Prof. Dr. Deepthi Shetty is an accomplished Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, academician, researcher, and postgraduate guide with over 14 years of experience in clinical practice, teaching, and research. She completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, under Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), securing 9th rank in Periodontics in the university examination. She subsequently earned her Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery from S.D.M. College of Dental Sciences & Hospital, Dharwad, securing 10th rank in the RGUHS university examination.

She began her academic career as an Assistant Professor at A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences before joining S.D.M. College of Dental Sciences & Hospital, where she progressed from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor and Postgraduate Guide, and currently serves as Additional Professor and Postgraduate Guide. Throughout her career, she has combined advanced clinical practice with academic excellence, mentoring postgraduate students and contributing significantly to craniofacial surgery and oral oncology.

Research Contributions

Prof. Dr. Shetty has established herself as an active researcher with a primary focus on oral cancer diagnosis, head and neck oncology, maxillofacial reconstruction, diagnostic imaging, antibiotic resistance, oral pathology, and reconstructive surgery. Her postgraduate thesis investigated the comparative accuracy of palpation, ultrasonography, and computed tomography in evaluating metastatic cervical lymph nodes in head and neck cancer.

She has contributed extensively to research on oral cancer reconstruction, imaging modalities, tobacco control, facial aesthetics, antimicrobial resistance, and innovative surgical techniques. As a co-investigator in clinical research projects and supervisor of postgraduate research, she continues to advance evidence-based oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Publications, Editorial & Reviewer Contributions

Prof. Dr. Shetty has authored more than 44 research publications in reputed national and international indexed journals, receiving over 100 citations. She serves as a reviewer for leading journals including the World Journal of Surgical Oncology, Journal of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, and Journal of Stomatology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. She is also an Editorial Board Member of Acta Scientific Otolaryngology, contributing to maintaining high standards in scientific publishing.

Clinical Expertise & Professional Excellence

Her clinical expertise encompasses:

• Oral oncology and head & neck cancer surgery
• Maxillofacial trauma management
• Craniofacial reconstruction
• Oral and maxillofacial pathology
• Diagnostic imaging and surgical planning
• Third molar surgery
• Management of mucormycosis during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Advanced reconstructive procedures

She has independently managed numerous complex surgical cases while actively participating in multidisciplinary craniofacial care.

Awards & Professional Recognition

Prof. Dr. Shetty has received several prestigious academic and professional recognitions, including:

• 9th Rank in BDS Periodontics (RGUHS)
• 10th Rank in MDS Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (RGUHS)
• Elite + Silver certification in NPTEL Health Research Fundamentals (ICMR)
• Elite + Silver certification in NPTEL Functional Genomics (ICMR)
• Co author for Post graduate paper entitled Intraoperative near infrared fluorescence guided surgery using indocyanine green for identification of positive margins in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) – A Diagnostic Accuracy test  which won the  Overall Best Paper Award at the 16th Asian Congress of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (2024)

She is also a frequent speaker, panelist, chairperson, and organizer at national and international scientific conferences, workshops, and symposia.

Professional Development

Prof. Dr. Shetty has completed numerous advanced professional training programs in:

• Functional Genomics
• Health Research Methodology
• Tobacco Cessation
• DNA-PCR Techniques
• Sialendoscopy
• Lasers and Injectable Facial Aesthetics
• Rhinoplasty
• Craniomaxillofacial Fracture Management
• Advanced Life Support (ACLS & PALS)
• Cadaveric Neck Dissection and Flap Raising

These certifications reflect her commitment to continuous professional development and adoption of emerging technologies in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Leadership & Academic Service

As an educator and postgraduate guide, Prof. Dr. Shetty has mentored numerous dental graduates and postgraduate students. She has contributed to curriculum development, research supervision, conference organization, and clinical protocol development while fostering innovation and academic excellence within her institution.

Eligibility for the Women Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Deepthi Shetty is highly deserving of the Women Researcher Award at Scientific Laurels in recognition of her outstanding contributions to oral and maxillofacial surgery, head and neck cancer research, and academic leadership. Her distinguished record of more than 14 years in higher education and clinical practice, over 44 peer-reviewed publications, impactful cancer-related research, editorial and reviewer responsibilities, successful research collaborations, postgraduate mentorship, and international scientific recognition demonstrates exceptional dedication to advancing healthcare and scientific knowledge. Her sustained excellence in research, innovation, patient care, and women’s leadership in dental sciences makes her an exemplary candidate for this prestigious award.