Amazing Dental Talk ft. Dr. Vishakha Gupta (KGMU)

Dr. Vishakha Gupta, a Senior Resident at KGMU, Lucknow, is a charasmitic personality and an amazing Doctor. She did her BDS from Army College of Dental Sciences, Secunderabad. She secured AIR 213 in NEET MDS 2020, and chose to pursue her MDS in Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, KGMU, Lucknow. She fulfilled her aim by getting into her dream college and made her parents proud.

Know more about the courses offered at KGMU

How is KGMU for BDS course in your opinion?

In my opinion, it’s the best college in Uttar Pradesh and ranks very highly in the country. Doing BDS from KGMU is great as the academic environment and clinical teaching is par excellence. If you choose to do BDS from KGMU, it makes you eligible for the state quota seats in MDS counselling which is a great advantage to get the coveted MDS seat.

How would you describe you NEET PG preparation phase? What was your strategy?

My strategy towards the exam was clear and oriented. I did my classroom Dental Pulse Academy course during my internship period, which helped me in building up my basics of dental and medical subjects. I focused on making proper notes during this time and it got my back during the 11th hour revision.

I took a drop year to focus on the exam and for this I joined online Ace Achievers test series which was good enough to practice a lot of questions. My parents were , are and will always be my inspiration, what I have achieved today is because of them and I dedicate my success to them.

From the perspective of MDS students, what is the priority of KGMU curriculum? Is it academically oriented or more inclined towards clinical cases?

You will find an excellent balance between academics and clinicals for the MDS students. There are regular classes for the first-year students to strengthen their knowledge of basic sciences. Alongside classes, there are seminars and journal clubs that every student must attend and present as well. These are on a weekly basis.

For clinicals, OPD is full of different types of patients which is a perk for MDS students to get more cases and allows them to treat different sorts of patients. MDS students get a free hand in the treatment planning and management with the guidance and support of Senior Residents and faculty supervision.

How many research papers have you published during your MDS? And how many publications are mandatory for a MDS student to get the degree?

I have published 4 research papers in my post-graduation and 2 publications per student is the quota to get through the MDS. There is no need to worry about getting the opportunity for publications, as one will get ample opportunities with the help of faculty.

How is the Periodontology Department and how is the working environment at KGMU?

The department of Periodontology in KGMU is the best (in my opinion). The working environment is stress-free and the faculty of KGMU is always willing to demonstrate or oversee procedures. You can always look up to them to discuss your treatment planning and new management strategies. Students get a lot of exposure for the clinical procedures, for not just periodontal procedures but also other general dental procedures such as Disimpaction, RCT, Restorations, Crown placement and Denture Fabrication.

What are the official college working hours for BDS, MDS students and for you being Senior Resident?

BDS classes are scheduled in the morning and afternoon, clinic timings are 9 A.M. to 1 P.M.

MDS timings are 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. but vary in different departments.

For Periodontology, it is 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. sharp.

Senior Resident timings are 9 A.M. to 4 P.M.

What do you want to suggest to the on-going MDS batch on how to select a thesis topic in Periodontology?

My suggestion for the current batch for selecting a thesis topic in Periodontology is that you should select a topic which is new and relevant. Latest topics are easy to cover and less time consuming, so that you can complete it on time. Take help from mentor and have faith in his/her guidance as they will help you at every step during your research. Your thesis will carry a lifetime tag , so do justice in research and coming to a conclusion as to what you are finalising as your thesis topic.

How much is the patient exposure?

Patient exposure is extremely good, as OPD is very heavy. You will get great exposure for all sorts of cases here.

How is the implant exposure, is there a minimum quota for implants?

Implant exposure is excellent, it depends on an individual to select the number of cases for implant as there is no dearth of cases. 5 cases are the minimum quota according to DCI curriculum , but in our department, everyone exceeds the quota limit.

What are the facilities available in terms of diagnostic aids?

All equipment like lasers, cautery, centrifuge machine, physio dispenser and piezoelectric unit are available. Diagnostic aids like CBCT, OPG and RVG are easily available. Our department also has portable X-ray machine and Florida periodontal probe.

What do you want to share about dealing with different types of cases and procedures?

Since there are varieties of cases, you will see different types of patients getting referred to our department such as syndromic patients and cancer patients. So, it is necessary to practice all basic procedures and every periodontist must know these procedures. In Perio cases, PGs are encouraged to try new procedures but with all proper measures.

Which is the most advanced procedure you have done?

I have done Sinus lift implant procedure using piezotome and periosteal pedicle graft procedure.

Know more about the post of Senior Resident

How is your experience working as a Senior Resident in KGMU?

I have recently joined the post of Senior Resident, but it’s been a great experience till now. Senior Residents mainly take care of OPD and case allotment. Besides that, we are free to perform any procedures we wish to.

How did you get selected as Senior Resident in KGMU? Kindly highlight how we get the post of Senior Resident? What is the criteria for that?

I got selected as Senior Resident in KGMU through counselling which is conducted by UPDGME based on NEET MDS PG rank. It comes under the bond period of two years which we must serve in UP. All dental SR seats of various government medical colleges in UP are available in the counselling and rank wise seat allotment is provided.

Know more about the campus life at KGMU

What do you want to share about the language barrier that students from South India encounters in the campus?

Students coming from the South India do face a language barrier in the beginning but with the help of batchmates and seniors, they soon amalgamate in the KGMU environment. Everyone is eager to help and with this nature, these students soon learn the basic case history of patients to plan their strategic approach for the needed treatment. Apart from this, English is common language for talking to peers, seniors and faculty.

How is the college location and connectivity?

The college is centrally located in the old part of Lucknow City, in the Chowk area. It has great connectivity and easy access to cabs, autos and electric rickshaws.

How is the infrastructure of the college?

The infrastructure of the college reflects old-age architecture which is dynamic and magnificent. It is state-of-the-art and ever-growing.

How is the hostel residence and mess facility?

KGMU has more than 10 fully equipped hostels with good facilities and security. Mess facility is present in almost all hostels, and they provide lunch tiffin services directly to the departments.

What are your views on the faculty of KGMU? Is there any staff deficiency?

In my view, KGMU has the best faculty. They are always ready to help and guide you to achieve your goals. There is no staff deficiency at present.

Personal gup-sup

How is your daily routine at the workplace?

On the days of my OPD duty I’m busy in diagnosis and case allotment. On other days I’m free to do cases in the clinic.

What was your dream branch?

My dream branch has always been Periodontology. I fell in love with it during my final year of BDS.

What is your routine on holidays?

I am lucky to have my family and friends in Lucknow so , on holidays I spend quality time with them.

Which is your favorite place in Lucknow?

My favorite place in Lucknow is Dastarkhan which is a Mughlai restaurant.

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies are driving around the city trying new food and restaurants.

What is your success mantra?

Boond boond se Sagar Bharta hai (Small water droplets will fill a big ocean). Stay ambitious but focus on smaller daily goals and don’t forget to minimize distractions.

Who is your inspiration and why?

My parents are always my inspiration. My mom come from a small town in UP and studied in a Hindi medium school with very few resources. But she worked hard to overcome her obstacles and is now a Professor of Biochemistry at a Government Medical College. She’s a super woman. My dad is retired from the Indian Army and has always taught me the value of discipline and at the same time taught me to always enjoy my studies and stay positive about the outcome. Today, what I am is because of my parents.

What advice would you like to give to MDS aspirants and SR aspirants?

1. First and foremost, write your goal on the wall in front of your study table. (Sounds filmy but it works)
2. Stay positive and try to manifest it every day.
3. If you are just beginning your prep, focus on strengthening your basics and later focus on solving more and more questions.
4. I think one should not fear taking a drop year as it gives you the ability to focus all your energy and concentration towards your goal without distractions of college and internship. Also, it leaves you with ample time to balance studies and pursue your hobbies on the side.

What tips do you want to give to all the readers as to how to excel in life?

1. Just stay consistent.
2. Make and achieve micro goals every day to fulfill your bigger goal.
3. Balance work and play.
4. Hobbies are important. But during studies and learning clinical procedures, minimize distractions.