From Challenges to Achievements: Dr. S. Lata's Path in Advanced Dentistry

In the ever evolving world of health care , dentistry is also evolving and the example of it is “THE PULP” whose Director and Chief Endodontist is Dr.S Lata. Dr. S Lata’s story is an inspiring narrative of overcoming challenges, achieving excellence, and making a meaningful difference in the world of healthcare. Her journey is quite inspiring to those people who thought they lost a chance if they didn’t get a seat in medical college. Dr. Lata first got admission to MBBS but unfortunately , she had to join in BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), even after this she does not have any regret and turned this into an opportunity, she said: “When I look back, and see my turning points, I have realised that God has taken the right decision for me and always guided me in the right direction and I consider myself in a better-placed position than many of my contemporaries”. Since childhood her parents have dreamt her of becoming a doctor and as she was good at studies and was a meritorious student too, achieving this goal was not so difficult. She admired how health professionals applied their knowledge and their humanistic skills to treat and heal people. One of the most common reasons was an ambition to help people and bring cheers to their lives by making a positive difference in their lives.

Introduction:

Dr S. Lata, Director and Chief Endodontist at THE PULP , which was started in 2010 and equipped with all advanced machines to perform treatment in state of the art technology and has been practicing dentistry for 15 years. 

As a micro endodontist, she performs root canal treatment (a procedure that saves and preserves an infected and decayed tooth) which requires utmost precision, expertise, and skill, and to achieve this, she takes the help of a surgical microscope, lasers and also uses cutting-edge machines like CBCT to perform highest standard of dental treatment. She is also a digital smile design specialist who has created and crafted beautiful and confident smiles to many. As an academician and researcher, she also has many national and international publications in journals of high impact factor. She actively conducts many CDE ( continuing dental education programs) and keeps herself abreast of current trends and technology. She is an invited keynote speaker to many conferences and various CDE programs. She is an ardent book and journal reader to keep herself updated with the subject. She is also involved in organising many oral health screening camps for underprivileged people as well as for cancer patients.

After completion of BDS at SCB Dental College and Hospital, Cuttack, Odisha, she cracked a top rank in the AIPG exam and went to Government Dental College, Trivandrum, Kerala to pursue MDS, (Master of Dental Surgery) in Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics. Her 3 years postgraduation training changed her outlook about diagnosis and treatment planning which not only enhanced her technical skills to become a good dental surgeon but also made her evolve as a better human being. Her PG dissertation topic , which was on “early enamel caries” is one of the best articles published in the field of research in early enamel caries with highest number of citations. 

After completion of MDS , she established ‘THE PULP in 2010, Over the years, it has emerged as the city’s one of the leading and premier dental hospital, due to its clear vision, hard work, and constant effort to improve patient’s treatment and experience. A few of her clients include top doctors, top government officials, film celebrities, leading educationists, political leaders and ministers, national award winners, and many more. 

She is also currently working as a guest faculty and professor at Kalinga Institute of Dental Science, KIIT deemed to be a university, in Bhubaneswar, a premier dental institutes of eastern India.

Challenges and Achievements:

Over time she proved herself to be one of the best in her profession, her constant perseverance and thriving to deliver the best has helped her to overcome all the difficulties to achieve her goal. At the same time, she realised that any sincere effort or move has the ability to create a big impact and a positive difference in the lives of her patients, employees, and hence society.

Dr. S. Lata, also faces some challenges, the most challenging part of her career is breaking people's false perception and fixed mindsets about young lady doctors’s capability and efficiency and maintaining a striking balance between family and profession. 

Talking about her achievements during her post-graduation period she received many accolades from the Indian Dental Association, ( IDA ) Kerala, for best scientific papers and best journal articles and won many awards at National dental conferences as well. 

In the year 2022, she was elected and awarded as a proud member of the National Academy of Medical Sciences, (NAMS), established by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Govt. of India, which is a unique institution that fosters and utilises academic excellence as its resources to meet medical and social goals. To our surprise , she was the first dental surgeon from the state to receive such an award. 

In 2024, she has also been nominated for membership of the National Academy of Science, India (NASI). Results of which will be declared in September 2024. 

She has been an invited expert & critical reviewer (for three consecutive years) at Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, to review the proposals about various start-up projects on medical and dental devices.

Personal Insights:

Being a mother of two kids, spending quality time with them has always been Dr. S.Lata's priority. She prepares delicious food, helps in their studies, and visits different places with them in her free time. At the same time, she gives time to herself and her health by doing yoga, meditation, and exercise and continues to enjoy her hobbies like reading self-help books and watching classical movies and music. 

Her core values include love, learn, and lead. Love means Always loving your profession, loving your patients, and loving people who have helped you achieve your goal, Learn means Always being passionate about learning new things, new experiments, new skills, and new experiences. Strive to learn anything new that will not only make you a better professional but also a better human being . Lead means Leading your profession and life like no one and being a leader, not a follower. Make and create your path which is unique in itself. You are your own competitor and do not compare yourself with others

Impact and Vision:

She believes that for success in healthcare one should be “ passionate about what you do”. Always be curious to learn something new. Constantly change yourself to adapt to the new circumstances. Strive to improve your skills and keep yourself updated with all medical advancements & technology. Connect yourself more with needy people who require your help and support. Be compassionate and empathetic towards the patient. Always take compliments and complain both with utmost humility.” 

Talking about the future trends she said “Like medical science, dental science is also evolving in its technology and research. Latest cutting-edge machines, equipments, biocompatible materials, and minimally invasive dental procedures are not only making the treatment easy but also less painful and more predictable. Recently, AI is also emerging as a leading technology that may change the future trends and directions of diagnosis and treatment planning”. 

A person who is obsessed with her profession with a high sense of gratitude and humility, a person who will be constantly and continuously involved in serving mankind, and who understands people’s suffering and leaves no stone unturned to help and support them. Creating dental awareness among the people and helping society to become free from dental diseases.

Conclusion:

Her advice to young women in healthcare is, Be proud of yourself, recognise and appreciate your strengths and achievements which can be a powerful tool for your personal growth and happiness. Always work hard and give your 100% in all your endeavours as there is no shortcut to success. 

As she aptly puts it , “With courage, you will dare to take risks, have the strength to be compassionate, and the wisdom to be humble.”