Agartala: Agartala witnessed a pivotal moment in its dental education sector as Chief Minister Manik Saha revealed the Dental Council of India’s endorsement for a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) program at the Agartala Government Dental College. This announcement marks a significant leap forward in the state’s efforts to enhance its healthcare infrastructure and provide advanced dental training.
The disclosure was made during a Community Health Officers’ training session at Prajna Bhavan, coinciding with the World Oral Health Day 2025 preparatory events. The gathering, organized by the National Oral Health Programme wing of the National Health Mission in partnership with the Indian Dental Association’s Tripura chapter, served as the platform for this crucial announcement.
Chief Minister Saha, a dental surgeon by profession, emphasized his commitment to patient care, stating, “As the Chief Minister, I should never forget my roots as a dental surgeon. Patients must be treated with utmost care.” He recounted the challenges faced in establishing the dental college, recalling, “We had never imagined having a dental college in Tripura. I had worked tirelessly to establish one during the previous government’s tenure before 2018, but my proposals were rejected due to political differences.”
Saha also highlighted the alarming prevalence of oral cancer in the region, attributing it to the widespread consumption of betel nut and tobacco across Northeast India. “In my Mukhyamantri Samipesu program, I have observed that a significant number of patients seeking help are cancer patients,” he noted, underscoring the urgent need for improved dental healthcare services.
In a move to address these healthcare challenges, the state is implementing several initiatives, including the introduction of a mobile dental treatment van to reach remote populations. Furthermore, the PM DevINE (Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East) project has allocated Rs. 200 crore specifically for dental infrastructure development.
“Seat capacities have also been increased, and we are strategizing for further expansion,” Chief Minister Saha added. “Furthermore, we are introducing super-speciality services, with kidney transplants already underway and plans in place to start liver transplants soon.” The approval of the MDS program signifies a considerable advancement for dental education in Tripura, a region that has historically struggled with healthcare infrastructure limitations.
Read More: Notorious Drug Trafficker Nabbed After Gunfight in Arunachal Pradesh