Author: Dr. Siri P.B.

Birth of Dentistry in India 

Dr. R. Ahmed can be best described as a pioneer for birth of dentistry in India and is well known as Father of Dentistry. Dr. R. Ahmed’s birth dates back to December 24th, 1890 at Bengal. Intelligent and smart by personality, he took up his basic education at Dhaka, Madrasa, Singapore and Hong Kong. Later, he made his way to London and graduated with Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) from Dental Science speciality, Lova University in the year 1915.  

This determined doctor with the help of Dr. Marshal and Dr. V. M. Desai framed a committee to discuss regarding the dental education and headed forward to establish Dental Colleges in India with the help of Government of India in the year of 1945. His hardwork led to emergence of courses like Bachelor of Dental Surgery(B.D.S.) and diploma courses in dentistry such as Dental Hygienist and Dental Mechanic.  

The list of Firsts in Dentistry in India

The country’s first dental college took its birth at West Bengal and Dr. R. Ahmed served as Principal between 1920 to 1950. He is also renowned for giving birth to nation’s 1st Dental Journal i.e. Indian Dental Journal. He is also famous for contributing ‘Handbook of Operative Dentistry’ to his students. In remembrance of his service to the field of Dentistry, the first Dental College was named as Dr.  R. Ahmed Dental College.  

He was a dynamic person who also strived for betterment of the country in various other fields too. He is the founder of Indian Dental Association and nationalized the association in the year of 1946. The association has widely flourished and has been actively working till date. He has played an important role in formulation of Indian Dental Act. His contribution as a 1st member of Dental Council of India, a Central Government Institution is a remarkable one too. He has rendered his dental service during the first world. 

As an acknowledgement for all his contributions, the country recognizes his birth day as National Dentist’s Day. To mark this day, various programs are carried out such as awareness to the public regarding ill effects of tobacco on oral health, oral cancer etc. 

This legend was honoured with Padmabhushan award by Government of India in 1946. 

Being dentists, lets all work towards the development of dental field and be the architects of beautiful smiles.