Sathya Kallur, DDS
Clinical Assistant Professor of Endodontics and of Implant Dentistry

After earning a dental degree and a certificate in oral surgery in Bangalore, India, Dr. Sathya Kallur went on to receive a DDS degree from NYUCD (1999), followed by a fellowship in implant dentistry (2000), and a certificate from the Advanced Education Program in Endodontics (2002). In addition to teaching at NYUCD, Dr. Kallur, who practices privately in New York City, is a director of The Dental Forum/NYUCD Global Partners in Dental Education, an organization which he cofounded to create opportunities for student and faculty exchanges between NYUCD and dental schools in India. In March, he joined Associate Dean for Development and International Programs Dr. Stuart M. Hirsch on a trip to India to forge a new cross-cultural initiative that will enable Indian dental students to complete their clinical requirements at NYUCD.

Although dental care remains a luxury for much of India’s vast population, the market for dentistry is expanding as a result of a strengthening economy and an increase in the country’s middle class in major cities such as Bangalore. To prepare themselves to respond to growing consumer healthcare needs and expectations within this population, many Indian dental students seek to add educational experiences that are unique to U.S. dental schools, especially the hands-on clinical training for which NYUCD is well known.

For some time I have been impressed by the desire of friends who work as faculty and administrators at Indian dental schools to find a way to allow these students to complete their fifth and final year of studies – when they are required to train in a clinic or hospital – at NYUCD. Accordingly, I approached Associate Dean Hirsch, who was very receptive to the idea, and we soon began discussions with Dr. K. Bali, the head of India’s dental accreditation organization, the Dental Council. In March, we traveled to Delhi to finalize the details of this initiative, which, beginning in fall 2005, will offer Indian dental students the opportunity to come to NYUCD for added training in general dentistry in fulfillment of their fifth-year clinical requirements. Because of their experiences in treating a diverse patient population under the guidance of world-renowned faculty, these students will graduate with added skill and confidence in practicing general dentistry.

NYUCD has a thriving distance-learning program for Indian dental students, who have already participated in three live, interactive dental videoconferences broadcast from NYUCD. And in December 2004, The Dental Forum/ NYUCD Global Partners in Dental Education initiative will sponsor a program on rotary endodontics to be presented by Dr. Kallur at a Dental Forum site in Bangalore.