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TWINNING PROGRAM

BIOLOGICAL DENTISTRY

SALIVARY DIAGNOSTICS

VETERINARY DENTISTRY

SCULPTING DENTISTRY

TEACHING & LEARNING

TWINNING PROGRAM

BIOLOGICAL DENTISTRY

SALIVARY DIAGNOSTICS

VETERINARY DENTISTRY

SCULPTING DENTISTRY

TEACHING & LEARNING

TWINNING PROGRAM

BIOLOGICAL DENTISTRY

SALIVARY DIAGNOSTICS

VETERINARY DENTISTRY

SCULPTING DENTISTRY

TEACHING & LEARNING

Faculty awards

22 Feb

Written By Dr. Ramya R

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Overview:

In the realm of higher education, twinning programs have emerged as innovative models that facilitate international collaborations and academic exchanges between institutions in different countries. These programs allow students to pursue a portion of their studies at partner universities, leading to award of a joint or dual degree. Such programs are more common in the STEM category of education. Speciality of Dentistry in India doesn’t have such an option due to the conventional curriculum design and adaptation. We planned to introduce it in the newer speciality of Oral Biology at Saveetha Dental College..Oral biology is multidisciplinary that contributes significantly to the practice of dentistry and oral healthcare. This specialty is well recognised in western countries and has entered into the Indian dental diaspora in recent times.

Two post graduate programs in Oral Biology were created during the inception of the specialty, to provide education and research opportunities in oral biology.The three year Masters in Science degree in Oral biology was framed to have a six months semester abroad program. This period allows students to experience oral biology learning in a new environment.

Objectives:

Scope of oral Biology is currently very promising in the western countries due to importance given to courses with combination of clinics and research in its curriculum.Additionally, the advantage of sharing the degree with an overseas university infuses a global advantage improving the career prospects of the post graduate program. Furthermore, the program creates an advantage for the students to benefit the advanced research facilities available in the host universities.

Path to Collaboration:

Currently the program is being conducted along with Department of Oral biosciences, Tokushima University, Japan. Tokushima University, is a prestigious university recognised for its excellence in research and education across multiple disciplines and exceptionally noted for its Nobel Prize winning faculty.

Indo-Japan partnerships and collaborative efforts span across various sectors, including education, technology, research, trade, and culture. Strategic alliances between India and Japan have strengthened over the years, driven by shared values, economic interests, and a mutual commitment to innovation and development. In education domain , Indo-Japan partnerships have led to academic exchanges, joint research projects, twinning programs, and student mobility initiatives between universities and research institutions in both countries. Culturally, India and Japan have had similar values which deepen ties for increased cooperation, mutual understanding, and collaboration.

The process of creation of the semester abroad program with Tokushima university evolved over a period of five years. Collaboration in the initial days began with student and faculty exchanges after duly signing the Memorandum of Understanding. It was followed by organising joint online programs post COVID pandemic. Further to strengthen the collaboration we did joint research publications in highly reputed journals like ‘Oral Diseases’. Additionally we are in the process of applying for research grants specified for Indo-Japan collaboration created by the union governments of Indian and Japan. As the partnership intensified, we had proposed the semester abroad program to TU which was accepted with grace.

Program Outcomes:

Twinning program enhanced learning and competency in oral biology in several sub domains of the specialty with exposure to advanced molecular techniques and methods. It has also enriched understanding of differences in disease patterns across diverse cultural backgrounds. Ongoing research in the area of Salivary gland organogenesis and Cancer biology showcase the tremendous potential of inter-institutional synergistic growth.

Challenges:

Though Twinning programs provide students with several advantages, there have been challenges that require careful consideration and proactive management. Issues that we faced during program development and execution was mostly related to curriculum matching and credit transfer agreement. Additionally there were challenges in obtaining Visa for six months which was denied by the host country permitting a stay for three months only . This was effectively surmounted by TU taking responsibility to extend for an additional three months. Addressing these challenges required frequent and impactful communication, and a commitment to overcoming barriers to ensure a successful twinning program experience.

Saveetha Dental College And Hospitals

162, Poonamallee High Rd,
Velappanchavadi,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600077

obio.sdc@saveetha.com