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: 14 Years
Expertise: Community oral health, tobacco cessation, outreach activities 

A dedicated academician, innovator, healthcare motivator, public health professional, and dental entrepreneur, Dr. Meena Jain completed her graduation from Manipal College of Dental Surgery and attained her Master of Dental Surgery in the specialty of Public Health Dentistry from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore. Furthermore, she completed her Ph.D. in Public Health Dentistry from SGT University, Gurugram.

Presently, she is working as Professor & Head of Public Health Dentistry at Santosh Dental College, with 14 years of experience. Additionally, she serves as the Member Secretary of the Central Research Committee at Santosh University. She was the Faculty Head for a mandatory course, "Research and Innovation Catalyst," for dental undergraduates and also served as the Faculty Head for Ethics at Manav Rachna Dental College until April 2024.

Research and Innovations:

  • Patents: Holder of 5 patents, including innovations like the illuminated stomatoscope and telescopic handle mouth mirror

  • Publications: Authored over 80 publications in national and international journals

  • Book Authorship: Authored a book published by an international publisher

  • Research Collaborations: Engaged in international collaborative research with Jackson State University (USA) and Jazan University (Saudi Arabia)

  • Reviewer and Editorial Roles: Reviewer for 10 journals, including 9 PubMed-indexed journals; Editorial Board member of 2 institutional journals

  • Research Projects: Recipient of 4 extramural and 3 seed money research projects

Public Health Initiatives:

  • Community Outreach: Conducted over 1,000 dental camps, screening or treating more than 80,000 patients since 2011

  • Innovations in Public Health: Instrumental in designing and implementing India's first solar-powered Mobile Dental Van

  • Ongoing Programs:

    • Ghaziabad Tobacco Control Program

    • District School Oral Health Program

    • Ghaziabad Smiles Program for rural and underprivileged populations

    • Khushi Program for specially-abled individuals

  • Satellite Centers: Established two satellite centers in urban and rural areas of Ghaziabad

Awards and Recognitions:

  • Kedar N Rustagi Award (2021): For best contribution in community activities in rural and underprivileged areas by the International College of Dentists (India/Sri Lanka/Nepal section)

  • Best Paper Presentation Awards: Received twice at national dental conferences

  • Innovation Recognition: Invited to Google Headquarters, Boston, USA, to present an innovation on converting a manual toothbrush to an affordable smart toothbrush

  • Policy Contribution: Panelist for FICCI, contributing to the drafting of the National Health Policy in 2015

Mentorship and Teaching:

  • Ph.D. Supervision: Guided 7 Ph.D. scholars

  • Undergraduate Research: Published over 50 papers in collaboration with undergraduate students

  • Course Leadership: Led mandatory courses on Research and Innovation Catalyst and Ethics

Professional Memberships:

  • Indian Association of Public Health Dentistry: Life Member

  • Indian Dental Association: Member

Research Metrics:

  • H-index: 13

  • Citations: Over 350 citations

 

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
Medical College
Dental College
enquiry
Apply Now

©2025 Santosh Deemed to be University | Designed, Developed & Managed by : HashTAGit. Last updated on 14th June 2025