Scientific Research Committee of Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences (IGIDS) in Kothamangalam, it’s essential to recognize its pivotal role in fostering a culture of scholarly inquiry within the institution. The committee comprises of the Principal, Vice Principal, Dean – Student Affairs and all Heads of the Departments. Here’s an overview of the cell:

Driving Research Excellence:

• The Scientific Research Committee at IGIDS, Kothamangalam, is dedicated to promoting and overseeing research activities, ensuring they meet rigorous ethical and scientific standards.
• This involves careful scrutiny and approval of research proposals, with close collaboration with ethics review boards.

Fostering Academic Growth:

• A key function is to cultivate a research-oriented environment, providing faculty and students with the necessary tools and support.
• This includes organizing workshops on research methodologies, grant writing, and facilitating access to resources.

Ensuring Ethical Conduct:

• The committee places a strong emphasis on ethical considerations, ensuring that all research conducted within IGIDS adheres to the highest principles of responsible conduct.
• It is also apparent from information found, that there is collaboration with other colleges in the area, concerning ethical committees.

Contributing to Dental Advancement:

• Ultimately, the committee’s efforts contribute to the advancement of dental science and the enhancement of oral healthcare practices.

Promoting Publication Culture:

• The committee actively motivates faculty and students to publish their research in reputable national and international journals.
• Workshops and training sessions are conducted on scientific writing and publication ethics, enhancing the quality of research output.

Supporting the Institutional Journal:

• A critical aspect of this effort is the support and promotion of the institution’s own publication, the Journal of Odontological Research.
• The committee plays a vital role in ensuring the journal’s quality, peer-review process, and indexing, thereby providing a platform for researchers within and outside IGIDS to showcase their work.
• The committee encourages faculty and students to submit their work to the journal, and helps to maintain the high standards of the journal.

International collaborative research projects – Multi centric studies

1. Vaccine hesitancy among community in ten countries in Asia, Africa and South America during COVID 19 pandemic. Published in Pathogens and Global Health
2. Awareness and preparedness of healthcare workers against the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional survey across 57 countries. (Published in PLoS ONE)
3. Perceived risk of infection and death from COVID-19 among community members of low- and middle-income countries: A cross-sectional study –  (Published in F1000)
4. Quantifications of Mandibular Trabecular Bone Microstructure using Cone Beam Computed Tomography for Age Estimation: A Preliminary Study – (Published in Biology)
5. Acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination at different hypothetical efficacy and safety levels in ten countries in Asia, Africa, and South America. (Published in Narra J)
6. Willingness-to-pay for COVID-19 vaccine in ten low-middle-income countries in Asia, Africa and South America – (Published in Narra J)

ICMR STS Research Projects

ICMR STS 2019

1. An analysis of leptospirosis control in a flood affected region of Kerala and the role of Accredited Social Health Activists – a questionnaire study. (Published in Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness Journal)
2. Defluoridation potential of various indigenous thirst-quenching herbal products. (Published in Environment Health Engineering and Management Journal)
3. Antimicrobial Activity Of 0.05 N And 0.1 N Silver Nitrate Mouthwash Against Streptococcus Mutans And Candida Albicans- An Invitro Study. (Published in Journal of International Oral Health)

ICMR STS 2020

4. Estimation of fluoride concentration and fluoride mapping of ground water and all drinking water sources in Kothamangalam Taluk, Kerala (Published in World Journal of Dentistry)
5. Evaluation of antibacterial efficacy of commercially available gel-based hand sanitizers and alcohol-based hand rubs routinely used in dental practice in relation to different hand washing regimen (Published in Bioscene Journal)

ICMR STS 2022

6. Estimation of fluoride concentration in commercially available vegan milks in India (Published in Public Health and Toxicology Journal)
7. Estimation of fluoride levels in indigenous ayurvedic preparations prescribed for infants, toddlers, and pre-school children in Kerala (Published in Environment Health Engineering and Management Journal)
8. An In-Vitro Comparative Stereomicroscopic Evaluation of Micro leakage in Class II Restorations Using Three Different Restorative Materials (Published in Bioscene)
9. The impact of social media as a marketing tool in orthodontic practice and attracting new patients
10. Analysis of maxillary anterior teeth in Kerala population- a plaster model study

ICMR STS 2023

11. Cariogenic potential of locally prepared thirst quenchers in Kerala
12. Habit cessation smartphone applications in India – content analysis and quality review

ICMR STS 2024 (on-going)

1. Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude regarding radiation awareness among dental students – a cross sectional study
2. Assessment of quality and content analysis of dental game mobile applications in India.
3. Tobacco risk awareness in maternal and child health among community health care workers in Kerala: A cross-sectional study
4. Awareness of Passive and third hand smoking among dental undergraduate students – a cross sectional study.

KSCSTE funded projects

1. Antifungal activity of natural sugar substitutes against candida albicans – an in vitro study – (Published in Journal of Nature and Science of Medicine)
2. Antibacterial activity of Green tea leaves and leaves commonly added to green tea preparations against periodontal pathogens – an invitro study. (Published in Journal of Odontological Research)

KUHS Research Appreciation Awards – ongoing research

1. Comparative assessment of carbon monoxide levels in exhaled air among users and non-users of tobacco- a cross-sectional study
2. Estimation of fluoride concentrations and fluoride mapping of groundwater and river water in Angamaly, Kerala.
3. Evaluation of pH and buffering capacity of locally prepared thirst quenchers in Kerala
4. Association between frenal attachment and oral hygiene status among the population in Nellikuzhi -A cross sectional study.
5. Awareness of Ill effects of tobacco among periodontitis patients – a questionnaire based survey.
6. Assessment of gingival thickness in smokers and non-smokers – a clinical study.
7. Prevalence of tobacco associated oral mucosal lesions among adult population in Kothamangalam taluk: a cross-sectional study
8. Prevalence of Canalis sinuosus by using cone beam computed tomography in Kothamangalam population: a retrospective study
9. CBCT assessment of the frequency and anatomical characteristics of the Gubernacular canal in impacted teeth among Kothamangalam population-A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
10. Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) of Artificial Intelligence in Dental Students: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey
11. Prevalence of temporomandibular joint disorders among dental students.
12. Evaluation of flexural strength of self-cured acrylic resin reinforced with carbon nanotubes
13. Beyond Conventional Methods: Evaluating auriculotherapy for pain reduction in Temporomandibular Dysfunction
14. Awareness of oral cancer detection and prevention among dental students and interns: a cross sectional study
15. Correlation between maternal influence and anxiety of children undergoing dental treatment