Events | Balaji Dental and Craniofacial Hospital, Chennai, India

Dr SM Balaji represents the Academy of Dentistry International at the 3rd Global NCD Alliance Forum in Sharjah

by smbalaji | Feb 29, 2020 | Events

The 3rd Global NCD (Noncommunicable Diseases) Alliance Forum held in Sharjah

The 3^rd Global NCD Alliance (NCDA) Forum was held recently in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. This forum was organized by the NCDA in association with the Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP), which was the local host body.

The Forum was held under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Muhammad Al-Qasimi, Founder and Patron of FoCP and wife of the ruler of Sharjah, His Highness Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi.

The NCDA was formed to raise awareness about noncommunicable diseases, which are the biggest challenge facing medicine and dentistry today. Diabetes and dental caries are two global pandemics that are rampant and widespread across every strata of society. This alliance aims to bring the world’s biggest healthcare organisations under one umbrella to battle such diseases.

Dr SM Balaji and others discussing ways to promote awareness of noncommunicable diseases at the SEARO Alliance meeting in Sharjah

Dr SM Balaji as Academy of Dentistry International (ADI) representative at the forum

Dr SM Balaji represented the ADI at the forum as a member of the Executive Council, ADI and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Global Oral Health (JGOH), which is the official publication of the ADI. The JGOH is an initiative that seeks to highlight the devastation caused by NCDs on populations and to help guide policy decisions in this regard.

The SEARO(Southeast Asian Regional Office-World Health Organization) Alliance meeting was also conducted in Sharjah. Participation was robust with representatives from all member nations contributing information about ongoing development projects and plans for the future in their respective regions. Dr SM Balaji was elected as Secretary of the SEARO at this year’s meeting.

Dr SM Balaji and delegates from the Southeast Asian Regional Office (SEARO) nations at the conclusion of the SEARO meeting

Dr SM Balaji meets with the Executive Directors of Global Organisations

Dr SM Balaji met with Dr Christopher Fox, Executive Director, International Association for Dental Research (IADR) and Dr Enzo Bondioni, Executive Director, World Dental Federation (FDI) at the Global NCDA forum. He also met with Dr Jean-Luc Eisele, Executive Director, World Heart Federation.

The Chairperson of the Organizing Committee with Dr SM Balaji, Dr Enzo Bondioni, Executive Director, FDI and Dr Christopher Fox, Executive Director, IADR

Dr SM Balaji with Dr Jean-Luc Eisele, Executive Director, World Heart Foundation and others at the NCDA Forum in Sharjah

Their discussions revolved around the increasing evidence linking good oral health and a healthy heart. They discussed the importance of a joint effort towards tackling the biggest health issues that faced mankind today in the form of noncommunicable diseases.

Dr SM Balaji with Mr Neal Kovach, Division Vice President, Global Market Strategy, American College of Cardiology and others at the conclusion of the NCDA Forum

Dr SM Balaji with a delegate from the Fiji islands at the conclusion of the NCDA Forum in Sharjah

A meeting with Mr Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter at the Sharjah forum

Dr SM Balaji also met Ms Zoleka Mandela, granddaughter of the legendary former South African President, Mr Nelson Mandela. He expressed his admiration for her grandfather and said that he is an inspiration to the whole world as a leader who changed the lives of millions of people.

Ms Mandela is a cancer survivor and was a special invitee of the Founder and Patron of FoCP. She spoke at the forum about her battle against the dreaded disease and the obstacles that had to be overcome during that difficult period. She stressed on the need to fill in the lacunae that exist regarding awareness about the causes of cancer in the poorer regions of the world.

Dr SM Balaji with Ms Zoleka Mandela, granddaughter of Mr Nelson Mandela and cancer survivor who spoke at the forum about cancer

Dr SM Balaji visits the University of Sharjah Medical School

Dr SM Balaji was invited to visit the medical school of the University of Sharjah. He had a lengthy interaction with the students who quizzed him about his passion for Cranio-maxillofacial Surgery. He motivated them to focus on their career while also reminding them about the service oriented nature of the profession.

Dr SM Balaji presented them with his ‘Textbook of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery,’ which was greatly appreciated by the students.

Dr SM Balaji invited as Chief Guest at the 7th STAR Summit at Saveetha Dental College

by smbalaji | Feb 27, 2020 | Events

The 7^th Saveetha Transdisciplinary Annual Research (STAR) Summit recently concluded at Saveetha Dental College in Chennai. Dr SM Balaji, Director, Balaji Dental and Craniofacial Hospital, was invited as a Guest of Honour at the grand annual event that showcases the best of student research.

Dr SM Balaji speaks about dental research and its importance

Dr SM Balaji was a key speaker who had been invited to the summit

Excellence in surgical research over a period of 25+ years

This was in recognition of Dr SM Balaji’s high achievements and accomplishments in the field of surgical research pertaining to the field of Oral and Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery. His innovations in surgical flap design for cleft lip and palatal surgery have enabled faster rehabilitation for children afflicted with this facial deformity.

Dr SM Balaji being honoured with the traditional shawl at the 7th Saveetha STAR Summit

Dr SM Balaji seated on the dais at the commencement of the STAR Summit in Saveetha Dental College

Dr Sheeja Varghese, Dean, Saveetha Dental College, warmly welcomed Dr SM Balaji to the summit. Dr SM Balaji addressed the audience after the traditional lighting of the lamp ceremony.

Motivating the next generation for a full time career in dental research

He spoke to the audience of researchers and postgraduate students about his journey as a surgeon in a limited resource setting nation. Explaining how constant innovations help improve the various parameters of surgical outcome, he spoke to them about the difficulties associated with research. He spoke to them about the grit, determination and hard work that are the basic qualities needed for sustaining oneself in research.

Dr SM Balaji lit the ceremonial lamp to inaugurate proceedings at the STAR Summit in Saveetha Dental College

Dr SM Balaji addresses the audience on the occasion of the Saveetha STAR Summit

His talk was followed by a lively Question and Answer session with the audience where the audience quizzed him on a variety of research related topics. Dr SM Balaji patiently devoted quality time to answering these queries raised by the next generation of researchers.

The organizers and the students expressed their gratitude to Dr SM Balaji for the valuable insight he provided regarding research as a full time career in India.

A view of the audience that had gathered to listen to the distinguished speakers at the STAR Summit

National Brainstorming Meeting on Advancing Dental Research In India

by smbalaji | Feb 18, 2020 | Events

Dr SM Balaji was invited by Dr OP Kharbanda (CDER, AIIMS, New Delhi) to the Centre for Dental Education and Research (CDER) at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi (AIIMS) recently for the National Brainstorming Meeting on Advancing Dental Research in India.

Dr SM Balaji at the brainstorming session

Dr SM Balaji (Science Information Committee, IADR and Secretary General, ISDR) is a core member of the International Association for Dental Research-Regional Development Program (IADR-RDP) project committee. Dental Research is a rapidly developing aspect of dentistry in India today and there are many centers that have devoted significant resources towards this.

Dr SM Balaji noting down important point

The IADR-RDP was established with the aim of providing research grants to pioneering studies that would help expand the horizons of known knowledge and advance current scientific knowledge. The core members of this project committee analyze the research submissions for potential future implications and beneficial applications.

Recognition of contributions to dental research by Dr SM Balaji

Guest of Honour and Chief Guest at the Brainstorming meeting

Dr Randeep Guleria, Director, AIIMS, New Delhi and Lt Gen Sanjay Londhe, Director General, Dental Services, Army Dental Corps, Special Invitees, spoke about their experiences with medical and dental research in the country.

Dr Ritu Duggal, CDER, AIIMS, formally welcomed the Director General to the meeting. The meeting was formally inaugurated with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the invited dignitaries.

Impetus towards fostering greater growth of research opportunities in India

Also invited to the gathering were key opinion leaders who are heading key research projects in the country. Dr SM Balaji addressed the gathering, speaking at length about research opportunities in the country and how to best utilize time and budgetary constraints in the most resourceful manner.

Key resolutions adopted during the course of the meeting

Intense discussions were held over the course of the day and important resolutions were tabled towards the advancement of dental research. Pros and cons of choosing a career in research in India were explained by full time researchers present at the meeting. Ways to motivate more professionals towards choosing a fulltime career in research was delved into at depth.

The meeting was a resounding success with unanimous acceptance of the resolutions passed. Further annual meetings have been planned under the auspices of IADR and CDER, AIIMS, New Delhi.

Dr SM Balaji meets His Excellency Biplab Kumar Deb, Chief Minister of Tripura

by smbalaji | Feb 14, 2020 | Events

Dr SM Balaji invited to the 19th Annual Dental Conference, IDA, Tripura

The 19^th Annual Dental Conference of the Tripura State Branch of the Indian Dental Association (IDA) was recently held in Agartala, Tripura. The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tripura, His Excellency Biplab Kumar Deb was the Chief Guest at the conference.

Dr SM Balaji and the chief minister of Tripura, His Excellency Biplab Kumar Deb deep in conversation at the IDA Conference in Agartala, Tripura

Dr SM Balaji and His Excellency Biplab Kumar Deb, Chief Minister of Tripura being welcomed to the recently concluded IDA conference in Tripura

Dr SM Balaji, renowned Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgeon from Chennai was invited as a guest of honour by Dr Manik Saha, Congress President and DCI member, in light of his contributions towards the advancement of dentistry in India. He was also invited to deliver the keynote lecture at the conference in recognition of his achievements in the field of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery. The topic chosen by him was “Advanced Oral Surgery in Dental Practice.”

Inauguration of the conference by the Hon’ble chief minister of Tripura

The conference commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by His Excellency Biplab Kumar Deb and Dr SM Balaji. The Chief Minister addressed the audience, speaking about the role played by dentists towards improving the overall wellness levels in society. He also spoke about addressing the need to improve awareness about oral health in the community, which would in turn lead to greater holistic advancement of society.

Dr SM Balaji lighting the ceremonial lamp to inaugurate the conference as His Excellency Biplab Kumar Deb looks on

Dr SM Balaji looks on as the Chief Minister of Tripura, His Excellency Biplab Kumar Deb addressing the audience

Guidance towards improving the delivery of oral healthcare

The Chief Minister and Dr SM Balaji held discussions along the sidelines of the conference regarding how advances in dental sciences could be integrated into the health departments of the states. Dr SM Balaji related from his personal experience about the ways of implementing improvements into the existing healthcare system.

The Chief Guest, His Excellency Biplab Kumar Deb, Chief Minister of Tripura addressing the audience

Keynote lecture on the implementing advances in the clinical setting

Dr SM Balaji’s keynote lecture was a highlight of the conference. He spoke about the role of research related advances in oral surgery that had practical applications in the treatment of oral diseases on an everyday basis in the dental clinic. Explaining further, he related how overall postoperative morbidity could be greatly reduced by adopting the latest advances in surgery into everyday dental clinic procedures.

Dr SM Balaji, Guest of Honour addressing the audience at the IDA conference in Agartala, Tripura

Dr SM Balaji, Maxillo-Craniofacial Surgeon, addressing the audience

The Question and Answer session was a prolonged affair with members of the audience benefitting from the answers provided by Dr SM Balaji from his 25+ years experience as an oral surgeon. Members of the audience expressed their appreciation at the way he patiently took the time to address each query that was addressed to him.

Dr SM Balaji at his keynote lecture at the conference on “Advanced Oral Surgery in Dental Practice"

Keynote lecture on “Advanced Oral Surgery in Dental Practice” by Dr SM Balaji

Inauguration of upgraded new Cone Beam Computed Tomogram (CBCT)

by smbalaji | Jan 11, 2020 | Events

Balaji Dental and Craniofacial Hospital has always prided itself for keeping abreast with the latest technological advancements from around the world. Dr SM Balaji, Oral and Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgeon, is a renowned surgeon who uses cutting edge technology to provide the best surgical care for patients. We were the first in South India to acquire the CBCT scan in 2010.

Our hospital has now upgraded its CBCT scan to the latest 2020 specifications marvel of imaging technology. This was recently inaugurated by Hon’ble K Vijay Kumar, IPS, Senior Security Advisor, Government of India and His Excellency Abdulla Shahid, Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Maldives.

The minister congratulated Dr SM Balaji on acquiring the latest CBCT and keeping updated with the latest technology from around the world. He fondly recalled the long standing relationship of over 20 years that his nation has had with Dr SM Balaji and spoke about the free surgical care being provided by Dr SM Balaji towards the rehabilitation of adults and children with cranio-maxillofacial deformities including cleft lip and palate.

Congratulating Dr SM Balaji, Hon’ble K Vijay Kumar, IPS, spoke about his long standing association with Dr SM Balaji and talked about his contributions towards improving awareness about the importance of oral health in the country.

Maldives Minister Abdulla Shahid Vijay Kumar IPS Dr SM Balaji

Inaugurated by Hon’ble K Vijay Kumar, IPS, Senior Security Advisor, Government of India

Salient features and technological upgrades in the latest 2020 CBCT scan

Cone Beam Computed Tomogram (CBCT) at Balaji Dental and Craniofacial Hospital, Chennai

The new upgraded 2020 CBCT scan is generations ahead of the older model and has many new features that showcase the latest in medical technology. There has been complete revamping of the software as well as hardware.

Radiation exposure from a conventional CT is the equivalent of 120 x-rays. The older CBCT reduced this exposure to one-tenth to make it the equivalent of 10-12 radiographs. The latest CBCT scan has reduced this exposure to miniscule levels, boasting an exposure level of only 3-4 x-rays. This makes is very safe even for multiple uses in children.

Some of the other added features include plotting of the course of nerves and blood vessels within bone as well as delineation of areas of differing bone density as well as accurate airway volume measurements. This can also predict growth parameters as well as create input images for three-dimensional printing.

This makes it the ideal tool for treatment planning of complex cranio-maxillofacial surgeries that are routinely performed in our hospital. It is also the perfect aid for planning placement of dental implants within the bone, determining the extent of infection beyond the root apex for successful root canal treatments, visualizing the extent of bone destruction in cases of chronic periodontitis and other such treatments.

Dr SM Balaji delivers keynote lecture at National Conference on Obstructive Sleep Apnea

by smbalaji | Jan 2, 2020 | Events

The National Conference on Sleep Apnea was organized by the Department of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery of Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital of Bharat University recently. Leading luminaries on the management and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) attended the conference from around the country.

National Conference on Sleep Apnea NATCON ENT 2019 organized by Department of ENT Surgery, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital

Dr SM Balaji with Dr MK Rajasekar at the conclusion of the keynote lecture at NATCON ENT 2019

Invitation from Prof MK Rajasekar, Head of the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery

Dr SM Balaji, Director and Consultant, Balaji Dental and Craniofacial Hospital, Chennai, was invited by Prof MK Rajasekar, Organizing Chairman and Head of the ENT Department, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital to deliver the keynote lecture at the conference. This was in light of his known surgical expertise in the correction of obstructive sleep apnea. His chosen topic was “Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adult and Pediatric Patients.”

Dr SM Balaji receiving certificate of participation

Interactive learning session with the postgraduate students

The delegates who had come to attend the conference and postgraduate students from the ENT Department and Department of Head and Neck Surgery sat engrossed during the presentation. The interactive session that followed the conclusion of the presentation was very lively. The students asked probing questions that were answered with aplomb by Dr SM Balaji.

A view of the engrossed audience at the keynote lecture by Dr SM Balaji

Other eminent participants at the conference at SBMCH

Prof MK Rajasekar presented Dr SM Balaji with a Certificate of Appreciation as well as a memento for his contribution to the NATCON ENT 2019. Also present at the conference were Dr Ranjini Raghavan, Senior Consultant, Sunrise Hospital, Kochi, Dr Seemab Shaikh, Senior Consultant, Inamdar Hospital, Pune and Dr T Dhanasekar, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai.

Dr SM Balaji with Prof MK Rajasekar, Dr Ranjini Raghavan and Dr Seemab Shaikh

Prof MK Rajasekar presents Dr SM Balaji with a memento and certificate of participation at the completion of his lecture

Dr SM Balaji with Prof MK Rajasekar, Head of the Department of ENT, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital and ENT post graduate students

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