Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (SBV), which administers the Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute (MGMCRI), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for academic enrichment, research, and student-staff exchange with the College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, U.S.
The signatories, Bruce A. Anderson, Professor of Community and Preventive Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, and A. R. Srinivasan, Registrar, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, firmed up the pact in the presence of S. C. Parija, the Vice-Chancellor of SBV.
Prof. Anderson urged SBV to augment collaborative activities while keeping in view the various aspects associated with dental care, and oral hygiene.
In another collaborative venture, the Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences (IGIDS), a constituent college, firmed up a transfer of technology pact with Sai Supreme Medfurn, Puducherry, as part of a push for development of low cost devices and accessories.
The document will facilitate commercialisation of a device developed for dry eye syndrome , an ophthalmic condition that can cause redness, irritation, fatigue or even blurred vision.
The SBV-Symbiosis unit also executed two more technology transfers in the field of dentistry.
These include the indigenously developed Universal Back Resting Device and the Hybrid Booster Device for Ultrasonic Scaler, the latter typified by the ability to work without electric supply.
Cost-effective
Senthil M, co-ordinator, Intellectual Property Right Cell, SBV, said the devices provided a cost-effective and credible substitute for conventional equipment.
Whereas a comparable conventional system for facilitating dental procedures cost between ₹3-5 lakh as capital investment, the indigenous versions could be set up at Primary Health Centres, Sub-Centres, Emergency Clinics and Palliative Care units at roughly one tenth of the cost.
According to Prof. Parija, the development of cost effective, indigenous devices and accessories for dental services would go a long way in facilitating the health and oral hygiene of the economically weaker sections, especially the rural community.
