Title: Director of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Department of Adult Restorative Dentistry
Education:
- BDS, Government Dental College and Research Institute, Bangalore, Karnataka, India, 2014
- MDS, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India, 2018
- Certificate, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, 2021
- MDSc, University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, 2022
My professional journey: I completed my BDS degree at Government Dental College and Research Institute in Bangalore, India. I worked with a diverse patient population with oral diseases and strengthened my capabilities in conducting various procedures including restorations, extractions and endodontic treatment. I also had an opportunity to screen patients with precancerous and cancerous conditions and participate in denture camps. My four years, along with a year of internship, helped me build a solid foundation in dentistry and motivated me to pursue a master’s degree.
I received my MDS degree from the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Science in India. As a graduate student, I realized that my research area of interest is systemic diseases affecting the oral cavity. I had exposure to oral squamous cell carcinoma patients which made me realize the importance of three-dimensional imaging. This influenced me to pursue a residency program in oral radiology.
I pursued a Master of Dental Science in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology and clinical certificate at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. The program gave me a solid foundation in practicum and practice from which I built an excellent base of practical professional experiences. I had the opportunity to work with patients and multidisciplinary medical teams, as well as conduct classes for undergraduate students which filled me with self-confidence.
The accomplishment I am most proud of: I have presented various posters and papers at the national and international level. I received an International Congress of DentoMaxillofacial Radiology E-Poster Award for “Three-dimensional radiographic features of craniometaphyseal dysplasia,” Best Paper Presentation at the National OOO’s 15th Symposium for “Carcinoma cuniculatum – a diagnostic challenge,” and Best Poster Presentation at the Connecticut State Dental Association’s 115th Annual Meeting for “Fate of graft material at implant sites in osteopenic and osteoporotic patients – a longitudinal CBCT study.”
Research/professional interests:
- CBCT readings and diagnosing mucosal lesions
- CBCT imaging and advance imaging
- CBCT image quality
- Artificial intelligence
- MRI features of head and neck lesions
How I fell in love with dentistry: My love for dentistry was born during high school when I met my dentist, who was my friend’s mom. She inspired me to learn the art and science behind dentistry. I was lucky to shadow her for a few months to learn about the field and the skills required to be a good dentist.
Hometown: I was born and raised in Mandya, Karnataka, which is in the southern part of India. Mandya is where my family is from, is quiet and peaceful, and is called Sugarcane City. I attended different schools and colleges, including Carmel Convent School, Alvas College and Government Dental College – Bangalore. Every place had a different culture and unique things which I tried to embrace. For me, growing up is learning and valuing every single thing that life has to offer.
My family: I think family is everything. My dad is a teacher and always encouraged me in curricular and extracurricular activities. He made me what I am today. My mom is a very kind and genuine person who filled me with moral instincts. Growing up with a younger brother is bliss. I enjoyed spending time together, especially on our summer vacations.
I am married to the most amazing guy. He is a smart, fun-loving and interesting person. He is basically my support system. We both have similar interests in sports, cuisines and TV shows.
My favorite things to do on a day off: Cooking new cuisines, watching TV shows, playing badminton, and traveling.
Three things people may not know about me:
- I am herpetophobic.
- I have not watched any haunted movies alone till today.
- I like tropical climates, and I use comforters in summer and never turn on the fan or air conditioner.
What I’m most looking forward to about working at the college: Working with the best and brightest group of people in UNMC each day. Working with people who take pride in their jobs makes for an extraordinary work atmosphere and a great dental school. I need constant encouragement to seek new opportunities, collaborate with different departments, and let my ideas come alive.
Professional memberships:
- American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (AAOMR)
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- Radiological Society of North America (RSNA)