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Advancing Dentistry. Serving Kerala.

The Indian Dental Association (IDA), Kerala State Branch is the most active and progressive State branch of the national Indian Dental Association representing dentists across Kerala, working towards the advancement of dentistry and the promotion of oral health and overall wellbeing in the community.

A Healthier
Kerala
Together.

1969 Established

10,000+ Members

40 Local Branches

IDA Kerala State provides a common platform for dental professionals across the state, fostering professional excellence, continuing education, ethical practice, collaboration and professional welfare. At the same time, the organisation has a strong commitment to society through oral-health education, disease prevention, community programmes, oral cancer awareness and screening, school dental-health initiatives and other public-health activities.

Established in 1969, IDA Kerala State has grown into a statewide organisation with over 10,000 members under 40 local branches, connecting dental professionals across Kerala. The organisation has continually evolved with the changing needs of the profession and society, expanding its activities from professional development and academic programmes to large-scale community and public-health initiatives.

Our Vision

A Healthier Kerala Through Better Oral Health

To create a Kerala State where every individual has access to reliable oral-health information, preventive care and quality dental services, and where oral health is recognised as an essential component of overall health and wellbeing.

Our Mission

IDA Kerala State is committed to:

Promoting Oral Health

Creating awareness about oral diseases, prevention, healthy practices and the importance of regular dental care and improve access to quality dental care.

Advancing the Dental Profession

To support dentists through continuing education, professional development, networking, advocacy, welfare initiatives, opportunities for collaboration, ethical practice and excellence in dentistry.

Serving the Community

Taking oral-health education, screening and preventive initiatives to schools, communities and underserved populations.

Promoting Early Detection

Encouraging timely recognition and professional evaluation of oral diseases, including potentially malignant and cancerous conditions.

Building a Strong Professional Network

Connecting dental professionals across Kerala through a vibrant statewide organisation and its local branches.

Advocating for Better Oral Healthcare

Working towards policies, practices and systems that contribute to better oral-health outcomes for the people of Kerala.

Our History

The Beginning of a National Dental Movement

The Indian Dental Association was established at the national level in 1946, providing a common professional platform for dentists in India. Its growth reflected the development of dentistry as a profession and the increasing need for organised professional representation, education and advancement.

Over the decades, IDA has evolved into a major professional organisation working not only for the advancement of dentistry but also for the promotion of oral health and public awareness.

The Kerala State Branch became part of this larger national movement more than two decades after the formation of the national association.

History of IDA Kerala State

— From a Vision in 1967 to a Statewide Movement

The history of IDA Kerala State began with a vision to bring the dental surgeons of Kerala together under a common professional organisation.

The initiative for establishing the Kerala State Branch was led primarily by Late Dr. Jacob Zachariah. In 1967, an ad-hoc committee was formed with Dr. Jacob Zachariah as Convener, along with Dr. M. K. James and Dr. K. G. Nair as members.

The committee held meetings in Ernakulam and Trivandrum, worked towards organising dental surgeons across the state and prepared the constitution for the proposed Kerala State Branch. Communications were subsequently sent to practising dental surgeons throughout Kerala.

Inauguration of IDA Kerala State Branch on 2 February 1969 at Indira Hall, Lisie Hospital, Ernakulam.

2 February 1969 – A Historic Beginning

The formal inauguration of the Indian Dental Association, Kerala State Branch took place on Sunday, 2 February 1969, at Indira Hall, Lisie Hospital, Ernakulam.

The ceremony was presided over by Sri K. A. Damodaran, former Minister for Industries, and the Kerala State Branch was formally inaugurated by Sri B. Willington, the then Minister for Health.

At the General Body meeting held on the same day, the first office-bearers were unanimously elected:

President	Dr. M. K. James
Secretary	Dr. Jacob Zachariah
Treasurer	Dr. P. C. Jacob
Central Council Member	Dr. K. G. Nair (IDA Kerala)

Thus began the journey of IDA Kerala State.

Milestones

Key moments in our journey

1946 Indian Dental Association established at the national level.

1967 An ad-hoc committee was formed to organise dental surgeons in Kerala.

1969 IDA Kerala State Branch formally inaugurated on 2 February 1969.

1970s – 1980s Organisation and expansion of activities across the state.

1990s Strengthening professional and community initiatives.

2000s Growth in educational programmes and public-health activities.

2010s Expansion of statewide programmes and member services.

2016 Continued evolution with changing needs of the profession and society.

Today A vibrant statewide organisation with over 10,000 members under 40 local branches.

Growth Over the Years

Expanding our impact for a healthier Kerala

IDA Kerala State has grown steadily over the years, expanding its activities from professional development and academic programmes to large-scale community and public-health initiatives. Our key areas of focus include: