Department of Paedodontics and Preventive Dentistry

Events Organized:

Children’s day (14-11-2023)

Children’s Day was celebrated on 14th November 2023 in the Department of Pediatric & Preventive Dentistry, MGPGIDS, Pondicherry. Prof. Dr. S. P. K. Kennedy Babu, M.D.S., Dean, MGPGIDS, presided over the function and addressed the gathering. The programme included games and drawing competition for children on the theme of importance of healthy diet for good oral health. Demonstration of brushing technique for children and lecture on common oral diseases, their prevention and treatment, oral hygiene and dietary instructions were given. Prizes for winners in drawing competition and gifts were distributed to the participants. Dr. V. Arun Prasad Rao, M.D.S., Ph. D. Professor & HOD, Dept. of Pediatric & Preventive Dentistry, MGPGIDS, delivered welcome address and vote of thanks.

School Dental Camp:

School Dental Health Programme by Department of Pediatric & Preventive Dentistry, MGPGIDS, Pondicherry was resumed on 01.09.2023. The programme involves screening for dental diseases and providing basic, simple and non-invasive dental procedures after getting prior consent from the parents. Complex treatment procedures will be performed in the Department of Pediatric & Preventive Dentistry, MGPGIDS, Puducherry while parents accompany the children. Camps were conducted in Thillaiyadi Valliammai Government High School, Kadirkamam, Puducherry from September 2023 to January 2024 and in Government Primary School, Indra Nagar, Puducherry from February 2024. A total number of 1853 students have benefitted from School Dental Health Programme.

Awards:

ISPPD Best Video Presentation Award
During the 20th PG Convention of the Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry (ISPPD) “PEDODALES 2024” held at Dehradun during 22nd-24th February 2024,
Dr. M. Kavitha, M.D.S., Assistant Professor and Dr. K. Divya Barathi, M.D.S., Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatric & Preventive Dentistry, MGPGIDS, Puducherry won the Video Presentation Award in Public Awareness category, for the presentation titled “Knocked Out Teeth – Are Teachers Aware”.
ISPPD Student Merit Award
During the 20th PG Convention of the Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry (ISPPD) “PEDODALES 2024” held at Dehradun during 22nd-24th February 2024,
Neha. J. K, Intern, received the (ISPPD) Student Merit Award (2023) for securing highest marks in the subject of Pediatric & Preventive Dentistry at the University/College level in MGPGIDS affiliated to Pondicherry University.

ACADEMIC & RESEARCH ACTIVITIES OF FACULTY

Dr. V. Arun Prasad Rao, MDS, Ph.D., Professor & HOD :-

Conferences/ Courses Attended:

1. Attended Faculty development programme “Training the Teachers” Organized by the Indian Society of Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry (ISPPD) in association with Subharti Dental College & Hospital, SVSU, Meerut, India on 28 -29 August 2023.
2. Attended Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Awareness Programme conducted by NBEMS on 06.12.2023 in MGPGIDS, Puducherry.
3. Attended CDE Programme “Management of Malocclusion- A recent update” conducted by IDA Puducherry on 24.03.2024.

Presentations/Lectures Delivered:
1. Presented lecture on “Practice Management” in Orientation Programme TRANSFORMATION” for Interns on 14.07.2023 conducted by Dental Education Unit, MGPGIDS, Puducherry.
2. Presented overview of Institution profile at DSTR online meeting at MGPGIDS on 31st October 2023.
3. Presented lecture on “Past, Present and Future of Dentistry” in Special Orientation Programme “AMBITION” for I year BDS course on 25.11.2023 conducted by Dental Education Unit, MGPGIDS, Puducherry.
4. Presented lecture on “U.G & P.G Professional Education- The Journey taken so far & Journey ahead” in Special Orientation Programme “PERFECTION” for I year MDS course on 14.12.2023 conducted by Dental Education Unit, MGPGIDS, Puducherry.
5. Presented lecture on “Interns-Role and Responsibilities” in Orientation Programme TRANSFORMATION” for Interns on 05.02.2024 conducted by Dental Education Unit, MGPGIDS, Puducherry.

Meetings attended:
1. Attended meeting regarding ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ conducted by Directorate of Health and Family Welfare Services, Puducherry on 10.11.2023.
2. Conducted Interview at Sri Venkateshwaraa Dental College Ariyur, Puducherry as Pondicherry University Nominee on 15.12.2023.
3. Attended Institutional Review Board Meeting of MGPGIDS, Puducherry held on 15.03.2024.
4. Attended CII Puducherry State Annual Meeting 2023-24 & Conference on Business Transformation through Brand Building and Technology, in The Sunway Manor, Puducherry on 15.03.2024.
5. Attended Faculty meeting at Pondicherry University Convened to present and discuss Draft Research Policy organized by Research and Development Cell on 27.03.2024.

Dr. S. Nandakumar, MDS, Associate Professor :-

Publications:
1. Suresh Pavithra, Sundaramurthy Nandakumar, Gajula Shivashankarappa Prathima, M. Kavitha, R Eswari. Effects of Dental Operating Microscope on Anxiety, Behaviour, and Treatment duration among Children in the 5-7 Year Age Group undergoing dental restorative procedures: A Randomised Clinical Trial. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. 2023 Sep, Vol-17(9):
2. A.P. Pragadeesh, G.S. Prathima, Sundaramurthy Nandakumar. Comparative Evaluation of Kedo- ‘S’square Files with Manual Instrumentation in Primary Molars: An Invitro Study. International journal of life science and pharma research., Volume 13., No 4(July) 2023
3. Krishnakumar Ramalingam, Lokesh Siva, Nisha Lenin, Nandakumar Sundaramurthy. A Customised paediatric thumb web splint for management of adduction contracture of thumb. BMJ case reports 2023 Aug 11 ;16(8).
4. Nandakumar S, Krishnakumar R, Anand Prabhu, Syed Shaheed Ahamed , Megalaa N. “Riding Pontics”: A Tool Behind A Assured Smile: A Case Report: IJCMPR Volume 9; Issue 6; June 2023; Page No. 368-370.
5. Thirumurugan K, Megalaa N, Ramesh Babu M.R, Nandakumar S, John Shibin J, Divya Barathi K. Systemic antibiotics: Are they necessary in the prevention of wound healing issues following intra-alveolar tooth extractions? IJCBS,2023;24(4): 435-440.
6. Thirumurugan K, Megalaa N, Ramesh Babu MR, Nandakumar S, John Shibin, Ahila E. Odontogenic Fibroma of Maxilla- A Case Report. IJCMPR, 2023; 9(6): 365-367.

ONGOING PROJECTS:
“Knowledge, Attitude And Perception Of Children’s Parents Toward Pulp Therapy Of The Primary Teeth: A Clinical Survey” in Department of Pediatric & Preventive dentistry, MGPGIDS, Puducherry.
Presented the Short study in Institutional Review board and Institutional Ethical Committee held on 19.4.2023 & 24.4.2023 respectively and got approved with Registration No: 417/MGPGIDS/IEC/2023/MDS/No.37-2023.
“Evaluation Of Knowledge And Attitude Of Puducherry School Teachers About Emergency Management Of Traumatic Dental Injury-A Questionnaire Study”.
Presented the Short study in Instituitional Review board and Instituitional Ethical Committee held on 15.3.2024 & 26.4.2024 respectively.

Conferences/ Courses Attended:
1. Attended in the International CDE Program “Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) in Oral Health – a New Era in Prevention on 15.7.2023 conducted by Department of Public Health Dentistry, IGIDS, SBV in association with College of Dentistry, University of IOWA, USA.
2. Attended Pedo Feast 2023 CDE Hands on programme on Concious Sedation organized by Department of Pediatric Dentistry on 10th October 2023 at Adhiparasakthi Dental College & Hospital, Melmaruvathur.

Chair Person At National Conference:
Chaired the paper presentation session by Post Graduates in Pedo Feast 2023 CDE Hands on programme conducted by Department of Pediatric Dentistry on 10th October 2023 at Adhiparasakthi Dental College & Hospital , Melmaruvathur.

Institutional Activities:
1. Addressed a orientation program conducted by Dental Education Unit for Third year BDS 0n 10.02.2024 on the topic ‘ Practice Management’
2. Participated in the seminar on Celebrating Keshavananda Bharati Case-50 years presented by Dr.J.Cyril Mathias Vincent at Hotel Ram International on 28th April 2023

Departmental Activities:
Appointed as Department Data Collector for institutional works.

Dr. N. Megalaa, MDS, Associate Professor :-

Conferences/ Courses attended/ Paper presented:
1. Attended the International CDE Program “Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) in Oral Health – A New Era in Prevention on 15.7.2023 conducted by Department of Public Health Dentistry, IGIDS, SBV in association with College of Dentistry, University of IOWA, USA.
2. Attended Faculty development program “Training the Teachers” Organized by the Indian Society of Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry (ISPPD) in association with Subharti Dental College & Hospital, SVSU, Meerut, India on 28th -29th August, 2023.
3. Attended “Pedofeast 2023”- “Pediatric Behaviour Guidance Workshop - PEBG’W” Organized by Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Adhiparasakthi Dental College & Hospital., Melmarunathur on 10th October, 2023.
4. Attended “Catch Them Early – Watch Them Grow”- Interceptive Orthodontics organized by IDA, Ranipet on19th November 2023.

HANDS-ON TRAINING ATTENDED:
1. Attended Hands- On Training in “Pedofeast 2023”- “Pediatric Behaviour Guidance Workshop - PEBG’W” on Concious sedation, organized by Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Adhiparasakthi Dental College & Hospital., Melmarunathur on 10th October, 2023.
2. Attended Hands- On Training in “Catch Them Early – Watch Them Grow”, Interceptive Orthodontics organized by IDA, Ranipet on 19th November, 2023.,

Chairperson / Judge:
1. Chaired a Scientific Session at “Pedofeast 2023”- “Pediatric Behaviour Guidance Workshop - PEBG’W” organized by Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Adhiparasakthi Dental College & Hospital., Melmarunathur on 10th October, 2023.

Institutional Activities:
1. Participated in group discussion program entitled “Women Empowerment in Independent India” conducted on April 4th 2023.
2. Appointed as Cultural Advisor in Staff Advisory committee for the Student Council reconstituted with the following faculty member

Research papers published:
1. Systemic antibiotics: Are they necessary in the prevention of wound healing issues following intra-alveolar tooth extractions? Thirumurugan K, Megalaa N, Ramesh Babu M.R, Nandakumar S, John Shibin J, Divya Barathi K. IJCBS,2023;24(4): 435-440.
2. Odontogenic Fibroma of Maxilla- A Case Report. Thirumurugan K, Megalaa N, Ramesh Babu MR, Nandakumar S, John Shibin, Ahila E. IJCMPR, 2023; 9(6): 365-367.
3. “Riding Pontics”: A Tool Behind a Assured Smile: A Case Report. Nandakumar S, Krishnakumar, Anand Prabhu, Syed Shaheed Ahamed S, Megalaa.N. IJCMPR, 2023; 9(6): 368-370.
4. Risk factors of early childhood caries among preschool children in Madipakkam, Chennai: Cross sectional survey. Manikandan K, Megalaa N, Valliappan S, Nandini K, Rani LV, Dakshinamurthi S. J Pharm Bioall Sci 2024;16:S1438-41.
5. Knowledge, Attitude and Perception Regarding Myofunctional Appliance among Children- Prospective Study of Parent’s view. Subramanian Valliappan, Megalaa N, Indra Annamalai, Vidhya G, Gireesh K. Subbiah, Ranjith K. J Pharm Bioall Sci 2024;16:S1465-7.

ONGOING PROJECT:
1. “Parental knowledge, attitude and acceptance regarding malocclusion, its etiological factors, and treatments available for their children during mixed dentition period”
2. Comparative Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Motivation with Positive Reinforcement in Promoting Awareness About Oral Health Among Public School Children in Puducherry.

Dr. Kavitha. M, MDS, Assistant Professor :-

I. PATENT GRANTED
“CAMOUFLAGE DIAGNOSTIC KIT FOR KIDS " filed on 17.6.2021 with application no 202141027162 and the patent granted on 21.12.2023.

II. PUBLICATIONS

1. M Kavitha, T Seema Devi, GS Prathima , Shiva Shankar, Divvi Anusha, Eldho Babu. Effectiveness of Oral Health Education Using Child Model Video vs Conventional Education by Dentist among Orphanage Children of Puducherry, India: A Prospective Interventional Study. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. 2023 Vol-17(4): ZC44-ZC47.
2. Bala Anusha D, Prathima GS, Suganya M, Kavitha M, Ezhumalai G. Evaluation of shear bond strength of TheraCal PT and Biodentine in primary molars: In vitro study. J Int Oral Health 2023;15:298-303.
3. Priscilla S, Shivashankarappa PG, Mohandoss S, Kavitha M et al. Comparative Evaluation of Sealing Ability of Moisture-tolerant Sealant and Glass Ionomer Sealant Using Stereomicroscope: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(S-1):S67–S71.
4. Pavithra S,Nandakumar S ,Prathima GS, Kavitha M. Effects of Dental Operating Microscope on Anxiety, Behaviour, and Treatment duration among Children in the 5-7 Year Age Group undergoing dental restorative procedures: A Randomised Clinical Trial. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research 17 (9), ZC06-ZC09.
5. Suresh P, Muthukrishnan K, Ramassamy E, Gajula Shivashankarappa P. 'M' mechanics for midline diastema correction in mixed dentition. BMJ Case Rep. 2023 22;16(9):e256179.
6. Kavitha M, Prathima GS, Anusha D, Shiva Shankar. Knowledge, Attitude and Skills of General dental practitioners regarding Pediatric dental practices in Puducherry - A Questionnaire Survey. International Journal of Scientific Research 2023 :12(10);41-44.
7. Bala Anusha Durairaj , Prathima Gajula Shivashankarappa, Kavitha Muthukrishnan , G Ezhumalai , Eswari Ramassamy. Clinical Efficacy of Kedo S Square Files versus Manual K Files in Root Canal Preparation of Deciduous Molars: A Randomised Clinical Trial. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. 2023:17(11);ZC01-ZC05
8. Venkatachalamoorthi V, Shivashankarappa PG, Adimoulame S, Kayalvizhi G, Kavitha M, Ezhumalai G . Effect of Passion Fruit Juice in Removal of Smear Layer in Root Canal of Ex Vivo Human Teeth: A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(S-2):S190–S194.
9. Anusha Durairaj B, Gajula Shivashankarappa P, Muthukrishnan K, et al. Natal and neonatal teeth: early diagnosis and management BMJ Case Rep 2023;16:e249.

III. Awards:
Received “CITATION AWARD” for excellence and accomplishments in professional career, contributions to society, science and health care from SBV Alumni association on the occasion of SBV annual alumni day held on 2nd September 2023.

IV. Video Presentation at National Convention
Presented a Video on the topic”Knocked out teeth are the teachers aware?- Traumatic dental injuries” and won best presentation for the same at the 20th National ISPPD PG Convention- PedoDales 2024 conducted by ISPPD head office at Dehradun on 22nd to 24th February 2024
V. Chair Person at National Convention
Chaired a scientific session at the 20th National ISPPD PG Convention- PedoDales 2024 conducted by ISPPD head office at Dehradun on 22nd to 24th February 2024.

VI. BLS Instructor:
1. Conducted two AHA certified BLS course as BLS instructor at MSC-IT MGMCRI on 18.10.2023 and 20.10.2023 respectively.

VII. Reviewer in Journals:
1. The Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research
2. The Journal of Asian Journal of Pediatric Research
3. The Journal European Journal of Dentistry
4. The Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International
5. International Journal of Research & Reports In Dentistry
6. International Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Case Reports
7. Pondent (Journal of MGPGIDS) 2024.
8. BDJ open

VIII. Ongoing Research Project

1. Presented a Short study titled “Snake and Ladder- Dental Game” on dental Anxiety among 6-12 year old children: A Randomized controlled Trial” at Institutional Review board and Institutional Ethical Committee held on 19.4.2023 & 24.4.2023 respectively and got approved with Registration No: 417/MGPGIDS/IEC/2023/MDS/No.39-2023.

2. Registered the project in Clinical Trial Registry- India -REF/2023/11/075854.

3. Presented a Short study titled “Prevalence of dental anomalies in 3 to 12 year old children of Puducherry” at Institutional Review board and Institutional Ethical Committee held on 15.3.2024,26.3.2024

IX. Responsibilities in the Institution
1. Appointed as Editorial Advisor in Staff Advisory committee for the Student Council
2. Appointed as Editorial Board member for Pondent Quaterly
3. Appointed as Deputy Warden-Ladies hostel of MGPGIDS,

X. Outreach Activities:
1.Attended a Dental Screening Camp and Celebration of “World NO tobacco Day” programme for the Scheduled tribes people as part of celebration at Camp on 31st May 2023 at airport road backside, Karuvadikuppam, Puducherry.
XI. Workshops & seminars attended.
1. Attended and participated in “Women Empowerment in Independent India” group discussion as a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” on 18.4.2023.
2. Attended Continuous Data Collection system management in the institutional website by faculty/committee members on 5th July 2023.
3. Attended Faculty development program “Training the Teachers” Organized by the Indian Society of Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry (ISPPD) in association with Subharti Dental College & Hospital, SVSU, Meerut, India 28 -29 August, 2023.
4. Participated in the OXIS studies- Dissemination workshop held on 30th August 2023 organized by SRIHER & India Alliance DBT Welcome trust.
5. Received the certificate of appreciation for active participation in conducting the research project titled “Non-carious Interproximal contact areas of Primary molars” in DBT Welcome Trust funded project on 30th August 2023.
6. Attended “Hand on Workshop on Laser Dentistry”- A Skill Enhancement Program for Alumni organized by the Guild alumni Association, IGIDS on 2nd September 2023.
7. Attended DSTR meeting at MGPGIDS on 31st October 2023
Attended Pre-conference course on “Orthodontic aligners in mixed dentition-Pre convention course” organized by the 20th National ISPPD PG Convention- Pedo Dales 2024 conducted by ISPPD head office at Dehradun on 22nd to 24th February 2024.

Dr. K. Divya Barathi, MDS, Assistant Professor :-
Conferences/ Courses attended/ Paper presented:
• Attended Faculty Development Program “Training the teachers” organized by ISPPD on 28th-29th August 2023.
• Attended Pediatric Behaviour Guidance Workshop and Handson on “Conscious sedation”, 10.11.2023, at AdhiParasakthi Dental College and Hospital
• Attended IDA’s 3rd Continuing Dental Education ‘Catch them Early Watch them Grow on Interceptive Orthodontics Hands on’ at Ranipet, 19.11.2023.
• Presented a video titled “Knocked out teeth- are teachers aware? in 20th National ISPPD Convention held at Dehradun from 22.02.2024 to 24.02.2024 and won best video presentation for the same.
• Attended Pre-convention course handson on “Orthodontic therapy in mixed dentition with Aligners and Aligners modified functional appliances” at 20th National ISPPD Convention held at Dehradun from 22.02.2024 to 24.02.2024.

Chairperson / Judge:
• Chaired a Scientific session at Pediatric Behaviour Guidance Workshop conducted by Adhiparasakthi Dental College and Hospital on 10.11.2023.
• Chaired a Scientific session at 20th in 20th National ISPPD Convention held at Dehradun from 22.02.2024 to 24.02.2024

Institutional Activities:
• Member of MeriLife program and conducted and participated in various activities from 04.09.2023 to 04.02.2024
• As a part of MeriLife program, accompanied 2nd and 3rd BDS students to Dr. Abdul Kalam Science Center ad Planetarium, Puducherry on 29.11.2023.

Research papers published:
• Systemic antibiotics: Are they necessary in the prevention of wound healing issues following intra- alveolar tooth extractions? IJCBS, 24(4);435-40.
• The silent invader- cemento ossifying fibroma: a case report. JPTCP, 30(14);407-12

Ongoing study:
Effect of Aromatherapy and Sweet tasting solution in Pediatric patients in reducing pain during Local Anesthesia: A randomized controlled trial.

Dr. R. Abinaya, MDS, Assistant Professor :-

COURSES ATTENDED:
Faculty Development Program “Training the teachers” organized by ISPPD on 28th-29th August 2023
RESEARCH PAPERS PUBLISHED:
1. Evaluation of the Anti-microbial Efficacy of a Novel Endodontic Irrigant Against Enterococcus faecalis: An In Vitro Study. Cureus 2023 15(10): e46410. DOI 10.7759/cureus.46410
2. Fragment reattachment – Revive the defunct : Accepted in Pondent journal

ONGOING PROJECT:
Knowledge, Attitude And Practices Regarding Local Anesthesia In Pediatric Dentistry Among Dental Professionals In Pondicherry – A Cross Sectional Study