Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma,New Delhi

In a significant step towards modernising dental education in India, Mahesh Verma, Vice-Chancellor of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), is spearheading a major international project aimed at integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into dental training.


The project, titled “Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Dental Education: Addressing Critical Global Oral Health Challenges through Transformative Capacity Building,” is being implemented under the prestigious SPARC–UKIERI framework.


It marks a high-level academic collaboration between GGSIPU, Dwarka and the Institute of Dentistry at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) — reinforcing India–UK ties in healthcare education and research.


AI-Driven Training for Future Dentists
The initiative focuses on developing a specialised AI-based training module for third-year BDS students and dental interns, equipping them with next-generation skills in:
AI-assisted diagnostics
Clinical applications of Large Language Models (LLMs)
AI-powered imaging and data interpretation
Wearable health technologies
Haptics-enabled simulation training
Virtual Reality (VR)-based dental education
Expert lectures and hands-on workshops


The structured programme is being delivered in four phases, blending theoretical insights with practical exposure.


International Leadership Team
The project brings together leading academicians from India and the UK, including:
Vikrant Mohanty (MAIDS)
Manu Mathur (QMUL, London)
Ali Golkari (QMUL, London)
Vartika Kathuria Monga (GGSIPU)
Their collaborative expertise aims to build transformative capacity in addressing global oral health challenges.


Implementation Across Leading Delhi Institutions
The training programme is currently underway at three major government dental institutions in Delhi:
Faculty of Dentistry, Jamia Millia Islamia
Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS)
ESIC Dental College and Hospital


Prof. Mahesh Verma’s Vision for Digital Health
Highlighting the broader impact of the initiative, Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Verma stated that Artificial Intelligence has the potential to significantly enhance accessibility and quality of healthcare, especially in populous nations like India.
He emphasised that such forward-looking training programmes would prepare young dental professionals to adapt to the evolving digital healthcare ecosystem and align Indian dental education with global standards.


A Transformative Step for India’s Dental Education System
Experts believe this project lays the foundation for developing a structured AI-integrated dental curriculum in India. Beyond academic advancement, the collaboration signals India’s growing role in global health education innovation.
With GGSIPU at the forefront under Prof. Mahesh Verma’s leadership, the initiative positions India as a proactive contributor to the future of AI-enabled healthcare learning worldwide.