Dr Sumanth Kumbargere Nagraj

My academic roots trace back to Bapuji Dental College and Hospital in Davangere, India, where I earned both my Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) and my Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) with a specialisation in Oral Medicine and Oral Radiology. These formative years instilled in me a deep appreciation for the intricate world of oral health and set the stage for my subsequent academic endeavours.

 

My pursuit of excellence led me to a Fellowship from the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) at Christian Medical College, Ludhiana. This fellowship, obtained from a Regional FAIMER institute, broadened my perspectives on international medical education and research practices, laying the foundation for a global outlook in my career.

 

Eager to delve deeper into evidence-based healthcare, I embarked on a journey to University College London, where I earned a Master of Science (MSc) in Evidence-Based Healthcare. This academic pursuit equipped me with advanced skills in critically appraising and synthesizing research, aligning seamlessly with my commitment to advancing the methodology of evidence-based medicine.

 

My professional journey has been marked by diverse experiences as a faculty member in India, Libya, Nepal, and Malaysia. Each of these cultural landscapes has not only enriched my teaching style but has also fuelled my passion for collaborative research in the field of dentistry. I firmly believe in the power of global education in shaping well-rounded professionals and contributing to the international knowledge pool.

 

A significant chapter of my career unfolded during the year 2022 as a Senior Researcher at the MAGIC Evidence Ecosystem Foundation, Oslo, Norway. In this role, I am actively contributing to the two prestigious European Union funded research projects, delving into cutting-edge research initiatives. This experience has been instrumental in shaping my perspective on the intersection of academia and research at global level.

 

My commitment to advancing research and evidence-based practice is underscored by my substantial contributions with 11 Cochrane systematic reviews. Serving as the Clinical Editor in the Cochrane Collaboration and Co-convenor of the Cochrane Priority Setting Methods Group has allowed me to actively shape the trajectory of evidence-based dentistry on a global scale. Being a member of the Adaptation and Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC) groups in the Guidelines International Network reflects my dedication to addressing healthcare disparities worldwide.

 

Notably, some of our Cochrane reviews have found a place in international clinical practice guidelines, including the Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP) and the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) recommendation on Dental Disease Consultation Document. These citations affirm the practical relevance and impact of my research in shaping healthcare policies and practices.

 

Beyond research, I have extended my knowledge through co-authoring chapters in books, guest lectures and webinars, sharing insights with the next generation of dental professionals. Currently serving as a Honorary Research Fellow at the Department of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London since the year 2021 and as an Adjunct Professor of Oral Medicine and Oral Radiology at Faculty of Dentistry, Manipal University College Malaysia, I am committed to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence in dental education.

 

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (1997), Kuvempu University, India

Master of Dental Surgery in Oral Medicine and Oral Radiology (2000), Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, India

Fellowship in Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (2017) from Christian Medical College, Ludhiana (Regional FAIMER Institute)

Master of Science in Evidence-based Healthcare (2017) from University College London, United Kingdom

Member, International Association for Dento-Maxillofacial Radiology

Life Member, Indian academy of Oral Medicine & Radiology

Member, American Association of Oral Maxillofacial Radiology

Member, International Association of Oral Pathologists

Member, Asian Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology

Member, Qualitative Research Association Malaysia

Member, Cochrane collaboration 

Member, Guidelines International Network (LMIC working group and Adaptation group) 

External referee to evaluate research work for academic promotions and monographs:

• Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, India

• King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

• Government Dental College, Bangalore, India

Research consultant for the project “Modelling exercises on using satellites remote sensing data to predict pandemics/epidemics involving stakeholders” conducted by Evidence Aid. 

Clinical Editor – Oral Medicine; Cochrane Oral Health

Co-convenor, Cochrane Priority Setting Methods group

In the speciality of Oral Medicine, my passion lies in teaching a comprehensive understanding of temporomandibular joint disorders, oral precancers, oral cancers, and vesiculobullous lesions. 

Transitioning to Oral Radiology, my enthusiasm extends to instructing on fundamental topics such as radiation physics, radiation biology, and the radiographic features of both benign and malignant tumors, along with applications of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in the field of dentistry. 

Beyond these clinical aspects, my distinctive interest is rooted in teaching research methodologies encompassing critical appraisal, systematic reviews, clinical practice guidelines, and qualitative research. 

My doctoral research focuses on engaging individuals from diverse ethnic and linguistic backgrounds to discern their research priorities in oral health. This experiential background provides me with a unique perspective, enriching my ability to impart knowledge on subjects like stakeholder engagement, diversity, inclusivity in research, and cultural considerations in the realm of oral health. 

I am excited to cultivate a dynamic learning environment where students can not only gain theoretical insights but also develop practical skills to excel in their future endeavors.

Kurukshetra university, Haryana, India

Aligarh Muslim university, Uttar Pradesh, India

Rajiv Gandhi university of health sciences, Karnataka, India

Manipal university, Karnataka, India

Christian medical college, Ludhiana, Punjab, India

AlJabal AlGharbi university, Ghariyan, Libya 

Dr.MGR University, Chennai, India

Universiti Sains Islamic Malaysia, Malaysia 

MAHSA University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Rajiv Gandhi university of health sciences, Karnataka, India

Kathmandu university, Nepal

Calicut university, Kerala, India

Role of Human Papilloma virus among subjects with oral potentially malignant disorders and oral squamous cell carcinoma, NITTE Deemed to be University, Mangalore, India (2022)

Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding ethics and law of health care among dental professionals in Karnataka, Yenepoya university, Mangalore, India (2021)

Proposal of a new comprehensive grading system for oral submucous fibrosis based on clinical, ultrasonographic and histopathological correlation. Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education & Research (Meenakshi University), Chennai, India (2014). 

Status of antioxidant and micronutrient levels in serum and saliva of oral potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer. Nitte University, Mangalore, India (2013). 

Aligarh Muslim university, Uttar Pradesh, India

COMED-K post graduate entrance exam, Karnataka, India

Manipal university post graduate entrance exam, India

Kathmandu university, Nepal 

The Tamilnadu MGR medical university, Chennai, India

I am interested in conducting systematic reviews for effectiveness of interventions, diagnostic accuracy studies, mixed-methods studies, qualitative research and topics related to medical education. 

I am also interested in developing clinical practice guidelines and methods related to the development of guidelines. 

I am now in midst of submitting my PhD thesis which is “Development of an equity-based oral health research priority-setting model for selected ethnicities of Malaysia”. As a part of my PhD, I have developed a Multi-Ethno Linguistic Toolkit for Stakeholders involvement in research priority setting which has been named as MELTs toolkit. 

In addition, I am involved in the following research projects as a methodologist:

1.     Barriers and facilitators to stakeholder engagement in guideline development: a mixed-methods systematic review (A MuSE consortium project)

2.     Age estimation in children, adolescents and young adults of the Indian population - a systematic review and meta-analysis. PROSPERO 2021 CRD42021251114

3.     Efficacy of Electronic Apex Locators in determining working length when compared to different imaging techniques- A Systematic Review. PROSPERO 2021 CRD42021254714

4.     Diagnostic accuracy of salivary biomarkers for oral potentially malignant disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PROSPERO 2021 CRD42021246401

5.     Interventions for treating oroantral communications and fistulae due to dental procedures. Cochrane review now under editorial review.

6.     Assessment of influence of genes responsible for susceptibility of development of oral squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PROSPERO 2023 CRD42023422519

7.     Herbal medicines to prevent dental caries – title registration under Cochrane collaboration.

As a part of my present job at MAGIC Evidence Ecosystem Foundation, I am involved in the following two projects which are funded by European Union:

Global Health European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership 3 (Global Health EDCTP3) project: Global Evidence - Local Adaptation (GELA): Grant to enhance evidence-informed guideline recommendations for new-born and young child health in three sub-Saharan African countries. The project will support decision makers in South Africa, Malawi and Nigeria, and will build on and add value to the large-scale programme of child-health guideline development led by the World Health Organization (WHO), with adaptation and implementation led by the WHO Afro regional office, country offices and national ministries (https://africa.cochrane.org/projects/global-evidence-local-adaptation-gela/meet-team).

EU-Horizon funding: Implementing a patient-centred and evidence-based intervention to reduce BEnzodiazepine and sedative-hypnotic use to improve patient SAFEty and quality of care. (BE-SAFE project) (https://besafe-horizon.eu/en/home). 

Masters student research:

Prevalence of chewing habits related oral lesion in relation in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka – a cross-sectional study:  Kathmandu University, Nepal – Manipal University, India MoU
Efficacy of topical betamethasone steroid patches in management of OSMF:  Kathmandu University, Nepal – Manipal University, India MoU | MDS 
Expression of CD1 by Langerhans cells in oral sub-mucous fibrosis and arecanut chewers – immune-histopathological study: Kathmandu University, Nepal – Manipal University, India MoU 
Estimation of tissue copper level in oral mucosa of oral sub-mucous fibrosis patients and areca nut chewers using atomic absorption spectrometry:  Kathmandu University, Nepal – Manipal University, India MoU 
Detection of micronuclei in buccal mucosa of areca nut and gutkha chewers of Dakshina Kannada district; co-supervisor, Kathmandu University, Nepal – Manipal University, India MoU 
Effects of topical application of areca nut, betel quid and betel quid with tobacco on buccal mucosa of Wistar variety of albino rats - a histopathological study: Kathmandu University, Nepal – Manipal University, India MoU  
Prevalence of candidal carriage rate in denture wearers & smokers – a microbiological study: Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India  
Ultrasonographic evaluation of inflammatory swellings of buccal space – a clinical study: Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India 
Prevalence of nutrient canals in hypertensive & diabetic patients in IOPA – a radiographic study: Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India 

TDR - For research on diseases of poverty – UNICEF, UNDP, World Bank and WHO
LMIC stipend to attend 26^th Cochrane Colloquium, Santiago, Chile
Developing country stipend by Cochrane Methods group, University of Manchester, UK
LMIC stipend to attend 22^nd Cochrane Colloquium, Hyderabad, India
Travel grant to attend 69^th Korean Congress of Radiology, Seoul, South Korea
Research grant by Manipal-Philips Oral Cancer detection by LASER-induced fluoroscopy project
Travel grant to attend World Congress on Oral Cancer, Geneva, Switzerland 
Research grant from CAMPCO Pvt Ltd., Mangalore, India

“Moving from Evidence to Recommendations through Trustworthy Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) in the Evidence Ecosystem” Keynote lecture delivered on 2nd December 2023 at 34th Indian Academy of Oral Medicine and Radiology National conference at Davangere, India

“What’, ‘When’ and ‘Why’ of qualitative research in Oral Medicine and Oral Radiology” Keynote lecture delivered on 9th December 2022 at 33rd Indian Academy of Oral Medicine and Radiology National conference at KITTS Bhubaneshwar, India. 

“Reading and understanding Cochrane reviews” lecture delivered on 3rd August 2022 during the webinar titled ‘Using Cochrane Evidence in Oral Healthcare’ organised by Cochrane Malaysia, Wiley and Oral Health Division, Ministry of Health, Malaysia.

“Reading and understanding Cochrane reviews” lecture delivered on 3rd August 2022 during the webinar titled ‘Using Cochrane Evidence in Oral Healthcare’ organised by Cochrane Malaysia, Wiley and Oral Health Division, Ministry of Health, Malaysia.

“Artificial Intelligence in Oral Radiology and Precision Medicine” keynote lecture delivered on 30^th April 2022 at 19th Indian National Triple ‘O’ Symposium organised by VMSDC, Salem, India.

“Oral Medicine in Private Practice” webinar delivered on 25th April 2022 organised by SGT Dental College and Research Institute on Indian National Oral Medicine Day.

“Research Priority Setting” webinar delivered on 24th April 2021 organised by Institute of Dental Sciences, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University, Cochrane Affiliate Centre, India.

“Research Priority Setting” webinar delivered during the Symbiosis 2020 – 2nd National Symbiotic Interdisciplinary Conference and Competition organised by Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital, Wardha, India on 10th December 2020.

“Critical appraisal – How to read a paper for peer review” webinar delivered during the Reviewer’s Training Workshop “Effective Peer Review” organised by Indian Society of Preventive and Paediatric Dentistry on 23rd November 2020.

“CBCT Interpretation and Reporting” Webinar delivered for KIDS-Orient 2020, National Orientation programme for 1st Year post-graduates organised by Indian Academy of Oral Medicine and Radiology and KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, India on 26th September 2020.

“Career opportunities for Dental graduates” Guest lecture delivered at 45th Karnataka State Dental Conference and 4th Interstate Dental Conference, Davangere, India on 15th December 2017.

“Temporomandibular Disorders – Searching the Research” Guest lecture delivered at National IAOMR PG Convention 2017, KIIT university, Bhubaneshwar, India on 4th August 2017.

“Secondary research in Oral Medicine” Guest lecture delivered at 27th Indian Academy of Oral Medicine and Radiology National Conference, Hyderabad, India on 5th December 2015.

“Oral manifestations of systemic disorders” Guest lecture delivered for Dental nurses at 4th Melaka Dental Conference held in Melaka, Malaysia on 6th October 2012.

“Various etiological cohorts in Oral Submucous fibrosis – our experience” Guest lecture delivered at 23rd Indian Academy of Oral Medicine & Radiology national conference held in Bangalore, India on 09th to 11th December 2011.

“Pitfalls in research in the role of arecanut in oral diseases” at the International conference on future of arecanut held at Mangalore, India, on August 10th 2008. 

"Career opportunities for Indian Dental Graduates and Oral Medicine Specialists' - Webinar organised by Indian Academy of Oral Medicine and Radiology, DAPM RV Dental College and Dayanand Sagar Dental College, Bangalore, India on 22 April 2024 and was attended by 86 dentists and 700 plus students from 9 dental colleges in Karnataka state, India.

"The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (Al) in Radiology Interpretation for Oral Health Conditions" - Webinar organised by Indian Academy of Oral Medicine and Radiology on 7 April 2024 and was attended by 104 specialists from India. 

"Developing an equity-oriented research priority setting exercise among selected ethnic groups in Malaysia" presentation of my research work to Director and members of Oral Health Division, Ministry of Health, Malaysia on 29 March 2024. 

"Reading and understanding a Cochrane review" webinar for 24 Physiotherapy PhD students and supervisors, University of Oslo, Norway on 28 September 2024

"Understanding systematic reviews" lecture for PhD fellows and postdocs, Lovisenberg Diagknole Sykehus, Oslo, Norway on 21 March 2023 

Have conducted 35 short courses on Cone-beam Computed Tomography training for dentists in Malaysia from February 2012 to October 2022
Five Author training for Cochrane Systematic Reviews – Malaysian Cochrane Network between year 2018 to 2023

Public appearances (Research related): Interview and the summary of my talk was published in Times of India, Mangalore edition on 11.08.08, page 2.

Topic: Pitfalls in research in the role of arecanut in oral diseases which I presented at international conference on future of arecanut held at Mangalore, August 10th, 2008. 

I am also a qualified ISO 9001:2015 auditor. 

Best outgoing student in Master of Dental Surgery in Oral Medicine and Radiology, year 2000

Merit (Dean’s list) for MSc in Evidence-based Healthcare at UCL, UK

Alumni felicitation by Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere, India

Traveling, hiking, reading and cooking

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sumanth-kumbargere-n-dr-83197a100/