At the 2nd Edition of the International Conference on Dentistry and Awards 2025, Dr. Anmol S. Kalha, Director and Advisor (Dentistry) at Max Health Care, New Delhi, and Co-Founder & Chief Architect of Medeva Knowledge Systems, delivered an impactful opening address on “Sustainable Orthodontics and Dentistry – Challenges and the Future.”
Beginning with the thought-provoking question, “Is dentistry in India today in crisis?” Dr. Kalha set the tone for a deeply reflective session. Quoting Charles Dickens’ famous line — “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” — he described the current state of dentistry as both progressive and precarious, balancing between technological advancement and systemic shortcomings.
He highlighted that while the Indian dental market — valued at over USD 650 million and growing at 10 percent CAGR — is witnessing rapid expansion, it continues to face pressing challenges around accessibility, affordability, ethics, and sustainability. “If everything is so bright, why are we uneasy?” he asked, underscoring the growing disconnect between commercial growth and patient-centric care.
Calling for a more holistic approach, Dr. Kalha emphasized that dentistry must not be viewed merely as a cosmetic service or isolated clinical discipline. “Every mouth belongs to a human being. You can’t separate dentistry from medicine,” he said, citing research linking oral health to systemic conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, pancreatic cancer, and sleep apnea.
Dr. Kalha also raised concerns about the rise of cosmetic and aligner-driven dentistry, cautioning against the “perfection trap” created by social media and celebrity-driven marketing. “Patients now come demanding transformation rather than treatment—armed with Google degrees and aesthetic fantasies,” he remarked.
On the issue of sustainability, Dr. Kalha pointed to the mounting environmental impact of dental plastics and metal waste. “Over 15 million people are being treated with clear aligners worldwide, generating massive plastic waste. We must ensure proper biomedical disposal and push for eco-friendly production,” he urged.
He further cautioned that technology and AI, though transformative, should not replace fundamental biological understanding and ethical judgment. “Technology without critical thinking can deepen rather than solve our problems,” he said, advocating for robust training programs and curriculum reform in dental education.
Concluding his address, Dr. Kalha called for a unified vision where dentistry advances not just in profit but in purpose. “Dentistry is not just about fixing smiles; it’s about preserving health, dignity, and the environment,” he said. “Our life is lived through our teeth, and every tooth lost or replaced tells a story — of care, of neglect, of society itself.”