Srinagar, Nov 19: Dr Altaf H Shah, a seasoned professional in oral health care, recently visited the Kashmir Valley and called for the importance of evidence-based dentistry. He also advocated for special care dentistry, particularly for individuals with special needs.
He said oral health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and preventive measures are key to addressing oral diseases effectively.
Dr Shah’s journey in oral health care began in Jammu & Kashmir, where he worked with the Department of Health from 1998 to 2001. Having received education in India and the United Kingdom, he later focused on oral health care for special needs populations. With about 15 years of experience in this field, Dr Altaf served as a faculty member in higher education in Saudi Arabia, dedicating his efforts to dental education and oral health care advocacy for individuals with special needs.
Currently serving as a senior faculty member and Associate Professor at Marquette University School of Dentistry in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, Dr. Shah’s role involves facilitating oral health care for special needs groups and the underprivileged.
During his recent visit to the Kashmir Valley, Dr Shah was invited as a guest speaker for the 14th IDA J&K Dental Conference. He delivered the ‘Dr Wali Mohammad Bhat Memorial Oration Lecture’, focusing on the importance of evidence-based guidelines for treating oral health conditions in medically complex patients. The lecture addressed the guidelines for general dentists when dealing with patients with complex medical issues such as heart ailments, blood pressure, diabetes, and other diseases like cancers.
Continuing his advocacy for oral health care, Dr Shah conducted two seminars at the Safe Hands Dental Health and Awareness Center in Srinagar. The seminars, titled ‘Special Care Dentistry; A Need for the Needy’ and ‘Application of Research and Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry,’ aimed to guide young dentists and fresh graduates. The sessions, conducted as part of a collaborative professional development program between Marquette University School of Dentistry, GSR Hospital in Hyderabad, India, and the Safe Hands Dental Health Awareness Center, covered perspectives on oral health care for people with special needs and the integration of research and artificial intelligence in dentistry.
At the Government Dental College & Hospital in Srinagar, Dr Altaf addressed a seminar on ‘Career Counseling and Opportunities for Young Dentists in Kashmir.’ The seminar, organized by the Post Graduate Research Clinical Society provided insights into career opportunities in special care dentistry, emphasizing oral healthcare for people with special needs. Dr Shah also highlighted the vast opportunities for research in the field of dentistry, encouraging young dental graduates to pursue further education and continuous professional development for career enhancement.
