Media Release
Mangaluru, Jul 1: Every year, on July 1, India celebrates National Doctors’ Day — a tribute to the dedication, compassion, and tireless service of healthcare professionals. While physicians and surgeons from various fields receive well-deserved recognition, one specialty that often remains under-recognised is Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS).
The unique identity of OMFS
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) traces its roots to wartime medicine during World Wars I and II, where dental surgeons played a key role in managing facial injuries. The specialty gradually evolved to combine the precision of dentistry with the depth of surgical and medical care. At its core, OMFS is a bridge between dentistry and medicine. In India, OMFS was formally recognized by the Dental Council of India in 1974.
OMFS professionals handle a vast range of procedures, including facial trauma management, jaw correction surgeries, orofacial pathologies (tumours & cysts of the jaws), oral cancer management, Temporo-Mandibular Joint surgeries, cleft lip and palate repair etc and now, increasingly, facial aesthetic procedures. Importantly, OMFS remains the only dental specialty authorised by the Dental Council of India to perform facial aesthetic surgeries reflecting the depth and versatility of our training.
Dentistry: Proud foundation
While oral and maxillofacial surgery bridges the fields of medicine, dentistry, and surgery, we must never forget our roots. It is this foundation that gives us the unparalleled understanding of the face and jaws. In an era where some young professionals shy away from calling themselves dentists, it’s important to remember: being a dentist isn’t a limitation. It’s a strength. It’s what makes us the experts in this region of the body — both functionally and aesthetically.
The Yenepoya edge
Here at Yenepoya dental college, the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery has grown into a centre of excellence. With 10 committed faculty members, each bringing their own expertise to the table, what makes us stand out is our strong interdisciplinary collaboration. We work hand-in-hand with departments like oncology, anaesthesiology, general surgery, radiology, plastic surgery, and other dental specialties. Being on a campus that also houses Yenepoya Medical College and the Zulekha Yenepoya Institute of Oncology, backed by Tata Trusts and Tata Cancer Care Foundation, has made this kind of integrated care not just possible, but seamless.
As Ratan Tata wisely said, “If you want to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together.” That’s exactly the philosophy we follow.
State-of-the-art infrastructure
The department is equipped with cutting-edge technology and modern surgical suites, including:
• Advanced minor OT including laser units, electrocauteries, piezoelectric unit etc.
• Dedicated major OT facilities
• 3D imaging and cone-beam CT scanning for diagnosis & surgical planning
• Digital surgical simulators for training the students
• Virtual surgical planning and custom implant design with 3D printing integration within the campus powered by Yenepoya Technology Incubator.
• Advanced Surgical Skill Enhancement Division (ASSEND) for training post graduate students where live cadaver surgeries can be performed.
These facilities enable the department to offer precision-driven treatment with minimal downtime and faster recovery — meeting global standards of care.
A vision for the future
As we look ahead, our vision is focused: to expand our reach and extend care to those who need it most—restoring health, confidence, and quality of life. We are committed to this mission not only through exceptional clinical care but also by embracing innovation in education and incorporating technological advances into our diagnosis and treatment. Our postgraduate program remains a cornerstone, offering real-world clinical exposure enriched by research and modern technology.
Dr Prathiba S, MDS, lecturer, oral and maxillofacial surgery at Yenepoya Dental College, Mangalore.
Email: prathiba.senthilkumar@yenepoya.edu.in
Maxillofacial Trauma (before & after)
Facial corrective orthognathic (Before & after)
Maxillofacial Pathology- Infected odontogenic keratocyst of the jaw (Before & after)
