At the 2nd Edition of the International Conference on Dentistry and Awards 2025, the panel discussion on “Educating for Tomorrow: Building the Future Dental Workforce” brought together leading academicians and practitioners to discuss how dental education must evolve to meet the needs of a rapidly advancing healthcare ecosystem. Moderated by Dr. Reena Kumar, Orthodontist & Academic Director at the Indian Academy of Sports Dentistry and Regional Clinical Adviser (Oral Health) for Special Olympics Asia Pacific, the session explored the intersection of technology, pedagogy, and collaboration in shaping tomorrow’s dental professionals.
Dr. Shalini Kapoor, Director, Research & Development Cell,,Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary (SGT) University, Gurugram stated, “I believe the most important step is to revisit our teaching pedagogies while actively integrating emerging technologies into the curriculum. Incorporating digitalization and virtual learning platforms is no longer optional — it’s the need of the hour.
Our goal shouldn’t be to produce students who can merely perform treatments, but to nurture critical thinkers and problem solvers with strong communication skills.
In our experience, methods like Problem-Based Learning (PBL), Case-Based Learning (CBL), and Flipped Classrooms have shown excellent results in dental education.
We’ve implemented the flipped classroom model successfully. For those unfamiliar — in this approach, students go through study material before class, and the classroom time is used for intensive discussion and interaction with peers and faculty. This allows students to clarify doubts, engage deeply, and solve problems collaboratively within that one focused hour.”
Dr. Amrita Chawla, Additional Professor, Division of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Centre for Dental Education and Research (CDER), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi said, “Speaking from my experience at the All India Institute, I would say no. With rapidly evolving technologies, new dental materials, and constant advancements in scientific knowledge, it’s essential that we keep upgrading our curriculum at every step. Only then can we ensure our students are equipped to deliver the kind of dentistry that today’s world demands.
To achieve this, we must create an environment within our institutions that integrates education and technology seamlessly. We need to encourage innovation, embrace creativity, and continuously evolve to stay relevant and effective.”
Dr. P. Narayana Prasad, Principal, Seema Dental College & Hospital, Rishikesh said, ““I believe collaboration between hospitals, private clinics, and academic institutions is essential to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world clinical practice.
Creating integrated models — where students gain shared clinical exposure, structured mentorship, and inter-institutional rotations — can greatly enhance their competence, confidence, and skill diversity.
When various dental specialties come together within hospital settings, it helps students develop a more holistic understanding of patient care and fosters a collaborative, efficient work environment.
By establishing academic-clinical partnerships, continuing education hubs, and mentorship networks, we can cultivate adaptability, interdisciplinary growth, and a culture of lifelong learning — ultimately preparing the next generation of dentists to face evolving healthcare challenges with excellence and innovation.”
Dr. Rekha Gupta, Head of Department & Senior Professor, Department of Prosthodontics,Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS) said, “Speaking about student exchange programs — whether our students go abroad or international students come here — these collaborations help us gain the best of both worlds.
In a recent exchange, we found that while foreign students often see certain cases only in textbooks, our students encounter them with real patients. This hands-on exposure is invaluable.
However, I believe it’s less about comparing countries and more about learning and collaborating to strengthen dental education globally.”
Prof. Keya Sircar, Dean & Professor, Faculty of Dentistry, Jamia Millia Islamia University stated, ““I believe technology and virtual learning have opened up great possibilities — especially for delivering the theoretical parts of dental education online, which can help reduce costs.
However, as we saw during COVID, dentistry can’t be taught entirely online. Practical, hands-on experience is essential for true learning.
Yes, there’s a cost factor involved, but investing in quality training is worth it. In the end, what truly matters when students enter real-world practice is competency — that’s the ultimate goal.”
The panelists unanimously emphasized that the future of dentistry lies in innovation-driven education, global collaboration, and competency-based learning. By integrating emerging technologies, fostering clinical partnerships, and prioritizing critical thinking, India’s dental institutions can empower students to deliver care that’s not only skilled but also compassionate and globally competitive. The discussion concluded with a shared vision — to nurture a new generation of dentists equipped to lead with knowledge, adaptability, and excellence in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.