The second panel of the 2nd Edition of the International Conference on Dentistry and Awards 2025 — “Fireside Chat: A Journey Through Indian Dentistry – Leadership, Legacy & Future” — offered a reflective and inspiring exploration of how Indian dentistry has evolved over the decades.
Moderated by Khusbhu Sharma, Joint Director – Collaborations, Voice of Healthcare, the session brought together two towering figures in the field.
(Hony.) Brig. Dr. Anil Kohli, Padma Bhushan | Padma Shri | Dr. B.C. Roy Awardee, Former, President, Dental Council of India, Diplomate, International Congress of Oral Implantologists, Dental Surgeon, Dr. Soni Dental Clinic said “In the last four decades, dentistry has transformed completely. Earlier, dentists were seen as secondary to doctors — but today, we are recognized as oral health professionals and equal partners in healthcare. The mouth is now understood as the mirror of the body, linked to overall health.
When I began my journey, dental chairs had no standards — they were like barber chairs. Today, we work with advanced, high-speed equipment and global standards. What once took us three hours can now be done in three minutes. This evolution in technology, practice, and perception has truly elevated the profession — today, a dentist is not just equal to a doctor, but often ahead.”
Lt Gen (Dr.) Vimal Arora, BDS, MDS (Lko), FDS RCPS (Glasgow), FRSM (London), FPFA, FADI, FICD, PVSM, AVSM, VSM & Bar (By the President of India), Order of the Special, Royal Emblem (Oman), Hony Dental Surgeon to President of India, Former Director, General Dental Services, Army Dental Corps, India,Colonel Commandant Army Dental Corps, Former Member of Dental Council of India, Presently: CHIEF CLINICAL OFFICER,, CLOVE DENTAL, Director Star Dental Corporation, DIrector Innovative Oral Care,Director Thera-oral Care stated, “When we talk about modernization, it’s not just about technology — it’s about people. The Armed Forces were true pioneers of dentistry in India, shaping how the profession evolved even in the civilian world.
Leaders like General Kartar Singh, General Anish Wahi, General Paramjit Singh, and General Aasti gave dentistry credibility and equality with medical services. In fact, India is the only country where the dental branch has a Lieutenant General rank — achieved in 1999.
Later, Dr. Anil Kohli transformed the Dental Council of India, expanding colleges and raising standards. Under his leadership, dentistry gained structure, respect, and recognition.
These individuals and moments defined modern Indian dentistry — giving the profession dignity, credibility, and global recognition.”
Together, their insights celebrated the leadership, legacy, and future direction of Indian dentistry — honoring the people and progress that have shaped the profession into what it is today.