Prof. Dr. Prafulla Thumati is a distinguished Prosthodontist, Orofacial Pain Specialist, academician, researcher, and international speaker in the field of Digital Occlusion, Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD), Craniofacial Pain, and Restorative Dentistry. He currently serves as Professor and Head of the Orofacial Pain Clinic at Raja Rajeshwari Dental College & Hospital, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bengaluru, India.

He completed his Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from Government Dental College and Research Center, Bangalore University in 1987 and obtained his Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) in Prosthodontics from Bapuji Dental College, Davangere, Mysore University, in 1992. He was awarded a Ph.D. from Einstein University, USA, in 2013.

With over three decades of teaching and clinical experience, Prof. Dr. Thumati has made significant contributions to Prosthodontics, Occlusal Science, Orofacial Pain Management, Implant Dentistry, and Digital Dental Technologies. He has been actively involved in advanced clinical dentistry with complete digital workflows, including digital impressions, computer-guided occlusal analysis, and full-mouth rehabilitation.

Areas of Expertise & Research Contributions

Prof. Dr. Thumati is internationally recognized for his pioneering work in:

• Digital Occlusal Analysis using T-Scan technology
• Disclusion Time Reduction (DTR) Therapy
• Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs) and Craniofacial Pain
• Orofacial Pain Diagnosis and Management
• Computer-guided Prosthodontic Rehabilitation
• Implant Prosthodontics
• Digital Smile Designing
• Masticatory Function Analysis using EMG, JVA, and Jaw Tracking

His interest in Digital Occlusion began after his association with international experts in T-Scan Occlusal Analysis and Biometrics. His extensive research in occlusion, muscle physiology, and craniofacial pain has contributed to improving evidence-based approaches in dental practice.

International Recognition & Professional Engagements

Prof. Dr. Prafulla Thumati has served as an International Speaker for T-Scan Technology, Tekscan Inc., Boston, since 2008, and for BioResearch Inc., Milwaukee, since 2012, conducting numerous lectures and hands-on workshops across the Asia-Pacific region.

He achieved a major milestone by becoming one of the earliest global clinicians to receive advanced credentials in Disclusion Time Reduction (DTR) Therapy, earning the titles of DTR Certified, Fellow, and Master in 2018.

He was awarded Fellowship of the International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics (ICCMO) in 2021.

Research Publications & Scientific Contributions

Prof. Dr. Thumati has contributed extensively to dental science with:

• 86+ scientific publications in national and international journals
• Research focused on TMD, occlusion, digital dentistry, implantology, and restorative rehabilitation
• Contributions to journals including prosthodontics, cranio-mandibular science, dental implants, and advanced dental technologies

His research includes landmark studies on:

• Digital measurement of occlusion
• Immediate Complete Anterior Guidance Development (ICAGD)
• DTR therapy outcomes
• Masticatory efficiency and muscle function
• Occlusal adjustment protocols
• Computerized analysis of jaw function

Academic Leadership & Professional Roles

Prof. Dr. Prafulla Thumati has held several prestigious leadership positions, including:

• Past President – Indian Dental Association (IDA), Bengaluru Branch
• Past President – IDA Karnataka State Branch
• Past President – South Asian Academy of Aesthetic and Cosmetic Dentistry (SAAAD)
• Past President – Indian Prosthodontic Society (IPS), Bengaluru Branch
• President – Indian Prosthodontic Society Headquarters (2016–2017)
• Past President – Rotary Bengaluru South

He has delivered 400+ scientific lectures and conducted around 160+ workshops, including extensive hands-on training programs in Orofacial Pain, TMD, Digital Occlusion, and Prosthodontics.

Awards & Honors

Prof. Dr. Prafulla Thumati has received several recognitions for his academic excellence and research contributions, including:

• Dr. G. C. Das Memorial Award for Best Oral Presentation at IPS Golden Jubilee Conference, Delhi (2022)
• Dr. B. C. Shroff Oration at the 51st IPS National Conference, Goa
• Fellowship recognition from the International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics

Eligibility for Outstanding Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Prafulla Thumati is highly eligible for the Outstanding Researcher Award in Scientific Laurels based on his exceptional contributions to dental science and healthcare innovation. His eligibility is supported by:

• More than three decades of academic, clinical, and research experience
• 86+ peer-reviewed scientific publications contributing to Prosthodontics, Orofacial Pain, TMD, and Digital Dentistry
• Development and advancement of evidence-based digital occlusal analysis protocols
• International recognition as a speaker and trainer in advanced dental technologies
• Significant contribution to clinical research in Disclusion Time Reduction (DTR), occlusal therapy, and functional dentistry
• Extensive mentorship of dental professionals and postgraduate students
• Leadership roles in major national dental organizations

Prof. Dr. Prafulla Thumati’s innovative research, global academic presence, and commitment to advancing modern dentistry make him a distinguished candidate for recognition as an Outstanding Researcher in Scientific Laurels.