The Higher Education Review

India's dental education landscape is continuously evolving and amid this, institutions like Meghna Institute of Dental Sciences (MIDS) play a pivotal role in shaping future dentists. Established in 2005 in Telangana, MIDS operates as a charitable, non-profit organization founded by renowned educationist Dr. Isari K Ganesh (M. Com, MBA, ML, M. Phil, Phd). Known for his dynamic leadership and multifaceted interests in social service and sports, Dr. Isari K Ganesh spearheads MIDS as its Chairman as well as the Chancellor of VELS University. Affiliated with Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences and recognized by the Dental Council of India and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, MIDS is also a part of the esteemed VELS Educational Group, Chennai. Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Isari K Ganesh, MIDS has flourished within the VELS Group, which encompasses a wide spectrum of educational disciplines including dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, engineering, arts, science, and management studies. His visionary approach and strategic initiatives have positioned MIDS as a preferred choice for students seeking high-quality dental education in India.

Today, MIDS is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and disciplined education. Offering undergraduate (BDS) and postgraduate programs across various specialties, MIDS has earned distinction, achieving an 'A' grade from NAAC in its first cycle of accreditation in 2023, making it the only institution in Telangana to attain in the first cycle of accreditation from NAAC, which is a significant accomplishment for any educational institution. Such recognitions give MIDS a competitive advantage over other institutions, making it a preferred choice for admission amongst students seeking quality dental education.

Higher Education Review Magazine engaged in a one on one interaction with Dr. Isari K Ganesh, Chairman, MIDS let’s hear from him.

How does your college's unique higher education courses & qualified faculty ensure students build successful professional careers & maintain consistent educational quality?
MIDS curriculum blends rigorous academic coursework with extensive clinical training, exposing students to a high volume of patients under the guidance of experienced faculty. This hands-on approach is crucial for developing proficiency in diagnosing and treating dental issues using cutting-edge technology like digital radiography (RVG & CBCT), intraoral cameras, lasers, and nano-dentistry tools.

MIDS adopts an interdisciplinary approach, fostering collaboration between dental students and peers from other healthcare disciplines. To maintain excellence, we recruit faculty members rigorously, evaluating their qualifications, teaching experience, and dedication to student success.

Ongoing training and feedback mechanisms ensure faculty members stay updated with advancements in dentistry and effectively mentor students. Support services, including administrative assistance and research funding, empower faculty to excel in their roles and contribute significantly to MIDS' educational mission.

Additionally, each year, various departments organize a range of co-curricular activities that are both entertaining and educational. These activities provide opportunities for individuals to enhance their skills, both personally and as part of a team.

Notably, we hosted the inaugural National Dental Convention 24 in Telangana, a pioneering event that brought together education, sports, and cultural activities. This event provided us a platform to showcase our capabilities, advance knowledge sharing, while positioning us as a leader in its dental education field.

Could you elaborate on the modern-day amenities, scholarship opportunities, & student engagement activities offered by your college?
MIDS offers state-of-the-art clinics equipped with advanced dental chairs, instruments, and technology. These clinics provide students with practical experience in treating patients under the supervision of experienced faculty members, mirroring real-world dental practice environments.

Key to our infrastructure are digital radiography and imaging equipment, including CBCT, RVG, lasers, physio dispensers, nano dentistry tools, and intraoral cameras. MIDS prioritizes access to extensive learning resources, including a well-stocked library with online databases, journals, textbooks, and educational resources essential for student research and study.

Moreover, we foster student excellence through scholarship opportunities, recognizing academic achievements and exceptional promise in dental research and scholarly activities. These scholarships not only support students financially but also enrich the educational experience, contributing to the future success of the dental profession.

Beyond infrastructure, MIDS enhances student learning through workshops, seminars, and internships designed to enrich knowledge, skills, and professional development. Hands-on workshops allow students to practice clinical skills, while guest lectures from renowned clinicians and researchers provide insights into the latest advancements in dentistry.

MIDS commitment to comprehensive infrastructure, educational resources, scholarships, and experiential learning opportunities ensures that students receive a well-rounded education, preparing them for successful careers in dentistry and lifelong learning in a dynamic healthcare environment.

Students are encouraged to participate in various sports, cultural competitions, and conferences at the university. Each year, various departments organize co-curricular activities that are both entertaining and informative, allowing students to develop their skills individually and as part of a team.

Notably, we hosted Telangana's first National Dental Convention 24, blending education, sports, and cultural events to highlight the college’s strengths and leadership in the field.

How does Meghna Institute of Dental Sciences align its pedagogy with industry requirements & address the challenge of preparing students for the dental industry?
MIDS addresses the challenge of preparing students for the dental industry through a comprehensive approach. Firstly, we emphasize on clinical exposure and internships, providing students with extensive hands-on experience in real-world dental settings. This practical training enhances students' skills and confidence in dental practice.

Secondly, MIDS enriches its curriculum with guest lectures, workshops, and seminars conducted by experienced practitioners. These sessions impart practical knowledge, expose students to emerging trends, and facilitate networking opportunities with potential employers.

Thirdly, MIDS fosters a culture of research and innovation among students and faculty. Engaging in research projects not only advances dental science but also cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving abilities crucial for industry success.

We prioritize soft skills development alongside technical training. We have well-equipped clinics where students can gain hands-on experience treating out-patients under the supervision of faculty members. These hands-on experiences not only reinforce classroom learning but also expose students to a wide range of patient populations, clinical settings, and dental procedures such as implants and more, preparing them for diverse career pathways in dentistry.

Furthermore, MIDS builds strong industry-academia partnerships through MOUs with research institutes and advisory boards comprising dental professionals and academic experts. These partnerships inform curriculum development, ensuring alignment with industry standards and incorporating cutting-edge technologies and practices.

What are the future plans for the college? How do you plan to innovate your pedagogy to enhance educational quality?
Looking ahead, we are committed to continuously improving the quality of education at Meghna Institute of Dental Sciences through innovation, adaptation to emerging trends, and proactive leadership in dental education. We are introducing opportunities for interns to prepare for PG NEET exams and guiding students interested in international opportunities and competitive exams.

Additionally, we are in the process of launching PhD courses to foster a robust research culture through collaborations and participation in NIRF inspections to highlight our institution's strengths and unique features.

Our dedication to creating a positive and innovative learning environment for healthcare professionals is key to the success story of Meghna Institute of Dental Sciences, driven by perseverance and unwavering determination.