🎙️ From Scalpel to Spotlight: A Candid Chat with Dr. Karthik
MDS Periodontology | Educator | Host of the India’s Most Famous Dentist Podcast | Winner of the Golden Mic Award for Best Dental Podcast
If you’ve scrolled through dental Instagram lately or tuned into any student-friendly podcast, chances are you’ve come across Dr. Karthik. Known for his calm voice, creative visuals, and deep conversations on the India’s Most Famous Dentist Podcast, he’s someone who makes dentistry feel a little less intimidating—and a lot more inspiring.
We caught up with him to talk about his journey, his motivation, and his advice for the next generation of dentists.
🦷 Q1. So, Dr. Karthik—where did it all begin? What pulled you into dentistry?
I think I was always inclined toward the artistic side of things. Even before dentistry, I’ve had this natural urge to focus on precision and the smaller details – whether it was sketching, filmmaking, or editing. I’ve always believed that creativity and precision go hand in hand. Those who’ve seen my videos or podcast visuals probably notice that – my team and I put a lot of thought into how things look and feel, because I think dentistry is also an art form.
So for me, it wasn’t a trickle-down choice or a backup plan. Dentistry – and especially periodontics matched that part of me that loves design, structure, and creating something that lasts. It gave me a space where art, science, and communication meet – and that’s what continues to drive me every day.
I think I’ve always had this curiosity to understand how things work – especially the human body. During my early years, I could spend hours with anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, or medicine textbooks. They completely fed that curiosity of knowing how the body is designed and how it functions.
But soon, I realized that knowing wasn’t enough – I had this restless urge to do something with that knowledge. I’m a very hands-on, high-energy person, so I naturally gravitated toward dentistry. The pre-clinical labs – wax patterns, tooth carvings, crown preparations – all of that gave me a creative outlet.
Then came the clinical years – Conservative Dentistry, Prosthodontics, Periodontics, Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, Oral Medicine and Radiology, Pedodontics and Public health Dentistry – and that’s when I really found my rhythm. Periodontics especially connected deeply with me because it’s where precision meets biology. You can see what you’re working on, and every millimetre matters – it matched my personality perfectly.
Over time, those experiences shaped how I approach not just treatment, but also communication whether it’s through my podcast, my content, or my work with students and clinicians. Each phase was a milestone that built both the clinician and the creator in me.
💪 Q2. What keeps you going when the days get tough?
I always start with history. When you stay connected to your roots, it gives you a deep sense of value for what you have today.
If you look back, the pioneers of dentistry – the scientists, clinicians, researchers – they built this field with almost no resources. They worked for patient welfare, comfort, accessibility, and affordability, long before we had the kind of technology and conveniences we rely on now.
That perspective really keeps me grounded. Whenever I go through a challenging phase, I remind myself – we are walking on a path that so many before us have built through pure dedication and passion. All we need to do is keep that spirit alive.
In fact, this is something I often tell students: value what you have today, because it’s the result of decades of evolution. On my podcast, we’ve done a few episodes on the History of Dentistry -featuring experts and curators from dental museums, and even conversations on how dentistry was practiced in the 1950s compared to now. Those episodes truly help you appreciate how far we’ve come as a profession.
So, whenever I feel tired or demotivated, revisiting that history – the legacy of our field – reignites my purpose. It reminds me that being part of dentistry itself is a privilege.
🌟 Q3. Do you have a role model—or many?
Well, for me, it’s hard to name just one person as a role model. I’ve been fortunate to meet and learn from so many incredible dentists throughout my journey.
During my undergraduate days, I was very active in both curricular and extracurricular activities -which gave me the chance to interact with dentists who were doing outstanding work, nationally and internationally. Then in post-graduation, I think I must have attended over fifty national and international dental education programs. Each of those experiences connected me with mentors, clinicians, and researchers who were masters in their domains.
So for me, keeping just one role model has always been difficult. I try to stay alert and absorb something valuable from everyone I meet – because sometimes a small line of advice from an experienced dentist can be worth more than what you find in textbooks.
And on top of that, my podcast journey has been a huge source of learning. Every guest I’ve hosted – whether it’s Dr. Anuj Agarwal, Dr. Ashish Jain, Dr. Suresh Ludhwani, Dr. Moez Kahkiani, or someone like Dr. Sandesh Mayekar who’s contributed in all aspects – each of them has left a strong impression on me. I’ve learned a lot from their experiences, their perspectives, and even their attitude toward growth.
So, rather than one role model, I’d say I have many – and collectively, they keep me grounded, curious, and inspired to do better every day.
🎬 Q4. How do you juggle academics, practice, and content creation?
Yes, it has been challenging – but not because of lack of time or multitasking. The real challenge often comes from the mindset around us. Many people assume that if you’re doing something beyond your main work – like pursuing hobbies, content creation, or any parallel interest – you’re somehow not focused on your core field.
But that’s not true at all. That’s just a shallow perception. I genuinely believe that your hobbies and creative skills can strengthen your main profession, if you channel them in the right way. For me, filmmaking, editing, communication – all of these have actually helped me explain dentistry better and connect with people more effectively.
I once asked a very well-known businessman of our country – whose discussion will soon be out on my page – about how he managed to stay focused amid so much noise. He gave a brilliant analogy. He said, ‘In your generation, you have noise-cancellation headphones. I naturally developed the ability to switch my ears on and off – to only listen to what truly matters.’ That line really stayed with me.
And honestly, that’s the key. You have to learn to tune out the outer noise. Focus only on what adds value. Everyone has immense creativity, energy, and potential – it’s just the distractions that pull you back. If I have to put it as a strategy – I’d say: eat, sleep, do one thing for yourself, one for your family, and one for society – and repeat.
🪥 Q5. What’s your advice for dental students and young clinicians?
My advice would be simple – don’t just study dentistry, live it. Dentistry today isn’t only about clinical skills; it’s about how you think, how you communicate, and how you keep learning every single day. Be curious – not just about treatments, but about people. Understand your patients, listen to them, and value the privilege of being trusted with their health.
Secondly, don’t compare your journey with others. Everyone’s timeline is different. Some people bloom early, some take time – and both are absolutely fine. What matters is that you stay consistent and keep improving your craft.
Also, take your creative side seriously. Whether it’s content creation, design, research, or patient communication – your ideas and hobbies can actually strengthen the field if you channel them with purpose.
And lastly, always remember – this profession was built on service and sincerity. So stay grounded, stay ethical, and contribute back in your own way.
If I had to sum it up in one line,
I’d say: Keep learning, stay curious, do good work – and life will give you more than you ever expected.
And yes, I’d genuinely encourage students and young dentists to watch my show – the guests we’ve had share incredible insights that can really shape how you look at the profession. And feel free to connect with me if you ever want to discuss ideas, to learn, or just want to talk – I’m always happy to interact with passionate minds. Thank you.
🎧 Before We Sign Off…
Dr. Karthik’s journey reminds us that being a dentist isn’t only about perfect crowns or precise sutures—it’s about storytelling, service, and staying curious.
If you’re ever in need of a dose of inspiration, tune in to his award-winning with India’s Most Famous Dentist (IMFD) Podcast—a space where students, clinicians, and even parents discover what the world of dentistry really looks like.
🔗 Connect with Dr. Karthik
📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/karthiktva?igsh=enhuZDBwY241cmFk]
▶️ YouTube: [www.youtube.com/@DrKarthikDnojaa]
Dentowesome 