In the vibrant city of Mangalore, where diverse talents and passions converge, Pavithra B Nair, a dental intern at A B Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, stands out not only for her commitment to oral health but also for her passion for classical dance. Pavithra believes that dentistry is a canvas where she can explore the artistry of oral health, aligning her profession with her passion.

1) Could you provide a brief overview of your research project?
Certainly, my research project focused on assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practice of night brushing and oral hygiene among the rural population of Dakshinna Karnataka.

2) What motivated you to choose this particular research topic?
My motivation for choosing this research topic stemmed from my experiences at A B Shetty college, where we encounter many patients from rural areas of Karnataka. It became evident that improving the quality of life for these individuals necessitated addressing their knowledge and practices related to night brushing and oral hygiene. This realization led me to conduct a survey to assess their understanding and explore ways to enhance their oral health.

3) How did you become interested in the ICMR STS program, and what was your application process like?
I learned about the ICMR-STS program through my college. Initially, I had reservations about taking on this project, as I was concerned about balancing my studies with research work, especially since it was a new experience for me. However, my college provided invaluable support and encouragement, urging me to give it a try. The application process was straightforward, involving submission through the official ICMR-STS website, where all the necessary details were provided.

4) What was the main research question or hypothesis you aimed to address in your project?
As dentists, our primary objective is to promote awareness of oral health. While we emphasize the importance of brushing twice a day, the significance of night brushing is often overlooked. Night brushing plays a vital role in maintaining oral hygiene by preventing the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth during the night when saliva flow is reduced. Therefore, my goal was to assess the knowledge and attitude of rural populations regarding night brushing and raise awareness to improve oral hygiene.

5) Were there any unexpected challenges or obstacles that you encountered during your research process? How did you overcome them?
One of the significant challenges was visiting various rural areas in Dakshinna Karnataka and communicating with the local population, as language barriers were a hurdle. Fortunately, I had the support of individuals who helped me navigate this issue. Balancing my semester exams with research work was another challenge, but I received support from my professors and staff to manage the situation.

6) Did you collaborate with any mentors or fellow researchers during the project? How did they support you?
My mentor, Dr. Pushparaj Shetty, a Professor from the Department of Oral Pathology and Oral Microbiology, was a constant source of support throughout the project. His guidance and encouragement were instrumental in helping me achieve my research goals.

7) Are there any specific tips or insights you would offer to future STS applicants to increase their chances of success?
To future STS applicants, I would advise approaching the program with a mindset focused on learning from the project rather than being overly concerned about the results. Despite my initial insecurities, the journey was intriguing and filled with new experiences that have motivated me to continue my research journey.

8) Is there anyone you would like to acknowledge or express gratitude to for their support during your research project?
I’d like to express my gratitude to the almighty for providing me with the strength to see this research project through. My heartfelt thanks go to my mentor, Prof. Dr. Pushparaj, without whom I may not have embarked on this research journey. I’m immensely grateful to my parents, who have always believed in me, even when I doubted myself, and to all my colleagues who lent their assistance in completing this project.

Pavithra B Nair’s dedication to improving oral hygiene and raising awareness among rural populations exemplifies the transformative power of research and the enduring impact that passionate individuals can have on their communities. As she continues her journey, Pavithra is poised to make significant contributions to both the world of dentistry and the realm of classical dance.