Dental College and Hospital: Bapuji Dental College and Hospital Date:   Thursday , January 22, 2015 The number of dentists in India is projected to rise to a steep number of 13,465 in 2020. Twenty five percent of today\'s dentists are expected to retire by 2020, providing plenty of job opportunities to aspiring dentists. The industry is driving constant reinvention. Dentistry is intensifying its horizons into new domains and is expected to change value chain and workflows for dentists and labs. Correlating to these needs is important for dental aspirants to be given insight into the ever-changing scenario of the industry. Founded in 1979 by Shamanuru Shivashankarappa, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital (BDCH) fosters to these needs and produces oral healthcare experts of a new magnitude. \"BDCH functions on an ever-evolving curriculum which has aspects like Clinical case studies and discussions, Clinical demonstration, performing various restorations on phantom head and on patients and Workshops and seminars,\" says Dr. K. Sadashiva Shetty, Principal, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital. The curriculum at BDCH is actively revived in order to meet the demands of the industry. Hence, the institute, in affiliation to Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), has seen a transformation that has elevated it from being one among India\'s best dental colleges to that of Asia\'s best through its BDS and MDS Courses that rigorously obtain a vast number of applicants year after year. Located in Davangere, Karnataka, BDCH is the second oldest private Dental college in India. Under the guidance of prominent visionaries in Indian Dentistry, the institute has grown in leaps and bounds and celebrated its silver jubilee in 2004. At present, Bapuji Dental College boasts of one of the finest lab facilities in the region to impart liberal clinically oriented teaching on par with the best. It is well equipped with a Ceramic Lab for crown and bridge fabrication to gain technical skills in dentistry. The institute also prides itself with a library that is well equipped with modern facilities and resources in the form of CD-ROM, online databases, video cassettes, books, and journals, back volumes of journals, theses and WHO publications. The infrastructure adds an as asset that supports the curriculum of the BDS and MDS courses. Experienced Faculty and Active Researches \"If the infrastructure is the body of an institution, the teaching staffs form the soul for it,\" says Dr. Shetty. The innovative curricula embarked in BDCH offers varied opportunities to work in mentored relationships with faculty who value their role as educators of the next generation of professionals in dental medicine and beyond. In addition to providing top-quality education and exemplary patient care, the faculty is involved in both basic and clinical research and is at the forefront of the new opportunities for translational research. A potent blend of academic experience and industry exposure, the faculty at BDCH don several hats on campus and employ the latest teaching-techniques, making extensive use of modern technology and are members of professional bodies, and advisors at academic forums. At BDCH, students are offered ample opportunities as they are mentored by Nation\'s renowned teachers and researchers that help them flourish their dental aspirations with a firm foothold in academics and research. Standing as one among the rare Indian colleges that actively carry research projects Bapuji Dental College and Hospital is associated with U.S. based International companies like GC International, 3M ESPE(U.S.) and Biohorizons (U.S.). The faculties of the institute have carried out various research projects in all the specialties of dentistry and published in respected peer-reviewed journals. The collaborative environment across the institute stimulates well-prepared students to commence their journey to leadership roles in dental education, practice, and research. Educational experience at BDCH prepares an aspiring dentist for a career in academics, research, or clinical practice that provides lifelong fulfillment. Endless Possibilities BDCH\'s academic, clinical, and research foundation and possibilities are endless that encourage dental students to actively participate in organizations that shapes their future as oral health leaders. The institute offers candidates an unparalleled opportunity to draw on the resources of a world-renowned University and medical center in the education of its dental students. It offers opportunities for students to learn the importance of the doctor-patient relationship, and the chance to participate in research, result in a deep understanding of the connection between oral health and general health. Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, with its innovative teaching methods offers career opportunities for students across domains like Clinical practices, Teaching and research, Government administrative services and hospital administration. With motives ahead to provide a single window delivery of total oral health care needs, and to induce paradigm shift in community for oral diseases that are preventable, curable and affordable, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital imbibes on Integrity, Transparency, Team work, and Humane touch to offer services in producing dentists that help broaden smiles across the globe. Dr. K. Sadashiva Shetty He is the Principal of Bapuji Dental College and Hospital. He completed his BDS from the University of Madras in 1976 and MDS in Orthodontia in 1980. He was awarded with Outstanding Professor Award at 49th IOC, Kolkata in November 2014. Shamanuru Shivashankarappa He is the Founder and Chairman of Bapuji Educational Association, which owns a chain of educational institutions including Bapuji Dental College, Bapuji Institute of Engineering & Technology and many professional institutions of higher education. He is also the present Cabinet Minister for Horticulture and Agro Marketing, Government of Karnataka and incumbent Member of the Legislative Assembly of Davanagere South Assembly Constituency.