Dr Vikram Singh is the Associate Professor Pedodontics Department at the Vyas Dental College and Hospital, Jodhpur. He completed his Bachelor of Dental Surgery (B.D.S) in 2009 and Master of Dental Surgery (M.D.S) in Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry in 2013. He has a decade of experience in research, academics and administration while working in various academic institutions. He has around 17 publications in renowned national and international journals and aims to provide the most dynamic dental education to his learners.

Vyas Dental College and Hospital

How do you focus on practical learning for students along with imparting theoretical knowledge?

“Interactive case history discussions and clinical experience under specialist supervision”

Our aim as a department in Vyas Dental College is to maintain a perfect blend of both the clinical and academic arenas of the field. Students are given discussions on a wide range of topics with special attention placed on interactive case history discussions as well as first-hand clinical experience under specialist supervision. They are also encouraged to participate in seminars, journal clubs and posters in order to expose them to the changing trend. They are trained to deal and expertly manage patients of various age groups with special emphasis on their clinical application of behavior management techniques. 

What would you like people to know about your department they may not know?

“Pediatric Dentists provide comprehensive oral health examinations, teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, etc”

Pedodontist acts as an orthodontist, an Oral Surgeon, an endodontist, a periodontist, a child psychologist and prosthodontist, etc. at a time. Oral diseases and conditions can begin at birth and result in problems for a child. Early intervention may enable one to experience optimal oral health and the lifelong benefits of a healthy mouth. Pediatric Dentistry specialists provide comprehensive oral health examinations, teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, sealants, restorative procedures (fillings, crowns, etc.), extractions and minor surgical procedures, space-maintainers, athletic mouth guards, teeth whitening (for adolescents), etc. 

What changes do you see in the education sector pre and post-Covid era?

“Clinical studies were facing problems during the pandemic”

Initially in the covid era while the colleges were shut down there was difficulty in teaching the students as everything was online. But now as the colleges are open and everything is functioning smoothly, I do not find much difficulty with the interaction between me, patients and students. 

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How do you strategize about the key programs and plans for your department?

“Performing case discussions, patient treatments and latest discoveries systematically”

I strategize the key programs and plans of my department in a systematic, professional and disciplined manner. I start the day in the department with seminars and Journal club presentations by the postgraduate students and after that, they proceed with the patients. Additionally, I enjoy discussions about patients since each one has something unique to offer that can be shared. In addition, we go through recent articles to get an idea of what is going on around the world in pediatric dentistry.

What kind of internships are provided for students?

“Clinical one-year mandatory internships in 9 different departments of the college”

One year internship (including all the 9 branches of dentistry) is provided for all the students who have completed their 4-year bachelors in Dentistry. These are rotational in nature and help students gain vast clinical experience in every domain of dentistry. 

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What are some of the challenges that you faced working in the field of Pedodontics?

“Handling a pediatric patient during intricate procedures is a challenging task”

Pediatric Dentistry in itself is a very difficult branch of dentistry. The precision and diligence required by the dentists are far higher than in other specialties. A pediatric dentist works within a closed confined space and amongst tiny, almost obscure nerves that are scattered around in the mouth and between teeth. An adult patient can understand the gravity of the situation. A child is not built to go through the magnitude of the concern mentally or physically, hence, they are not easy to handle. 

So I always prefer the Early Introduction of the child to the clinic (i.e. once they turn a year old). Distractioning a child from the procedure and rewarding the child after the procedure makes my job easier and also makes me feel good at the same time.

What is your approach to making a healthy environment for your students?

“Maintaining clear communication and transparency with students is essential”

My approach to making a healthy environment for the students is establishing transparency between me and my students. Whenever they experience a rigid moment, they can easily approach me. And I always promote two-way interaction during group discussions so that there is a steady flow of knowledge. It helps students process information rather than simply receiving it.