Department

Overview

Established in 1997, the Department of Public Health Dentistry is dedicated to improving community oral health through education, outreach, and research. With a capacity of 100 BDS seats, the department trains future dental professionals to address public health challenges effectively. 

Key Initiatives: 

  • Tobacco Cessation Centre: Helping individuals quit tobacco through counselling and awareness programs. 
  • Dental Care on Wheels (Mobile Dental Van): A mobile dental unit providing essential oral health services to underserved populations. 
  • Satellite Clinics: Urban and rural centres ensuring continuous and accessible dental care. 
  • Community Outreach & Research: Conducting evidence-based public health programs to improve oral hygiene and dental care accessibility. 

Through these efforts, the department plays a crucial role in shaping public health dentistry and fostering a culture of prevention. 

Vision Mission

Vision:

  • To create awareness, educate, and promote oral health in the community through prevention and outreach programs, ultimately improving the quality of life in and around Ghaziabad (Delhi-NCR)

Mission:

  • Develop comprehensive oral health programs to address unmet community needs
  • Improve oral health awareness and education through collaborations with stakeholders
  • Reduce untreated dental issues by integrating treatment, education, and policy changes

Goals:

  • Establish and sustain public health dentistry projects that enhance children's dental health
  • Prioritize the underprivileged and educate them about the importance of oral hygiene

HOD

Qualification: BDS, MDS, Ph.D. 
Work Experience: 13 years
Expertise: Community oral health, tobacco cessation, outreach activities 

Dr Meena Jain is a Professor and Head of Department of Public Health Dentistry at Santosh Deemed to be University. She has an extensive educational background and hold Ph.D, MDS and BDS specialising in Public Health Dentistry having more than 13 Years of teaching experience. She has paved the path for students towards academic and clinical training while developing their overall personality. Her expertise in the field of Public Health Dentistry and dedication to nurture the students for fulfilling the future requirement of medical industry through continuous learning and implementing latest techniques has lead to better learning environment for students.

Conferences Attended:

  • Google Headquarters, Boston, USA to present her innovation of converting a manual toothbrush to an affordable smart toothbrush
  • Panellist of FICCI, GOI in drafting the National Health Policy in 2015
  • Invited as Guest speaker at many National & international conferences

CDE’s Attended:

  • Received the “Best Paper Presentation Award” twice at the dental conferences
  • Member of reviewer board of National and international journals

Workshop:

  • Conducted more than 1000 dental camps screening or treating more than 60,000 patients since 2011
  • Organized the COVID preparedness program in 2020

List of Publications: She has 5 patents and more than 70 publications in various National & International Journals and authored one book with an international publisher.

Dr. Meena Jain

Professor & HOD

Thrust Areas

The department focuses on key areas to enhance public health dentistry: 

  • Tobacco Cessation Programs 
  • Mobile Dental Services for Rural and Urban Outreach 
  • Community-Based Oral Health Education 
  • Research in Preventive and Public Health Dentistry 
  • Training and Capacity Building for Students and Professionals 

Team

Facilities

The Department of Public Health Dentistry is equipped with advanced infrastructure to support education, research, and community outreach programs. 

1. Mobile Dental Van – “Dental Care on Wheels” 
The Mobile Dental Van is a pioneering initiative designed to bring essential dental care to underserved populations, particularly in rural and remote areas. 

Key Features: 

  • Fully Equipped Mobile Dental Unit: 
    • Two dental chairs and full instrumentation for treatments. 
    • A seating capacity for 10-12 patients during visits. 
    • Audiovisual aids and a public address system for oral health education. 
    • A generator for uninterrupted service delivery in remote areas. 
  • Services Provided: 
    • Oral screenings and check-ups. 
    • Preventive treatments such as fluoride application and scaling. 
    • Distribution of oral hygiene kits to encourage self-care. 
    • Patient referrals for specialized care at the main hospital. 
  • Impact: 
    • 308 dental camps conducted. 
    • 18,354 individuals were screened for oral health issues. 
    • 5,864 patients treated for dental problems. 
    • 12,490 cases were referred for further treatment. 

This initiative significantly reduces disparities in oral healthcare, ensuring affordable and accessible treatment for all. 

2. Tobacco Cessation Centre:
The Tobacco Cessation Centre (TCC) is a dedicated facility aimed at helping individuals quit tobacco through counselling and awareness initiatives. Given Uttar Pradesh's high tobacco consumption rate, this centre is crucial in addressing tobacco-related morbidity and mortality. 

Services Offered: 

  • Personalized Counseling: Behavioral therapy sessions to support tobacco users in quitting. 
  • Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Guidance: Helping patients transition with safer alternatives. 
  • Community Awareness Programs:  Conducting school and workplace sensitization programs. 
  • Screening & Referral: Identifying early signs of oral precancerous conditions and referring patients for further care. 

Impact: 

  • 1,900+ patients have availed counselling services
  • 201 individuals have successfully quit tobacco
  • The centre has expanded awareness through NGO collaborations and outreach programs

The Tobacco Cessation Centre is a critical step toward a tobacco-free society, aligning with national health goals. 

3. Satellite Clinics:
To ensure continuous access to oral healthcare, the department has established Satellite Clinics in both urban and rural settings. These clinics serve as extension centres for preventive and primary dental care. 

Types of Satellite Clinics: 

  • Urban Satellite Clinic: A two-chair fully functional with the latest equipment and located in densely populated areas to serve urban slum dwellers and low-income workers. 
    Address: Santosh Dental College, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh
  • Rural Satellite Clinic: Set up in villages to provide dental care where access is limited. 
    Address: Rural Health & Training Centre, Asalat Nagar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 

Services Provided: 

  • Routine oral screenings and check-ups. 
  • Basic dental treatments, including scaling, fillings, and fluoride applications. 
  • Oral hygiene education and prevention programs. 
  • Referral system for advanced treatments at the college hospital. 

Impact: 

  • Strengthens access to affordable dental care for both urban and rural populations. 
  • Ensures continuity of care through regular follow-ups and preventive education. 
  • Integrates oral healthcare into primary healthcare systems for a holistic approach. 

These satellite clinics are a significant step toward bridging the gap in dental healthcare access, bringing services closer to the community, and ensuring no patient is left untreated. 

Research

The department is deeply engaged in research, with 37 publications in PubMed and Scopus-indexed journals over the past five years. 

Key Research Areas: 

  • Public health dentistry innovations
  • Evidence-based strategies for oral hygiene awareness
  • Policy development for community dental health improvement

Events

The department organizes regular programs and campaigns to promote oral health awareness: 

  • World No Tobacco Day, Oral Hygiene Day, and World Cancer Day celebrations
  • Health Education Activities – Including rallies, sensitization talks, and street plays
  • Capacity-Building Initiatives – Training over 1,500 students and professionals annually
  • Teacher & Parent Counseling Programs – Promoting oral hygiene in schools