1. How did your journey in the dental profession begin, and what were the milestones that shaped it?
From the very beginning, I knew I didn’t just want to be a dentist — I wanted to be a holistic dentist. For me, that meant stepping into every kind of setup possible. I’ve worked in super glam, high-end clinics where patient detailing and experience matter the most, in fast-paced corporate chains where efficiency and systems rule, and in CGHS/government setups where limited resources challenge your creativity and compassion.
Each of these experiences shaped me in unique ways — teaching me empathy, precision, and adaptability — lessons I carry into my practice every single day.
2. What inspires you to stay passionate and committed to dentistry, even during challenging times?
People inspire me. Over the years, I’ve noticed a beautiful shift — patients today are genuinely curious about their smiles. They ask questions, they care about their oral health, and they’re invested in improving it. Seeing how a small change — sometimes as simple as aligning a tooth or improving a shade — can completely transform someone’s confidence is what keeps me going. And of course, dentistry allows me to be my own boss — a privilege that pushes me to stay committed and creative, even during tough days.
3. Who is your role model in dentistry, and how have they influenced your professional journey?
My biggest inspiration is Dr. Shruti from MAIDS. She’s done both her BDS and MDS there, and what amazes me most is her discipline. Even today — while managing family life and raising two kids — she studies for a few hours every single day. That level of dedication reminds me that dentistry isn’t a career you complete; it’s a lifelong learning journey. I aspire to bring that same philosophy to my practice — to always stay updated so my patients receive care that’s rooted in both compassion and the latest science.
4. How do you balance academics, work, and personal interests?
For me, balance isn’t optional — it’s essential. Dentistry can be intense, so I make sure to pause and recharge when needed. I’ve even taken two-month breaks between jobs just to travel, rest, and reset before starting fresh. Some people might think that’s unconventional, but that balance fuels my best work. When you’re happy and fulfilled outside the clinic, you naturally become a more patient, empathetic, and focused dentist inside it.
5. What advice would you give to dental students and young professionals?
The early stages can be tough — there’s little earning, lots of expenses, and often a sense of uncertainty. But don’t let that phase define you. Use that time to learn, document, and grow. Keep updating your skills and build expertise in areas your peers might overlook. When you do that, you create your own niche — and patients will value that uniqueness. Remember, confidence comes from competence. Keep learning, and everything else will follow.
💎 A Smile That Reflects a Life Well-Lived
Dr Himani Hasaji’s story is more than a professional journey — it’s a lesson in purpose, balance, and evolution. She’s not just crafting smiles; she’s crafting a philosophy that blends science, art, and humanity.
From wax carvings to real-life artistry — Dr Janhavi Bangar’s journey through dentistry is a story of growth, grit, and genuine passion. In this candid interview, she opens up about the milestones that shaped her, the mentors who molded her mindset, and the balance between precision and play in her life as a young dentist.
Beginnings: Finding Meaning in Every Milestone
1️⃣ Can you share how your path in the dental profession began and the key milestones that shaped it?
Honestly, my path started a bit like a wax carving — rough at the edges but shaping into something meaningful. One of my earliest “wow” moments was assisting in an implant surgery. I remember thinking, “We literally put screws into bone and call it art — this is wild and fascinating!” Another turning point was getting 73% in my first year. It wasn’t just a grade; it was proof that I could actually be good at this. Then came the decision to pursue masters and later my internship at GDC Mumbai as an extern — that’s where it clicked: Yes, MDS is my road. Each of these milestones felt like building blocks, shaping not just my career, but also my confidence in it.
Passion That Persists: Finding Joy in Every Smile
2️⃣ What inspires you to stay passionate and committed to dentistry, even during challenging times?
For me, it’s simple — dentistry gives me the rare privilege of seeing the impact of my work almost instantly. A patient walks in hiding their smile, and after treatment, they walk out grinning ear to ear. That transformation, that joy — it’s addictive. It reminds me every day why I chose this. Sure, there are tough times — long hours, endless reading, sometimes frustrating cases — but then I remember what Dr. G.V. Black, the father of modern dentistry, once said: “The professional man has no right to be other than a continuous student.” So even when I’m tired, the idea that I’m constantly learning while helping someone regain their smile keeps me moving.
Mentorship and Inspiration: The People Behind the Progress
3️⃣ Who is your role model in the dental field and how has this person influenced your approach to patient care, academics, or professional growth?
It’s impossible to pick just one — every mentor I’ve had has shaped me in some way, like different teeth in the same arch, each serving its unique function.
Dr. Swati Pustake has been my guiding light. Her calmness in difficult situations taught me lessons that no textbook ever could.
Dr. Bikash Pattnaik inspires me daily with his combination of brilliance and humility — he’s living proof that academics, health, and fun can coexist beautifully.
Dr. Komal Majumdar and Dr. Moez are orators who can hold a room’s attention like no one else — they’ve shown me that communication is just as vital as clinical skill.
Together, they’ve shaped my philosophy: dentistry isn’t just about perfecting your hand skills — it’s about shaping your mindset, resilience, and ability to connect with people.
Balance Beyond the Clinic: Living Life Fully
4️⃣ Could you discuss the strategies you use to manage academic responsibilities alongside your personal interests or hobbies?
My strategy is simple: dentistry is a part of my life, not my entire life. On most days, I’m the dedicated student, clinician, and resident — working 12–13 hours if needed. But I’ve also promised myself that I won’t lose out on living. That one free day or Sunday, I make sure I really live — whether it’s brunch with friends, a trek, volleyball, painting, creating content, or even participating in college fests and fashion shows. After all, what’s the point of being a prosthodontist if you don’t know how to fix the “missing tooth” of fun in your own life? As the saying goes, “Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.”
Words of Wisdom: Lessons for Aspiring Dentists
5️⃣ What advice would you give to current dental students and aspiring dentists?
My biggest advice is have clear intent, stronger than your luting cement. Dentistry is demanding, yes, but if your values are strong ,whether it’s honesty in studies, compassion in patient care, or integrity in friendships , you’ll stand strong no matter what. Patients can always sense genuine energy; if you’re invested in them, half the treatment is already successful.
And don’t forget to have fun along the way , pursue the things you’re passionate about outside dentistry too, because that joy will reflect in the kind of dentist you become. Like Dr. William Osler said: “The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease.” I’d like to believe the same applies to us: “The good dentist restores the tooth; the great dentist restores the smile — and the person behind it.”
Every smile has a story, and so does every dentist who crafts them. In this exclusive conversation, we sit down with Dr. Anchal Shah, Prosthodontist at Dr. Shah’s Smile Studio, to learn about her inspiring journey—from a childhood fascination with chocolates to rebuilding lives through maxillofacial prosthetics.
1) Can you share how your path in the dental profession began and the key milestones that shaped it?
✨ Childhood: It’s funny how a simple love for chocolates led me toward a world I never imagined—dentistry. What began as curiosity slowly transformed into passion.
✨ BDS Days: The first two years were honestly tough. I often felt lost, wondering why I was spending hours working on baseplates or burning my fingers. But once clinics began, everything changed. I discovered joy in the smallest things—making dentures, performing extractions, or the adrenaline rush of placing my first suture.
✨ The Big Leap: I always dreamt of specializing in Prosthodontics. My first NEET MDS attempt didn’t work out, but I refused to give up. Taking a drop year was challenging, but it became one of the best decisions of my life. The effort paid off with AIR 66and admission to my dream college.
✨ Shaping My Purpose: Training under legends in Maxillofacial Prosthodontics gave me a mission bigger than myself—helping oral cancer survivors regain not just their smile, but their confidence and dignity.
✨ Where I Am Today: At Dr. Shah’s Smile Studio, I blend skill with compassion. My approach is holistic—every smile matters, every pain deserves care, and every patient’s story reminds me why I chose this path.
2) What inspires you to stay passionate and committed to dentistry, even during challenging times?
Dentistry, like life, isn’t always smooth. Some days are tough—when cases get complicated, outcomes don’t go as planned, or the weight of responsibility feels overwhelming.
On those days, I remind myself of two things:
🌱 How far I’ve come: From a confused BDS student burning my fingers on a baseplate to securing AIR 66 and finding my calling in Prosthodontics—every struggle has shaped me.
💡 Why I started: It was never just about teeth. It’s always been about people—their pain, their confidence, and their smiles. Watching a patient smile again after years is the kind of reward that keeps me going.
Every difficult moment becomes lighter when I remind myself of this: 👉 I didn’t come this far to give up. I came this far to make a difference
3) Who is your role model in the dental field and how has this person influenced your approach to patient care, academics, or professional growth?
I owe so much to my mentors.
• Dr. Rupal Shah, my postgraduate guide and Head of Department, taught me how much can be achieved with so little in hand. Her resourcefulness and patient-centered care continue to inspire my daily practice.
• Dr. P. C. Jacob, my mentor in oral cancer rehabilitation, showed me the power of perseverance and empathy in dealing with some of the most complex and emotionally demanding cases.
Their teachings shaped my outlook—not just as a clinician, but as a human being who believes in healing beyond treatment.
4) Could you discuss the strategies you use to manage academic responsibilities alongside your personal interests or hobbies?
Dentistry can easily consume your entire day, but I’ve learned that balance is key. Keeping my small passions alive keeps me grounded.
For me, it’s listening to podcasts, tuning into music, or watching a good movie. Podcasts give me new perspectives, music uplifts my mood instantly, and movies help me pause and reset.
Even 20–30 minutes a day can make a difference. You don’t need hours for hobbies—just intention. These little joys refill my energy, empathy, and creativity, helping me return to dentistry with a refreshed mind.
Because while dentistry defines my work, my hobbies remind me who I am.
5) What advice would you give to current dental students and aspiring dentists?
Don’t rush to have it all figured out. It’s completely normal to feel lost in the beginning—to question your path, or to wonder why you’re spending endless hours perfecting a baseplate or bending wires.
Trust the process. Those small, repetitive tasks are building your foundation—your patience, precision, and perseverance.
Stay consistent. Stay curious. And don’t fear setbacks. One exam, one failure, or one tough day doesn’t define your journey—your persistence does.
Most importantly, never forget why you started. Dentistry is not just about teeth—it’s about people, their confidence, and their smiles.
🎙️ 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.
Promote beneficial dentoskeletal changes during growth periods (Bell, 1982).
Posterior cross-bites develop early and are not self-correcting (Moyers & Jay, 1959; Thilander et al., 1984).
Orthodontic Response to Expansion
Initial response completed within a week (Storey, 1973; Cotton, 1978; Hicks, 1978).
Subsequent movements occur as compressed buccal alveolar plate resorbs at the root-periodontal interface due to continued force (Storey, 1973).
Orthopaedic Effects of Expansion
Sufficient transverse forces can overcome bioelastic strength of sutural elements, causing:
Orthopaedic separation of maxillary segments (Storey, 1973; Chaconas & de Alba y Levy, 1977; Cotton, 1978; Hicks, 1978).
Palatal segment repositioning continues until force is reduced below sutural tensile strength.
Stabilization involves reorganization and remodeling of sutural connective and osseous tissues (Storey, 1973; Ekstrom et al., 1977).
Increased Maxillary Arch Width
Linked to orthodontic and/or orthopaedic effects of expansion (Ficarelli, 1978; Moyers, 1984).
Initial changes involve lateral tipping of posterior maxillary teeth due to compression and stretching of periodontal and palatal soft tissues.
Midpalatal Sutural Opening and Maxillary Displacement
Expansion leads to:
Downward and forward displacement of the maxilla with bite opening (Haas, 1961).
Downward and backward rotation of the mandible, increasing the vertical dimension of the lower face (Haas, 1970).
Subsequent recovery of mandibular posture noted in most cases (Wertz, 1970).
Rate of Expansion and Dental Arch Width Increase
Rapid Maxillary Expansion (Krebs, 1959, 1964):
Subjects aged 8–19 years showed an average dental arch increase of 6.0 mm (range: 0.5–10.3 mm).
Skeletal changes accounted for:
~50% of the arch width increase in 8–12-year-olds.
~33% of the increase in 13–19-year-olds.
Slow Maxillary Expansion (Hicks, 1978):
Subjects aged 10–15 years showed a dental arch width increase of 3.8–8.7 mm.
Skeletal response ranged from 16–30%, with lower skeletal response in older patients.
Buccal tipping of molars and skeletal segments contributed to arch width increase.
Asymmetrical angular changes between left and right molars and maxillary segments were observed.
Removable Plates and Sutural Growth (Skieller, 1964):
In subjects aged 6–14 years:
20% of dental arch widening was attributed to sutural growth.
Sutural growth rate during expansion was significantly greater than during follow-up, indicating stimulated growth during expansion.
Removable Plates and Sutural Growth (Skieller, 1964):
Study on 20 subjects aged 6–14 years:
20% of dental arch widening was attributed to sutural growth.
Growth rate at the mid-palatal suture was significantly higher during expansion compared to the follow-up period.
Suggests that sutural growth is stimulated during the expansion period.
Histologic Findings in Slow Expansion Procedures:
Sutural separation occurs at a controlled rate, maintaining tissue integrity during maxillary repositioning and remodeling (Storey, 1973; Ekstrom et al., 1977; Cotton, 1978).
Relapse Tendency During Post-Retention Period:
Relapse potential is reduced in slow expansion procedures due to:
Introduction Malocclusion, characterized by changes in teeth positioning and skeletal growth, represents a global public health concern.
Historical Context: Correction attempts date back to at least 1000 BC.
Prevalence: Class II malocclusion affects one-third of the population and is categorized as skeletal or dental in origin.
Etiology:
Only 20% of Class II Division 1 cases are due to maxillary protrusion.
The majority stem from mandibular retrusion.
This prevalence has led to the development of functional appliances aimed at stimulating mandibular growth. These devices are divided into removable and fixed functional appliances.
Fixed Functional Appliances
Types:
Rigid: Herbst appliance, MARA (Mandibular Advancement Repositioning Appliance).
Flexible: Jasper Jumper, Scandee tubular jumpers.
Hybrid: Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device (FFRD).
Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device (FFRD):
A telescoping spring mechanism for Class II correction.
Provides moderate patient tolerance with initial discomfort that subsides over time.
PowerScope Appliance:
Latest addition, introduced by Dr. Andy Hayes in 2016 in collaboration with American Orthodontics.
Features a telescopic mechanism with a nickel-titanium (NiTi) spring delivering 260 g constant force.
Designed as a preassembled, one-size-fits-all appliance for easy chairside application.
Study Rationale While Forsus FRD is extensively studied, limited literature evaluates and compares the skeletal, dental, and soft tissue effects of PowerScope. This study bridges that gap by conducting a cephalometric evaluation and comparison of these two fixed functional appliances.
Both appliances are effective in correcting Class II discrepancies caused by retrognathic mandibles. However:
Forsus FRD is superior in achieving skeletal changes, particularly maxillary retrusion and mandibular advancement.
PowerScope shows more pronounced effects on dentoalveolar and soft tissue parameters, especially upper incisor inclination correction and facial convexity improvement.
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