Inauguration of the State-of-the-Art Dental OPD at Father Muller Medical College Hospital
Mangaluru, 15 May 2025 – The Department of Dentistry at Father Muller Medical College Hospital proudly inaugurated its newly constructed Dental Outpatient Department (OPD), a facility designed to meet the highest international standards in dental care and education. The inaugural and blessing ceremony was presided over by Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, Director of FMCI.
The event was graced by esteemed members of the Management Committee and consultant dentists, who made it a point to attend this landmark occasion. The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome address by Dr. Kelvin Peter Pais, Liaison Officer and Associate Professor, who highlighted the significance of this advanced clinical space for both patients and students.
The new Dental OPD is equipped with six ultramodern dental chairs, an advanced Orthopantomogram (OPG) unit, Radiovisiography (RVG) facilities, and the latest in sterilization technology to ensure unparalleled infection control and patient safety. The thoughtfully designed premises include faculty rooms, patient consultation rooms, a welcoming reception and waiting area, spacious laboratory rooms, and well-maintained washroom facilities—making it truly one of a kind in a medical college hospital setting.
A major highlight of the event was the formal inauguration by Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, who cut the ceremonial ribbon and led a solemn prayer and blessing over the new facility and those gathered.
In his inspiring address, Rev. Fr Richard spoke about the importance of creating a beautiful, functional, and patient-centered Dental OPD. He especially commended Fr Ajith B. Menezes for his relentless dedication in monitoring and overseeing all infrastructural aspects of the project. He expressed gratitude to everyone for their continuous support and offered prayers that this new facility may serve the community with excellence and compassion.
Also present at the event were:
Rev. Fr George Jeevan Sequeira, Administrator, FMMCH
Rev. Fr Nilesh Crasta, Assistant Administrator, FMMCH
Dr. Antony Sylvan D’Souza, Dean, FMMC
Dr. Venkatesh, Vice Dean
Dr. Uday Kumar, Medical Superintendent, FMMCH
Dr. Kishan Shetty, Additional Medical Superintendent
Dr. Kishan Shetty, Deputy Medical Superintendent
Principals, Heads of Departments, and faculty members
The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Nanditha Hegde, Professor, Head of the Department of Dentistry, and Senior Endodontist, who gratefully acknowledged the contributions of all those involved. Special thanks were extended to:
Christopher Noronha Architects – for architectural design and guidance
Mr. Kiran (Architect) – for innovative design concepts
Divakar Constructions – for civil works
Mr. Umesh – for dedicated site supervision
Mr. Joy Varghese (Bright Aluminium) – for aluminium fixtures and fittings
Mr. Maxim (Meelna Electricals) – for electrical installations
Mr. Vincy Pinto (Pinto Electricals) – for plumbing work
Mr. William (Wisdom Enterprises) – for curtain fittings and décor
Mr. Suraj (Activa Systems) – for system integration
Mr. Ajith (Ajith Arts) – for sticker artwork and branding
Mr. Ganesh Baliga – for central oxygen supply system installation
Confident Dental – for supplying advanced dental chairs and equipment
Mr. Prakas – for toughened glass installations
Mr. Michael – Maintenance Manager, FMCI, for constant oversight
Mr. Ronald (Rony) – Assistant In-Charge of Maintenance, for tireless support
Also in attendance were esteemed faculty members, including:
Prof. Dr. Naveen Rao – Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Gayatri S. Rao – Associate Professor, Oral Medicine and Radiology
Dr. Jyothi Menezes – Senior Dental Surgeon
Dr. Sowmya Shetty – Senior Dental Surgeon
This new OPD marks a significant milestone in the department’s journey to deliver cutting-edge, compassionate, and ethical dental care. It promises to enhance both patient comfort and clinical education, setting a new benchmark in integrated dental healthcare.
