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Dr SM Balaji delivers keynote lecture at IndoCleftCon 2020 held at New Delhi

Dr SM Balaji delivers keynote lecture at IndoCleftCon 2020 held at New Delhi

by | Mar 27, 2020 | Events

Dr SM Balaji attends the 19th Annual National Conference of the ISCLP&CA

The 19th Annual National Conference of the Indian Society of Cleft Lip, Palate & Craniofacial Anomalies (ISCLP&CA) was held in New Delhi recently. The theme of the conference was ‘Integrate, Assimilate, Collaborate.’ Held over three days, the conference saw the presentation of scientific papers related to the treatment and rehabilitation of patient with cleft lip, palate and craniofacial deformities.

Dr Sm Balaji Makes The Introduction To His Keynote Lecture On The Management Of Orbital Dystopia In Craniofacial Deformities
Dr SM Balaji makes the introduction to his keynote lecture on the management of orbital dystopia in craniofacial deformities

Invitation for keynote lecture at the IndoCleftCon 2020 of the ISCLP&CA

Dr SM Balaji was invited to deliver a keynote lecture at the recently concluded IndoCleftCon 2020. This was in light of his excellence in the field of cleft and craniofacial surgery. He has many innovations to his credit in the field of cleft lip and palate surgery. Some of these innovations have become standard surgical practice around the world.

Achievements in the field of cleft lip, palate and craniofacial surgery

In recognition of his contributions to the field of cleft lip and palate surgery, he has been made a member of the board of the International Cleft Lip and Palate Foundation of Japan. He regularly conducts surgical missions to the poorer parts of the world where he performed free surgeries.

He is also a pioneer in the field of Craniofacial Surgery. His ‘Clinical Cranio-maxillofacial surgery’ book is a compilation of cases performed over a period of 30 years. This is a superspecialty reference book that is much sought after by both postgraduate students as well as practicing surgeons. Our hospital is a referral center for the Dallas-based ‘World Craniofacial Foundation” (WCF).

Dr Sm Balaji Discussing The Finer Aspects Of The Management Of Craniofacial Deformities For Successful Surgical Outcome
Dr SM Balaji discussing the finer aspects of the management of craniofacial deformities for successful surgical outcome

Keynote lecture at the 19th Annual National Conference of the ISCLP&CA

Dr SM Balaji’s keynote lecture on “Management of Orbital Dystopia in the Management of Craniofacial Deformities” was very well received by the audience. He used case studies of patients operated by him to illustrate the various difficulties encountered in the surgical management of orbital dystopia.

He followed this up by presenting the innovations developed by him to overcome these difficulties. His presentation included correction of orbital dystopia in patients with syndromic craniofacial deformities. This was followed by a lively interactive session with the audience. Some of the complex questions were broken up into separate segments by him and his answers were illuminating to the audience.

Delving Deep Into The Structure Of The Human Skull, Dr Sm Balaji Discussing Some Of The Precautions That Need To Be Taken During Craniofacial Surgery
Delving deep into the structure of the human skull, Dr SM Balaji discussing some of the precautions that need to be taken during craniofacial surgery

Presentation of memento and Certificate of Appreciation by the organizers

Dr SM Balaji was presented with a memento and a certificate of appreciation following the conclusion of his keynote lecture. Members of the audience approached him to further query him on some aspects of his presentation and he patiently cleared their queries to their fullest satisfaction.

Dr Sm Balaji Receiving A Certificate Of Appreciation And Memento At The Indian Society Of Cleft Lip, Palate &Amp; Craniofacial Anomalies Conference
Dr SM Balaji receiving a certificate of appreciation and memento at the Indian Society of Cleft Lip, Palate & Craniofacial Anomalies conference
Dr Sm Balaji Interacting With Delegates At The Indocleftcon 2020 That Concluded Recently In New Delhi
Dr SM Balaji interacting with delegates at the IndoCleftCon 2020 that concluded recently in New Delhi

Tooth to Skull keynote lecture at 7th STAR Summit in Saveetha Dental College

Tooth to Skull keynote lecture at 7th STAR Summit in Saveetha Dental College

by | Mar 26, 2020 | Events

Dr SM Balaji invited to 7th STAR Summit for delivering keynote lecture

Saveetha Dental College recently hosted its 7th Saveetha Transdisciplinary Annual Research (STAR) summit at its Chennai campus. This summit is an annual event that showcases the best student research over the academic year.

Dr SM Balaji, the Chennai-based Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgeon, has won many laurels for his achievements in research. He has pioneered cleft lip and palate as well as craniofacial surgical research in a career spanning over 25 years. His contributions have been recognized by numerous international and national awards.

Dr Sm Balaji’s Keynote Lecture Had The Audience In Rapt Attention Listening To Him Describe His Surgeries
Dr SM Balaji’s keynote lecture had the audience in rapt attention listening to him describe his surgeries

International recognition for development of research projects to benefit humanity

He has been awarded the Dr David Precious Award by the International Cleft Lip and Palate Foundation (ICPF) of Japan, which is the highest honor bestowed by the organization. His contributions to research have also been recognized by the US-based World Craniofacial Foundation (WCF), which was founded by Prof Kenneth E Salyer.

Dr Sm Balaji Enumerated His Landmark Cases During The Course Of His Keynote Lecture
Dr SM Balaji enumerated his landmark cases during the course of his keynote lecture

Invitation to deliver keynote lecture to motivate interest in research

In order to serve as an inspiration to the students in light of his contributions towards the advancement of scientific research, Dr SM Balaji was invited to deliver the keynote lecture at this year’s summit. This was also in recognition of his motivating many generations of dental students towards taking up research as a full time career option.

Dr SM Balaji spoke on the topic of “Tooth to Skull,” which encapsulated the surgical cases, which benefited from groundbreaking research performed by him. He delved in depth into the thought processes that led to the innovative solutions in solving difficult clinical presentations. As always, it was a highly interactive session where Dr SM Balaji actively encouraged the students to ask him questions.

The Keynote Lecture Was Followed By A Lively Question And Answer Session With The Audience
The keynote lecture was followed by a lively question and answer session with the audience

Inspiring the next generation of researchers to help benefit humanity

He spoke at length about his passion for research and what lay behind his avid interest in taking up research. His speech was peppered with anecdotes from his life as a researcher that had the audience engrossed in his keynote lecture.

Meritorious students were presented with his Textbook of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the conclusion of his keynote lecture.

Meritorious Students Were Presented With Dr Sm Balaji’s Textbook Of Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery At The End Of The Keynote Lecture
Meritorious Students Were Presented With Dr Sm Balaji’s Textbook Of Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery At The End Of The Keynote Lecture
Meritorious Students Were Presented With Dr Sm Balaji’s Textbook Of Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery At The End Of The Keynote Lecture

The organizers of the summit thanked Dr SM Balaji at the conclusion of his keynote lecture for speaking to the students and inspiring them with his life and motivating them with his words to take up full time dental research. He said that dedicated research always helped in alleviating human suffering and was true service to God.


Poster competition at the recently concluded Saveetha Transdisciplinary Annual Research Summit

Poster competition at the recently concluded Saveetha Transdisciplinary Annual Research Summit

by | Mar 23, 2020 | Events

Dr SM Balaji invited as Guest of Honour for the 7th STAR Summit

Dr SM Balaji was invited as a guest of honour at the recently concluded 7th Saveetha Transdisciplinary Annual Research (STAR) Summit, held in Saveetha Dental College, Chennai. This annual event is organized by Dr Deepak Nallaswamy, Director of Academic Affairs, Saveetha Academy of Higher Education and Research. Dr SM Balaji was chosen to be the chief adjudicator at the poster competition that was a part of the summit.

Dr Sm Balaji Listening In Attention As A Student Presents The Concept Behind Her Poster
Dr SM Balaji listening in attention as a student presents the concept behind her poster
Dr Sm Balaji Sharing His Views About The Prize Winning Posters With Dr Deepak Nallaswamy

Importance of student research for overall human health

Dr Sm Balaji Engrossed In The Student’s Presentation At The Poster Competition
Dr SM Balaji engrossed in the student’s presentation at the poster competition

Student research is a topic that is very important to Dr SM Balaji as he feels that the next generation has to be motivated towards taking up dental research as a career option. He has delivered motivational speeches to students in colleges around the world to kindle the love of research and has been credited with kick starting many stellar careers in research.

Dr SM Balaji viewed the posters, which encapsulated a year’s research. There were over 1500 posters at this year’s summit. He lauded the student researchers for their original ideas and encouraged them to develop their ideas further to bring about scientific advancement in their fields of endeavor.

Dr Sm Balaji At The Poster Presentation Competition At The Star Summit In Saveetha Dental College
Dr SM Balaji at the poster presentation competition at the STAR Summit in Saveetha Dental College

Dr SM Balaji leads brainstorming session at deans meet in Saveetha Dental College

Dr SM Balaji leads brainstorming session at deans meet in Saveetha Dental College

by | Mar 19, 2020 | Events

Dr SM Balaji invited to attend the deans meeting at Saveetha Dental College and Hospital

Dr NM Veeraiyan, Chancellor, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences and Dr Deepak Nallaswamy, Director of Academics convened a meeting of the deans of Chennai city colleges at Saveetha Dental College on the occasion of the 7th Saveetha STAR Summit.

Encouragement for research as a viable full time career for dental professionals

Dr Sm Balaji At The Deans Meeting With Dr Nm Veeraiyan, Chancellor, Saveetha Institute Of Medical And Technical Sciences And Dr Deepak Nallaswamy, Director Of Academics, Simats
Dr SM Balaji at the deans meeting with Dr NM Veeraiyan, Chancellor, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences and Dr Deepak Nallaswamy, Director of Academics, SIMATS
Dr Sm Balaji At A Presentation Depicting The Various Research Projects Underway At Various Dental Institutions
Dr SM Balaji at a presentation depicting the various research projects underway at various dental institutions

Encouragement for research as a viable full time career for dental professionals

The Saveetha Transdisciplinary Annual Research (STAR) Summit was initiated to encourage the growth of student research in dental institutions, both at the undergraduate as well as the postgraduate levels. Participation numbers at the summit have been gradually increasing over the years with growth in research activities in all the dental institutions.

Dr SM Balaji was invited to chair the proceeding at the deans meeting in light of his exemplary record in groundbreaking research in Oral and Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery. Many stellar researchers have attributed him with having inspired them to take up dental research as a full-time career.

Dr Sm Balaji Holds Forth At The Deans Meeting Organized At Saveetha Dental College, Chennai
Dr SM Balaji holds forth at the deans meeting organized at Saveetha Dental College, Chennai
Dr Sm Balaji Addresses A Query Raised By A Member Regarding Research Opportunities In India
Dr SM Balaji addresses a query raised by a member regarding research opportunities in India

Brainstorming session at the meeting of deans at Saveetha Dental College

Dr SM Balaji presented his views regarding research opportunities in India in a lucid and forthright manner. He explained that with India being a low to middle income nation, research had to be mainly conducted in a low resource setting. Stressing on the need for constant innovation, he said that dedication, devotion and determination were the three D’s to a successful career in research.

Dr Sm Balaji Recalls Incidents From His Life As An Avid Researcher In Craniomaxillofacial Surgery
Dr SM Balaji recalls incidents from his life as an avid researcher in Craniomaxillofacial surgery
Participants Listen In Rapt Attention As Dr Sm Balaji Explains His Point Of View Regarding Ways To Foster Dental Research
Participants listen in rapt attention as Dr SM Balaji explains his point of view regarding ways to foster dental research

He related many incidents from his career where innovative out-of-the-box thinking had helped successful culmination of difficult research projects. Explaining further, he said that the desire to contribute towards scientific progress should be strong enough to overcome any temporary setbacks, which is part and parcel of a researcher’s life.

Difficulties related to the implementation of a strong culture for dental research

Dr Sm Balaji With Dr Nm Veeraiyan, Chancellor, Simats, At The Conclusion Of The Deans Meeting In Saveetha Dental College
Dr SM Balaji with Dr NM Veeraiyan, Chancellor, SIMATS, at the conclusion of the deans meeting in Saveetha Dental College
A View Of The Deans Meeting In Progress That Was Convened To Discuss Ways To Improve Dental Research
A view of the deans meeting in progress that was convened to discuss ways to improve dental research

Dr SM Balaji further enumerated steps that could be implemented in the dental institutions to help foster a culture of research among the students. The deans expressed their appreciation and stated that they would take the appropriate steps needed to lay a foundation for dental research in their institutions that would help develop many generations of future researchers.


Dr SM Balaji meets with the Hon’ble Health and Tourism Ministers of Seychelles

Dr SM Balaji meets with the Hon’ble Health and Tourism Ministers of Seychelles

by | Mar 12, 2020 | Events

Dr SM Balaji chosen as Congress President of the 32nd World Congress of the International College of Maxillofacial Surgery (ICMFS)

The International College of Maxillofacial Surgery ( https://www.icmfs.com/) was created in the year 1970 by the leading stalwarts of maxillofacial surgery who felt a lacunae in connectivity between members of the profession from different parts of the world.

This global organization was started to help form a seamless worldwide network for maxillofacial surgeons from all parts of the globe. The aim of the college is to provide opportunities for learning and sharing of information pertaining to the latest advances made in the field.

Council meeting at the 31st ICMFS World Congress held in Tel Aviv, Israel in 2019

Members of the council of the ICMFS held a council meeting at the 31st ICMFS World Congress in Tel Aviv to decide on the landmark 32nd ICMFS World Congress to be held in 2020, which would mark the 50th year of existence of this glorious organization.

After due deliberations, it was decided to unanimously elect Dr SM Balaji, who is a council member of the ICMFS, to be the Congress President of the 32nd ICMFS World Conference (https://www.icmfs2020.com/) in light of proven track record as a renowned craniomaxillofacial surgeon and his role as a key opinion leader in this field.

The Republic of Seychelles chosen as the venue of this landmark congress

Being the perfect destination for the conference, the Republic of Seychelles was chosen by the Congress President and members of the council to host the prestigious congress. The beautiful island nation offers the perfect blend of hi-tech infrastructure and scenic beauty to host the magnificent conference.

Dr SM Balaji meets with the Hon’ble Health and Tourism Ministers of Seychelles

Dr SM Balaji met with His Excellency Jean Paul Adam, Hon’ble Health Minister of Seychelles and His Excellency Didier Dogley, Hon’ble Tourism Minister of Seychelles to seek their moral support and blessings for a successful congress. The two eminent ministers conveyed their best wishes for the congress to set a new benchmark for landmark scientific presentations and deliberations.

Dr Sm Balaji With His Excellency Jean Paul Adam, Hon’ble Health Minister Of Seychelles During His Recent Visit To The Island Nation
Dr SM Balaji with His Excellency Jean Paul Adam, Hon’ble Health Minister of Seychelles during his recent visit to the island nation
Dr Sm Balaji Meets With His Excellency Didier Dogley, Hon’ble Tourism Minister Of Seychelles Regarding The Icmfs Congress
Dr SM Balaji meets with His Excellency Didier Dogley, Hon’ble Tourism Minister of Seychelles regarding the ICMFS Congress
Letters Of Support For The Congress Provided By The Hon’ble Ministers Of The Republic Of Seychelles
Letters of support for the Congress provided by the Hon’ble Ministers of the Republic of Seychelles

Global luminaries of maxillofacial surgery in attendance at the congress

The congress will see the presence of leading stalwarts from the field of maxillofacial surgery and other allied surgical branches.

Prof Daniel Laskin

Prof. Daniel Laskin, USA, who is considered to be the ‘Father of Oral Surgery’ will be making the opening presentation with the ICMFS lecture on “The development of a specialty: Where have we been and where should we go.”

Prof Jatin P Shah

 Prof Jatin P Shah, EW Strong Chair in Head and Neck Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York will be delivering the ICMFS Golden Jubilee Oration on “Oncological, Functional and Esthetic Outcomes after Mandible Resection and Reconstruction for Oral Cancer – The State of the Art.”

Prof Jean-Paul Meningaud

Prof Jean-Paul Meningaud, Head of the Department of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Henri Mondor, France who made the world’s first face transplant will be delivering the Prestigious Prof Bruck Oration on “Facial Transplant – 10 years after the first complete facial allotransplant.” He will also be making a presentation on “New refinements in face and neck rejuvenation.”

Leading maxillofacial surgeons from around the world will be in attendance at the congress and will be presenting the latest surgical innovations from the field of maxillofacial surgery.


Prof. SM Balaji invited to Conduct Master Class in Saint Petersburg

Prof. SM Balaji invited to Conduct Master Class in Saint Petersburg

by | Mar 1, 2020 | Events

Chennai Based Craniomaxillofacial Surgeon, Prof. Dr. S. M. Balaji of the Balaji Dental and Craniofacial Hospital is invited by the President of the International Cleft Lip and Palate Foundation (ICPF), Prof. Dr. Kenneth Salyer, President, World Craniofacial Foundation to organize a Master class at a conference in Russia.

The International Cleft Lip and Palate Foundation are to organize its annual International conference at St. Petersburg, Russia in the month of July 2020. The ICPF is a world-renowned body and is a multi-disciplinary humanitarian foundation devoted to cleft lip and palate patients. It was established on October 23 1997, at KYOTO, Japan that has members from medical, surgical, speech pathologists, mental health professionals, patient care bodies, geneticists and patients from nearly 67 countries across the world.

Prof. Balaji was invited by ICPF President Kenneth Salyer to demonstrate the surgical correction of midfacial hypoplasia as a part of their conference. In this course, Prof. Balaji will teach the audience on the correction of midfacial deformities, as a part of syndromes such as Apert syndrome, Crouzon syndrome, and Treacher Collins syndrome with or without cleft lip/palate.

Management of skeletal Class III malocclusion in midfacial hypoplasia is one of the most challenging cases. The cause of this disorder is often multifactorial and often syndromic in nature. The appropriate diagnosis of the condition, age of presentation, the extent of deviation from normalcy dictates the treatment outcomes. There are several treatment methods for managing the skeletal Class III malocclusion with midfacial hypoplasia. Of them, conventional Lefort III advancement is often the preferred treatment. It is usually done after skeletal maturity by age after 23 years.

The procedure carries the risk of a proper split during the mandible, proper plating and subsequent plating.  Tooth positioning, jaw spaces are other considerations to be accounted for. The chance of relapse is high owing to muscle memory and pull. In comparison, Distraction Osteogenesis can be carried out during the early second decade of life, account for minor maxillary discrepancies, create new bone, manage the growth vectors efficiently in a controlled fashion. Active post-surgical orthodontics may be required for up to 3 months post-operatively using elastics.

Prof. S. M. Balaji has about three decades of experience in managing a variety of skeletal Class III malocclusion using both Lefort III advancement and Distraction Osteogenesis. Armed with his personal cases, he is to demonstrate and teach the delegates to identify types and complications associated with Craniofacial Skeletal Class III Management, brief on the advantages and disadvantages of Lefort III advancement with Distraction Osteogenesis, help to choose between Lefort III advancement with Distraction Osteogenesis. He aims to teach the delegate to develop a personalized diagnostic and treatment algorithms for management.