2019:Dentistry in India has gone through a long road with its own share of highs and lows to reach its present pinnacle. As dentistry in India steps into its 100th year, it is only befitting to remember Dr. Rafiuddin Ahmed, the Father of Modern Dentistry in India. Dr.R.Ahmed, not suppressed by the limitations imposed by the society, took a giant leap to graduate from the university of Iowa as a Doctor of Dental surgery and then pursued his dream by starting the first dental college in India in 1920. He was also the proud recipient of Padma Bhushan award and was also elected as the first president of Indian Dental Association. Although 100 years have passed since, Dr.R Ahmed still remains an epitome of Dentistry in India. With the dawn of the centennial celebrations, Academy of Dentistry International, India chapter has found it beseeming to acknowledge Dr. R. Ahmed and his contribution to the field of dentistry by conducting the 3rd ADI Global Conclave 2019 in Saveetha Dental College and Hospital. Saveetha Dental College and hospitals is one of the finest institutions in the world with a unique curriculum that is a spectacular fusion of the best practices of the east and west. It is at the spear head of revolutionary research, aiming at changing accepted mindset and ideologies in dental education, treatment and management. Students evolving into strong and confident professionals is considered as the ultimate success of the college. The inauguration of the conference was done by the Chief guest, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Govt. of Tamilnadu, Thiru. O. Panneer Selvam and Guest of Honour, Hon’ble Health Minister, Govt. of Tamilnadu, Dr. C. Vijaybaskar. Dr.Gerhard. K. Seeberger, ADI president presided over the function. The conference witnessed a galaxy of personalities including Dr.Bharat Shetty, DCI acting president, Dr.Majundhar, ADI Patron and many other member from the DCI committee. Dr.Rajkumar, ADI president, India chapter is the pivotal behind this program. The proceedings of the conference were held under the benevolence of founder and Visionary, Dr.N.M Veeraiyan,Chancellor & Founder of Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical sciences and Dr. Deepak Nallaswamy, Director Saveetha Dental College and Hospital. “The State of Tamil Nadu is only a trend-setter but also a game changer. This conclave endeavours to create opportunities in continuing exchanges of knowledge/ education and expertise for improving the global level of Oral Health.” said Dr C VijayaBhaskar,our honourable health minister. “It was always a dream for me to make Saveetha dental college as a Model dental college and now I can see that the dream is becoming a reality and the legacy will take it forward.We have kept with current trend by adopting digital dentistry to benefit our students as well as our patients. We focus on innovative teaching and learning process so that the students get involved and enjoy learning dentistry” said Dr.N.M. Veeraiyan, Chancellor & Founder ,Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences “I hope that the deliberations, in this Global Conclave, among experts, from across the world, will help design a model, for oral healthcare, that is truly affordable and accessible, and solves one of the big public challenges of developing countries, like India.” said Thiru O Panneer Selvam, honourable deputy chief minister of Tamil Nadu.
