Welcoming Freshers’ 24: BDS Induction at SRM Kattankulathur Dental College and Hospital

The Induction ceremony of the 18th Batch of Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students of SRM Kattankulathur Dental College and Hospital commenced on 30th September 2024 in the Hippocrates Auditorium.

The ceremony was graced with the speech of Dr. T. V. Padmanabhan, a Prosthodontist with 30 years of experience in dentistry and a former President of the Asian Academy of Prosthodontics for the term 2012-2013. Dr. Padmanabhan was the first Indian to be awarded this prestigious position. However, he currently serves as the Founder & Director of the Indian Board of Prosthodontics. His input and experiences suggested the necessary course and motivated future dentists.

The event was graced by the distinguished presence of:
– Dr. Vivek N, Dean (Dental), SRMKDC
– Dr. K. T. Magesh, Vice Principal, SRMKDC
– Dr. Nitin M. Nagarkar, Pro Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) & Dean (Medical), SRMMCHRC
– Dr. K. V. Leela, Associate Dean (UG Studies), SRMMCHRC
– Dr. Sathyanarayan, Associate Dean (Student Affairs), SRMMCHRC among others.

The highlights of the event include the White Coat Ceremony, where students pledged their allegiance to competent ethical practice as well as patient care in their forthcoming careers. It is also a parameter of passage for the students as they set off to pursue a 5-year program in dentistry. More than 100 learners who intend to become dentists attended, which signaled the start of a new academic year.

Dr. Vivek N, Dean (Dental), motivated the new batch saying, “This is a new beginning of a new chapter—a chapter of a new journey entering into a professional course. In order to pursue your studies commit yourself to practice passion, sincerity, commitment, and integrity.”

Dr. Nitin M. Nagarkar, Pro Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) & Dean (Medical) also underlined the role of parents and the efforts they put in to get the student to this level. He emphasized that SRM being a multi-stream University and close association of SRM Medical College and Affiliated Hospitals provides a better learning experience to dental students than many institutions. SRM Kattankulathur Research and innovation are still a focus that students can get a lot of experience.

It was very encouraging to have Dr. T. V. Padmanaban who fired the imagination of many with his guest address on life and dentistry. He explained that “Life is a process of going from Birth to Death. Between B and D we have C, for Choice. You need to be very selective because everything you do dictates the choices you make in life.” He also emphasized three core principles necessary for a successful dental career: Knowledge, Skill, and Attitude. He further told the students that SRM Kattankulathur Dental College and Hospital is the right place to nurture all these characteristics.

The induction ceremony concluded with an entertaining photo shoot with the students, with smiles and joy reflecting their preparation for becoming professional dentists.

SRM Kattankulathur Dental College Hospital and Research Centre wishes the best
for the 18th batch of BDS Students as we hope to see them excel in their performance over the years.