Research at SMIDS

A vibrant research culture spanning clinical, basic science and technological domains.

Our institution has consistently nurtured a vibrant research culture across all academic levels. For the year 2024–25, research initiatives span clinical, basic science and technological domains, involving undergraduate students, postgraduate scholars, faculty and PhD candidates. These activities reflect our commitment to fostering innovation, academic excellence, and evidence-based practice.

To support and streamline research, we have established a well-structured Institutional Research Committee (IRC) that oversees all research-related activities — guiding investigators through proposal development, ethical considerations, methodology and statistical analysis. Regular meetings review ongoing and proposed projects to ensure high-quality output and compliance.

Our dedicated Institutional Ethical Clearance Committee (IECC) ensures research involving human participants upholds the highest standards. Every proposal undergoes thorough review focusing on informed consent, confidentiality, risk assessment and scientific merit before clearance is granted.

We encourage interdisciplinary research through collaboration with departments, institutions and universities. Subscriptions to EBSCO, ProQuest and KNIMBUS, along with Autolib and DELNET, give easy access to global scholarly literature. Best paper awards, travel grants and publication support motivate budding researchers, while faculty are supported in applying for extramural funding.

Our Focus Areas

Research Activities & Domains

PhD Research Projects

Advanced research projects under recognized PhD guides — biomaterials, oral cancer diagnostics, and regenerative therapy.

Stem Cell Research

Investigating the regenerative potential of dental pulp stem cells; scaffold development and tissue engineering in endodontics and periodontics.

Dental Material Science

Development and evaluation of new composite resins, ceramics and adhesives; comparative studies on longevity, strength and biocompatibility.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

Clinical and radiographic studies on TMJ disorders — interdisciplinary across prosthodontics, radiology and physiotherapy.

CBCT-Aided Research

Cone Beam CT for anatomical assessment, pathology diagnosis and treatment planning in orthodontics, implantology and endodontics.

Randomized Clinical Trials

Ethically approved RCTs for evidence-based comparison of treatment modalities, pain management and prosthodontic outcomes.

Questionnaire-Based Studies

Patient satisfaction surveys, KAP studies, oral hygiene awareness, quality of life and treatment compliance research.

Web-Based Research

Digital data collection, tele-dentistry tools, mobile health apps and AI in oral health screening.

New Material Research

In-house and collaborative testing of novel dental materials — antimicrobial coatings, bioceramics and nanotechnology in dentistry.

Undergraduate Research

ICMR-supported student research projects with emphasis on early exposure to research methods and publication.

Postgraduate Dissertations

Every PG student carries out a mandatory dissertation under faculty guidance, focused on clinical relevance and innovation.

Staff Research Activities

Faculty-initiated projects across basic and applied sciences with continuous support for publication, conferences and grant writing.

Specialty Research Programmes

Advanced research directions driving clinical and technological innovation.

Digital Dentistry

3D Printing — surgical guides, dental models and provisional restorations.
CAD/CAM — precision and patient satisfaction with digitally fabricated prostheses.
Intraoral Scanning — accuracy and efficiency vs traditional impressions.
Digital Smile Design — facial aesthetics integrated with prosthetic planning.

Implant Research

Surface Modification — bioactive coatings and influence on osseointegration.
Implant Biomechanics — FEA on stress distribution around implants.
Immediate vs Delayed Loading — RCTs comparing success rates.
Implant Planning Software — guided implant surgery and outcomes.

Immunohistochemistry (IHC)

Oral Cancer Research — IHC markers (p53, Ki-67) for tumor progression and prognosis.
Inflammatory Markers — cytokines in chronic periodontitis and peri-implantitis.
Autoimmune Lesions — immune markers in lichen planus and pemphigus vulgaris.

Molecular Studies

Gene Expression — real-time PCR in oral cancer, bone healing and pulp regeneration.
Protein expression — Western blotting, ELISA, spectrometry.
Molecular Biomarkers — diagnostic and prognostic markers in saliva and tissue.
Pathogen Detection — PCR-based microbial analysis in periodontal/endodontic infections.

Research Activities Document

Detailed institutional record of ongoing research initiatives and outputs.

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