Indira Gandhi Institute Of Dental Sciences: A Beacon Of Excellence In India’s Dental Education Landscape

By K M Pareeth, Chairman

With rising awareness about oral health and hygiene, dentistry has emerged as a dynamic and in-demand medical field in India. Today, the growing emphasis on aesthetics and cosmetic dental procedures has made dental sciences a preferred choice for aspiring healthcare professionals. However, despite its popularity, the dental education sector in India continues to face a significant skill gap, largely due to a misalignment between academic curricula and evolving industry needs.

Based in Ernakulam, Kerala, Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences (IGIDS) has emerged as a frontrunner in addressing this challenge. By blending academic excellence with practical training and industry-relevant exposure, IGIDS has positioned itself as one of the most respected institutions for dental education in India and is accredited with A Grade by NAAC as well. “We are committed to grooming not just clinically competent dentists, but socially and ethically conscious professionals who will contribute to the overall health and wellness of society”, says Dr Sanu Tom Abraham, Principal, IGIDS.

Comprehensive Programs Backed by Industry Input

Established in 2007 under the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, IGIDS was founded with a clear mission, to deliver high-quality education and healthcare with a commitment to public service and social responsibility. The institute offers the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) course covering key specializations such as Oral Medicine & Radiology, Prosthodontics, Conservative Dentistry, Implantology, Pedodontics, Orthodontics, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Periodontics, Oral Pathology, and Public Health Dentistry.

To ensure that its programs stay aligned with the latest industry demands, IGIDS operates an in-house Curriculum Advisory Board comprising practicing clinicians, dental manufacturers, and international alumni. This board provides valuable input on curriculum development, while also engaging students through guest lectures and live demonstrations.

State-of-the-Art Infrastructure & Learning Environment

IGIDS is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that foster academic and clinical excellence. The campus features modern dental clinics with advanced radiography & rotary endodontics, preclinical simulation labs and a fully Wi-Fi-enabled environment. The institute also provides access to a well-stocked library, dedicated hostels, wellness and yoga centers, and comprehensive sports facilities. Students also benefit from a digital dental lab, where they are trained in intraoral 3D scanning and prosthetic design. Further, while classrooms are fitted with interactive panels, AV aids and virtual learning tools, students also have access to a wide array of e-learning resources, including e-journals, video libraries, and EBSCO subscriptions.



We are committed to grooming not just clinically competent dentists, but socially and ethically conscious professionals who will contribute to the overall health and wellness of societyc
 

“From the first year, students are exposed to clinical practice across multiple departments. Our skill enhancement modules cover areas such as cosmetic dentistry, laser dentistry, implantology, and medicolegal training. We also offer elective courses in emerging fields like Forensic odontology and geriatric dentistry”, says Dr Sanu.

Hands-on Experience & Global Exposure

To bridge the academia-industry gap, IGIDS has formed partnerships with several global institutions. Notably, it’s academic and research partnership with Mahsa University (Malaysia) supports an annual student exchange program. The institute also has collaborative research agreements with Nagasaki University (Japan) and Syiah Kuala University (Indonesia). On the domestic front, IGIDS collaborates with dental labs, clinics, and public health bodies to ensure students receive exposure to a variety of real-world clinical and administrative scenarios. Interns and house surgeons are also posted in departments such as oral implantology and palliative care, while the institute’s mobile dental unit for oral cancer sscreening, funded by the Rotary Foundation, enables outreach camps for tribal and migrant populations.

To promote interdisciplinary learning, students also engage with Ayurvedic hospitals and homeopathic clinics, fostering a holistic view of patient care. In addition, IGIDS’ students frequently participate in national and international conferences, research projects (including those funded by ICMR), and poster/paper presentation contests. Many have even won significant accolades and research grants, including over `2 lakhs in scholarships from ICMR projects in just the last two years.

Looking Ahead - Embracing Digital Transformation

As it steps into the future, IGIDS is undergoing a full-fledged digital transformation. The institute is actively integrating virtual simulation, digital patient records, and AI-assisted diagnostic tools into its academic and clinical systems. New partnerships with universities in Europe and Southeast Asia are underway, along with proposed collaborations with biotech companies. Upcoming initiatives include the launch of a Continuing Dental Education Program in Artificial Intelligence, the shift towards time-based skill training across the BDS curriculum, and the opening of a student-led research centre aimed at encouraging innovation and patent development. Additionally, the institute is also planning a teledentistry outreach program to extend quality oral healthcare services to rural and underserved populations, while giving students hands-on experience in remote diagnosis and care delivery.

“At a time when dental education is evolving rapidly, IGIDS stands tall as a model of excellence. With a robust academic framework, global exposure, community engagement, and a vision rooted in ethics and public health, we will continue to shape the next generation of dentists for India and beyond”, concludes K M Pareeth, Chairman, IGIDS.