Dr. Raghavendra S. Medikeri, Medical Visionary Pioneering Periodontist, Educator, and Innovation in Dental Healthcare

 

Dr. Raghavendra S. Medikeri, Professor, Sinhgad Dental College & Hospital, Pune
 
I’m Dr. Raghavendra S. Medikeri, a seasoned professional with over 18 years of experience in periodontology, teaching, research, and administration. Currently, I serve as a professor in the Department of Periodontology at Sinhgad Dental College & Hospital, Pune, India. I’m having copyrights, patents, and various publications in my name.

My expertise spans advanced periodontal surgeries, implantology, and innovative teaching methodologies designed to cater to diverse learning needs. Throughout my career, I’ve taken on various leadership roles, including serving as Joint Secretary of the IDA Bagalkot Branch and Member Secretary of the Curriculum Activity Committee.

My professional journey has been deeply rooted in education, with experience at esteemed institutions such as Bapuji Dental College, AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, PMNM Dental College, and Sinhgad Dental College, where I’ve held positions ranging from Lecturer to Professor. I’ve also gained extensive clinical experience as a Senior Consultant Periodontist in various clinics. My educational qualifications include a Bachelor of Dental Surgery, a Master of Dental Surgery in Periodontics, and an Executive Diploma in Public Health and Hospital Management.

I’ve always been passionate about innovations, research, and development, with key interests in areas such as advanced oral implantology, osseous regeneration, nanotechnology in periodontics, and stem cells in periodontal regeneration. Over the years, I’ve authored several scientific publications, participated in clinical trials, and presented at national and international conferences. My contributions have been recognized, including securing the first position in scientific paper presentation at the 6th World Dental Sciences and Oral Health Conference.

I am also committed to professional development and am actively involved in various organizations such as the Indian Society of Periodontology and the Foundation of Oral Rehabilitation. Additionally, I serve as a reviewer for several journals and participate in dental health camps and surveys, striving to contribute meaningfully to the field of dentistry in India.
 

Could you walk us through your educational and professional journey so far?

I completed my Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, affiliated with RGUHS, Karnataka, Bangalore, between 1996 and 2001. After that, I pursued my Master of Dental Surgery in Periodontics at A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, completing it in 2006. To further expand my management skills, I earned an Executive Diploma in Public Health and Hospital Management in 2017 from the Institute of Good Management Practice, New Delhi.

Throughout my career, I’ve also completed various professional certifications. These include hands-on implant and piezosurgery courses, Implant dentistry courses by the University of Hong Kong, ethical training in ICH GCP, and systematic review and meta-analysis programs. I’ve pursued advanced learning in implant dentistry and am recognized as an associate fellow within the Asian Academy of Laser Therapy, India Chapter.

On the clinical front, I have extensive experience as a Senior Consultant Periodontist at several esteemed clinics. In addition to my clinical expertise, I have contributed significantly to teaching. I have coordinated and handled various undergraduate courses in basic periodontology, focusing on non-surgical and surgical procedures. I’ve also been involved in curricular planning, serving as a member secretary for the Curriculum Activities Committee and a member of the Hospital Service Committee.

With extensive experience in performing regenerative and plastic periodontal surgeries, I specialize in advanced surgical techniques in implantology. I also collaborate with faculty members to modify curricula based on evolving academic and clinical requirements. As a subject and specialist examiner at national levels, I ensure that education standards are met while fostering a healthy and interactive learning environment for my students.

In my teaching career, I’ve held various academic roles, starting as a Lecturer in the Department of Orthodontics at Bapuji Dental College, where I supervised undergraduate students' practical work. Later, I served in the Department of Periodontics at PMNM Dental College as an Assistant Professor, where I coordinated post-graduate clinical and research activities, taught undergraduate and internship students, and supported RGUHS examination activities on an institutional level.

My journey continued as an Associate Professor at Sinhgad Dental College and Hospital, where I became Undergraduate In-Charge and Post-graduate Teacher/Guide, overseeing students' academic and research activities.

In my teaching career, I’ve had the opportunity to coordinate and handle undergraduate courses in basic periodontology, focusing on the demonstration of non-surgical and surgical procedures. At the postgraduate level, my teaching has centered around advanced periodontology, covering surgical periodontics and both basic and advanced implantology.

Currently, as a Professor at Sinhgad Dental College, I guide post-graduate students and lead advanced surgical techniques in periodontal surgeries and implantology. My contributions also include registering clinical trials with the Clinical Trial Registry of India, systematic reviews in PROSPERO, and staying updated through initiatives like ITI Education Day. I also serve as an Associate Fellow of the Foundation for Oral Rehabilitation, a Post-graduate Examiner for various universities, and a Subject Expert for MUHS, Nashik.

Beyond the academic setting, I have actively participated in community dental health initiatives, including dental health camps in various places. My participation in the dental field survey on the "Utilization of Manpower in Rural and Urban Populations" organized by DCI, India, in 2011, further reflects my commitment to using my expertise for the betterment of public health.
 

What specific areas of expertise do you specialize in within the dental and healthcare fields?

My professional journey has been marked by continuous learning and specialization in various advanced techniques and methodologies within periodontology & implantology and research. Here’s a more detailed account of my certifications:

•   Certified in Implants & Piezosurgery (2009): This certification, acquired through a hands-on course by the National conference of the Indian Society of Periodontology, equipped me with advanced skills in piezosurgery, a technique used for precise and minimally invasive bone surgery. This course deepened my understanding of implant placement and bone management, critical components in modern periodontal therapy and implantology.

•   Implant Dentistry (2016): I completed this online non-credit course, authorized by the prestigious University of Hong Kong. The course provided a comprehensive understanding of implant dentistry, including the biological aspects of implants, prosthetic considerations, and modern treatment protocols. This certification reflects my commitment to staying current with global standards in implantology.

•   Certified in Adin "All on 4/6 Implant Course" (2016): This hands-on training which is widely regarded as a breakthrough in full-arch rehabilitation using fewer implants. This certification expanded my expertise in complex implant procedures, allowing me to offer patients advanced solutions for edentulism and full-mouth reconstructions.

•  Ethical Training in ICH GCP (2015): The "Ethical Training in ICH GCP and Research Updates on Schedule Y" course, completed at Sinhgad Dental College and Hospital, familiarized me with Good Clinical Practice guidelines and the ethical conduct required in clinical research. This training is essential for maintaining high standards of patient safety and research integrity, especially in clinical trials.

•   Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (2016): This online course, authorized by Johns Hopkins University, provided me with a robust foundation in conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses. This skill is invaluable in evidence-based research, helping synthesize data from multiple studies to draw accurate, reliable conclusions that can inform clinical practices.

•   Associate Fellow in the Asian Academy of Laser Therapy (2022): My recent recognition as an Associate Fellow of the Asian Academy of Laser Therapy (India Chapter) demonstrates my active involvement in integrating innovative therapies such as laser therapy and photobiomodulation in periodontal treatment. Laser therapy represents a cutting-edge, non-invasive modality with applications in both surgical and non-surgical periodontal care.

These certifications reflect my dedication to not only mastering advanced clinical techniques but also engaging in research methodologies that contribute to the growing body of knowledge in periodontology and implantology. Through these qualifications, I continually enhance my clinical practice, ensuring that my patients benefit from the latest, evidence-based treatments. These areas are rapidly evolving, and my work centers on leveraging these innovations to improve patient outcomes in treating periodontal diseases.
 

What are your current roles and responsibilities at Sinhgad Dental College and Hospital?

At Sinhgad Dental College and Hospital, my role is multi-faceted. I am actively involved in clinical treatments, academic responsibilities, and research. I contribute to the education of undergraduate and postgraduate students and PHD students by guiding them while participating in research projects related to periodontology and oral implantology.

I have had the privilege of contributing extensively to the field of periodontology, not only through my clinical and academic work but also through my involvement in leadership roles and community outreach.

I have served as the Member Secretary of the Curricular Activities Committee at Sinhgad Dental College and Hospital since 2021. In this capacity, I have played a significant role in establishing the academic program and raising the bar for dental education. I took on the role of organising secretary for the various Continuing Dental Education events held in the department of periodontology. I was also honored to be a member of NAAC Criteria 1—Curricular Aspects at the institution, ensuring that our educational programs met the highest standards.

Through these various roles and initiatives, I have strived to contribute meaningfully to the field of dentistry, focusing not only on education and research but also on community service and professional development.
 

What inspired you to pursue a career in education and healthcare?

From a very young age, I was deeply inspired by the doctors I observed in my community. Their ability to heal, combined with the respect they commanded, fascinated me, sparking an early interest in the medical field. I admired their commitment to patient care, and this exposure nurtured a strong motivation within me to pursue a profession where I could have a direct impact on people’s health and well-being. Dentistry stood out to me as a perfect blend of medicine, science, and precision.

What truly intrigued me was the intricate connection between oral health and overall systemic health. The realization that the state of a person’s oral health could influence conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or even pregnancy outcomes was both surprising and fascinating. I was drawn to the complex interrelationship, realizing that as a dentist, I could play a vital role not just in enhancing smiles but in safeguarding a patient's overall health. Dentistry, I found, was more than just dealing with teeth—it was a critical aspect of comprehensive healthcare.

The hands-on nature of the profession further attracted me. Unlike some medical fields where treatment can be passive, dentistry allowed me to physically work with patients, diagnose their problems, and implement solutions through surgical and non-surgical interventions. This immediate impact on a patient's quality of life was incredibly fulfilling and drove me to delve deeper into the profession.

As my career progressed, I began to see the importance of contributing not just through clinical practice but through education and research. My transition into teaching wasn’t merely a career decision—it was a calling. I recognized that by guiding and mentoring the next generation of dental professionals, I could expand my influence beyond the clinic. Teaching allowed me to share my experiences, instill values of ethical practice, and inspire future dentists to approach their work with the same passion and commitment that I had.

Research became another avenue where I could make a lasting impact. The constant evolution of dentistry with advances in implantology, periodontology, and therapeutic innovations excited me. I wanted to be part of that progress, to not only stay updated with the latest techniques and treatments but also to contribute to the body of knowledge driving these advancements. This motivation pushed me toward conducting clinical trials, systematic reviews, and exploring cutting-edge therapies that could revolutionize periodontal care.

Ultimately, my journey from a young child inspired by doctors to a dental professional dedicated to both patient care and education has been deeply fulfilling. My goal has always been to make a tangible difference in people’s lives—whether by restoring their oral health, enhancing their understanding of dentistry, or contributing to the future of dental research and treatment. Every step I take in this profession is driven by that early passion, and it continues to shape my approach to both clinical practice and academia.
 

How do you stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in the field of education and dentistry?

Staying updated in a field as dynamic as dentistry, particularly in periodontology and implantology, requires a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. I have always believed that the pursuit of knowledge should never cease, especially in healthcare, where advancements are constantly reshaping the landscape of treatment and patient care. This philosophy has driven me to actively seek opportunities to enhance my expertise and stay current with the latest innovations and trends.

Attending professional workshops and hands-on training sessions has been a significant part of my development. These events offer practical insights into cutting-edge techniques and technologies that are transforming periodontal therapy and implantology. For instance, workshops focused on advanced implant systems, regenerative techniques, and minimally invasive surgical approaches provide me with valuable hands-on experience that can be directly applied to my clinical practice. These courses help refine my skills and ensure I am offering the most up-to-date and effective treatments to my patients.

In addition to workshops, I regularly attend national and international conferences, where thought leaders from around the globe gather to share the latest research, innovations, and clinical advancements. These conferences are not only educational but also inspirational, allowing me to learn from pioneers in the field and explore new treatment modalities that I can incorporate into my practice. Presentations on topics like photobiomodulation, guided tissue regeneration, and implant-supported prosthetics have been particularly impactful, as they align with my own areas of interest and expertise.

Following recent publications in reputable dental and healthcare journals is another key aspect of how I stay informed. Journals such as the Journal of Periodontology and Clinical Oral Implants Research consistently publish cutting-edge studies and clinical trials that provide evidence-based insights into the efficacy of various treatments. By reviewing these publications regularly, I ensure that I am well-versed in the latest findings, which enhances my decision-making process when treating patients.

Networking with experts in the field is another crucial component of my professional development. Building relationships with other specialists in periodontology, implantology, and related disciplines enables me to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and discuss complex cases. This peer interaction, whether through formal collaborations or informal discussions at conferences and seminars, has been instrumental in broadening my perspective and exposing me to diverse approaches to treatment.

Moreover, I actively participate in research collaborations, which not only keeps me engaged with the scientific community but also allows me to contribute to the body of knowledge in periodontology and implantology. Conducting clinical trials and systematic reviews gives me first-hand experience with emerging technologies and treatments, allowing me to assess their potential before they become mainstream. This proactive involvement in research helps me stay ahead of the curve and ensures that I am at the forefront of advancements in the field.

By integrating continuous learning, attending professional events, engaging with current research, and networking with peers, I am able to maintain a strong foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of periodontology and implantology. This commitment to staying updated ensures that I can offer my patients the most advanced and effective care while also contributing meaningfully to the advancement of the profession.
 

What advice would you offer to students who are preparing for their careers in dentistry and healthcare?

As a seasoned professional in the field of dentistry, my advice to aspiring dentists and dental professionals is grounded in the understanding that our profession is not only about the clinical skills we develop but also the continuous pursuit of knowledge and adaptability in a rapidly evolving landscape. Here are some key areas to focus on:

1. Balancing theoretical knowledge and practical skills: It's vital to cultivate a strong foundation of theoretical knowledge while simultaneously honing practical skills. Theoretical knowledge encompasses understanding the underlying principles of dental science, such as anatomy, pathology, pharmacology, and the mechanics of dental materials. This knowledge informs clinical decision-making and helps practitioners understand the rationale behind various treatments. On the other hand, practical skills are critical for executing procedures effectively and efficiently. Hands-on training, whether through simulations or supervised clinical practice, enables you to gain the dexterity and confidence necessary for various dental procedures. Engaging in continuous hands-on workshops and clinical practice is essential to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that you can apply your knowledge in real-world situations.

2. Embracing digital dentistry: The advent of digital dentistry has revolutionized the way dental care is delivered, making it imperative for practitioners to become adept at utilizing new technologies. Digital tools, such as 3D imaging, CAD/CAM systems, and digital workflows, enhance precision, efficiency, and patient outcomes. Familiarizing yourself with these technologies can significantly improve your practice, allowing for more accurate diagnostics and treatment planning. Moreover, digital platforms facilitate better patient communication and engagement. Utilizing digital tools for patient education, treatment presentations, and follow-up care can enhance the overall patient experience and foster stronger relationships. Embracing digital dentistry not only improves clinical outcomes but also positions you as a forward-thinking practitioner in a competitive field.

3. Cultivating a passion for research: Developing a passion for research is essential in staying at the forefront of dental advancements. Engaging in research allows you to critically evaluate the efficacy of treatments and technologies, contribute to the body of knowledge in your field, and explore innovative solutions to complex clinical challenges. Whether it's conducting clinical trials, participating in systematic reviews, or collaborating with academic institutions, research can enrich your understanding and enhance your clinical practice. Moreover, staying engaged with scholarly publications and participating in ongoing education helps you remain informed about the latest developments, which is crucial for adapting to changes in treatment protocols and patient care strategies.

4. Staying updated with the latest trends: Dentistry is a field characterized by rapid advancements and evolving best practices. Staying curious and open to new treatments and technologies is vital for continued professional growth. Regularly attending conferences, workshops, and seminars can expose you to emerging trends, innovative techniques, and groundbreaking research. Following reputable dental journals and engaging with online platforms that discuss current developments in the field can also keep you informed. This proactive approach to learning ensures you are not only aware of the latest trends but can also evaluate their applicability to your practice.

5. Prioritizing patient-centered care: At the heart of dentistry lies the commitment to patient care. Prioritizing a patient-centered approach means listening to your patients' concerns, understanding their needs, and involving them in treatment decisions. Building rapport with patients fosters trust and encourages them to take an active role in their oral health. Providing compassionate care, educating patients about their treatment options, and ensuring their comfort during procedures are all essential elements of a patient-centered approach. This not only leads to improved patient satisfaction but also enhances treatment compliance and outcomes.

6. Networking with mentors and professionals: Networking with mentors and professionals in your field is invaluable for personal and professional development. Mentors can provide guidance, share their experiences, and offer insights that help you navigate the challenges of your career. Engaging with peers and established professionals fosters a supportive community where you can exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and stay informed about new developments in dentistry. Participating in professional organizations, attending conferences, and joining online forums are effective ways to build your network. These connections can lead to opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and continued learning.