India has launched a Dental Technology Innovation Hub at the Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS), New Delhi, aimed at reducing the country’s reliance on imported dental implants and equipment by fostering indigenous development.   

The facility, supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), was inaugurated on September 24 by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Singh described the Hub as an important addition to the “management armamentarium” of dentistry and a reflection of the government’s progressive approach to science. He emphasised that the Hub would serve as a cost-effective facility not just for research, but also for diagnostics and therapy, while advancing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Highlighting its inclusive design, the Minister said the Hub will create opportunities for innovators, start-ups, and MSMEs, aligning with the government’s “whole-of-government and whole-of-nation” strategy.

He noted that Indian institutions are now producing synthetic and biodegradable materials at par with global standards, and the country has progressed from being nearly a decade behind in specialised medical procedures to becoming a world-class hub that also attracts medical tourism.

Dr. Singh also highlighted the government’s efforts to create an enabling ecosystem through reforms such as the National Medical Devices Policy 2023 and the Medical Devices Rules 2017, which aim to support cost-effective, state-of-the-art facilities across the country.

Stressing the importance of “awareness, accessibility, and affordability” in healthcare, he said that while cost-effectiveness and accessibility are being addressed, greater efforts are needed to spread awareness among the public.

Commending the use of AI tools, he suggested greater integration with engineering and technology institutions to strengthen the innovation ecosystem further.

Concluding his address, Dr. Singh said that the new Hub will play a key role in preparing the dentists of 2047 for a Viksit Bharat. “If we are to ensure sharp teeth for a developed India, it is institutions like this that will provide the backbone,” he remarked.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary DST; Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary DHR & DG-ICMR; Dr. Arundeep Kaur Lamba, Director-Principal, MAIDS; and Sh. Dharmendra, Chief Secretary, Govt. of NCT of Delhi.