Transformation in learning- Edify: Department of General Pathology

Department of Pathology conducted their 6th edify meet on “Process of Moulding the students for their career”. We presented a video about the real experience of us with a student who was an introvert, shy and a frequent absentee for classes in his first year. We showed that how we identified him and counselled him personally and how his friends were counselled to help him out by interacting,reading and learning with him in his second year.Finally we showed how he had drastically transformed by us to an interactive, enthusiastic and being regular for classes in his third year and got a great appreciation from the audience.

Transformation learning Edify: Department of Pharmacology

Department of pharmacology has presented the Edify season 6 on transformational changes in learning process on 17 th January 2019. Pharmacology is an inevitable and overwhelming subject in dental curriculum but students in second year beginning find it very difficult to learn the drug classification, actions, interactions and the various indications as so many new drugs are introduced so often because of the enormous growth in research and development in this field. To make a novice into a fully equipped and highly competent dental practitioner in future, rational thinking and knowledge of drugs are mandatory for prescribing drugs for oral conditions.  Hence, Pharmacology department has an active role to give updated knowledge about the currently used drugs and the dosage forms. The department   staff take enough care of the students by knowing their personal difficulty in learning process and modulating them to learn and recollect the subject with the help of various activities such as phonological loop(mnemonics),Know how-show how, Context learning and the same was presented in this edify.

Clinical applications of Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Endodontics

Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics conducted a guest lecture on “Clinical applications of Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Endodontics". The lecture was presented by Dr. R. Dinesh Kowsky, Senior Lecturer, Dept of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital on 11.1.19 at Deccenial Hall, Saveetha Dental College. In dentistry, successful treatment outcome depends on correct diagnosis and treatment plan. CBCT being three dimensional, helps in the early diagnosis of endodontic pathosis, which leads to a predictable treatment outcome.  The appropriate utilization of CBCT in clinical practice may revolutionize the way we treat the patients.  This lecture focused on fundamentals of CBCT and it’s usefulness in the management of different endodontic conditions. 

Dental Caries Bacteriology and Treatment Options

Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics conducted a guest lecture on “Dental Caries Bacteriology and Treatment Options” presented by Dr. V. Keerthi, Reader, Dept of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Thai Mookambigai Dental College on 4.1.19 at Watson and Crick Hall, Saveetha Dental College. Dental caries is a bacteria driven disease. The microbiota is highly complex and varies with caries initiation to progression based on different caries sites. There are various methods to detect microorganisms associated with different stages of caries with the latest being technology of molecular analyses. The lecture focused on the bacterial diversity and medical model for prevention of dental caries.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON PHARM-BIOTECH 2K19

The Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, SIMATS, Chennai in association with TN Chapter –Society of Pharmaceutical Educational & Research (SPER) has organised the INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON PHARM-BIOTECH 2K19 on January 8th 2019. The conference was enriched with guest talks on  Nutraceuticals as a promising strategy for the regulation of apoptotic life by Dr. Sri Renukadevi Balusamy PhD Assistant Professor, Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Sejong University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea, Bio-nanotechnology: Dr. Haribalan Perumalsamy PhD, Research Professor, Kyung hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea delivered a talk on “An emerging tool for the treatment of cancer by and Dr. T Rajasekar ,Scientist Centre for Drug Discovery & Development, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology Chennai delivered lecture on “Therapeutic importance of sulfated polysaccharides from seaweeds: Updating the recent Findings”. 157 delegates from various Institutions have actively participated and 67 delegates presented e-posters. Ten presentations were selected and appreciated with Best e-poster Award. The accepted abstracts will be published International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Scopus indexed).

Transformation Learning-Edify Department of Biochemistry

Department of Biochemistry conducted Edify 6.0 on transformation in learning on 10th January 2019. 
Edify showcased the transformation of a dull student to a college topper with the help of innovative teaching and learning process in the department of Biochemistry. The students expressed their experiences they had encountered in the department of Biochemistry which brought a change in their academic performance. 
The students shared their research experience in the department. The department moulded them to excel in their research work. The students were encouraged to publish their articles in Scopus indexed journals.
Students from other dental colleges expressed their learning experience in the Biochemistry Department at Saveetha Dental College during their participation in various conferences.

Transformation Learning- Edify Department of Physiology

The theme for this Edify session is based on “TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING”. So, based on the theme, we the department of Physiology conducted a survey on learning abilities among the students. By this survey, we came to know about where the students was lagging and also we found that a few set of students lack their self confidence while the others were not able to concentrate for a prolonged time during their studies. In our department, we carried some important measures for the overcome of those learning disabilities to the students. For this, we followed some simple techniques like to set a study goals, to have a short break while learning, to do some simple exercise, to beat distractions, and also to be organized. By following these simple measures the students were able to show improvements in their academics and also we found a drastic change in their personality development.

Transformation in learning-Edify by Department of Anatomy

The Edify Session of the Department of Anatomy was showcased on 10 th January 2019. Dr. M. Karthik Ganesh, Senior Lecturer, Department of Anatomy, addressed and welcomed the gathering for the first Edify of the New Year 2019 on behalf of the Department. First he described “Transformative Learning” the theme of this Edify Cycle. He also explained briefly about their video content that, the video demonstrates on the various strategies used by the staffs to improvise the learning ability of all the students especially the slow learners and in turn how the students developed their capability in understanding the subject and how they transformed into better learners. Then he played the video. The video shortly explained about the uniqueness, importance and challenges in learning Anatomy and also demonstrated the measures to overcome it. The video also described the various types of student learning and categorized the students into Kinesthetic, Visual, Auditory and Read/Write learners based on the learning and understanding ability of the students. For slow-learners the learning method insisted by the staffs was on kinesthetic method of learning in which learning takes place by the students carrying out various physical activities, rather than studying from the text book or listening to a lecture or watching demonstrations. Then the video had various feedbacks from slow learners of first year, second year, third year, fourth year and Internship students of BDS. They shared their experiences that how they struggled at the beginning in understanding the Anatomy subject and after the teachers guidance, how they adopted the learning strategies to improve their studying skills in their first year tenure of BDS course. After the end of the video the Director of Academics, Dr. Deepak Nallaswamy commented that the video appeared as an interview series rather than a complete transformation of a student. He advised to focus more on single slow learning student at the beginning and after training how the student getting transformed into a better learning student in all capabilities. He also mentioned the student feedback videos were “candid”.

Pongal Vizha-2019

Yet another occasion to celebrate.!!! Saveetha Institute of Medical & Technical Sciences organised a gala pongal visa at the university campus, Thandalam.

A complete village set up with all traditional games and cultural participated and performed from students across all the institutions under SIMATS umbrella.

Cotton candy to cane juice, columbus to giant wheel all fun games and pongal preparation by the faculty. Feast to the students, fun for the faculty memories of childhood. Hurray!!

OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) – An Update for the Dental team

The Department of Oral Medicine& Radiology conducted an International CDE on 28th December 2018 titled “OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) – An Update for the Dental team. The Program was aimed at providing in-depth and elaborate knowledge on the upcoming topic of obstructive sleep apnea. The Program has International Speakers like Dr. Sowmya Ananthan DMD., MSD form Rutgers school of Dental science, USA and National Speakers Dr. Ranjana Kumari MS ENT , Dr. Mogit Gupta. Y & Dr. Subha . M , which led to the awarding of 3 CDE points by the Tamilnadu Dental Council of India through their order TNDC Approval Number 245/18. 

The CDE was inaugurated by Dr.Sheeja verghese , Dean  Saveetha Dental College, with a complete ladies list of Dignitaries on the Dias representing the contribution of women in the field of Medicine. The CDE started with   Dr. Mogit who gave the lecture on OSA – Understanding the disease process in which he explained the various epidemiological aspects of OSA and the Pathophysiology of OSA. Dr.Subha then gave a lecture on POSA and its long term implications which gave special emphasis on the pediatric OSA and the various clinical features and the long term implications of such patients. Dr. Sowmya’s lecture dealt with an indepth discussion on OSA, and the relationship with Orofacial pain and the various modalities with which a patient with OSA has to be managed. Dr. Ranjana then spoke on the medical and the dental connect of OSA and gave insights on the ENT aspects of OSA and ended her lecture by showing various surgical management of OSA. 

There were a total of 62 participants who were from USA (1) , other parts of India (1)  and Tamilnadu (60). The participants were not only dentists but also medical professionals who deal with OSA in their day to day practice.  All the participants appreciated the uniqueness of the program choosing OSA in which there are various avenues of research. They gave a positive feedback about each guest lecturers and expressed their interest to take part in further CDE organized on similar topics. 

12TH International BDS Students Seminar - Basic Medical Sciences

12th International BDS students seminar on basic medical sciences was conducted on 8th December 2018 at Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals.This international seminar is very unique as it gives a platform for dental students to enrich their knowledge in basic medical sciences.  The chief guest of the day was Dr. Yeshwanth Kumar Venkataraman, Honorary Consulate, Embassy of Republic of El Salvador, India. The program was felicitated by Dr. Deepak Nallaswamy, Director of Academics, Saveetha Dental College and Dr. Sheeja Varghese, Dean, Saveetha Dental College. The seminar was attended by 850 delegates from around the globe. The delegates presented papers, eposters and participated in quiz competitions. The scientific presentations were conducted in various halls judged by eminent subject experts from various dental colleges across the country. Awards were given for best  scientific presentations and quiz by Dr. S. Senthil Kumar, Principal, College of Allied Health Sciences, Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute. 

World AIDS Day

Department of Microbiology observed the World AIDS day on 1 ST of December 2018in the Saveetha Dental College and Hospital premises with the theme “Know your HIVstatus”. The department organized an awareness campaign emphasizing the importance ofknowing one’s status and calling for the removal of all barriers to accessing HIV testing among the faculties, visiting patients and technical staff. Banners and posters were displayed at various places in the college exhibiting the theme for the year 2018 in preventing control of HIV and AIDS. To symbolize the motto and to create awareness, red ribbon were given to all students.

Deliberation:

The department arranged a guest lecture on “HIV and Dentistry” by Dr. Dr.R.Rajan, Ph.d, a researcher on HIV and AIDS and Associate professor, department of microbiology, Mohamed sathak college of arts and science. The lecture is aimed at creating awareness among the dental students on clinical presentation of HIV and AIDS in the oral cavity that will greatly reduce the occupational risk and cross infection. The lecture was well attended by students.

Hepatitis B Vaccination Camp

HBV is the major causative agent of acute and chronic liver infection, cirrhosis, and primary hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. Infections can be expedited through several routes, including direct contact with blood, oral fluids or other secretions, indirect contact with contaminated instruments, equipment, contact with airborne contaminants present in either droplet splatter or aerosols of oral and respiratory fluids. It has been documented that HBV infection is the most important infectious occupational hazard in the dental profession. To decrease the burden of hepatitis B infection among dentists, it is recommended that the dental professionals should receive immunisation against hepatitis B virus.

Department of Microbiology, Saveetha Dental college and Hospitals organised a Hepatitis B vaccination camp on 05.12.2018 at the college premises. The faculties emphasised the importance of Hepatitis B vaccination and to maintain the protective antibody titre to be safe while handling patients. Undergraduate and Post graduate dental students who are not immunised were vaccinated. A total of 150 students were vaccinated at a nominal cost. Immunization cards were also issued to them to keep track on the next scheduled dose.

Revascularization of necrotic immature permanent teeth – An Update

Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics conducted a guest lecture on “Revascularization of necrotic immature permanent teeth – An Update" presented by Dr. C. Sooriaprakas, Reader, Dept of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College on 23.11.18 at Watson and Crick Hall, Saveetha Dental College. In the recent years, there is a paradigm shift in the management of necrotic immature permanent teeth, with most of these teeth being treated by revascularization rather than conventional apexification procedures. The current available evidence suggest the true pulp dentin complex is not being formed after regenerative endodontic protocols {REP], nevertheless it can result in continued root development that enable the tooth to survive for long time. This guest lecture highlighted the need for protocols that will enable good disinfection without causing damage to stem cells. 

Healthy life style- Guest Lecture

Department of Physiology conducted a CDE Programme on 17 th November 2018 entitled as “Healthy lifestyle” by Dr. Mohammed Yosuf. He is working as an Lead therapist in Hyundai motors private limited.He shared a wide knowledge on how to maintain healthy life style among the students . He also taught few stretch exercise to the students to follow regularly and thereby maintain a healthy life. The participants were first year BDS and BSC students. We trust that his experience would have provided our students to avoid sedentary life style and follow active healthy life. The programme was wrecked with an excellent interactive session.

Advanced Endodontic Training

It was immense pleasure to have Dr. Moataz Alkhawas, Asssociate professor of Endodontics, AlAzhar University, Cairo, Egypt for an intensive 30 hour contact programme in ‘Advanced Endodontics’ which has broadened the knowledge about day to day endodontic procedures to a great extent. Starting with diagnosis, detection of aberrant canal morphology to implementing an effective treatment regimen, every aspect was covered in great detail with emphasis on recent advances. All the steps were well supplemented with relevant case reports which helped the students to co-relate it clinically. Many clinical tips were shared during the course which would benefit the students during regular endodontic procedures. The live demonstration with strict clinical protocol being followed was of great help to the students. On the final day of the programme, the candidates were clinically supervised by Dr. Moataz himself for various clinical procedures who were guided meticulously by him. In totality, it was definitely an interactive and enriching training programme which has improved the knowledge of the students manifold regarding routine endodontic procedures.

A combinatorial informatics approach applied in deciphering insights of diagnosis and treatment- Guest Lecture

Department of Pharmacology has conducted a Guest Lecture on 17 th November 2018 on atopic entitled “A combinatorial informatics approach applied in deciphering insights of diagnosis and treatment”. The Disease management relies on the information of genome and proteome to identifyproteins associated with a disease. The basis of new drug discovery is to inactivate proteins involved indisease, which is performed with the help of 3D structure of the protein associated with the disease.Our speaker Dr.S.Sridhar, Assistant Professor,Department of Biotechnology, Jeppiaar EngineeringCollege has given a very informative lecture on Integrating data, pattern recognition, mining,interpreting using machine learning algorithms and visualization. Also about the analysis and understanding of biological processes relevant to oral tool using computational tools such as statistics/machine learning approaches has explained. The present lecture might have opened way tonew research projects in the young minds of our budding dentists.

31st Founder's Day- SIMATS(DU)

The 31st Founders’ day is yet another memorable day for the Saveetha family. The event started at 10.00 am in the morning and got wrapped up at 4.00pm in the evening with an one hour break for the lunch. The event started with the traditional lighting of kuthuvilaku and welcome dance.

The were 5 life time achievement awards across various fields and two young achiever award. The life time achievers are Honourable Justice M. Jaichandran, Prof. (Padmashri) C.U. Velmurugendran, Prof. Dr. Shyamala Chandrasekhar, Mr. K. Balasubramaniyan, Prof.R. Venkatachalapathy and the young achiever’s are Dr K Senthil Kumar, Baby. Athena D Veeraiyan.

The chief guest of the event Mr. A. Kaliamoorthy IPS, gave a motivational speech to the gathering. He told the students to focus more on education and emphasised on how education alone can shape their future. The chief guest was facilitated by Our chancellor.

Founder, Chancellor, Dr.N.M.Veeraiyan, SIMATS addressed the gathering. He shared his struggle and perseverance towards the university and emphasised that all of us should grow like him. With that the forenoon session came to an end.

The afternoon session was the most eventful that our university gave cash prize worth Rs.1,50,00,000/- for top 5 students across all the institutions under the university and for every year. Also the award winners of various conferences were honoured. Departments were ranked according to the total CAFE score and awarded from rank 59 to 1. The Best Publication award was given to Dr.Rajesh Kumar, Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Best Researcher award was won by Dr. Senthil Kumar, Research Department and Best Faculty Award was won by Dr. Vishnupriya, Professor, Department of Biochemistry.

Dr.N.D.Jayakumar, Dean Saveetha Dental Dental College was elevated to the post of Dean of faculty on that day and Dr.Sheeja Varghese took over as the Dean of Saveetha Dental College. The ceremony came to an end with Vote of Thanks and National Anthem.