Medically Reviewed by Dr. Hariharan, BDS (2002), MDS – Pediatric Dentistry (2008)
Lead Dentist, Dr. Hari’s Dental Centre
Reader, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, SRM Dental College & Hospital, Chennai
Over 20+ years of clinical experience across pediatric dentistry, prosthodontics, orthodontics, implants, and oral & maxillofacial surgery
Medically Reviewed On: September 2026
Choosing a dentist in Chennai is an important health decision. The right dentist helps you keep your natural teeth, find problems early and feel at ease during treatment. A good way to choose is to look at facts: the dentist’s qualifications, their area of training, the range of care the clinic offers and how clearly they explain your options.
Dr. Hari’s Dental Centre in Medavakkam has a team of eight dentists, including specialists in pediatric dentistry, orthodontics and periodontics. This page introduces each dentist in Chennai at the centre, explains the different types of dental specialists, lists the treatments available and shares simple points to help you choose the right dental care for your family.
Meet the Dentists at Dr. Hari’s Dental Centre
Dr. Hariharan
Chief Pediatric Dentist and Managing Director
- Qualification: BDS, MDS (Pediatric Dentistry), FICCDE (USA), Certified Dentofacial Orthodontist
- Education:
- BDS (2002), Tamil Nadu Government Dental College and Hospital, Chennai (The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University)
- MDS in Pediatric Dentistry (2008), JSS Dental College and Hospital, Mysore (Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore)
- Experience: Over 20+ years
- Specialty: Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics
- Current role: Reader, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, SRM Dental College and Hospital, Chennai
- Memberships: Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Indian Dental Association
Dr. Hariharan has trained in dental trauma management, orthodontics, facial orthopedics, TMJ (jaw joint) disorders, clear aligners and dental care for children with special needs. His main focus is preventive care for children and finding problems at an early, simple stage. He takes part in continuing dental education programs and also teaches postgraduate students in pediatric dentistry.

Dr. Esther Albina Mathews
Associate Periodontist
- Qualification: BDS, MDS (Periodontics and Implantology)
- Education: Master of Dental Surgery in Periodontics and Implantology
- Experience: Over 8+ years
- Specialty: Periodontics (Gum Care)
Dr. Esther Albina Mathews works on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease. Her work covers deep cleaning, periodontal surgery, laser assisted gum procedures and dental implant care. She explains why each step matters, so patients can follow the advice at home and protect their natural teeth.

Dr. Dhivya
Associate Periodontist
- Qualification: BDS, MDS (Periodontics and Implantology)
- Education: Master of Dental Surgery in Periodontics and Implantology
- Experience: Over 5+ years
- Specialty: Periodontics (Gum Care)
Dr. Dhivya diagnoses and treats gum disease and helps patients keep their natural teeth healthy. Her work includes periodontal surgery, ongoing gum maintenance and laser assisted gum care. She explains each step in plain words, so patients understand the reason behind her advice.

Dr. Rajalakshmi
Dental Surgeon (General Dentistry)
- Qualification: BDS
- Education: Bachelor of Dental Surgery
- Experience: Over 5+ years
- Specialty: General Dentistry
Dr. Rajalakshmi provides preventive and restorative care, such as checkups, cleaning and fillings. She has a special interest in orthodontic care and root canal treatment. She follows current clinical protocols and gives importance to patient education, so patients understand how to prevent problems in the future.

Dr. Abirami
Dental Surgeon (General Dentistry)
- Qualification: BDS
- Education: Bachelor of Dental Surgery
- Experience: Over 2+ years
- Specialty: General Dentistry
Dr. Abirami M provides preventive and restorative dental care and focuses on making each visit comfortable. She guides patients on daily oral hygiene and encourages regular checkups, so problems are found while they are still small.

Dr. Selseya R
Pedodontist
- Qualification: MDS (Pedodontics)
- Education: Master of Dental Surgery in Pedodontics
- Experience: Over 4 years
- Specialty: Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Selseya R cares for the oral health of infants, children and teenagers. She focuses on gentle, child friendly treatment in a calm setting, so that young patients feel safe during their visit. She also guides parents on daily care, diet and habits that protect their child’s teeth.

Dr. B. Meena Priya
Orthodontist
- Qualification: MDS (Orthodontics)
- Education: Master of Dental Surgery in Orthodontics
- Experience: Over 5+ years
- Specialty: Orthodontics
Dr. B. Meena Priya treats crooked teeth, gaps and bite problems in children, teenagers and adults. She uses braces and clear aligners, and plans each case to improve both tooth alignment and facial balance. Her focus is on stable results and long term oral health.

Dr. D.S. Pavithra Sri
Restorative Dentist
- Qualification: BDS
- Education: Bachelor of Dental Surgery
- Experience: Over 5+ years
- Specialty: Restorative Dentistry
Dr. D.S. Pavithra Sri provides scaling and restorative care, such as fillings and repair of damaged teeth. She believes in preventing disease before it starts. She takes time to explain each step clearly and teaches patients simple habits for lifelong oral health.

What Does a Dentist Do?
A dentist is a doctor trained to prevent, find and treat problems of the teeth, gums, jaws and mouth. In India, every dentist completes a five year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) course, including one year of internship. Some dentists then complete a three year Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) in a special branch of dentistry.
A dentist in Chennai, as anywhere in India, must be registered with the State Dental Council before treating patients. A general dentist handles most everyday needs, such as checkups, cleaning, fillings and simple extractions. For more complex problems, a specialist may be advised.
Types of Dental Specialists
Dentistry has several branches. Knowing them helps you understand who may be the right person for your needs.
- Pediatric dentist (pedodontist): Cares for the teeth of infants, children and teenagers. Trained in child behavior, treatment of baby teeth and preventive care.
- Orthodontist: Corrects crooked teeth and bite problems using braces, clear aligners and other appliances.
- Periodontist: Treats gum disease and the bone that supports the teeth. May also place dental implants.
- Endodontist: Focuses on root canal treatment to save infected or badly damaged teeth.
- Prosthodontist: Restores damaged or missing teeth with crowns, bridges, dentures and implant supported teeth.
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeon: Handles surgery of the mouth and jaws, such as wisdom tooth removal, jaw correction and facial injuries.
- Oral medicine and radiology specialist: Diagnoses diseases of the mouth and reads dental scans.
- Public health dentist: Works on community dental programs and prevention.
“Cosmetic dentist” is not a separate specialty in India. Cosmetic treatments such as whitening and veneers are done by general dentists and specialists with training in these procedures.

Services at Dr. Hari’s Dental Centre
Dr. Hari’s Dental Centre offers general, specialist and children’s dental care in one place. Since the team includes dentists from different branches, patients can be referred within the same clinic when they need specialist care.
- Preventive, restorative, cosmetic and surgical care under one roof
- Digital X rays and intraoral cameras to see problems clearly, with low radiation exposure
- Children’s dental care with behavior management methods suited to each child
- Treatment under general anesthesia for very young or very anxious children who need a lot of treatment
- Sterilization protocol that includes cleaning and sterilizing instruments after every use
- Treatment plans for each patient based on their oral health, needs and preferences
Treatments Offered
Checkups and Preventive Care
Regular exams help find cavities, gum disease and enamel wear early. Professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar that brushing alone cannot remove. Fluoride application and sealants may be advised to help prevent decay.
Fillings and Crowns
Small cavities are repaired with tooth colored fillings. A badly damaged tooth may need a crown to cover and protect it.
Root Canal Treatment
When decay or injury reaches the pulp (the nerve inside the tooth), root canal treatment removes the infected tissue, cleans the canals and seals them. This can relieve pain and save the natural tooth. The procedure is done under local anesthesia.
Gum Disease Treatment
Bleeding, swollen or receding gums can be signs of gum disease. Periodontal treatment may include scaling and root planing to clean below the gumline, laser assisted gum care, gum surgery for advanced cases and regular maintenance visits.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a small post placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Over a few months, the bone bonds with the implant. A crown, bridge or denture is then fixed on top. You need healthy gums and enough bone, so the dentist checks this with scans before planning treatment.
Braces and Clear Aligners
Orthodontic treatment slowly moves teeth into better positions. Options include metal braces, ceramic braces and clear aligners. In children, early treatment can help guide jaw growth.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening, veneers, bonding and smile design can improve stains, chips, gaps and the shape of teeth. The dentist first checks that your teeth and gums are healthy. Results vary from person to person.
Dentures and Bridges
For missing teeth, dentures and bridges are other options besides implants. The right choice depends on the number of missing teeth, gum and bone health, and your preference.
Tooth Removal and Oral Surgery
Teeth that cannot be saved, or wisdom teeth that cause problems, may need to be removed. Oral surgery is planned after a careful exam and X rays.
Children’s Dental Care
Pediatric dentistry covers checkups, fluoride, sealants, fillings, treatment of infected baby teeth, space maintainers and early orthodontic checks. The aim is to help children build good habits and feel comfortable at the dentist.
How to Choose the Right Dentist in Chennai
These points can help you make an informed choice:
- Qualifications and registration: Check the dentist’s degree, specialty and State Dental Council registration. A dentist should be happy to share these details.
- Right training for your need: For braces, an orthodontist; for gum disease, a periodontist; for young children, a pediatric dentist.
- Range of services: A clinic with general dentists and specialists can handle most needs in one place.
- Hygiene: Ask how instruments are cleaned and sterilized between patients.
- Clear communication: A good dentist explains the problem, all treatment choices and the expected cost, and does not rush your decision.
- Second opinion: For large treatment plans, it is reasonable to ask for time to think or to get a second opinion.
- Location and timings: A clinic close to home makes regular visits and follow ups easier.
- Emergency support: Check whether the clinic sees urgent cases or can guide you during an emergency.
When Should You See a Dentist?
Many dental problems cause no pain in the early stages. A checkup every six months, or as often as your dentist advises, helps catch problems early. You should also see a dentist in Chennai soon if you notice:
- Toothache or pain while chewing
- Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods
- Bleeding, swollen or receding gums
- Bad breath that does not go away
- Loose teeth in an adult
- Dark spots or holes in the teeth
- A broken tooth, filling or crown
- A sore or patch in the mouth that does not heal within two weeks
- Pain or clicking in the jaw joint
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Here is what usually happens at your first visit to a dentist in Chennai at Dr. Hari’s Dental Centre:
- The dentist asks about your general health, medicines and dental concerns.
- Your teeth, gums, bite and jaw joint are checked.
- Digital X rays are taken if needed.
- The dentist explains what was found and the treatment choices.
- You receive a treatment plan with the number of visits and the expected cost.
- You decide on the plan that suits you, and ask any questions you have.
Please bring any old dental X rays, medical reports and a list of medicines you take. Tell the dentist if you are pregnant, have diabetes or heart problems, or take blood thinners.
Cost and Insurance
The cost of dental treatment depends on the type of treatment, the materials used and how complex the case is. A checkup and cleaning cost much less than a root canal, implant or braces. At Dr. Hari’s Dental Centre, the expected cost is discussed during the consultation, before any treatment begins. If you have dental insurance, the front desk team can help check your cover. Contact the clinic for a cost estimate based on your needs.
Dental Emergencies
Severe tooth pain, a knocked out tooth, a broken crown or sudden facial swelling need prompt attention. Dr. Hari’s Dental Centre sees urgent cases as early as possible. If you need urgent care from a dentist in Chennai, call +91 98400 36061 as soon as symptoms appear.
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, hold it by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently, keep it in milk and see a dentist within an hour if you can. If you have facial swelling with fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing, go to a hospital emergency department straight away.
Daily Tips for Healthy Teeth
- Brush twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste
- Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or interdental brushes
- Cut down on sugary snacks and drinks between meals
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid tobacco and areca nut (supari) in all forms
- Replace your toothbrush every three months
- Visit your dentist regularly, even when nothing hurts
Visit Dr. Hari’s Dental Centre
- Address: No. 3, 13th Street, Jayachandran Nagar, Jalladianpet, Medavakkam, Chennai 600 100 (Landmark: Behind Jeyachandran Textiles)
- Hours: 9 AM to 8 PM, all days
- Phone: +91 98400 36061 / +91 44426 16865
- Email: drharisdentalcentre@gmail.com
Get Directions | Book an Appointment
Conclusion
Choosing a dentist comes down to clear facts: the right qualifications, the right training for your need, good hygiene and honest communication. Dr. Hari’s Dental Centre in Medavakkam brings general dentists and specialists together in one place, for children and adults alike. If you are looking for a dentist in Chennai for routine care, a specific problem or your child’s dental needs, call +91 98400 36061 to book a visit.


