  • Correlation of dermatoglyphics patterns with skeletal malocclusion. Santosh University Journal of Health Sciences. 8. 30. 10.4103/sujhs.sujhs_1_22.2022. 
  • Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry – An Overview. International Journal of Food and Nutritional Sciences. Journal Volume 11, S Iss 2, 2022 
  • A Novel Tool for Evaluation of Dental Anxiety in Children in a Pediatric Dental Clinical Setup. Cardiometry; Special issue No. 25; December 2022; p. 1288-1292; 
  • A View of Dentistry in Future - A Narrative Review. International Journal of Food and Nutritional Sciences. Vol.11, S Iss.2, 2022 
  • Ameloblastoma Or Dentigerous Cyst- A Diagnostic Quandary. Journal of Pharmaceutical Negative Results. Volume 13. Special Issue 4. 2022 
  • A double-blind randomized controlled trial to compare the safety and efficacy of dexmedetomidine alone and in combination with ketamine in uncooperative and anxious paediatric dental patients requiring pulpectomy. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent. 2022 Jun;23(3):465-473 
  • Comparative evaluation of marginal microleakage of various restorative materials used in pediatric dentistry? An in vitro study. Santosh University Journal of Health Sciences.2020. 
  • ‘Prevalence & pattern of Hypomineralized second molars in children in Delhi’-NCR, IJCPD, sep-oct 2020; Vol 13; Issue 5; 501-503. (PhD Thesis) 
  • `Prevalence and pattern of Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation in Delhi Region. JASI; Vol 69 (3): July- Sep 2020. Pg 150-154.  
  • Comparative evaluation of Antifungal efficacy of five root canal Sealers against clinical isolates of Candida Albicans: A Microbiological Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020; 13(12): 119-123. 
  • Compare growth patterns of the foot and its correlation with stature in Western Uttar Pradesh and NCR Delhi Children aged between 6 and 10 years. JASI; Vol 68: Issue1:   January-March 201 July 2019.Pg 12-15. 
  • Infected supernumerary or Supplemental tooth. IJDSIR. International Journal of Dental Science and Innovative Research, Vol 2, Issue 2, Mar- Apr 2019, 468-472. 
  • Mini implants in Pediatric Dentistry.IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences Volume 18, Issue 4 Ser. 9 (April. 2019), PP 49-51. 
  • Management of an immature child with severe early childhood caries. IJDSIR ,Vol 2, Issue 2, Mar-April 2019:605-608 
  • “Clear Aligners: A Revolutionary Change in Orthodontic Treatment; Heal Talk Journal: 2019, vol.11, issue 3: 40-42. 
  • “Comparative Evaluation of stress distribution of New Restorative material: A Finite Element Analysis study; Heal Talk; 2019 
  • Esthetics & Functional Rehabilitation in a Four-year-old Pediatric Patient with Modified Groper’s Appliance- A case report; Heal Talk, 2019 
  • An Esthetic & Functional Fixed Posterior space maintainer- A case Report; IJDSIR, Vol.2, issue2; March –April2019, 170-181  
  • Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the stress distribution pattern in a mandibular first molar tooth restored with three different restorative materials. Saudi Journal of Oral and Dental Research. March 2019; 4(3); 160-163. 
  • Surgical Management of peri-apical Lesion in Maxilla Using Platelet-Rich Fibrin as an Autologous Biomaterial: Case report. Saudi Journal of oral and dental research. March 2019; 4(3);164-167 
  • Comparative evaluation of various temperature changes on stress distribution in Class II mesial- occlusal- distal preparation restored with different restorative materials: A Finite Element Analysis.; International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, May- June 2018; 11(3): 167-170. 
  • Nanomaterials for Prevention & restorative dentistry in children.; Heal Talk; vol. 10: Issue 6; July-August 2018: 53-54. 
  • Evaluation of stress distribution in MOD cavities restored with different bulk fill restorative materials: 3-D finite element analysis. Dentistry. Sept – Oct 2017, Vol.9, Issue 1: 29-36.  
  • Finite Element Analysis of stress concentration in Class V restorations with different Restorative materials. Dentistry, Nov.- Dec. 2017: Vol.9; issue 6: 31-34 
  • Learning style & teaching methodology preference of dental students. JASI. Dec 2016; vol. 65(1):152-155 
  • Preferred mode of teaching- for attitude, aptitude & effectiveness of dental students. JASI. June 2016; vol 65(1): 48-50 
  • Comparative evaluation of Antimicrobial properties of various oral preparations against Lactobacillus acidophilus- A microbiological – In- vitro Study; Heal Talk, Vol. 8, issue 6/July-Aug 2016; 26-28 
  • Comparative evaluation of antibacterial efficacy of six Indian plant extracts against Streptococcus mutans; Journal of clinical and diagnostic research: JCDR 2015:9 (2), ZC50 – ZC53 
  • Use of Traditional Indian Plants in the Inhibition of Caries-Causing.; Braz Dent J 2015: 26, 2 
  • Ridge augmentation using vertical distractor – a case report.; Bujod 2015:5 (1), 55-58 
  • Distraction Osteogenesis in Cleft Palate cases- A Review; BUJOD, 2015: 5(1), 51-54 
  • Ergonomics for dental professional. Santosh University Journal of Health Science. 2015; 1(2): 68-72 
  • Dental Patient: Human Beings or Only a Set of Teeth; Journal of Oral Health & Community Dentistry, 2015: 8(3), 166-168 
  • How do I Manage a Patient with Intrusion of a Permanent Incisor; Journal of Canadian Dental Association, 2015; 80, e50 
  • “Evolution of caries removal from invasive….minimally invasive….to non-invasive…. CMCR… A new age dentistry”; BUDJ; Vol.4, No.2, June 2013. 
  • “Validation of Tanaka and Johnston’s analysis in western UP Indian population”; JISPPD; Jan - Mar 2013, Issue 1, Vol 31: 36-42. 
  • “Multifunctional Rebond- A Versatile Tool”; J. of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry; 2012; 36(3):325-328 
  • “Comparative evaluation of Oral Candida albicans carriage in children with or without Dental caries: A microbiological in vivo study”; International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry; 2012;5(2):108-112 
  • “Prevalence of Dental Caries Among 3-15 year Old School Children in Ghaziabad City and its Adjoining Areas - A Correlated Survey”; Journal of Oral Health & Community Dentistry; Sept. 2012; 6(3): 135-140 
  • “Comparative Evaluation of Working Length using Digital Radiography, IOPA X-ray & Electronic Apex Locator, in the presence of different irrigants: An In- vitro Study”; Bada Farid University Dental Journal; June 2011.  
  • “Overdenture: The simple solution to a case of ectodermal dysplasia”; KDJ 2012; Vol. 35, No.3: 330-332 
  • “Speech and functional rehabilitation with a definitive hollow bulb obturator; KDJ 2012; Vol. 35, no.2: 246-248 
  • “Morphological variation in deciduous mandibular first molar between two racial group’s”; KDJ 2012; Vol. 35, No.4: 404-406. 
  • “Pediatric Local Anaesthesia – Made Easier” in Heal Talk Journal, Mar-Apr 2010 
  • “Artificial Sweeteners & their Anti Cariogenicity” in Heal Talk Journal, Mar-Apr 2010 
  • “What Lies Within”– Case Report” in International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, January – April 2009; 2(1): 56-58 

Book Published:  

  • 2024 - Smart Materials in Dentistry. Writers Row Publication. ISBN 9789363499904 
  • 2024 - Cultivating Vibrant Smile from Pregnancy to Motherhood. Writers Row Publication. ISBN 9789363499041 
  • 2024 - Forensic Odontology in Pediatric Dentistry, ISBN-13-979-8871192405 
  • 2024 - Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry, ISBN-13- 979-8871193631 
  • 2023 - Management of Special Child in Pediatric Dentistry, ISBN-13-978-6204212579 
  • 2023 - Nanotechnology in Pediatric Dentistry, ISBN-13- 978-6204211411 
  • 2023 - Chapter- Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation, Textbook of Pediatric Dentistry 5th Edition by Dr Nikhil Marwaha, ISBN-13-9789352705290 
  • 2021 - Management of Special Child in Pediatric Dentistry, Lambert Academy Publishing, ISBN-10:‎ 6204212575 
  • 2021 - Pharmacological Behavior Management of Children, Lambert Academy Publishing, ISBN-13: 978-620-0-00532-8 
  • 2021 - Regenerative Endodontics, Lambert Academy Publishing, ISBN-13: 978-620-3-923100 
  • 2020 - Ayurvedic Dentistry, Lambert Academic Publications, ISBN-13: 978-620-3-02838-6 
  • 2015 - Dental Management of Handicapped Child, Lambert Academic Publications (2015), ISBN-13: ‎ 978-3659794834 
  • 2014 - Effectiveness of Root Canal Irrigants on Enterococcus Faecalis, Lambert Academic Publications (2014), ISBN-13: ‎ 978-3659295645 
  • 2013 - Oral Hygiene & Gingivitis in Children, Lambert Academic Publications (2013), ISBN-13: ‎978-3659428562 
Dr. Nidhi Gupta

Professor & HOD

Thrust Areas

  • Dentistry for Special Health Care: The Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry is dedicated to providing comprehensive dental care for children with special health care needs. We emphasize a patient-centered approach, ensuring that children with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities receive tailored, compassionate care to maintain optimal oral health. Our team is skilled in managing the unique challenges these children may face, offering treatment in a safe and supportive environment.
  • Nanodentistry: Nanodentistry represents a cutting-edge advancement in pediatric dentistry. By utilizing nanotechnology, we aim to enhance the precision, effectiveness, and safety of dental treatments. From improving the delivery of medications to aiding in tissue regeneration, nanodentistry holds the promise of revolutionizing how we approach oral health care, ensuring more efficient treatments and better long-term outcomes for young patients.
  • Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry: The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in pediatric dentistry is transforming the way we diagnose, treat, and prevent dental issues. AI-driven tools enable early detection of dental problems, personalized treatment planning, and improved patient outcomes. By embracing these technologies, our department stays at the forefront of innovation, offering children more accurate, efficient, and customized dental care

Team

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 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 
  • Regenerative Endodontics & Apexification 
  • Space Maintainers & Re-gainers 
  • Pediatric Crowns 
  • Preventive Dentistry – APF Gel, Varnish, Pit &Fissure sealants 
  • ECC & Rampant Caries Management 
  • Lasers 
  • Management Of Cleft Lip and Palate Cases – Feeding Appliances 
  • Child & Parent Counselling 
  • Diet Counselling 
  • Cases under General Anaesthesia 
  • Cases under Nitrous Oxide Sedation 

Research

  • Awards / Recognitions received by faculties: 35 
  • Total Publications: 107 
  • Indexed with Scopus/WOS/PubMed: 65 
  • Copyrights filed: 17 
  • Patents Published: 7 
  • Awards/ Recognitions received at the National Level by students: 28 for Innovation & Research 
  • 1 ICMR STS Grant for the year 2020-2021 

Events

  • Children’s week celebration in the Month of November – This event aims to raise awareness about the importance of proper dental care with a focus on brushing techniques. We conduct a health talk and a quiz on oral hygiene and brushing techniques for the children.  In addition to quiz, children receive exciting goodies as rewards for their participation. The event not only helps in spreading awareness but also provide an interactive and enjoyable experience.
  • World Oral Health Day is celebrated on March 20th of every year. We conduct screening and treatment camps in schools, Anganwadi centers, health centers, including mass brushing demonstration. Also, we at Gynecology Department at Santosh Hospital organize an awareness talk on oral health care and maintenance of oral hygiene for expecting mothers followed by their oral health check-up. 
  • Pediatric Dentist Day is celebrated on December 3rd of every year. The department organizes a special event to celebrate the importance of oral health in children. The occasion features engaging activities and educational sessions, highlighting the role of pediatric dentists in promoting healthy smiles. To contribute to environmental well-being, the department also plants small seeds as a symbol of nurturing both green health and oral health, fostering a healthier future for both children and the planet.