The Department of Public Health Dentistry at S. Nijalingappa Institute of Dental Sciences & Research was established with the aim of promoting oral health at the community level and training students in the principles and practices of public health dentistry.

The department is dedicated to educating undergraduate students to work within interdisciplinary healthcare teams, investigating risk factors for oral diseases, their association with systemic health, and employing oral epidemiological methods to evaluate dental services and influence oral health policy.

This subject also introduces students to the importance of professional ethics, especially in the context of a dentist’s relationship with patients, peers, and society at large. The department is committed to delivering comprehensive patient care, with students actively participating in dental camps where they conduct screening examinations, preventive procedures, and minor treatments.

Key focus areas include:

• Community-based dental care and prevention

• Health promotion and disease prevention strategies

• Epidemiological research and oral health surveys

• Professional ethics and public service responsibility

Students are encouraged to cultivate a positive attitude toward social health issues and take active responsibility in contributing to community well-being through oral healthcare initiatives.

At S. Nijalingappa Institute of Dental Sciences & Research, the Department of Public Health Dentistry remains committed to shaping socially responsible, community-focused dental professionals equipped to meet the evolving needs of public oral health.