A professor in Oral Pathology & Microbiology, Dr. Smitha has dedicated 21 years to dental education and disease diagnosis. She specialises in diagnosing and managing oral diseases through procedures like biopsies and FNAC. Her commitment to early disease detection underscores her significant contributions to dental health.

Dr. Smitha Naik is a professor in the Department of Oral Pathology & Microbiology at Pacific Dental College and Hospital, Udaipur. She has been associated with this institution for the last 21 years.

Dr. Naik completed her BDS from Yenepoya Dental College and Hospital, Mangalore. After getting married and moving to Udaipur, she completed her MDS from Pacific Dental College and Hospital, Udaipur, and her PhD from Pacific University, Udaipur.

Dr. Smitha explains that their department focuses on the diagnosis and management of diseases affecting the mouth, jaws, and surrounding tissues. They perform procedures such as Incision Biopsies, Excision Biopsies, and Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC). The department also specialises in Exfoliative Cytology. She emphasises that early diagnosis of diseases is crucial as it allows for timely treatment, leading to better prognosis.

Her message to the general public is to stop using tobacco products, such as smoking cigarettes and chewing gutkha, as these can cause addiction and are harmful to dental and oral health. She warns that continued use of tobacco can lead to potential disorders and, if not treated at the right stage, might result in severe conditions.

She encourages students to not lose hope if they don't secure an MBBS seat, as BDS is equally rewarding with the right effort and dedication. She emphasises, "Work hard, dream big, and success will be yours."

Regarding her achievements, Dr. Smitha considers her strong command over her subject as her biggest accomplishment, allowing her to confidently diagnose and treat diseases. She also views her educational qualifications as significant achievements.

Discussing her struggles, Dr. Smitha says that by God's grace, she faced no major challenges. She was a good student and secured her BDS seat in Mangalore through the Karnataka entrance exam, excelling in her studies. After marriage, her husband supported her through her MDS and PhD. She joined Pacific Dental College and Hospital soon after completing her BDS, which minimised her struggles, a fact she attributes to her disciplined life.

Reminiscing about her childhood, she shares that she was brought up in a small town in Karnataka known as Kundapur. She cherishes memories of the beautiful rivers, beaches, greenery, and her mother's cooking. She fondly recalls the river in front of her house, which left a lasting impression on her.

Dr. Smitha's inspiration to enter the field of dentistry stemmed from her frequent visits to the dentist due to dental problems in her youth. Observing the work of dentists, she found the field fascinating. Given the limited number of dentists in her small town, she saw great potential in pursuing dentistry, a decision she regards as completely fulfilling, having achieved significant success in her career.

Her role model is her mother, whom she admires for instilling discipline in her and her brother, which has been instrumental in their career growth. Dr. Smitha aspires to instil the same discipline in her daughter.

The quote that inspires her is: "If we work with determination, we can achieve anything."

Her message to the younger generation is to follow their own passion rather than that of their parents or teachers.

Her message to the youth is that MBBS is not the only path, and BDS has its own merits. She highlights that BDS is particularly suitable for females, having fewer emergency cases and the flexibility to work at their own convenience.

For those who love art, dentistry offers an excellent opportunity to blend creativity with medical science.