Overview
Dental Materials Science is an interdisciplinary area that applies biology, chemistry, and physics to the development, understanding, and evaluation of materials used in the practice of dentistry. Dental Materials Science is principally involved in restorative dentistry, Prosthodontics, Pedodontics, and Orthodontics. Dental materials science, processes and techniques have been the subject of much research to inculcate the new technological approaches for the development of newer materials with improved material properties to meet the requirements of dentists/patients which has resulted in higher clinical success rates. Development of such new materials will only be possible with the sharing of knowledge between dental surgeons and material scientists. Research over the years has produced a considerable number of new concepts, technical approaches and materials. The true benefits of scientific advances in Dental Materials can only be secured and harnessed if they are properly tested and developed into a form that is acceptable to the general practitioner to meet his/her patient’s requirements.
In general, the subject involves the principles underlying the mechanical, physical and chemical properties of dental materials with special emphasis placed on materials-structure in relation to their clinical performance. It also coves the functional properties and biocompatibility of various materials used in dentistry. Due to the recent advances in the basic sciences and technology, sound knowledge of basic sciences and its relation to clinical applications in clinical practices are required to conduct research and teaching programmes. This fact emphasizes the necessity to study existing dental materials carefully and to recognize their advantages and clinical shortcomings. These clinical shortcomings will act as guidelines to get the required improvements in the latest materials to meet the newer challenges faced by the dentists in their clinical practice.
The main educational goals of the department are to provide undergraduate students with:
- A scientific understanding of the principle of materials science
- The ability to critically assess the characteristics of dental biomaterials.
- Recognition of the importance of materials manipulation for clinical success.
- Sound knowledge of the various materials used & its material properties serves as a guide to meet the needs in the clinics.
Research Activity
- Synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles for dental applications.
- Fibre reinforced composites