Highest Recognition in Indian Endodontics
Mangalore: Renowned dental educator and endodontics pioneer Dr N. Rajeeva Shetty has been conferred with the IES Medal of Honor 2025 by the Indian Endodontic Society (IES). This prestigious honour, the highest awarded by the Society, celebrates his groundbreaking contributions to the development of endodontics in India.
A Trailblazer in Dental Education
Dr Shetty, former Principal and Head of Department at Government Dental College (GDC), Bangalore, made history by becoming the first Indian dentist to be appointed as the Director of Medical Education (DME) by a state government. His leadership significantly shaped dental education and academic standards in Karnataka.
Roots in Coastal Karnataka
Born on April 25, 1933, in the coastal region of Mangalore, Dr Shetty completed his dental graduation from Madras University in 1957. Soon after, he joined the newly established Government Dental College, Bangalore, as its first dental professional. He later earned his Master’s degree in Operative Dentistry from Bombay University, becoming Karnataka’s first-ever endodontist.
Founder of Karnataka’s First Endodontics Department
Dr Shetty played a pivotal role in establishing and nurturing Karnataka’s first Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics at GDC Bangalore. Under his guidance, the Department of Medical Education experienced exceptional progress and modernization, strengthening dental programs across the state.
Dedicated Service Across Three Decades
After serving an illustrious 31-year tenure with the government, Dr Shetty retired in 1991. During this period, he held several key academic positions, including membership in the Dental Council of India and syndicate memberships across multiple universities. He later served as Director and Consultant Dental Surgeon at the Medical and Dental Centre, Bangalore.
National and International Recognition
Dr Shetty’s distinguished career brought him recognition on both national and global platforms. He served as President of the Federation of Operative Dentistry in India, Fellow of the International College of Dentists, and member of the Karnataka Dental Council. He represented India at prestigious events including the International Congress for Dentistry for the Handicapped in Stockholm, a WHO regional meet in Chiang Mai, the International Dental Conference in Bombay, and the Asia Pacific Congress of Dentistry in New Delhi.
Honoured by RGUHS for Lifetime Contributions
In 2015, the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), Karnataka, acknowledged his invaluable service by awarding him the honorary degree Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa). This recognition further cemented his legacy in dental education and healthcare.
Award Presented at IES National Congress, Goa
The IES Medal of Honor 2025 was formally presented to Dr Shetty by Shri Vishwajit Rane, Honourable Health Minister of Goa, and Dr M.R. Srinivasan, President of IES, during the inaugural ceremony of the IES National Congress held in Goa on November 1. The honour marks yet another milestone in Dr Shetty’s extraordinary journey in Indian dentistry.
