Before becoming a great doctor, first strive to be a good human.
Dr. Nikhil Verma is a prosthodontist and currently serves as the Head of the Department and Principal at Geetanjali Dental and Research Institute. In addition to his academic roles, he owns a clinic named Smile Dental Care and Implant Centre in Udaipur.
Born in Godhra, a city in the Panchmahal district of Gujarat, Dr. Nikhil completed his schooling in Beawar, Rajasthan. He attended Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya in Hurda, near Gulabpura, for his higher secondary education. Although he originates from Gujarat, most of his childhood and schooling years were spent in Beawar.
Dr. Nikhil's inspiration to become a dentist came from his father, who was a government dental officer in Beawar. He was fascinated by how his father treated 80-100 patients a day, many of whom traveled from nearby villages seeking dental care. Dr. Nikhil noticed that these patients were more concerned with the functionality of their teeth—particularly their ability to eat properly—than with aesthetics. Observing his father’s dedication to his patients greatly influenced Dr. Nikhil's decision to pursue a career in dentistry and to contribute to the social cause of helping patients.
In 1994, Dr. Nikhil decided to embark on a career in dentistry. After passing the necessary entrance exams, he moved to South India to pursue his graduation in dentistry. Despite his father's request for him to join the family practice in Beawar, Dr. Nikhil chose to continue his education, motivated by his passion for both academics and administration. He did his post-graduation in dentistry in 2002, firmly establishing his career in academics and administration. He has also made significant contributions to dental research.
In 2003, Dr. Nikhil encountered a case that had a lasting impact on him. He was called to assist as a prosthodontist for a case involving a 16-year-old girl. The previous treatment she had received was unethical, so Dr. Nikhil ensured that her care was completed in the most ethical manner possible. Five years later, in 2008, the now-grown woman returned to thank Dr. Nikhil for the care he provided, expressing her gratitude for improving her smile. This successful case remains very close to his heart.
Reminiscing about his childhood, Dr. Nikhil recalls that his handwriting was poor. His father would often joke that this was a sign he would become a doctor. He admits that he wasn’t a particularly exceptional student but rather an average one. He attributes part of his mediocrity to the lack of dedication from his teachers, believing that teachers play a crucial role in motivating and properly educating students.
However, once he entered college, his outlook changed. From his first year of dental school onwards, he was a batch topper for all four years of his Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program. This shift in his academic performance, he believes, was a result of improved teaching methods that deeply resonated with him as a student.
Understanding the struggles of an average student firsthand, Dr. Nikhil has transformed himself into a teacher who prioritizes making complex concepts easy to grasp. He simplifies material for his students and incorporates various techniques to enhance their learning, ensuring they can understand subjects more effectively.
Dr. Nikhil’s path to success wasn’t easy. He emphasizes that becoming proficient in anything depends on oneself—dedication, knowledge, and integrity are the keys to success in any profession. He believes that one must treat knowledge with the same devotion as bhakti (spiritual dedication) to achieve mastery. According to him, integrity is the most important quality for anyone aspiring to become an established professional.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, the management at Geetanjali Dental and Research Institute considered closing the college. However, Dr. Nikhil believed it was crucial to keep the facility open for patients in need of urgent care, especially those experiencing pain or trauma. He ensured that all necessary precautions were taken so that the institution could continue serving patients safely during those difficult times.
Dr. Nikhil teaches his students that before they become doctors, they must first become compassionate human beings. He emphasizes that without the ability to empathize with a patient’s pain, one cannot be a good doctor. He stresses the importance of working for the benefit of the patient rather than focusing solely on financial gain. Dr. Nikhil encourages his students to remain dedicated to their profession, continuously acquire knowledge, and always be accessible to their patients.
Professionally, Dr. Nikhil draws inspiration from Dr. P.C. Jacob, a maxillofacial prosthodontist and general dentist. He states that Dr. Jacob was his mentor and credits him with teaching the importance of maintaining ethics in treatment.
The quote that inspires Dr. Nikhil is “Gyanam Paramam Dhyeyam," a Sanskrit phrase that translates to “Knowledge is the ultimate goal.”
Despite his demanding career, Dr. Nikhil ensures that he spends quality time with his family. He keeps Sundays free to be with them, though he remains available for emergencies. In his free time, he enjoys playing table tennis and cricket with his daughter.`
If given a chance to go back in time, Dr. Nikhil says that he is satisfied with the decisions he has made throughout his life. He feels no need to go back in time to change any of his choices, as he believes that each decision has led him to where he is today. He encourages everyone to continue learning, do good, and live life to the fullest, as life is unpredictable.