Prof. Dr. Sridhar Shetty – The Iron Man of Dentistry
Written by Prof. Dr. E.G.H. Solomon
Forty years is a long time to know a person well. Both of us graduating from the same college in Bombay and having the same postgraduate teacher, Prof. Dr. Udani, is just a coincidence. After Dr. Goverdhan Hegde, Sridhar Shetty was the next person from Karnataka State to join MDS at Bombay University. A few years junior to me, Sridhar completed his MDS in style, acquiring the friendship and admiration of his teachers, classmates, and local dentists.
Coming from a southern state, Bombay groomed this otherwise ordinary-looking lad into one of the iconic figures of our time. What made this non-controversial man in dentistry what he is today? Why could others not rise similarly? What qualities did they lack? What is the secret behind his success? I need not boast about it—his colleagues and past and present students know it well.
One of the most remarkable attributes I found in him is his patriotism toward his motherland. Having had the opportunity to serve on the dental faculty in Nairobi, Kenya, he had every chance to migrate to the USA—a land of opportunity, freedom, and prosperity—to continue his passion for teaching. This was especially feasible when acquiring a DDS was relatively easy for a trained teacher from India, and his sibling was already settled there. Yet, he chose to serve his own people. Only a few Indians made such a choice; I am proud to be among that group.
Affectionately called Sridhar by a privileged few, I can testify to the secret of his success. If acronyms are allowed, it lies in his five C’s, which took him to the pinnacle of the dental profession:
Charisma: Even without speaking, something about him communicates strongly. His tall, charming personality, brisk walk, and ever-present smile can soften even an aggressive individual. His commanding voice adds to his presence. The quiet and supportive presence of Mrs. Sridhar Shetty by his side gave him additional strength.
Courage: Many people are courageous, but Sridhar remained courageous even in defeat. His “never give up” attitude and boldness in expressing his views ultimately led to success. In his youth, he may have been aggressive—his classmates would agree.
Confidence: His confidence was his trump card. His positive thinking and perseverance carried him up the ladder of success. He not only practiced these virtues but also instilled them in his students. Even when his confidence faltered, he accepted setbacks gracefully without dwelling on them. His leadership qualities are commendable.
Conviction: He strongly believed that truth always triumphs. Once convinced of what is right, no external influence could sway him. He never lived a double life. “Play while you play and work while you work” was his motto.
Culture and Conduct: Culture shapes a man. In a time when values are fading, Sridhar upheld his culture and earned the reputation of being a true gentleman. He always extended help to those in genuine need. Tolerance was his way of life. A man free of vices, he is a lover of peace.
Sridhar is synonymous with dental camps. As a conceiver, planner, and executor of rural dental camps, he dedicated himself to serving the poor and those without access to dental care. As a pioneer, he set an example for the nation. This earned him national recognition, including the B.C. Roy Award. Notably, he never worked for awards nor took pride in them.
Pioneer in Rural Elderly Programs: His vision to provide dental care for the elderly in rural areas is remarkable. While “Dental Health for All” has long been a national policy, its implementation has often been lacking. Sridhar transformed vision into mission for the underprivileged who lacked access due to financial or logistical constraints.
As early as 1987, he initiated awareness programs by motivating his institution’s staff and forming dedicated teams. His approach was always methodical and well-planned. Interns and postgraduate students were involved in reaching rural populations and providing treatment. While camps are common in community dentistry, regular, time-bound treatment camps offering multiple procedures are rare and highly commendable.
He went further by establishing rural satellite centers—firsts in India—where comprehensive dental care was provided free of cost. Treatments ranged from extractions and fillings to periodontal care and restorative work such as dentures, crowns, and bridges, including maxillofacial prostheses. Clinical work was done in satellite centers, while laboratory procedures were handled at the dental college. Over three decades, millions of treatments were provided. Street plays were also conducted to promote dental hygiene awareness.
Father of Single-Day Denture Camps: For patients in remote areas unable to make multiple visits, these camps were a boon. Dentures were delivered in a single day, efficiently managed by postgraduate students, interns, and staff under Sridhar’s supervision. Many institutions later adopted this model, though not with the same consistency and mission-driven approach.
Founder of the First Organized Implant Center in Dental Colleges: The Brånemark implant system was introduced into postgraduate training at A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, followed by collaboration with Goethe University, Frankfurt.
Nitte and Sridhar are inseparable. His unconditional love and devotion to the institution are remarkable. He played a pivotal role in developing A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute into one of the finest dental colleges in the country through his leadership and administrative excellence.
His students admire him—even when he appeared strict—because they understood his intentions. He maintained a fine balance between discipline and compassion. He never harmed anyone, always striving to do good. His fairness as an examiner and generosity in evaluation earned him respect. Patients appreciated his compassion, staff respected his discipline and kindness, and colleagues admired his five C’s. Shri Vinay Hegde valued him as a master planner with loyalty and integrity.
I shared a close academic and social relationship with him. The spread of Gnathology in India during the 1990s was largely due to his efforts. Numerous continuing dental education (CDE) programs at ABSM laid a strong foundation for young prosthodontists. My own work on the study and classification of smiles was possible due to his encouragement.
As President of the Dental Council, he helped many colleges start undergraduate and postgraduate programs, benefiting institutions that are now leaders in dental education. They remain indebted to him.
In 1974, he accepted my invitation to attend the first conference of the Indian Prosthodontic Society in Madras. Starting at the lowest rung, he later rose to become President and played a key role in shaping the society’s future.
A firm believer in a strong work ethic, Sridhar shows no signs of aging. May his qualities inspire future generations. In summary, he is a unique blend of strength and humility, discipline and kindness, toughness and understanding, authority and gentleness.
Wishing him many more laurels. Keep up the good work.
— Emeritus Prof. Dr. E.G.H. Solomon
MDS (Bombay), Dr. med. dent (Germany), F.D.S.R.C.P.S (Glasgow)
Former Professor of Postgraduate Studies in Prosthodontics (1992–2002)
A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangalore
