About

Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics specialization deals with diagnosis, prevention, interception and correction of malocclusion and other abnormalities of the developing or mature orofacial structures. The departments offers a full range of orthodontics services including removable appliances, myofunctional appliances and fixed appliances. The department is well equipped with modern orthodontic clinical and laboratory facilities along with a separate photography room. Apart from traditional means of correcting malocclusions with conventional fixed appliances, the department believes in use of ultra-modern treatment techniques including lingual orthodontics and clear aligners. Use of skeletal anchorage systems including mini-plates and mini-implants, has revolutionized the treatment and offerened promising results for complex dental and skeletal deformities.

Aims and Objectives

The Department of Orthodontics at Himachal Dental College and Hospital plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of dental professionals while offering high-quality patient care. With a balanced focus on academic instruction, clinical training, research, and community engagement, the department stands as a cornerstone of dental education. Its mission centers on restoring and enhancing the form, function, and aesthetics of teeth through evidence-based and patient-centered orthodontic care.

Before students enter the clinical setting, the department ensures they are thoroughly prepared through a structured preclinical curriculum. Students are divided into small groups to facilitate microteaching—an approach that promotes personalized learning and close faculty interaction. During this phase, students practice essential orthodontic techniques and gain confidence in handling instruments and models. They are trained to take detailed case histories and participate in comprehensive treatment planning sessions. This participatory learning model cultivates a deep understanding of patient management and nurtures clinical decision-making skills from the beginning.

Core Objectives of the Department

1. Educational Objectives (Undergraduate and Postgraduate Levels)

One of the department's primary aims is to deliver a strong foundation in the science of craniofacial growth and the etiology of malocclusion. At both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, students are introduced to the biological basis of orthodontic conditions, diagnostic procedures, and treatment planning strategies.

A.Students are trained to manage a variety of orthodontic problems using removable appliances, fixed braces, interceptive techniques, and preventive strategies. A key educational goal is to cultivate clinical competency and confidence, enabling students to assess and manage diverse orthodontic cases independently.

B. The department also emphasizes evidence-based practice. Critical thinking is encouraged, and students are trained to integrate contemporary research into clinical practice. This academic environment prepares graduates for independent practice and positions them well for further specialization.

2. Clinical Training Objectives

A.Hands-on training is the backbone of the department’s clinical education. Students gain practical experience in patient examination, orthodontic record collection (including radiographs, photographs, and study models), and diagnosis.

B. They are exposed to a wide spectrum of cases, including early intervention procedures, adolescent treatments, and adult orthodontics. Multidisciplinary case management—such as coordinating with prosthodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery—is also a part of clinical exposure.

C. The department provides opportunities to learn and apply modern orthodontic techniques, including the use of clear aligners, self-ligating brackets, and temporary anchorage devices (TADs). Appliance design and fabrication are taught both manually and with the aid of digital tools, ensuring students stay updated with current technological advancements.

D. Ethical and professional conduct is consistently emphasized during clinical practice. Students are trained to approach each case with empathy, respect, and a commitment to ethical standards in patient care.

3. Research and Academic Development

A.The department actively fosters research and academic growth. Students and faculty are encouraged to undertake research projects in areas such as craniofacial development, orthodontic biomechanics, and clinical treatment outcomes.

B. Postgraduate students, in particular, are involved in dissertation work, case presentations, and journal club discussions. They are trained in scientific writing and presentation skills, preparing them to contribute to academic literature and present findings at regional and national conferences.

C. The department believes in the philosophy of lifelong learning. It promotes regular academic activities such as seminars, workshops, and guest lectures to ensure students and staff remain well-versed in the latest developments in orthodontics.

4. Community and Interdisciplinary Services

A.Community outreach is a vital component of the department’s vision. Through school dental health programs, screening camps, and awareness drives, the department educates the public—especially children and parents—about the importance of early orthodontic evaluation and intervention.

B. Special care is given to managing complex craniofacial anomalies like cleft lip and palate and syndromic conditions. These cases are handled in collaboration with other dental and medical departments, reflecting a truly interdisciplinary approach.

C. Such efforts not only enhance public oral health but also instill a sense of social responsibility in students.

5. Professional and Ethical Training

A.Professionalism forms the bedrock of the department’s teaching philosophy. Students are trained to uphold the highest standards of ethical practice, focusing on honesty, patient confidentiality, and empathetic care.

B. They are also educated about legal and regulatory aspects relevant to orthodontic practice. This includes consent protocols, record-keeping, and professional accountability, ensuring they are fully prepared for real-world practice.

No. of Patients Treated in this Department

Faculty

Dr. Anil Singla

(Head of the Department)

Dr. Vivek Mahajan

(Professor)

Dr. Harupinder Singh Jaj

(Professor)

Dr. Shikha Thakur

(Reader)

Dr. Kartikay Verma

(Reader)

Dr. Indu Dhiman

(Reader)

Dr. Vikrant Bhandari

(Reader)

Dr. Shilpi S. Kumar

(Reader)

Dr. Shalvi Tanwar

(Lecturer)

Dr. Tarush Paul Singh

(Lecturer)

Dr. Aprajita Dogra

(Lecturer)

Dr. Tarannum Soni

(Lecturer)

Dr. Dimple Pathania

(Lecturer)

Dr. Azhar Hashmi

(Lecturer)

Publications of the Department

Achievements of the Department

Highlights

PG Students (Orthodontics and Dental Orthopaedics)

Session: 2025-2028

Sr No.	Name	BDS From	Image
1	Atashi Chadha	H.P. Govt. Dental College & Hospital, Shimla
2	Gouri Khullar	Rayat Bahra Dental College, Mohali
3	Ishani Katnoria	Bhojia Dental College & Hospital, Solan
4	Prashant Choudhary	H.P. Govt. Dental College & Hospital, Shimla
5	Shaneel Shailesh Kamat	Goa Dental College & Hospital, Goa
6	Shikha Thakur	Himachal Dental College, Sunder Nagar, Mandi

Session: 2024-2027

Sr No.	Name	BDS From	Image
1	Dr. Aditi Sharma	-
2	Dr. Asama	-
3	Dr. Nandini Goel	-
4	Dr. Nitya Sehgal	HDC Sunder Nagar
5	Dr. Shangmai Wangpan	SJMDCH
6	Dr. Suraj Thakur	-

Session: 2023-2026

Sr No.	Name	BDS From	Image
1	Dr. Jyoti Devi	-
2	Dr. Kumud Chauhan	-
3	Dr. Nisarg Vora	-
4	Dr. Soni Saklani	-
5	Dr. Tanika Sudhir	-
6	Dr. Vibhuti Sharma	-