DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH DENTISTRY

The Department of Public Health Dentistry at D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital is dedicated to advancing community oral health through preventive, promotional, and treatment services. It upholds social responsibility and promotes oral health care in communities through collaborations with various government and non-government organisations.

The department's fully operational tobacco cessation clinic, established in collaboration with Bajaj Electricals, addresses the rising burden of tobacco-related oral diseases. The department also has a board membership in the Tobacco Control and Prevention Program, Pune District, contributing to state-level tobacco control strategies.

In collaboration with the Maharashtra government, the department actively implements school-based pit and fissure sealant programs in 120 students to prevent dental caries in children. Over 220 dental health camps are conducted annually in Pune and surrounding districts, providing free diagnostic, preventive, and treatment services to underserved communities. Satellite treatment centres in strategic locations, such as Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), Kamsheth, and Alandi, offer wider access to comprehensive dental care. These centres provide continuous services beyond campus boundaries. Partnerships with local bodies help prevent and control dental diseases, benefiting thousands of people annually. The commitment to early detection of oral cancer is strengthened through collaboration with Lifepoint Hospital for oral cancer screening, enabling advanced diagnostics and timely referrals.

Research in epidemiology, behavioural dentistry, tobacco control, and public health policy regularly contributes to national and international journals. Mobile dental vans, outreach activities, government partnerships, and hands-on training for students create a dynamic ecosystem of public health dentistry that addresses community needs and shapes socially responsible dental professionals.