Tamil Nadu Government Dental College, Chennai

About Tamil Nadu Government Dental College, Chennai

The Tamilnadu Government Dental College and Hospital is the only Government dental college in india till date. It has rendered excellent patient care and service to the public since 1961, when started as Madras Dental College in the old building. This institution is the ultimate referral centre for all dental and orofacial treatments throughout the state. The institute has experienced faculties in all the departments of dentistry to provide excellent academic and hands on training for the students. Based on the performance of the institution, it was declared as " CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN DENTISTRY " in 2012 by the former Chief Minister Late. Selvi. J. Jayalalitha.

The history of Dentistry like any other cultural civilization of the human race has its beginning before the dawn of history. Even the Neolithic man has been reported to have practiced knocking out of teeth. Ancient Indian Ayurvedic literature contains many interesting observations on dental diseases and their treatment. Susrutha, the ancient Indian sage is universally acknowledged as the First dental anatomist of the world. Dentists and dentistry figure prominently in the medical history of Rome. One of the laws of the "twelve tables" prohibits gold be buried with the corpse except "the gold that is fastened to the teeth". The word dentist is derived form the Latin word 'dontist' and was first used by Pierre Fauchard of France who is the Father of Modern dentistry.

In 1935, Dr.H.Venkata Rao, started the first dental college in Madras called the "Madras Dental college & Hospital" but it folded up in 1942. A few years later during the early 40s, Dr. H.M.Rao, a medical practitioner obtained the DDS qualification from the USA and started "The American dental College" at Madras. The institution was well equipped and the course methodically organized. This institution was the only scientifically standardized school at that time and produced many successful of knowledgeful practitioners. This college unfortunately was shut down due to the untimely demise of its Principal, Dr.H.M.Rao.

The origin of the Dental Department in the Government General hospital, Madras dates back to 1883 when the Madras education department initiated a clinic in the Government hospital for the treatment of patients with dental problems and was handled by a Royal army dental assistant. Several decades later a civil surgeon post was created and a succession of qualified people were recruited through the hand of amalgamated assignment of Professor of Dental Surgery, Madras Medical College and Dental Surgeon GH. They attended to the hospital duties and also taught the medical students minor dental procedures.

The Government of India in 1943 instituted a Community health survey headed by sir Joseph Bhore to furnish suggestions for augmenting health services in the country. This committee recommended the improvement of dental services and starting of dental colleges to obtain the necessary qualified personnels.