Dear Esteemed Members of the Indian Association of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry,

It is with immense honor and gratitude that I accept the prestigious responsibility of serving as the President of ISPPD. I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for your trust and confidence in me as I step into this esteemed role. Together, we have the opportunity to continue shaping the future of pediatric dentistry in India.

As we all know, ISPPD has long stood as the pillar of pediatric oral health, tirelessly working to safeguard the well-being of children across the nation. Our society is not only dedicated to clinical excellence, but also committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of their socioeconomic status, has access to the highest standard of dental care. In addition, we take pride in educating and empowering parents, caregivers, and communities to recognize the importance of early oral health, creating a ripple effect that will benefit future generations. Our platform fosters research, innovation, and the pursuit of knowledge, offering continuing dental education and faculty development programs for postgraduates and educators alike.

With this strong foundation, I am excited to present my vision for ISPPD in the year ahead. On the academic and curriculum front, while we have a well-established system in place, there is a need to explore newer horizons. The inclusion of cutting- edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in pediatric dentistry will revolutionize our field. These advancements can bring significant improvements in diagnosis, treatment planning, and preventive strategies, enabling us to provide personalized care at a level previously unimaginable.

In terms of outreach, my goal is to take pediatric dentistry to the farthest corners of the country, ensuring that rural populations, often left out of the healthcare system, also benefit from our expertise. A crucial step in this direction would be empowering ASHA and Anganwadi workers to disseminate knowledge about pediatric oral health to pregnant mothers and young families. By doing so, we can educate communities early, ultimately reducing both the familial and national economic burden in the long run. I also plan to engage with the Dental Council of India and the Government of India to advocate for the implementation of specific pediatric oral health policies.

Further, it is a matter of national importance that India is currently allocating only 0.7% of its GDP towards research and development, with a significantly smaller portion directed to the health sector. In light of this, ISPPD must take proactive steps to increase research funding in pediatric oral health care. We should provide financial support to both students and faculty engaged in research, fostering an environment of scientific inquiry and innovation.

On a personal note, I strongly believe in the connection between a “healthy mind and a healthy body.” Unfortunately, our younger generation often overlooks the importance of physical well-being. As pediatric dentists, we are uniquely positioned to encourage healthier lifestyles. Therefore, I propose that ISPPD initiate inter- college and inter-university sports events for our members, dedicating a day during our conferences/PG Conventions to promote physical activities. By embracing this initiative, we can inspire not only our colleagues but also the next generation of patients to balance their professional lives with physical fitness, improving their overall quality of life. Advocating for sports will enhance both physical and mental health, fostering well-rounded individuals better equipped for success.

As I step into this new role, I am fully aware of the great responsibilities that lie ahead. However, I am equally excited about the opportunities before us to advance pediatric dentistry together. I invite each of you to actively participate in the society’s initiatives, share your expertise, and bring forth your ideas. Together, we can accomplish remarkable things, taking pediatric dental care to unprecedented heights.

Once again, thank you for your trust, commitment, and dedication to ISPPD. I look forward to working closely with all of you to build on our society’s incredible foundation and take it to even greater heights.