The Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry at Manav Rachna Dental College hosted a one-day expert lecture and panel discussion on “Global Strategies in the Management of Early Childhood Caries and Its Application in Community Oral Health Programs,” featuring Prof (Dr) Francisco Ramos-Gomez, Director of UCLA Pediatric Dentistry Advanced Clinical Training Program in Los Angeles, USA. Dr. Ramos-Gomez, an esteemed figure in the field, shared his academic journey and provided valuable insights into pediatric and preventive dentistry during the event.

With over three decades of experience, Dr. Ramos-Gomez is a Professor and Chair of the Division of Preventative and Restorative Sciences at UCLA. He is renowned for his extensive research in early childhood caries prevention, oral health disparities, and community health, particularly among underserved populations. His dedication to improving children’s oral health is evident through his involvement in various community-based interventions and clinical trials, funded by prestigious institutions such as NIH-NIDCR.

The event commenced with a warm welcome extended to all dignitaries by Dr. Avantika Tuli, Professor and Head of the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry. Dr. Francisco Ramos-Gomez was honored by Dr. Puneet Batra, Principal of MRDC, alongside other faculty members, for his significant contributions to the field. Dr. Batra, in his welcome address, emphasized the significance of such collaborations in fostering global perspectives and the holistic development of students equipped to tackle global health challenges with competence and confidence.

Dr. Ramos-Gomez delivered a compelling lecture on the global burden of early childhood caries (ECC) and the strategic approaches to its management, shedding light on the importance of anticipatory guidance and age 1 dental check-up visits. This discourse provided lesser-known insights into the complexities of ECC prevention and its implications for community oral health programs. The subsequent interactive panel discussion further deepened students’ understanding, offering nuanced perspectives from experts like Dr. Ramos-Gomez, Dr. Marwa Abdel Kader Taha, and Dr. Gyanendra Kumar.

Throughout the event, students had the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with the distinguished guests. The event culminated in a university campus tour and fruitful discussions with our esteemed Vice Chancellor, Dr. Sanjay Srivastava. Dr. Ramos-Gomez and Dr. Marwah Taha expressed their appreciation for the outstanding infrastructure and academic ambiance provided to students at MRDC, underscoring the institution’s commitment to excellence.