DT South Asia No. 4, 2024

“We need to shift from technical outcomes to more meaningful clinical outcomes” / News / Interview: “We promote and empower oral pathology specialty practice“—Dr Bhuvan Nagpal / Interview: Shaping the future of implant dentistry: 6th Global AAID and 12th WCOI Implant Conference, Delhi—Dr Mahesh Verma / News

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The World‘s Dental Newspaper
South Asia Edition
Published in India

www.dental-tribune.com

VACCINE

Vol. 2, No. 4

AI TOOLS

INTERVIEW

Landmark moment: Cancer vaccine
trials begin in UK

AI beats humans in some but not
in all tasks — Current status

“We promote & empower oral
pathology
specialty
practice“
— Dr Bhuvan Nagpal

Page 03

Page 04

Page 05

“We need to shift from technical outcomes
to more meaningful clinical outcomes”
tional experience for both students and fellow educators.
Could you share some insights
into the innovative teaching
methods or approaches you’ve
implemented in your endodontics courses?

By Dr Shikha Sharma
Dr Giampiero Rossi-Fedele is
currently a professor in endodontics at the University of Adelaide, South Australia, and since
2014 the course convener for the
doctor in clinical dentistry in
endodontics. Currently, he is one
of the 32 global experts working
towards the development of the
European Society of Endodontology S3-level guidelines for
the treatment of pulpal and apical diseases. Dr Giampiero is the
lead author of the “Revised
guidelines for educational requirements for specialisation in
endodontics in Australia and
New Zealand (July 2022)”. Apart
from being the associate editor
of the European Endodontic Journal, Dr Giampiero is a reviewer
and editorial board member of
several reputed international
endodontic journals, including
the Journal of Endodontics and
International Endodontic Journal.
Dr Giampiero, it’s a pleasure
to have the opportunity to chat
with you. You’ve had an extensive academic journey, from
your initial qualification in dentistry to your current position
as a professor in endodontics at
the University of Adelaide.
Could you share with us what
initially sparked your interest in
Endodontics, and how that passion has evolved over the years?
I studied dentistry at the University of Rome, La Sapienza in
the 1990s. We had a very motivating professor called Vinio

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This course allowed me to
have a robust educational background. The specialty helped me
to be a good clinician, the PhD to
be a good researcher, but I
needed a structured course to
learn about education. At the
end of the day, as a professor at
the university, teaching represents one of my main duties.
Dr Giampiero Rossi-Fedele interviewed by Dr Shikha Sharma, Section Editor,
Endodontics, Dental Tribune South Asia (Image: Dr Giampiero Rossi-Fedele)

Malagnino. He made the discipline very enjoyable to all students and he was very approachable. He motivated me as well as
many other colleagues—some
very famous peers—who studied under him and engaged us
with endodontics. My passion
evolved with working and, from
the clinical point, the ability to
predict technical outcomes from
the start is what keeps me going.
Your academic achievements are impressive, including
obtaining your MClinDent in
endodontology from UCL/Eastman Dental Institute and your
PhD from PUCRs in Porto
Alegre. How have these experiences shaped your approach to
teaching and research in endodontics?
Every experience helps to
shape who you are. I have been
very fortunate to be exposed to
many different philosophies,
which has allowed me to create
my own views. I have learned
that endodontology is not black
or white, but there are many
subtle differences that are very
meaningful and valid at one
time.
As the course convener for
the doctor in clinical dentistry

in endodontics at the University
of Adelaide, you play a pivotal
role in shaping the next generation of endodontists. What are
the key principles or skills you
emphasise in your teaching to
ensure your students excel in
this specialised field?
Candid communication with
patients. Update yourself critically throughout your career as
your specialty course is the stepping stone in your life as a specialist.
In addition to your academic roles, you’re also involved in various committees
and societies, such as the Australian Society of Endodontics
Education Subcommittee. How
do you balance your academic
responsibilities with your contributions to these professional
organisations?
I believe that there is no separation between teaching, clinics, research and external engagement. They are managed in
unison.
Obtaining your postgraduate certificate in learning and
teaching from the University of
London reflects your commitment to enhancing the educa-

This course helped me to understand that deep thinking and
learning requires a period of
search, of doubts, that makes
students feel very uncomfortable as they seek a final answer
to things, which does not exist.
Endodontics is a field that
continuously evolves with advancements in technology and
techniques. How do you stay
updated with the latest developments, and how do you incorporate these advancements
into your teaching and clinical
practice?
In the presence of extensive
novelties, it is hard to be aware
of all of them. Attendance to international quality meetings and
reading relevant literature helps.
But a lot is missed, I am afraid. I
feel that the use of engine-driven
instrumentation and cone-beam
computed tomography have
been the two fundamental
changes since I graduated as a
dentist. These have been incorporated in specialist clinics extensively, but also are part of the
research component of our
post-graduate students.
You are one of the 32 global
experts working towards the
development of the European
Society of Endodontology S3level guidelines for the treatment of pulpal and apical dis-

eases. What are your top three
key points for ensuring success
in root canal therapy?
Case complexity assessment
before treatment and referral if
required. Adequate prompt restoration. These are not exclusively based on the guidelines.
Are there any emerging
trends or areas of interest that
you believe will significantly
impact the field?
We need to shift from technical outcomes to more meaningful clinical outcomes. Apart from
the radiopacity of a root filling,
many other outcome measures
should be considered.
Beyond academia and clinical practice, are there any other
passions or interests that you
pursue in your free time? How
do you find balance amidst
your busy schedule?
Taking care of my family, and
enjoying the open air. My children’s football matches. Adelaide is a place where work-life
balance is still possible being a
compact place.
Let us have a glimpse of a
typical weekday in your life
from morning to evening. How
do you start your day by calling
it a day?
I have a fair share of my clinics, and seminars with postgraduate students, and try to squeeze
research when a gap is available,
as research tends to be left behind. There are a lot of emails to
attend to that alter the daily program.
With your wealth of experience, what advice would you
offer to aspiring endodontists
who are just starting their journey in this field?
Endodontics is a polarizing
discipline. You either love it or
hate it. If you love it, you are

[2] =>

NEWS

2
lucky to be one of us and you will
have a life full of satisfaction.
Could you recall any lecture,
book, or article that influenced
you so much that its application
changed the way you practice
endodontics for the better?
The lecture for the undergraduate students at the University of Adelaide regarding tooth
resorption by Prof. Geoff Heithersay. Amazing content and
delivery. A paper I recommend is
“Life as an endodontic pathogen”. A classic story of root canal
microbiology.
Which are your top three
book recommendations in endodontics?

Dental Tribune South Asia Edition | 04/2024

Essential
Endodontology
(the edition by Pitt-Ford and
Orstavik), Problem-Solving in
Endodontics (Gutmann, Dumsha, and Lovdahl), and Seltzer
and Bender’s Dental Pulp
(Hargreaves and Goodis).

About the author

Which are your top three favorite journals in endodontics?
The Journal of Endodontics,
the International Endodontic
Journal and the European Endodontic Journal.
Lastly, if you could sum up
your philosophy or approach
to endodontics in one sentence, what would it be?
Communication, communication, communication.

Dr Shikha Sharma

Dr Shikha Sharma is the editor of the endodontics section of
Dental Tribune South Asia. Dr
Shikha completed her BDS at
Punjab Government Dental College and Hospital, Amritsar,
where she was a Gold Medallist
and Best Graduate. She secured
Rank 1 in the Punjab State Post
Graduate Entrance Exam in 2011
and earned her MDS in Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics from Punjab Government
Dental College and Hospital,
Amritsar. Dr Shikha is currently
serving as a Medical Officer
(Dental), Punjab Government —
providing expert dental care to
the community since 2014. Pursued Observership at the Department of Endodontics, Dental
School, University of Adelaide,

Australia in 2017. She was adjudged the Best Postgraduate
Student at the BITEIN Awards
2014.

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[3] =>

NEWS

Dental Tribune South Asia Edition | 04/2024

Landmark moment: Cancer vaccine trials
begin in UK
rating with various pharmaceutical companies. This initiative
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NEWS

Dental Tribune South Asia Edition | 04/2024

AI beats humans in some but not in
all tasks — current status

Current status of AI in healthcare-AI Index Report 2024 (Image: Canva)

By Dr Rewant Chauhan
The AI Index is recognised
globally as one of the most credible and authoritative sources for
data and insights on artificial intelligence (AI). The AI Index report
tracks, collates, distills, and visualizes data related to AI. This article
summarises the relevant points
from the 2024 report that are of
significance to all healthcare professionals.
This article summarises the
seventh edition of the AI Index report. Previous editions have been
cited in major newspapers, including The New York Times,
Bloomberg, and The Guardian,
have amassed hundreds of academic citations, and have been
referenced by high-level policymakers in the United States, the
United Kingdom, and the European Union, among other places.
This year’s edition surpasses all
previous ones in size, scale, and
scope, reflecting the growing significance that AI is coming to hold
in all of our lives.
Top 10 takeaways from the
report:
1. AI beats humans in some tasks,
but not in all. AI has surpassed
human performance on various benchmarks, including
some in image classification,
visual reasoning, and English
understanding. Yet it trails behind on more complex tasks
like competition-level mathematics, visual commonsense
reasoning, and planning.
2. Industry continues to dominate frontier AI research. In
2023, the industry produced
fifty-one notable machine
learning models, while academia contributed only fifteen. There were also twenty-one notable models resulting from industry-academia
collaborations in 2023.
3. Frontier models get way more
expensive. According to AI
Index estimates, the training
costs of state-of-the-art AI
models have reached unprec-

edented levels. For example,
OpenAI’s GPT-4 used an estimated $78 million worth of
computers to train, while Google’s Gemini Ultra cost $191
million for computing.
The United States leads China,
the EU, and the U.K. as the
leading source of top AI models. In 2023, 61 notable AI
models originated from U.S.based institutions, far outpacing the European Union’s 21
and China’s 15.
Robust and standardised evaluations for LLM responsibility
are seriously lacking. New research from the AI Index reveals a significant lack of standardisation in responsible AI
reporting. Leading developers,
including OpenAI, Google, and
Anthropic, primarily evaluate
their models against different
responsible AI benchmarks.
This practice complicates efforts to systematically compare the risks and limitations
of top AI models.
Generative AI investment skyrockets. Despite a decline in
overall AI private investment
last year, funding for generative AI surged, nearly increasing from 2022 to reach $25.2
billion. Major players in the
generative AI space, including
OpenAI, Anthropic, Hugging
Face, and Inflection, reported
substantial fundraising rounds.
The data is in: AI makes workers more productive and leads
to higher quality work in 2023,
many studies assessed AI’s impact on labor, suggesting that
AI enables workers to complete tasks more quickly and to
improve the quality of their
output. These studies also
demonstrated AI’s potential to
bridge the skill gap between
low- and high-skilled workers.
Still, other studies caution that
using AI without proper oversight can lead to diminished
performance.
Scientific progress accelerates
even further, thanks to AI. In
2022, AI began to advance scientific discovery. 2023, how-

ever, saw the launch of even
more significant science-related AI applications—from
AlphaDev, which makes algorithmic sorting more efficient,
to GNoME (8), which facilitates
the process of materials discovery.
9. The number of AI regulations
in the United States sharply increases. The number of AI-related regulations in the U.S.
has risen significantly in the
past year and over the last five
years. In 2023, there were 25
AI-related regulations, up
from just one in 2016. Last year
alone, the total number of
AI-related regulations grew by
56.3%.
10. People across the globe are
more cognizant of AI’s potential impact—and more nervous. A survey from Ipsos
shows that, over the last year,
the proportion of those who
think AI will dramatically affect
their lives in the next three to
five years has increased from
60% to 66%. Moreover, 52%
express nervousness toward
AI products and services,
marking a 13-percentage
point rise from 2022. In America, Pew data suggests that
52% of Americans report feeling more concerned than excited about AI, rising from 37%
in 2022.
Chapter 5: Science and Medicine
1. Scientific progress accelerates
even further, thanks to AI. In
2022, AI began to advance scientific discovery. 2023, however, saw the launch of even
more significant science-related AI applications—from AlphaDev, which makes algorithmic sorting more efficient, to
GNoME, which facilitates the
process of materials discovery.
2. AI helps medicine take significant strides forward. In 2023,
several significant medical systems were launched, including
EVEscape, which enhances
pandemic prediction, and AlphaMissence, which assists in

AI-driven mutation classification. AI is increasingly being
utilized to propel medical advancements.
3. Highly knowledgeable medical
AI has arrived. Over the past
few years, AI systems have
shown remarkable improvement on the MedQA benchmark, a key test for assessing
AI’s clinical knowledge. The
standout model of 2023, GPT-4
Medprompt, reached an accuracy rate of 90.2%, marking a
22.6 percentage point increase
from the highest score in 2022.
Since the benchmark’s introduction in 2019, AI performance on MedQA has nearly
tripled.
4. The FDA approves more and
more AI-related medical devices. In 2022, the FDA approved 139 AI-related medical
devices, a 12.1% increase from
2021. Since 2012, the number
of FDA-approved AI-related
medical devices has increased
by more than 45-fold. AI is increasingly being used for real-world medical purposes.

References:
Artificial Intelligence Index Report 2024: https://aiindex.stanford.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HAI_2024_AI-Index-Report.pdf

About the author

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DENTAL TRIBUNE SOUTH ASIA
EDITION

Dr Rewant Chauhan
Dr. Rewant Chauhan is a dental
professional with a passion for
using technology to improve the
practice of dentistry. He has a
strong analytical mind and a knack
for problem-solving, which he
brings to his work as an independent dentist and healthcare innovator. He is particularly interested
in using artificial intelligence and
machine learning in dentistry. He
believes that these technologies
have the potential to revolutionize
the way dental professionals diagnose and treat patients. To this
end, he has been involved in
healthcare initiatives that explore
the use of AI and machine learning
in dentistry.

PUBLISHER
Ruumi J. DARUWALLA
CHIEF EDITOR
Dr. Meera VERMA

CLINICAL EDITOR
Dr. Dilip DESHPANDE

RESEARCH EDITOR
Dr. Shobha DESHPANDE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Dr. GN ANANDAKRISHNA
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Dr. Rajeev CHITGUPPI

ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Dr. Riddhi D. TELISARA
DESIGNER
Anil LAHANE

PRINTER
Mehernosh MISTRY
Burzin MISTRY
Ampersand, Mumbai, India

[5] =>

INTERVIEW

Dental Tribune South Asia Edition | 04/2024

“We promote and empower oral pathology
specialty practice“—Dr Bhuvan Nagpal

There is a rise in the number of exclusive oral pathology practitioners in India. POPMA is an association that empowers & supports oral pathologists in India. (Image: Canva)

By Dr Geetpriya Kaur
Dr Bhuvan Nagpal, MDS is a
practicing oral pathologist and
the founder of the Practicing
Oral Pathologists and Microbiologists Association (POPMA)—
a professional body established
to safeguard the interests of
practicing oral pathologists in
India.
Dr Bhuvan Nagpal is currently serving as Laboratory Director, Quality Head, and Senior
Consultant Oral Pathologist at
Tohana Manglam Diagnostics,
Tohana, Haryana. He is a
Govt.-notified and NABL-approved authorized signatory for
laboratory reports. He is also the
Founder and current President
of the Practicing Oral Pathologists and Microbiologists Association (POPMA). He is the Director of the Academy of Oral
Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (AOPLM). Dr. Nagpal is also
the Director of the Centre for
Oral Pathology and Maxillofacial
Diagnostics (C-OPMD). He has
been affiliated with more than
23 Oral Pathology/General Pathology/Clinical Biochemistry/
Oncology/Dental Professional
Associations.

Dear Dr. Nagpal, please
share with us your inspiring
journey in the medical diagnostics industry.
I started my journey in the
medical diagnostics industry
immediately after completing
my MDS. I first approached
Manglam Diagnostics, a reputed
diagnostic center with more
than 30 years of experience in
pathology/laboratory medicine,
radiology, nuclear medicine, and
blood bank services in Hisar
City, Haryana. It is an NABL &
NABH-accredited
Diagnostic
Centre. At Manglam Diagnostics, I was exposed to a variety of
allied branches of laboratory
medicine such as hematology,
serology, clinical pathology,
clinical biochemistry, cytopathology, histopathology, microbiology, immunoassay, and molecular pathology. I proved my
worth with hard work and dedication.
Initially, I joined Manglam
Diagnostics as a Consultant Oral
Pathologist. Over time, I was
promoted to Laboratory Administrator and Quality Manager. A
few years later, I took on the role
of Project in-charge for establishing new diagnostic centers at
Jind, Tosham, Tohana, Fatehabad, Bhiwani, and Moonak. I

then became the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and later a
Medico-Legal Consultant. Currently, I am working as the Laboratory Director of my diagnostic center, Tohana Manglam Diagnostics. Tohana Manglam Diagnostics is an NABL-accredited
laboratory with ISO number
15189-2012. I became the primary NABL-approved authorised signatory for laboratory
reports. My name is also registered with the Clinical Establishment Act – District Registrar Authority (CEA-DRA) at Fatehabad.
My scope of signatory includes
Hematology, Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Pathology, Infectious
disease serology, and Microbiology along with Histopathology
and Cytopathology of the Oral,
Head, and Neck regions.
I also have a specialised Oral
Pathology practice dedicated to
diagnosing Oral Cancer & Maxillofacial Diseases, named the
Centre for Oral Pathology &
Maxillofacial Diagnostics (C–
OPMD). I evaluate clinically and
then conduct histopathological
examinations of Oral Potentially
Malignant Disorders, cystic lesions, swellings, benign and malignant tumors, cysts and tumors of odontogenic origin, and
non-odontogenic lesions from

Dr Bhuvan Nagpal

the Head and Neck region,
along with salivary gland disorders and tumors, and other orofacial anomalies.
Recently, I established a national-level association—Practicing Oral Pathologists and Microbiologists
Association
(POPMA). It is a professional
body of practicing oral patholo-

gists and microbiologists in
India. It is registered under section 9(1) of the Haryana Registration and Regulation of Societies Act, 2012, with Registration
number
HR/12/2023/01797
dated 29th September 2023. The
main concern of this association
is to safeguard the interests of
oral pathologists in India who
want to practice this subject.

[6] =>

INTERVIEW

6
What is the scope of an Oral
and Maxillofacial Pathologist in
India?
According to the Dental
Council of India (DCI) Revised
M.D.S. Course Regulations, 2007
and 2017 published in The Gazette of India: Extraordinary
(Part III, Section 4), an Oral Pathologist should have adequate
training and competency to report the following laboratory
tests: Histopathology & Cytopathology of specimens belonging
to oral & perioral tissues, Routine Hematology, Clinical Pathology, Routine Microbiology,
Routine Serology, Routine Clinical Biochemistry, Molecular Pathology and Ultrastructural Investigations.
The Gazette of India is a public journal and an authorized
legal document of the Government of India, published weekly
by the Department of Publication, a subordinate office of the
Ministry of Housing and Urban
Affairs. The Gazette is printed by
the Government of India Press.
According to the Medical
Council of India (MCI) and the
National Medical Commission
(NMC), Dentistry is one of the 29
recognized broad medical specialties and is also taught during
the MBBS curriculum. According
to the recent Judgment passed
by the Honorable Madras High
Court on 23.03.2023 which
states that BDS is also a recognized modern system of medicine dealing with dentistry. Oral
Pathology & Microbiology is an
overlapping branch of dentistry
as well as pathology and in turn,
signifies an integral part of modern scientific medicine.
Can you tell us about your
legal journey to achieve a signatory status for MDS oral pathologists?
I filed my first RTI in 2015
during the second year of my
postgraduation, concerning the
scope of oral pathology. From
2016 onwards, I have filed numerous RTIs to the MCI, DCI, and
prominent government and private dental colleges with the
Oral Pathology and Microbiology Department. I have written
many emails regarding the authorized signatory status of
MDS oral pathologists to the
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MOHFW), Government of
India. I have also advocated for
making MDS Oral Pathology
and Microbiology one of the
requisite qualifications for authorized signatories for lab reports to the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) and
to the suggestions working
committee for the Clinical Establishments Act, Government
of India.
As per the replies to RTIs
filed to various dental colleges,
qualified Oral Pathologists hold-

Dental Tribune South Asia Edition | 04/2024

serology, and microbiology as
the scope of accreditation.

The specialty practice of the domain of oral
pathology & microbiology is not only limited
to oral, head and neck histopathology and
cytopathology but also includes hematology,
clinical pathology, clinical biochemistry,
serology, microbiology, and even molecular
pathology/diagnostics.

ing MDS degrees in the subject
of Oral Pathology & Microbiology have been signing lab reports for many years. These reports cover routine hematological, cytological, microbiological,
biochemical,
immunological,
and histopathological investigations referred to the Dept. of
Oral Pathology & Microbiology
in government and private dental colleges recognized by the
DCI. Another RTI reply from the
Dental Council of India confirmed that a dentist can perform procedures included in the
syllabus/course curriculum of
MDS Oral Pathology & Microbiology.
What are the documental
proofs that empower Oral Pathologists to sign clinical laboratory/pathology reports with
the specified investigations?
According to the current
Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam
(BSA), 2023, and Indian Evidence
Act, 1872 (which is repealed), the
term “document” means “any
matter expressed or described
or otherwise recorded upon any
substance by means of letters,
figures or marks or any other
means or by more than one of
those means, intended to be
used, or which may be used, for
the purpose of recording that
matter and includes electronic
and digital records”. Primary Evidence is the best available proof
of the existence of an object or a
fact because it is an actual document or the authentic source of
evidence. Secondary evidence is
the evidence that has been duplicated from a unique report or
has been substituted from the
first thing. Public Documents are
those documents that are authenticated by a public officer
and subsequently which is made
available to the public at large
for reference and use. They include Central Acts, orders, or
notifications which are certified
by the Heads of the departments concerned, and Proceedings of the Legislatures – Journals of those bodies or copies
printed by the Govt. Information
obtained under the RTI Act is
part of the documents held by
Public Authority, who are Ga-

zetted officers. A certified copy
of a document received by virtue of the RTI Act is secondary
evidence. It can be used as Secondary Evidence in Court, since
it is part of the Government records and provided by Govt. Authorities, certified under Govt.
Seal.
Primary Evidence Under Section 57 Of Bhartiya Sakshya
Adhiniyam, 2023 (which corresponds to Section 62 Of Indian
Evidence Act, 1872)
• Dental Council of India (DCI)
MDS Regulations, 2007 &
2017 for the subject of Oral &
Maxillofacial Pathology and
Oral Microbiology
• Dental Council of India (DCI)
B.D.S. Internship Regulations,
2011
• Dental Council of India (DCI)
Dentist Code of Ethics, 2014
• NABL approval letter to DCI
regarding MDS Oral Pathology & Microbiology qualification as one of the authorized
signatories for lab reports,
2018
Secondary Evidence Under
Section 58 Of Bhartiya Sakshya
Adhiniyam, 2023, And Section
63 Of Indian Evidence Act, 1872
• Replies to RTI filed to prestigious government dental institutions from different parts
of India by Dr Bhuvan Nagpal
from the year 2016 to 2019
• Minutes of the meeting of
MOHFW regarding the Medical Diagnostic Laboratories
including signing authority/
Technical head of medical diagnostic laboratory held in
the years 2017 & 2018
• RTI reply stating that a dentist
can perform the procedures
whatever is present in the syllabus/course curriculum of
MDS Oral Pathology & Microbiology, 2020
• NABL Decision Letter for
grant of accreditation to Tohana Manglam Diagnostics,
2022 & 2024 in which Dr. Bhuvan Nagpal is the NABL-approved signatory for lab reports with hematology, clinical pathology, clinical biochemistry, infectious disease

About the author

What is the vision and mission of the Practicing Oral and
Maxillofacial Pathologist Association (POPMA)?
We have laid down a strong
foundation for the Practicing
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologists Association (POPMA),
where our vision is to unite and
empower oral pathologists in
India.
The mission of POPMA includes:
• To promote the specialty
practice of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology & Oral Microbiology.
• To encourage Oral Pathology
& Microbiology as a career by
making an MDS Oral Pathology & Microbiology degree
as one of the requisite qualifications to sign the laboratory reports/authorized signatory for lab reports.
• To elevate the scientific and
professional status of those
practicing this specialty of
dentistry/medicine/pathology.
• To advocate the highest standards in education, research,
and the practice of Oral Pathology and Microbiology.
• To represent and magnify the
value of oral pathology & microbiology to other medical
and dental organizations,
legislative bodies, and government agencies.
• To encourage closer cooperation of oral and maxillofacial
pathologists with clinicians of
different specialties and with
other medical/dental/pathology/biochemistry/microbiology organizations.
What would be the takehome message from this interview?
Overlapping scope of practice is a reality in a rapidly changing healthcare environment.
Several health sciences and
medical technology professionals play a key role in diagnosis,
treatment, and patient care. No
single healthcare professional
can claim an exclusive role in diagnosis and treatment. The criteria related to who is qualified
to perform functions safely
without risk of harm to the public are the only justifiable conditions for defining the scope of
practices as per the suggested
parameters. Competency is
someone’s subjective dedication & ability, and not based on
qualifications alone. It is rightly
said “survival of the fittest,” so
competent people will survive.
Oral Pathologists are qualified
healthcare and laboratory professionals who are authorized to
sign laboratory reports and they
can play a major and important
role in medical diagnostic laboratory.

Dr Geetpriya Kaur

Dr Geetpriya Kaur is an MDS
Oral Pathologist, running a dental diagnostic center for the past
9 years. She taught Oral Pathology courses as a Professor at the
Department of Oral Pathology
and Microbiology at the Institute of Dental Studies and Technologies (IDST), India. She has
also worked as an assistant editor with the Journal of Clinical
and Diagnostic Research and
has many national and international publications to her credit.
Additionally, she has peer–reviewed articles in national and
international journals.
Her master’s thesis looked
into “Detection of oral squamous cell carcinoma metastasis
with cathepsin D: An immunohistochemical study” and concluded that patients with lymph
node metastasis had higher
Cathepsin D(CD) expression and
that increasing tumor size
seemed to correlate with higher
CD expression. Thus, based on
the active potential of CD in regulating the prognosis of oral
squamous
cell
carcinoma
(OSCC), the design and synthesis of specific CD inhibitors can
have significant research and
therapeutic consequences.

[7] =>

INTERVIEW

7

Dental Tribune South Asia Edition | 04/2024

Shaping the future of implant dentistry:
th
th
6 Global AAID and 12 WCOI Implant
Conference, Delhi—Dr Mahesh Verma

6th Global American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) & 12th World Congress of Oral Implantology (WCOI) Conference, co-sponsored by WCOI (Japan) will be held in Delhi in Nov 2024. (Image: Canva)

By Dr Rajeev Chitguppi
As the dental world eagerly
anticipates the 6th Global American Academy of Implant Dentistry
(AAID) and 12th World Congress of
Oral Implantology (WCOI) Conference, co-sponsored by WCOI
(JAPAN) and other academy partners—in New Delhi this November, we sat down with the visionaries driving this monumental event.
Dr Mahesh Verma (Conference
Chairman), Dr Shankar Iyer (President, 6th AAID), and Dr Brij Sabherwal (Organising Secretary) are at
the forefront of implantology,
shaping the future of implant dentistry through cutting-edge discussions, workshops, and scientific
presentations. In this exclusive interview, they share their insights
on the global impact of this event,
what attendees can expect, and
why this conference is set to redefine implant dentistry for years to
come.
As the Chairman of this landmark conference, what do you
believe makes the 6th Global AAID
and 12th WCOI particularly special
compared to previous events in
implantology?

Dr Mahesh Verma: The 6th
Global AAID and 12th WCOI is a
truly unique event where East
meets West, and New Delhi, at the
heart of India, serves as the perfect host. This conference brings
together decades of experience
and the latest innovations in implantology, creating an opportunity for participants to immerse
themselves in the most recent advancements. What makes this
event stand out is the wealth of
clinical takeaways, offering attendees evidence-based treatment solutions and the chance to
unlearn and relearn from the
world’s top experts in implant
dentistry. With hands-on workshops, international trade exhibits,
and invaluable networking opportunities, the event ensures participants remain at the forefront of
the field. Indian experts, whose
contributions are making waves
globally, also highlight the progress in implant education within
the country. This event builds on
the legacy of previous conferences, pushing the boundaries of
what’s possible in oral healthcare
and setting new global standards
in implantology.

As the President of the 6th
AAID, how do you envision this
event influencing the global implantology landscape, particularly for emerging markets like
South Asia?
Dr Shankar Iyer: This conference is designed to benefit practitioners in South Asia by combining
state-of-the-art techniques with
proven, reliable methods. It offers
practical, evidence-based solutions that practitioners can trust,
without being swayed by corporate-driven trends. We’ve gathered eminent researchers and clinicians to share not only their successes but also their failures, providing a real, unfiltered perspective.
This event will have a significant
impact on South Asia’s implantology landscape, offering practitioners insights that will help them
grow in this evolving field.
Organizing an event of this
scale requires significant effort
and attention to detail. What has
been your vision in putting together the 6th Global AAID and
12th WCOI Conference, and what
are the key highlights attendees
can look forward to?

Dr. Brij Sabherwal: Our vision
for the 6th Global AAID and 12th
WCOI Conference is to provide
cutting-edge education, foster
global collaboration, and create
meaningful networking opportunities. Key highlights include keynote speakers sharing the latest
trends, hands-on workshops for
mastering new techniques, research presentations, diverse
panel discussions, a showcase of
the latest tools and technologies
in the exhibition hall, and networking events to build professional connections. We’ve tailored
educational tracks for various expertise levels to ensure inclusivity
and relevance for all attendees.
Implant dentistry has seen
significant advancements in recent years. How will this conference shape the future of implantology and address the current
challenges?
Dr Mahesh Verma: This conference will serve as a global platform for collaboration, bringing
together experts, researchers, and
practitioners from around the
world to exchange ideas and experiences. It fosters an interdisciplinary approach, combining oral sur-

gery, prosthodontics, and periodontology, which will help tackle
complex issues and improve patient outcomes. Through hands-on
sessions, expert lectures, and
workshops, attendees will be able
to refine their clinical skills and
stay updated on the latest techniques. The event will also promote future research and development, encouraging participants
to explore new solutions to existing challenges. With over 35 years
of experience, I can attest to the
transformative power of such
meetings. This conference will
offer the guidance needed to navigate challenges, from digital impressions to material choices, ensuring that attendees are equipped
for the future of implant care.
With over 1200 delegates expected, this conference is shaping up to be a global hub of innovation. What networking opportunities will be available for professionals looking to expand
their horizons?
Dr Shankar Iyer: We are expecting delegates from over 15
countries, including the USA, Canada, and UAE, who are eager to
learn about the developments in

[8] =>

INTERVIEW

8
India’s implant dentistry scene.
India is emerging as a leader in
technology, with products and
software that are unavailable in
many other countries. This conference will offer dentists from
abroad the chance to experience
these innovations firsthand, while
also providing ample networking
opportunities to exchange ideas
and form new professional relationships.
You’ve brought together a
mix of scientific presentations,
workshops, and a trade exhibition. How does this balance contribute to a holistic learning experience for delegates?

Dental Tribune South Asia Edition | 04/2024

ramic composites, which enhance
durability and reduce complications. Digital transformation will
be another key focus, with innovations in 3D imaging, computer-guided surgery, and digital implant planning revolutionizing
precision in implant placement.
Minimally invasive surgical techniques, real-time imaging, and AI
in diagnosis will also be discussed,
highlighting the importance of
mastering today’s innovations for
future success.
The conference brings together world-renowned experts
from across the globe. What message do you hope these experts
will impart to delegates, especially young implantologists?

Dr Brij Sabherwal: The balance
of scientific presentations, workshops, and the trade exhibition
creates a well-rounded learning
experience. Presentations offer
theoretical insights, workshops
provide hands-on practice, and
the exhibition allows attendees to
explore the latest tools and technologies. This blend of learning
methods connects theory with real-world application, while also
encouraging networking and the
exploration of innovations that
can enhance professional practice.

Dr Shankar Iyer: The key message for young implantologists
will be to focus on what’s real and
practical, not on shortcuts or
short-term gains. The world experts attending this event are here
to share techniques that are reliable and reproducible, not just impressive demonstrations. They will
also discuss failures and what
doesn’t work, reinforcing the importance of understanding the
learning curve in this field.

The theme of this conference
is ‘Shaping the Future: Trends &
Insights in Dental Implants.’
Could you give us a glimpse into
the key innovations and discussions that delegates can expect
to witness?

With both surgical and prosthetic principles being core focuses of the event, how will this
conference cater to practitioners
with varying levels of expertise,
from beginners to seasoned professionals?

Dr Mahesh Verma: The theme,
“Shaping the Future: Trends and
Insights in Dental Implants,” offers
a forward-looking perspective on
innovations that will keep delegates at the forefront of implantology. Attendees will explore advancements in implant materials
like biocompatible alloys and ce-

Dr Brij Sabherwal: The conference will cater to practitioners of
all levels by offering structured
learning tracks. For beginners,
there will be foundational sessions
and hands-on workshops to build
basic clinical skills. Intermediate
practitioners can look forward to
advanced topics and interactive

case discussions. Seasoned professionals will benefit from specialized lectures, masterclasses,
and panel discussions on cutting-edge techniques and innovations. This approach ensures that
everyone, regardless of experience, can gain valuable knowledge and practical skills.
In your experience, how has
the collaboration between AAID
and WCOI enriched the overall
learning experience for participants?
Dr Mahesh Verma: The collaboration between AAID and WCOI
has enriched the learning experience by merging the strengths of
both organizations, and creating a
global platform for knowledge-sharing. This partnership
brings together a diverse range of
international experts, offering
unique insights and perspectives.
AAID’s influence in the West, combined with WCOI’s impact in the
East, creates a dynamic environment where participants can learn
from the best. India’s role as the
host highlights the country’s
growing prominence in implant
dentistry, and the overwhelming
response to the Diplomat and
Master Fellowship exams showcases the dedication of young
practitioners. This collaboration
ensures that attendees gain cutting-edge knowledge, actionable
strategies, and networking opportunities, enabling them to address
challenges in implantology with
confidence.
Looking at the current trends,
what do you believe are the biggest opportunities for implant
dentistry in the next five years,
and how will this event address
them?

Dr Shankar Iyer: AI and digital
dentistry are on the rise, but the
focus will also shift towards managing implant complications and
long-term failures, such as peri-implantitis and implant component
fractures. Companies are already
making changes in design, surfaces, and connections to address
these issues. Our event will focus
on evidence-based protocols that
ensure long-term success, offering
delegates practical strategies to
navigate these challenges.
What are the long-term benefits for delegates attending this
conference, and how will it impact their practice or academic
pursuits after the event?
Dr Brij Sabherwal: Attending
this conference will have long-lasting benefits, enhancing both clinical practice and academic pursuits. Delegates will improve their
clinical skills through exposure to
advanced
techniques
and
hands-on training, leading to better patient outcomes. Networking
opportunities will foster collaborations and mentorship, supporting career growth. For those in academia, the insights gained will
enrich teaching and research,
while practitioners will benefit
from adopting the latest technologies, giving them a competitive
edge and driving practice growth.
Additionally, delegates will contribute to the broader dental community by sharing knowledge and
assuming leadership roles, influencing future advancements in
implant care.

About the author

Dr Rajeev Chitguppi
Executive
Editor,
Dental
Tribune South Asia.
Research & marketing head,
ICPA Health Products Ltd.
Founder, Perioindia. Educator
in Periodontics & Implantology.
Holds copyright for the concept Perionomics - an effective
and efficient practice-building
tool.

[9] =>

NEWS

Dental Tribune South Asia Edition | 04/2024

Rise of unethical at-home dental services in
India

According to the Dental Council of India, certain dental service providers in the country send untrained and unregistered staff to patients’ homes, posing a threat to patient safety. (Image: Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock)

By Iveta Ramonaite,
Dental Tribune International
NEW DELHI, India: According
to the online Indian newspaper
ThePrint, the number of unethical at-home dental services is
slowly increasing in India. Certain companies in the country
offer services that include tooth
whitening, tooth extraction, the
fabrication of night guards and
dentures, and orthodontic treatment at the patient’s home.
Alarmingly, a significant part of
these dental services are carried
out by untrained and unregistered staff, thus violating existing laws and threatening patients’ oral and overall health.
Toothsi is a dental technology
start-up that was launched in
2018 and has since merged with
cosmetic solutions provider
makeO. The company refers to
itself as India’s first and largest
at-home smile makeover service
provider and says that it uses
groundbreaking clear aligner
technology to make tooth
straightening simple and affordable. Some prominent celebrities in India are among toothsi’s
brand ambassadors.
The Dental Council of India
(DCI) has criticised the company
and other similar dental service
providers, stating that they are
breaking multiple regulations
established by the Dentists Act,
1948, and the Revised Dentists
(Code of Ethics) Regulations,
2014. For example, DCI reported
that it has come to the council’s
attention that certain service
providers employ untrained and
unregistered personnel to perform dental services. Additionally, it noted that some companies are providing services such
as intra-oral scanning and clear
aligner treatment to patients at
their homes. As these services
are reportedly offered by indi-

viduals who are not registered
dentists, such behaviour jeopardises professional standards
and patient safety.
and

In light of the illegal dental
activity, DCI has directed state
councils to promptly issue orders to halt activities to companies and individuals violating the
provisions of the Dentists Act,
1948, and to take appropriate
legal action against dental service providers that breach these
regulations.

Duo Quattro Centrifuge

Strictly physiologic!

‘’

“I have been hearing about
companies like toothsi which,
riding on mega advertising campaigns, trap gullible people and,
in many cases, use salesmen to
offer dental health services. This
is totally unacceptable,” said
Prof. Mahesh Verma, vice chancellor of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University in New
Delhi and a former vice president of DCI, in a news article.

6 Protocols:
Position 1: A-PRF + : 1300 rpm / 8 min
Position 2 : i-PRF : 700 rpm / 3 min
Position 3 : i-PRF M : 700 rpm / 4 min
Position 4 : i-PRF + : 700 rpm / 5 min
Position 5 : A-PRF Liquid : 1300 rpm / 5 min
Position 6 : PRF (L) : 2300 rpm / 12 min

Although DCI has issued
multiple public notices on the
matter throughout the years as
well as a directive to state dental
councils just recently, there is
currently no evidence that DCI or
the state councils have taken any
action against companies offering unethical dental treatment.
These companies include the
Mumbai-based Doctor 365 and
Dr. Arry’s Mediclinic, which offers dental services in the National Capital Region and the
city of Jaipur, according to
ThePrint.

Clot
Membrane

+ tubes
Used to get clots and make
membranes of PRF.

Liquid
Injectable

tubes
Used to get liquid PRF
for injections.

Blood Collectors
Blood collectors are used to draw blood.

INDICATIONS:
► Oral surgery

► Bone grafts

► Soft tissue surgery

► Dermatology

► Implantology

► Sinus lifts

► Socket preservation

► Orthopedics

► Plastic surgery

► Wound closure

► Regenerative medicine

► Aesthetics

Your distributor:

For more informa�on or to order any of the products in this brochure, please contact:
LifeCare Devices Private Limited
New Jubilee Building, Office no. 1, Laxmiben Chheda Road, Nalasopara West, Palghar 401 203.
Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Maharashtra, INDIA. | E: info@lifecare.in
| Customer Service : +91 99304 50170 | Customer Service WhatsApp : +91 99304 50169
| Management WhatsApp : +91 99304 50163/+91 99997 86275

[10] =>

NEWS

Dental Tribune South Asia Edition | 04/2024

Indian paediatricians want to know more
about oral health

In a survey of 600 paediatricians in Uttar Pradesh state in India, over 90% of participants agreed that medical curricula should feature more education about oral health topics.
(Image: WESTOCK PRODUCTIONS/Shutterstock)

By Dental Tribune International

GHAZIABAD, India: Nearly
half of all children in India have
early childhood caries (ECC), and
research shows that reducing
ECC incidence requires the participation of healthcare practitioners who work with children
and caregivers. Researchers at
Manav Rachna Dental College in
the northern state of Haryana
recently surveyed paediatricians
to assess their perspectives and
knowledge relating to oral care,
and they found that older clinicians working in hospitals or universities had a more positive attitude towards paediatric dental
care, and most respondents
agreed that medical curricula
should include more oral health
education.
The study focused on paediatricians working in the western
regions of the northern state of
Uttar Pradesh, and it drew
600 respondents, who mainly
worked in hospital or university
settings. Nearly half had ten or
fewer years of clinical experience.
The vast majority (87.00%)
knew the correct age for a child’s
first dental visit and 83.57% accurately identified ineffective
methods of alleviating teething
discomfort. The primary causes
of caries were recognised by
72.59%, and 85.59% understood
the factors that contribute to
bottle mouth caries. Gaps in
knowledge were identified relating to the bacteria involved in
bottle mouth caries and the critical pH level for tooth demineralisation, which was correctly
identified by just 79.76%.
In the area of dental hygiene,
90.8% supported the inclusion
of oral health education in med-

ical curricula for children, and
81.8% recognised the need to
educate healthcare providers
about caries prevention and infant oral health. The vast majority (88.70%) favoured collaboration with paediatric dentists to
combat ECC and advance children’s oral health, and 95.74%
agreed that their role in providing dental healthcare advice to
parents was essential.
Discussing the results, the researchers highlighted “an encouraging pattern: a significant
proportion of practitioners had
deep expertise in critical facets
of child dental treatment”. Nonetheless, they pointed out that
just 80.05% of participants
agreed with incorporating oral
health check-ups into daily paediatric practice, indicating that
integration of dental care into
broader medical practice remains a topic of debate.
“The data underscores a
commendable understanding
and positive attitude toward the
preventive aspects of dental
health among participants. Yet, it
also pinpoints areas, like knowledge about critical pH levels for
tooth demineralisation, where
continued education is imperative,” the researchers concluded.
The study, titled “Reconnoitering the dental knowledge and
attitude of pediatricians in the
Western Uttar Pradesh region of
India, was published online on
10 May 2024 in Cureus.

For more informaon or to order any of the products in this brochure, please contact:
LifeCare Devices Private Limited
New Jubilee Building, Office no. 1, Laxmiben Chheda Road, Nalasopara West, Palghar 401 203.
Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Maharashtra, INDIA. | E: info@lifecare.in
| Customer Service : +91 99304 50170 | Customer Service WhatsApp : +91 99304 50169
| Management WhatsApp : +91 99304 50163/+91 99997 86275

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[cover] => DT South Asia No. 4, 2024

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