Dr. Shivasakthy Manivasakan – A diversifying prosthodontist, a dedicated educationist and a distinctive IPR holder shares about her elixir to excellence:

1Can you start by taking us back to your early education days? How did you join BDS, and how was the BDS journey for you?

Just like many of my fellow dentists, I also had a dream to be a doctor, and eventually joined dentistry. My attitude "to excel wherever I am" is my elixir. I joined my Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 1999 at Rajah Muthiah Dental College & Hospital, Annamalai University, and completed as a gold medalist and the Best outgoing student of the batch with several awards and recognitions. As an undergraduate student, I had the willingness and opportunity to get trained in multitasking with academics, clinicals, presentation skills, research, leadership, and organizational skills that have helped me a lot, all through my life.

2Take us through your career path after BDS? How did you reach the point where you are today?

In 2006, I joined my postgraduation in MDS Prosthodontics at the same Institution. The postgraduate journey was not so easy with family responsibilities. Again, my elixir helped me to sail through the difficulties.

My career journey started at Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth in 2009 as a lecturer in Prosthodontics at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences. When every prosthodontist was behind implants & prosthesis, in addition to my specialty, I wanted to explore the unexplored, and probably that’s how one cross the red tapes.

Being a prosthodontist, I gained additional qualifications in the areas of health professions education, and palliative care with full dedication, that enabled me to contribute back to my university and also provide expertise in diverse areas for external institutions. I was the key contributor toward the conversion of all non - regulatory programs of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth to adapt to the Choice-Based Credit System, developed a policy document on identifying and supporting (SNACS/SNECS) students, contributed for two more policy documents on enhancing student outcomes and faculty development program. I have also designed and coordinating the SBV SCULPT “Scholastic Updates Linked Professional Training", executive development program for School and College teachers of multiple disciplines.

3What are the highest points/peaks so far in your career? What are the roadblocks/challenges or hardships faced? How did you overcome them?

I was honoured when I was endowed with the “Shri Gurucharan Das Endowment Medal” for being the Best PhD Scholar. My contribution towards the identification and support of Students Needing Additional Curricular Support is awarded and recognized internationally in the field of education.

I was also glad to be the recipient of the “Best teacher award 2020” by the Institute of Scholars in recognition of my valuable contribution to academic community and the students and to be the recipient of the “Eminent teacher award 2020” conferred on Teachers Day commemoration 2020 for being a role model to the entire teaching fraternity at Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth.

I have one granted patent, eight published patents, and twenty-nine copyrights granted to my credit. I have 40 publications and have contributed to five training manuals on palliative care for Medical officers, Staff Nurse, ASHA, Community Health worker and Multipurpose worker at Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness centres for NHSRC, Ministry of Health, Govt. of India.

I am also honoured to be the Member of Faculty of Dentistry of Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons(MFDS RCPSG), Glasgow and a member of the Association of Medical Education in Europe (AMEE ) and American Dental Education Association (ADEA ).

I am also privileged to be an editor of the Journal of Scientific Dentistry, editorial member of education journals, board of studies member for several programs at Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth and expert consultant & advisor for external organisations.

Finally, it is gratifying to act as a guide for 3 MPhil and 8 PhD scholars, MDS prosthodontics candidates and be the founder member and Vice- President of the Association of Indian Dental Educators (AIDE) and Founder member of Healthcare Intellectual Property Rights Association (HIPRA).

As far as challenges are concerned,

Life hit me hard several times and knocked me down, but I refused to get buried. I always felt, that raising professional standards is the only way to survive the storms in my personal life and overcome the suppressors in my career. How many ever roles I could do in life, I knew that I’m always at my best as a learner. Thus, I started to distract myself from all problems in life, by engaging with more and more education, which eventually resulted in what I’m today. Thanks to my mentors, it’s an amazing journey. My key areas of expertise & consultancy include Health Professions Education, Choice Based Credit System, National Education Policy, Intellectual Property Rights, Prosthodontics and Palliative Care. The best thing about this diverse expertise is that I can translate & integrate the learning experience and knowledge in one area with the other in a better way.

4What message do you have for budding young dentists at crossroads as they read this? Many are worried about their future career prospects as the field is becoming highly competitive and challenging.

Many feel that the scope of the dentists is narrow and restricted, but the fact is, as an inter-professional team member you have greater prospects in public health, special care dentistry, palliative care, research, entrepreneurship, trauma care, and much more.

My advice for the budding dentists is, that the sky is the limit to achieve as a dentist; Knowledge is power; Any designation in life is not an authority, it’s an added responsibility; Be proactive, be focused, be ethical, be vigilant and be a lifelong learner.

Remember the mantra “Raise your professional standards, to raise in life”.

5What plans and goals do you have for the future? What are your dream projects and aspirational career plans?

My dream is to Inform, Involve, and Inspire (Power of i3) people in diverse fields. I strongly aspire to bring in a renaissance in dental education and the career opportunities for dentists in India.

Jai Hind.

Dr. Shivasakthy Manivasakan MDS., PGDHPE.,PhD., MFDS (RCPSG).,
Professor, Dept. of Prosthodontics, Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences
Deputy Director, Centre for Health Professions Education
Coordinator, Dental Education Unit
Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Puducherry