STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry (ISPPD), at its prestigious Pedodham 2025 National Conference held in Bhubaneswar, conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award upon Dr. Rakesh Krishan Gupta, a distinguished academician, visionary institutional leader, and one of India’s most respected names in pediatric and preventive dentistry.
The award recognises over four decades of Dr. Gupta’s exceptional contribution to the dental profession, including more than 30 years dedicated to dental education, clinical excellence, research promotion, policy development, and institution building. Dr. Gupta, currently serving as Principal & Director (Postgraduate Studies), Kalka Dental College, Meerut, is celebrated across India for his leadership in transforming institutions, strengthening dental education systems, and pioneering innovations in healthcare delivery. Earlier, as Principal & Dean of Indira Gandhi Government Dental College, Jammu, he played a pivotal role in upgrading the institution to postgraduate level with seven recognised MDS specialties, establishing a ICMR-registered ethics committee, , and laying the foundation for a modern multi-specialty dental centre. He has immensly contributed in completion of additional block of dental hospital four clinical department are working in additional block. He got approval for construction of PG and UG hostel, staff quarters for faculty and other staff, guest house , indoor sport omplex. Work on multilfloor parking got approved and execution started during his tenure His vision also shaped the Faculty of Dental Sciences and the Board of Dental Studies at the University of Jammu, where he served as the first Dean Dental sciences. As a Member of the Dental Council of India since 2017, Dr. Gupta has been instrumental in national-level policy formulation, ethical regulation, curriculum development, and institution inspections Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Gupta said, This honour from ISPPD is a blessing and a humbling recognition of lifelong dedication to the dental profession. I share this award with my mentors, colleagues, students, and the institutions that have shaped my journey. Dr. Gupta has authored over 22 research publications, three reference books, guided numerous postgraduate scholars, and served as a speaker and chairperson at national dental forums. He is widely admired for his simplicity, integrity, compassion, and commitment to community health.
The Lifetime Achievement Award at Pedodham 2025 marks a significant national acknowledgement of Dr. Gupta’s unwavering service, visionary leadership, and transformative contributions to dentistry.