Oral Medicine and Radiology - Beyond Borders

The Academy was informally started in 1981 with four members—Prof. M. Laxmiah, Dr. K. S. Nagesh, Dr. C. V. Mohan, and Dr. A. N. Radhakrishna. What began as a small but determined initiative soon gathered momentum. An ad hoc committee was subsequently formed with Late Prof. B. K. Venkataraman as President, Prof. M. Laxmiah as Vice President, Dr. K. S. Nagesh as Secretary, and Dr. C. V. Mohan as Treasurer. When the Academy was formally registered in 1985 under the Karnataka Societies Act, the office bearers were as follows: Prof. B. K. Venkataraman as Patron, Prof. P. Ramachandra Reddy as President, Prof. M. Laxmiah and Dr. N. Gnanasundaram as Vice Presidents, Dr. K. S. Nagesh as Secretary, Dr. C. V. Mohan as Treasurer, and Dr. A. N. Radhakrishna as Executive Committee Member. These foundational years were marked by vision, unity, and a deep commitment to establishing Oral Medicine and Radiology as a distinct and respected specialty. In the early years, the M.D.S. program in Oral Medicine and Radiology was largely confined to South India. Growth was gradual but steady. The 1990s marked a transformative era for dentistry in India with the establishment of private dental colleges across the country. As M.D.S. programs expanded nationally, the number of postgraduate specialists steadily increased. Today, the Academy stands tall with 3282 life members—a testament to collective perseverance and progress. There was a defining period when five members from our specialty represented us in the Dental Council of India—Prof. P. Ramachandra Reddy, Prof. Dhooria, Prof. N. Gnanasundaram, Prof. Yadav, and myself. United in purpose, we advocated for crucial reforms that shaped the academic and professional identity of our branch: That the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology must be headed by a Professor, at a time when it was considered sufficient to be led by an Assistant Professor. That the subject must be taught in the final year of B.D.S. That the examination in Oral Medicine and Radiology must be conducted in the final year. We also strongly opposed the view that Oral Medicine and Radiology was a non-clinical subject, particularly in matters related to fee fixation. With conviction and sustained effort, we established its rightful status as a clinical specialty, culminating in its recognition through Gazette notification by the Government of India. These were not merely administrative victories—they were milestones that safeguarded the academic dignity and clinical relevance of our discipline. Yet today, we face a new challenge. In recent years, it has become increasingly difficult to attract young graduates to pursue M.D.S. in our specialty. This calls for introspection and decisive action. If we are to reclaim and advance the glory of Oral Medicine and Radiology, we must re-envision our role within the healthcare system. Strategic Integration with Medicine and Radiology. Our specialty shares a natural and inseparable bond with General Medicine and General Radiology. We must strengthen this integration and clearly demonstrate our indispensable role in: The management of medically compromised patients. The care of immunocompromised patients. The evaluation and monitoring of patients undergoing radiological investigations. It is time to advocate for institutional protocols that mandate clearance or evaluation by an Oral Medicine specialist in these categories wherever relevant. Such integration will not only improve patient care but also reinforce our clinical authority. Leadership in Advanced Imaging. With the advent of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography scans, the landscape of diagnostic imaging has transformed. The maxillofacial region requires specialized expertise for accurate interpretation. Our specialty has a distinct and legitimate role in reporting these advanced imaging modalities. We must impress upon the Ministry of Health and the Government of India that CBCT reports of the maxillofacial region should be signed by qualified Oral Medicine and Radiology specialists and not by others. This is not a matter of exclusivity but of competence, accountability, and patient safety. Such recognition will significantly enhance our visibility and standing within the medical profession. Forensic Odontology—A National Responsibility. Forensic odontology is an integral component of our specialty and a vital contributor to forensic medicine. In an era where identification and legal documentation are of increasing societal importance, our expertise must be formally acknowledged. We must urge authorities to recognize and treat us as specialists in forensic odontology within the medico-legal framework. Expanding Our Academic and Global Footprint. The Journal of the Indian Academy of Oral Medicine and Radiology serve as the intellectual voice of our specialty. It has improved considerably over the years, reflecting the growing academic maturity of our members. The time has now come to expand our global engagement. We should seek meaningful collaborations with reputed international journals and introduce a dedicated column for international contributions in our journal. Additionally, our specialty should pursue affiliate membership with leading international academies such as the American Academy of Oral Medicine as well as European, Japanese, and Australian academies, among others. Such affiliations will foster academic exchange, research collaboration, and global visibility. The future of Oral Medicine and Radiology lies in unity, clarity of purpose, and strategic action. Let us make a united and concerted effort to elevate the standards of our specialty. By strengthening our academic foundations, asserting our clinical relevance, and expanding our global engagement, we will inspire young graduates to choose our branch with pride and conviction. I profusely thank the Editor and all members of the Editorial Board for giving me this opportunity to share my thoughts—an opportunity I consider a true honor. I wish the entire team continued success as we collectively shape the future of our specialty.