REVOLUTIONIZING DENTAL CARE AROUND THE WORLD

In today’s dynamic world, to create a chance is to be the chance. While putting that on paper might be easy, it takes willpower to take risks, exhibit the urge to be different, and put in those miles to get ahead of the rest. And that’s when someone is able to bring about a change in the society.

With Dr. Gajender Ahlawat, it has been no different. Born and raised in a suburb of India’s capital, as young kid he had the willpower to dream and defy odds. With that, the journey began and began early. A History Honours from Delhi University, Gajender’s career though was soon to take a different route.
Let’s begin.

Some among us nurture the dream, to help mankind, and that dream fuels a lot of stories – like this one. Armed with a brilliant learning pedigree and indomitable spirit, Dr. Gajender took a journey to treat and solve an entire community’s dental phobia and anxiety. It took him several years, and the rigour started from the streets of Mysore.
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Dr. Gajender studied at the S.N Institute of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, University of Mysore until 1996. He then served in the Residency Program at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi – one of the Premier Institutes in Asia and one of the largest Research Institutes in the world.

His dreams led him to foreign shores. His application was accepted for an International Post Graduation Program in Prosthodontics at NYU College of Dentistry, New York. One thing led to another and he then furthered his mastery with Advanced Standing DDS Program at NYU College of Dentistry, New York. He then applied and got accepted to a Residency Program at New York Hospital Queens affiliated to Weill- Medical College of Cornell University, adjudged one of the best General Residency Programs in New
York and United States.

Easily, the programmes over the years and the research honed his ability and command over the trade. With all that, he earned the right to practise in several American states, namely – New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland and Ontario (in Canada). This shows the kind of trust people and governments across borders have put in him and his abilities.

Dental treatment, Dr. Gajender says, requires a lot of calm and understanding of human minds. When asked how he treats dental anxiety, he says, “The fear of the unknown, trauma from past experiences and the usual time and cost constraints keep a large percentage of the population out of the chair and away from the care they need. I take my time chatting to the patient and to find out what makes them scared. Was it a bad experience, is it one thing, is it just needles, is it everything and is there anything we can do to make it easier?”

This shows us that dentistry isn’t just a craft that can be learnt in schools, but also needs a human side. That is just what makes Dr. Gajender better than the rest. He keeps evolving with time, and with dentistry constantly changing, he remains on the top of the game. Here’s how he does this so well.

“I do this by subscribing to journals, reading industry blogs, attending dental conferences, and taking formal continuing education classes. I also stay in touch with my peers and the representatives of the suppliers who provide a great deal of information. I have to ensure that I know about all the latest equipment that is there to ensure I have the best to offer to my patients.”

A man, with the passion to learn, is a man who’s willing to adapt and change. That is one of the biggest strengths of Dr. Gajender. Over the years, he has constantly challenged himself to be the best version, a gene often seen in the minds of the best in the business. With two degrees, three residency programmes and more feathers in his cap, his journey has been one of constant growth. He has three publications to his name, and has attended over 30 national and global summits on varied dental topics, sharing his knowledge and experience with the next era of doctors.

His nearly two-decade long experience has made people believe in him with closed eyes, quite literally. Dr. Gajender leaves us with his wise words on dental preventive care and how important it can be for the all-round hygiene of an individual. He says, “Your mouth is the portal into your body, and health issues that occur in the mouth can lead to other issues. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can be linked with other chronic diseases such as diabetes. Regular dental check-ups and a consistent oral hygiene routine can prevent the progression of these diseases.”

With over 2,000 happy patients and several smiles that have more often than not lightened up a room, Dr. Gajender sleeps a happy man. If we reflect on his philosophy of life, we may discover how intricately he blends the desire to serve the community, the devotion to work for a larger cause and awareness towards people with excellent entrepreneurship skills, understanding of market-needs and willpower as huge as Hercules’ might.