As committed professionals, it should be the objective of every dentist to see that dentistry reaches the common man as also higher levels of excellence, said Dr Anil Kohli, President of the Dental Council of India (DCI).

Delivering the convocation address at the first graduation and awards day of A J Institute of Dental Sciences here on Sunday, he said that dental services are expected to play a major role in promoting health tourism in the modern era and that it is possible only if the dentists are in a position to offer the best to the world. “India is the most favoured destination across the world for providing the most affordable and best possible dental treatment,” he added.

Only 4 to 5 per cent of the Indian population visit a dentist. This aspect can be looked at the ‘next frontier of dental care’ and is sure to provide fruitful employment to the young dentists, he said and added that it is necessary to look towards an oral health policy for India.

Dr Kohli informed that the DCI will be adopting measures to improve the quality of dental education in the dental institutions not only to improve the quality of dentists in the country but also to attract foreign students. Also ‘Continuing Dental Education’ programmes will be held to improve the standards of teaching in the institutions.

He reminded the new graduates that their education doesn’t end with the graduation and that it is only a beginning. He asked them to keep in touch with their alma mater to update their knowledge. He also encouraged the dental fraternity to engage in useful research works.

Dr Kohli presented the graduates with their certificates and the ‘Best Outgoing Student award’ to Dr Dhairya Shah.

As many as 28 students graduated in the first batch of BDS from the institute. Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences Vice Chancellor Dr P S Prabhakaran and DCI Executive Council Member Dr B H Sripathi Rao spoke on the occasion.

Laxmi Memorial Education Trust President A J Shetty presided over the function. Principal Dr B Sureshchandra, Student Welfare Council Chairman Y Bharath Shetty, DCI Member Pradeep Shetty, Indian Endodontic Association Secretary K S Banga and others were present.