The need for quality dentists is paramount in ensuring the overall oral health and well-being of individuals and communities. A veteran in her field, Dr. Srividya, born and brought up in Bengaluru, completed her schooling at St. Miras English School. Later, she pursued her pre-university education at SJRC Women’s College and earned her BDS from AECS Maaruti Dental College. After six years as a general dentist, she pursued an MDS in Prosthodontics at the same institution. With more than 2 decades of experience in general dentistry, and an intensive training in human stomatognathic system, TMJ, craniofacial muscles, and jaw kinesiology in the USA, she now practices holistic dentistry with her team of dental and medical specialists with focus on TMJ integrated with Biometric Diagnostics and treatment protocols such as Disocclusion Time Reduction (DTR) and Neuromuscular Orthopedics for craniofacial dysfunction patients in particular alongside full mouth rehabilitation, by providing veneers, crowns, bridges, dentures, and smile designing.

After teaching at Maaruti Dental College, she now works as a consultant biometric dentist for craniofacial dysfunction and Prosthodontist while managing her private practice. Dr. Srividya remains active in workshops and professional development programs related to her field.

Illuminate your educational journey. What inspired your pursuit of a career in healthcare, specifically dentistry as your area of specialization?

My life encompasses significant chapters that have shaped me profoundly. Growing up in Bangalore in the late 1970s and early 1980s, my father, V Srinivas, an Industrialist, instilled values of discipline, leadership, and the importance of articulate communication. My schooling was filled with achievements in academics, sports, and leadership roles. My academic journey took an interesting turn during my pre-university studies at SJR College for Women. Although inclined towards science, my interest in microbiology initially led me to enroll in a BSc program alongside computer programming courses. However, a twist of fate occurred when a telegram offered me a last-minute opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) in Bangalore, shifting my focus to dentistry.

While practicing, I encountered the transformative guidance of mentors like Dr. Jagdish Rohira, Dr. Kavitha Rai, Dr. Sanjeev Nair and Dr. Dushyanth GN who shaped my vision of dentistry. Amidst professional growth, I also embraced family life, getting married and dedicating time to dental camps, social awareness initiatives, and continuous education programs.

My aspiration to specialize in Prosthodontics intensified after a life-altering encounter with Dr. Chandrasekharan Nair during a Continuing Dental Education program. Determined to secure a merit seat in Prosthodontics, I immersed myself in intense preparation, sacrificing my practice to focus solely on studies. Walls in my home echoed my ambition, adorned with reminders of my goal.

Tell us about the training and prior industry experience that you bring to the table. What are your key areas of specialization as a dentist?

Following my MDS completion in 2009, Dr. Chandrasekharan Nair's foresight redirected my career focus. Initially planning to solely practice Prosthodontics, his advice urged me to consider super specializations like implantology or TMJ alongside. I commenced as a consultant Prosthodontist at Dr. Jagdish Rohira's clinic and other offices while feeling a strong inclination towards teaching, inspired by our remarkable mentorship. Joining AECS Maaruthi dental college as a senior lecturer in December 2009 brought immense joy as I relished teaching dental materials to undergraduates and supervising postgraduates' clinical training. Simultaneously, I conducted research with the Indian Institute of Sciences, fostering my desire to pursue a PhD.

In November 2010, pregnant with my second child, I presented a poignant clinical paper on 'Rehabilitation of a patient with chondroectodermal dysplasia' at the IDA conference. Despite my physical challenges, the presentation deeply moved attendees as I detailed the patient's medical condition and provided holistic care, winning the conference's best overall paper award. Welcoming our daughter Aadya in January 2011, I momentarily paused my career to support my ailing father-in-law diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Balancing academia, practice, and family became challenging, prompting a two-year return to full-time Prosthodontics at Dr. Jagdish Rohira's clinic.

Introduce us to Swathi Dental Clinic. What are the various treatments and procedures that the healthcare institution is known for?

In November 2015, I established a dental practice spanning 800 sq ft, gradually expanding to incorporate five consultants in various specialties. My interest in durable dental treatments led me to study the stomatognathic system and biometric dentistry, inspired by Dr. Prafulla Thumathi's work on TMD using biometric diagnostic technology. From 2017 to 2019, I focused on temporomandibular disorders (TMD), learning from experts like Dr. Robert Kerstein, World authority on DTR (Disoclusion Time Reduction). Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, our practice continued with stringent safety measures, following WHO and IDA guidelines and investing in safety equipment. Transitioning to New Swathi Dental Clinic in 2022, we expanded services, focusing on holistic dental solutions, including craniofacial dysfunction in collaboration with medical experts. Our approach emphasizes preventive and interceptive treatments, catering to families across generations, offering comprehensive dental care with a gentle, educational approach, earning praise from patients who appreciate our attentive care for even the most anxious.

How do you foresee the dentistry landscape evolving and changing in India going forward. What steps will you take to align your practice with the industry needs?

I feel fortunate to witness dentistry's technological revolution, granting us advanced tools like microscopes, MRI, CBCT, and intraoral scanners, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment precision. Technological strides, including milling units and 3D printing, ensure better-fitting materials and predictable treatment outcomes. However, the core values of empathy and gentle care remain pivotal in healthcare. Despite the promising future of dental technology, accessibility for all must be a priority. The evolution of dental education should integrate modern technologies while maintaining fundamental medical foundations. Redesigning internships to focus on patient-centered care, encompassing diagnosis, treatment planning, execution, and follow-up, fosters comprehensive treatment approaches, benefiting overall patient well-being. The shift towards holistic treatment planning emphasizes patient-centric care in both general and dental health.

Dr. Srividya S, Dentist, Swathi Dental Clinic

Dr. Srividya, a Bengaluru native, excelled in her academic journey at St. Miras English School, SJRC Women’s College, and AECS Maaruti Dental College, culminating in an MDS in Prosthodontics.