Contribution to the Transformation of the Indian Orthodontic Society
- Protection of the specialty: STOPPED 300+ unauthorized orthodontic courses. Initiated legal action against unethical practices by various aligner companies.
- Stronger regulatory presence: Strengthened IOS representation before DCI/NDC, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, the Indian Dental Association, and State Dental Councils, particularly in addressing unethical practices by various aligner companies.
- Financial stability: Built a corpus of ₹18 crore over six years, resolved Income Tax cases pending for 15 years, and settled a 20-year-old Society Registration issue.
- National policy influence: Secured the inclusion of MALOCCLUSION in the National Oral Health Policy and strengthened the position of orthodontics in national health policy, paving the way for employment opportunities and future recognition of orthodontic treatment as essential care rather than cosmetic treatment.
- Research leadership: Expanded research grants from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹17.5 lakh. Established the Smiling Bharat Project as a platform for nationwide epidemiological data on malocclusion and promoted multicentric research.
- Educational expansion: Expanded educational opportunities through more than 100 scientific and educational programs every year, and supported the achievement of SCOPUS indexing for the JCO-IOS Journal.
- Patient-centric initiatives: Launched the Smiling Bharat Project to generate nationwide epidemiological data on malocclusion and strengthen evidence-based awareness and care.
- Public awareness: Expanded outreach through multilingual digital campaigns, 19 Hindi and English reels, regional-language content, radio, television, OTT platforms, and the IOS YouTube channel.
- Member-focused functioning: Introduced financial support for families of deceased members, professional indemnity insurance cover for members, and helped secure revision of minimum orthodontic treatment charges under CGHS Government rates from ₹3,000 to ₹36,000 after 20 years.
- Institutional sustainability: Renewed 12A and 80G registrations for five years, securing the Society’s charitable status and supporting long-term sustainability.
In essence, IOS became a more visible, proactive, professionally protective, policy-engaged, and publicly oriented national organization.