SIMATS- Sixteenth Convocation 2021

Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences celebrated its 16th Convocation on 2nd February 2021. The event was Presided by Honourable Founder, Chancellor Dr. N. M. Veeraiyan. The event started at 7.30 AM as the dignitaries arrived the Saveetha Dental College campus. An academic procession lead by the Registrar follows by other Management Members and the PhD graduates with a band of musicians marked the beginning of the event.

As the dignitaries reached the MM Convention Center, Chancellor commenced the event with “Tamil Thai Vazhthu”. The Vice Chancellor presented the Annual Report of the University. Firstly, PhD Scholars were awarded their Degrees, followed by Medals and Endowments.

Candidates from Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Allied Health Sciences, Engineering & Technology, Management, Law and Physical Education were awarded their respective degrees. The Chancellor administered the pledge as the graduands repeated the same. Then the convocation was dissolved.

Graduands had a photo session with the Chancellor and the Board of Management followed by a feast to complete the celebration.

BDS Induction Ceremony: A New Beginning

BDS induction ceremony 2021, started with a welcome dance followed by invocation song and lighting the kuthuvilaku. The Director of Academics, Dr. Deepak Nallaswamy gave the welcome address.

The chief guest of the day Prof. Dr. Saranjit Singh Bhasin addressed the gathering.Prof. Dr. Saranjit Singh Bhasin did his graduation (BDS) from Delhi University with Distinction and Gold Medallion in the year 1994. He is an alumnus and Post Graduate (MDS) from Banaras Hindu University in the specialization of Prosthodontics in 1997 and did his MBA in Healthcare Administration from Delhi University in 2014. He immediately joined his alma mater Maulana Azad Dental College & Hospital, New Delhi as teaching faculty and served it till 2005. After a brief stint as Scientist at a DRDO research laboratory, INMAS, he joined his previous assignment as Associate Professor in 2007. He was the Dean and presently heads the Department of Prosthodontics at the Faculty of Dentistry at Jamia Millia Islamia, a Central University at New Delhi. He has been actively involved in teaching Material Sciences as applied to Dentistry to both BDS and MDS students. His area of interest is metallic biomaterials and has been associated with research work involving Dental Implants at Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU and Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences (INMAS). Dr Bhasin has been an invited speaker at American Ceramics Society organized conferences. He is also a member of Indian Prosthodontics Society, Academy of Oral Implantology of India and Indian Dental Association. He was bestowed the Distinguished Alumnus award by the BHU during the 150 birth anniversary year of the founder of the university, Pd. Madan Mohan Malviya. He successfully hosted the 11th Indian prosthodontic Society’s P G convention in Delhi in 2009 as the Organising Secretary. At present he is a Member of Dental Council of India. He was Vice President of Delhi Dental Council as also President of Academy of Oral Implantology and editorial board member of the IPS. To his credit he has the fellowship of WCOI, and Diplomate of AOI.

The event went on with the Chancellor’s address to the budding dentist followed by the white coat ceremony. Associate Dean of Academics, Dr. Vishnu Priya, administers the oath. Few of our old students gave the testimony and the new bees also shared their experience in joining the college. Parents too were overwhelmed with joy and shared the reason on choosing Saveetha Dental College for their wards. Dean, Saveetha Dental College Dr. Sheeja Varghese gave the vote of thanks. There is no ceremony without a feast and there was lunch followed the event.

The event became a memory to all those who attended it to cherish for life.

Clinical interpretation of Nerve conduction studies - In vivo/In vitro - Principles, Essentials, and Pitfalls

Department of Physiology and Biochemistry had conducted a Webinar Series IV on 3th December 2020 entitled as “Clinical interpretation of Nerve conduction studies - In vivo/In vitro - Principles, Essentials, Pitfalls”.   Dr. Anbuselvi S, Associate Professor, Institute of Physiology and Experimental medicine, Madras Medical College, Chennai.  There are about 226 participants were joined the Webinar, 110 participants were from SIMATS and 116 participants from outside colleges. She shared her valuable knowledge on techniques, importance and drawbacks on nerve conduction studies. She also had given an ample idea about the procedure of nerve conduction studies.  We hope that her skill would help all participants to improve their research activity in future.  The programme wrecked with a excellent intermingling session.  

Role of ECG in Basic Medical Sciences

Department of Physiology and Biochemistry was conducted a Webinar Series II on 11th November 2020 entitled as “Role of ECG in Basic Medical Sciences”.   Dr. S.Manikandan, is working as a Professor in the Department of Physiology, Tagore Medical College & Hospitals, Chennai.  He shared an ample knowledge on basics of ECG and also emphasized its role on research. He also had given an idea about the low cost research by using heart rate variability.  We hope that his experience would help all participants to improve their research activity in future.  The programme ended with a good interacting session. 

Crown Lengthening - A multidimensional approach to ensure successful restorations

Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics organized a webinar on “Crown Lengthening - A multidimensional approach to ensure successful restorations” presented by Dr. Vamsi Lavu, Associate professor, Department of periodontology, Sri Ramachandra Dental college, Chennai on 24.7.20. Aesthetically pleasing restorations are the call of the day as it perfectly integrates into the given oral surroundings. The ultimate goal of crown lengthening is to provide a tooth crown dimension adequate for a stable dento-gingival complex and for the placement of a restorative margin, so as to achieve the best marginal seal and a pleasing final restoration. The webinar focussed on the rationale, biologic basis, treatment planning and techniques to perform crown lengthening in order to achieve the specific objectives for a clinician and the patient.

Webinar: Perspectives on the Push for Pulpal Preservation

Department of Cariology organized a webinar on “Perspectives on the push for pulpal preservation” on 16.10.20 presented by Dr. James L. Gutmann, DDS, Cert Endo, PhD, FACD, FICD, FADI, FAAHD, FDSRCSEd, Diplomate ABE, Professor, Chair and Postgraduate Program Director, Department of Endodontics, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, Davie, Florida,  Professor Emeritus, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, Texas.

The scope of Endodontics in the past two decades has been characterized by the evolution of technologies and devices for disinfection and filling of the root canal system. Current tissue engineering concepts and molecular biological assessments indicate that vital pulp preservation is possible and predictable. This is enabled by a better understanding of pulpal biology, and its responses to bacterial challenges, restorative procedures and advanced material properties. A true translational approach bridging basic science and clinical applications is essential to understanding why and how these concepts have evolved. The lecture was focused on the biologic perspectives and clinical applications necessary to achieve pulpal retention, repair and tissue regeneration and when inappropriate, to use new technologies for pulpal removal and tooth preservation with respect to the tooth structure and function. The webinar was attended by the post graduate students, faculty of both Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals and Nova Southeastern DentalCentre, Florida, USA.

Esthetic paradigm in Orthodontics

Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics organized a webinar on “Esthetic paradigm in Orthodontics” presented by Dr. Mohamad Iqbal, Assistant Professor, Department of orthodontics, Tamilnadu Government Dental College, Chennai on 21.8.20. The principle orthodontic goal in the correction of malocclusion include function and esthetics. The era of Edward Hartley Angle Ushered in function as the prime focus. But the 90’s saw the paradigm shift back to aesthetics. The significance of the role of operative dentistry in achieving microesthetics was worthwhile discussing, since it aids in achieving successful orthodontic treatment with an aesthetic functional smile.

Webinar: Low Shrinkage Composite Resin

Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics organized a webinar on “Low Shrinkage Composite Resin” presented by Dr. Sihivahanan, Reader, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, SRM Kattankulathur Dental College, Chennai on 28.8.20. Composite resin technology has been showing promising evolution over the past decade. Yet literature shows several challenges with direct composite restorations owing to curing shrinkage induced problems. To overcome these issues there is a constant quest for development of low shrinkage dental restorative materials. The paradigm shift in the restorative approach with the advent of the new generation of composites focussing on ring opening polymerization containing spiro-orthocarbonates was discussed in the presentation. The webinar also highlighted the role of oxiranes and siloranes to lower polymerization shrinkage.

Webinar: Retreatment: Clinical perspective & Work Flow

Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics organized a webinar on “Retreatment: Clinical perspective & Work Flow” presented by Dr. Narasimhan Bharadwaj, Professor, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Chennai on 6.9.20. Endodontic retreatment is a complex entanglement that involves systematic unwinding of intricacies inside the canal. With an ever-increasing number of endodontic treatments being done each day, it has become imperative to avoid or minimize the most fundamental of reasons leading to endodontic failure. A particular sequence cannot be taken as a template for all cases requiring retreatment even for an experienced clinician. The webinar illustrated the clinical work flow involved in the systematic sequence of retreating the canal with an emphasis on magnification.

Webinar: Magnified Endo: Treat What You See

Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics organized a webinar on “Magnified Endo: Treat What You See” presented by Dr. Vinay Shivagange, Course Leader in Endodontology, Oman Dental college, Muscat on 12.9.20. The speaker deliberated the key prerequisites for the use of the operating microscopes in endodontic procedures. The field of non-surgical and surgical endodontics had been revolutionized with the advent of latest instruments for cleaning and shaping. The introduction of dental operating microscope has changed the face of endodontics. The ability to carry out procedures at high precision prevents iatrogenic damage and permits a substantial reduction in treatment time for non-surgical endodontics procedures. Endodontic microsurgery performed under magnification offers vast benefits like minimal trauma and reduced the risk of damaging adjacent structures. Importantly, intricate cases can be managed with more certainties as the use of microscope ameliorates management of elusive and calcified canals, iatrogenic errors, as well as retreatment cases.

What does it take to perform a successful endodontic microsurgery?

Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics organized a webinar on 27.9.20 titled “What does it take to perform a successful endodontic microsurgery?” presented by Dr. Sharaschandra Reddy, an endodontist also an alumini of Saveetha Dental College. Currently a Resident doctor, pursuing advanced endodontic program at School of Dental Medicine, University of Buffalo, NY. Endodontic surgery has now evolved into endodontic microsurgery. By using enhanced equipment, instruments and materials that match biological concepts, it is believed that microsurgical approaches produce predictable outcomes in the healing of lesions of endodontic origin. The speaker shared the experience in the way “endodontic surgery” transitioned to “endodontic microsurgery”. The presentation walked one through the process of planning and performing an endodontic microsurgery.

Webinar: Introduction to DIY Micro and Macro Dental Photography

Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics organized a webinar on “Introduction to DIY Micro and Macro Dental Photography” presented by Dr. Praveen Rajesh, Associate Professor, IGIDS, SBV University on 20.10.20. Globally there is an aggrandize in the use of dental photography owing to its various advantages. After experiencing the power of digital photography one would be amazed and implement high quality photographic documentation using DSLR and Microscopes in regular clinical practice. The speaker addressed the importance of dental photography in daily clinical practice, choosing the right equipment, basic camera settings, correct use of tools like mirrors, retractors and diaphragms and an overview on post processing.

Webinar: Dentin conservation in endodontics: Hope or Hype

Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics organized a webinar titled “Dentin conservation in endodontics: Hope or Hype” on 25.10.20  presented by Dr. Venkat Canakapalli. Speaker is a Conservative Dentist and Endodontist, Founding member of International Academy of Endodontics. Dentin conservation and minimal intervention while performing endodontic treatment has gained importance in the last decade. The supreme goal of an endodontic treatment is long term tooth retention. Endodontically treated teeth often fails owing to structural failure. Conservation of the dentin during an endodontic therapy is of utmost importance. The webinar discussed extensively on the methods to plan and perform dentin conservation for the long-time survival of the endodontically treated tooth. The lecture also highlighted the role of CBCT and microscopes in planning and executing conservative endodontic treatment.

Cochrane Workshop on Systematic Review

A systematic review aims to find, appraise and synthesize all relevant, high-quality research evidence to answer a particular question. When appropriate, a formal quantified summary of all the trials that study a specific research question, or meta-analysis, is also performed. The potential benefits of a systematic review are to reduce random error (insufficient data, also referred to as ‘power’), and also to reduce systematic error (bias).  Systematic review also facilitates evaluation of the consistency of results across different trials and settings. Where similar treatment effects are observed across a wide variety of studies and settings, users of evidence can have more confidence in the robustness and transferability of results to other clinical settings. Where study results are less consistent, systematic review allows investigation of potential sources of variation by subgroup and meta-regression analysis.

The Cochrane Collaboration is an international not-for profit and independent organization, dedicated to making up-to-date, accurate information about the effects of health care readily available worldwide. The Cochrane Collaboration was founded in 1993 and named after the British epidemiologist, Archie Cochrane. The Cochrane Collaboration produces and disseminates systematic reviews of health-care interventions and promotes the search for evidence in the form of clinical trials and other studies of interventions. The major product of the Collaboration is the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, which is now published monthly (previously quarterly) as part of The Cochrane Library.  The Library is available free of charge in many countries because of the purchase of national licenses by governments, and through special provision to low-income countries. The activities of the Cochrane Collaboration are directed by an elected Steering Group and are supported by staff in Cochrane Groups (Centres, Review Groups, Methods Groups, Fields/Networks, Cochrane Editorial Unit) around the world. Review production is coordinated by Cochrane Review Groups located around the globe, and each is responsible for a specialty area of health care. The Review Group editorial teams also ensure that the rigorous quality standards for which Cochrane Reviews have become recognized are consistently applied. The Editor in Chief of The Cochrane Library is responsible for overseeing the work of Review Groups and ensuring consistent and acceptable quality of editorial processes and output. Although other individuals, groups and organizations also produce systematic reviews, there are many advantages in performing a systematic review with the Cochrane Collaboration.

The Cochrane Collaboration concentrates on producing systematic reviews of interventions and also of diagnostic test accuracy, but does not currently produce reviews on questions of prognosis or aetiology. The Cochrane Collaboration’s core principles include fostering good communication, open decision-making and teamwork, reducing barriers to contributing, and encouraging diversity. The Cochrane Collaboration provides a free online handbook of systematic review methodology, and also makes available meta-analytical software, called Review Manager or RevMan . The Cochrane framework also benefits the user of reviews; there is evidence that Cochrane Reviews are better quality than many other reviews3,4 and the Cochrane Database of Systematic reviews has a journal impact factor, which is currently 5.653 (Journal Citation Reports). Cochrane Reviews reach a large international audience and have had a real and significant impact on practice, policy decisions and research around the world. Globally, a search of The Cochrane Library is performed every second, an abstract viewed every two seconds and the full text of a review viewed every three seconds

In order to acquire proper knowledge about Systematic review, the department of public health dentistry in Saveetha Dental College, Chennai conducted a hands on workshop on Systematic review using Cochrane on 2nd March 2020. The chief speaker of the workshop was Dr.Anirudha Agnihotry who holds the degree of DDS from Arthur A Dugoni School of Dentistry. He is currently working as the Editorial Board Member, Brazilian Dental Journal ,  a peer reviewer in many indexed international dental journals and a Cochrane reviewer.

The workshop started at 9 am and included around 50 delegates and PG students from various dental colleges in Tamil Nadu. This interactive workshop was addressed to clinicians, researchers, public health specialists and other healthcare professionals and the level of expertise required is intermediate and above. It offered lectures and hands-on sessions (exercises on predefined items), providing plenty of opportunities to apply the methods and interact with the faculty. The topics which were included

·         How to register a Cochrane title

·         Research question and PICO / Structure and importance of the protocol

·         Introduction to Cochrane tools (RevMan and Covidence)

·         Searches (electronic / platforms / dealing with missing data)

·         Risk of bias assessment

·         Data extraction and management

·         Assessment of heterogeneity

·         Subgroup and sensitivity analyses

·         GRADE / ‘Summary of findings' table

The participants were interactive and their questions were answered by the guest speaker. The workshop ended with the vote of thanks , certification and refreshments.

Orthodontic week celebrations- MOSG along with TNSWOSG

As a part of Orthodontic week celebrations, MOSG Madras Orthodontic Study Group along with  TNSWOSG Tamil Nadu South West Orthodontic Study Group in collaboration with the Department of Orthodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals conducted an e-poster competition on 21st October 2020, for post graduates of all colleges across Tamilnadu. There was an overwhelming response from colleges all over the state and a total of 72 post graduates registered and presented their posters. The program was inaugurated by Dr. Silju Mathew, President,  Indian orthodontic society(IOS)  and Dr.Sree devi General Secretary, Indian orthodontic society. Dr. Aravind Kumar, HOD Department of Orthodontics welcomed all the dignitaries, Dr. Gnana Shanmugam, Convenor IOS, Dr. Dilip and Dr.Edington, co-convenors addressed the gathering.

The scientific committee was taken care by Dr. Ravindra Kumar and Dr. Arvind Sivakumar. Scientific presentations were categorized into three different sessions - clinical innovation, original research and case reports. The sessions were judged by invited judges across the state. The program was conducted using zoom online platform provided by the IOS and was attended by post graduates and faculty members from many colleges throughout the state. A total of 3 best posters were given in research and clinical innovation category and 2 best posters in case reports category. Our student Dr.Swapna bagged the third prize in the research category.