Media Release

Mangaluru, Oct 9: Prof Dr Mithra N Hegde, principal of A B Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Nitte (Deemed to be University), was invited to deliver the prestigious Prof Hari Parkash Memorial Oration at the 36th annual conference of the Indian Society for Dental Research (ISDR) / International Association for Dental Research (IADR) – Indian Division in October 2026. The oration, titled “Predict, prevent, preserve: Salivary biomarkers and the future of precision dentistry,” highlighted the role of salivary biomarkers in early disease prediction, prevention, and personalised dental care.

Delivering the oration is a recognition and an honour for Prof Dr Hegde, commemorating the enduring legacy of Prof Hari Parkash, whose contributions to dental research and education continue to inspire generations. The topic underscored the potential of saliva as a non-invasive diagnostic tool in advancing precision dentistry and evidence-based oral healthcare.

Dr Mithra N Hegde, with 35 years of teaching experience, 450 publications in national and international indexed journals, has made significant contributions to dental research, particularly in caries research and salivary diagnostics. Her accomplishments include five completed major externally funded research projects, four ongoing major projects, and nine published patents, alongside extensive contributions to dental education through textbooks, handbooks, and 102 scientific presentations at national, international and state-level conferences.

The recognition highlights her sustained contributions to dental science and reinforces the importance of research and innovation in shaping the future of precision dentistry.