KGMU Dental Faculty creating future leaders – Dr. Saumyendra Vikram Singh

A highly published Dental expert, Dr. Saumyendra Vikram Singh currently works at the Department of Prosthodontics, King George's Medical University. His specialization involves in research areas namely - Dental Surgery, Dentistry and Prosthodontics. Among his voluminous research publications includes one on 'Rehabilitation of a complex oro-facial defect by modified prosthetic approach'. He boasts of a M.D.S in Prosthodontics from King George`s Medical University. He is Professor and in charge Maxillofacial Prosthetic Unit, Prosthodontics Department KGMU UP, Lucknow, India.

Dr Saumyendra Vikram Singh spoke at length about how KGMU is playing a lead role in churning out future leaders in the dentistry arena. Dr. Singh said that Lucknow slowly is turning out to be a medical hub driven by corporate culture armed with good quality treatment helping train young aspiring professionals in the medical field. He said the competition has grown manifold in the current scenario. He said that it is indeed a very proud feeling that KGMU in U.P. is teaching medical best practices especially in the dental sphere. He said the faculty of Dental Sciences not only caters to U.P. but neighbouring States and even Nepal. He said that the Dental Faculty, which has a daily OPD of around a 1000 patients, started taking shape back in  the 1950s.

While there has been a widespread expansion, there are nine departments of Dental Care covering 9 specialties. Right from prosthodontics to oral and maxillofacial surgery, pedodontics , oral pathology, oral medicine & radiology. The institute offers plethora of radiographs given the fact that visualisation forms a major part of Dental Care in today's times. He also spoke about orthopantogram, the CBCT and advance techniques like the use of scanners, 3D imagery, 3D printers and 3D models.

Dr. Singh said that with growing dependence on digital technology, it is now getting easier to help control common problems such as hyperactive gag reflex or  cut down infections that can be transferred from person to person, like at the time of COVID - 19.

Carrying the point forward, AI is taking over in a major way - be it evaluating an X-Ray, or devising the best treatment plan for a patient.

With the number of dentists in urban area having gone up, the competition has really gone up. Unfortunately, this has the potential to increase unethical practices, is a matter of concern and needs to be addressed by the concerned authorities.

In his message to the public – Dr. Saumyendra Vikram Singh said in general a dental checkup is a must once in a year. He said - one must approach the doctor in a timely manner, rather than procrastinate, because if things are caught in the nascent stage, action is possible and the best outcome can be achieved.