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
Oral health plays a bigger role in overall wellbeing than most people realise. Healthy teeth and gums are not just about a nice smile. They help you chew food well, speak clearly, and feel confident every day. Yet many people put off dental visits until pain forces them to go, and by then a simple fix may have become a bigger treatment.
Choosing a dentist in India is easier when you know what to look for. A qualified dental team can find problems early, explain your options clearly and plan treatment that suits your needs. This page explains how to choose a dentist, introduces the team at Dr. Hari’s Dental Centre in Medavakkam, Chennai, and covers the treatments available, when to see a dentist and what affects the cost of care.
How to Choose a Dentist
Qualifications are the starting point, but how a clinic applies them day to day matters just as much. Here is what to check before choosing a dentist in India:
| What to look for | Why it matters |
| Degree, specialty and State Dental Council registration | Confirms the dentist is qualified and registered to treat patients |
| The right training for your need | An orthodontist for braces, a periodontist for gum disease, a pediatric dentist for young children |
| Diagnostic tools such as digital X rays and intraoral cameras | Help with accurate diagnosis and planning |
| A cost estimate before treatment starts | Helps you plan and avoids surprises |
| A clear sterilization protocol | Lowers the risk of infection |
| Willingness to explain all options | Lets you make an informed choice |
It is also reasonable to ask for time to think, or to get a second opinion, before agreeing to a large treatment plan.
What Training Does a Dentist in India Have?
Every dentist in India completes a five year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) course, which includes a one year internship. Some dentists then complete a three year Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) in a special branch, such as pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics or oral surgery. All dentists must be registered with their State Dental Council before treating patients.
A general dentist (BDS) handles most everyday needs, such as checkups, cleaning, fillings and simple extractions. A specialist (MDS) handles more complex care in their branch.
About Dr. Hari’s Dental Centre
Dr. Hari’s Dental Centre is located in Jalladianpet, Medavakkam, Chennai. The centre is led by Dr. Hariharan, a pediatric dentist with over 20 years of experience. The team of eight dentists includes a second pedodontist, an orthodontist, two periodontists, a restorative dentist and general dentists, so patients can receive preventive, restorative, orthodontic, gum and children’s dental care in one place.
Each treatment plan is built around the individual patient, based on their dental history, needs and preferences. The dentist explains the diagnosis, the options and the expected cost before any procedure begins. The clinic also gives importance to prevention and patient education, so families learn how to avoid problems in the future.
- Address: No 3, 13th Street, Jayachadran Nagar, Jalladianpet, Medavakkam, Chennai 600 100 (Landmark: Behind Jeyachandran Textiles)
- Timings: 9 AM to 8 PM
- Phone: +91 44426 16865 / +91 98400 36061
- Email: drharisdentalcentre@gmail.com
Patients from Outside Chennai
The clinic is based in Chennai, and some patients travel from other cities for treatments such as full mouth rehabilitation, implants and children’s dental care. If you are travelling from outside Chennai, call the clinic before your visit. The team can tell you which records to bring, such as old X rays and medical reports, and how many visits your treatment may need, so you can plan your stay.
Meet the Dentists
Dr. Hariharan
Chief Pediatric Dentist and Managing Director
- Qualification: BDS, MDS (Pediatric Dentistry), FICCDE (USA)
- 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
- Current role: Reader, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, SRM Dental College and Hospital, Chennai
Dr. Hariharan’s work focuses on children’s dental care. His areas of work include preventive dentistry, early orthodontic checks and behavior management methods that help children feel comfortable during treatment. He takes time with anxious children and explains each step to both the child and the parents, so young patients can build good dental habits from an early age.
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
Dr. Esther Albina Mathews diagnoses and treats gum diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis. Her work includes deep scaling, root planing and the management of advanced gum disease, with the aim of keeping natural teeth healthy. She also guides patients on daily oral hygiene to help prevent gum problems from coming back.
Dr. Rajalakshmi
Dental Surgeon (General Dentistry)
- Qualification: BDS
- Education: Bachelor of Dental Surgery
- Experience: Over 5 years
Dr. Rajalakshmi provides general and restorative dental care. She treats common problems such as cavities and tooth damage, and her work includes fillings, crowns, bridges and root canal treatment. She also has a special interest in orthodontic care.
Dr. Abirami
Dental Surgeon (General Dentistry)
- Qualification: BDS
- Education: Bachelor of Dental Surgery
- Experience: Over 2 years
Dr. Abirami M focuses on preventive care, routine dental procedures and patient education. She takes a gentle, patient centred approach, which can help patients who feel anxious about dental visits.
Dr. Dhivya
Associate Periodontist
- Qualification: BDS, MDS (Periodontics and Implantology)
- Education: Master of Dental Surgery in Periodontics and Implantology
- Experience: Over 5 years
Dr. Dhivya treats gum infections, performs deep cleaning procedures and manages advanced periodontal conditions. She explains each step in plain words and plans treatment around each patient’s comfort and needs.
Dr. Selseya R
Pedodontist
- Qualification: MDS (Pedodontics)
- Education: Master of Dental Surgery in Pedodontics
- Experience: Over 4 years
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
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
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, and takes time to explain each step clearly and teach patients simple habits for lifelong oral health.
Dental Services at Dr. Hari’s Dental Centre
Preventive and Diagnostic Care
Oral exams, digital X rays and professional cleaning help find problems before they grow. Fluoride and sealants may be advised to help protect teeth from decay.
Restorative Dentistry
Fillings, crowns and bridges repair damaged teeth and replace missing ones, so you can chew and speak comfortably.
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. It is done under local anesthesia and can help relieve pain and save the natural tooth.
Dental Implants
An implant is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. A crown, bridge or denture is fixed on top once the bone has bonded with the implant. Gum health and bone levels are checked before planning treatment.
Full Mouth Rehabilitation
For patients with many worn, broken or missing teeth, full mouth rehabilitation combines treatments such as crowns, implants and bite correction. It is planned in stages after a detailed examination.
Orthodontics
Braces and clear aligners correct crooked teeth and bite problems. This care is provided by the clinic’s orthodontist. In growing children, early checks can help guide jaw growth.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Teeth whitening, veneers 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.
Tooth Removal and Oral Surgery
Teeth that cannot be saved, and wisdom teeth that cause pain or infection, may need to be removed. The procedure is planned after an X ray, and aftercare instructions are given.
Gum Care (Periodontics)
Treatment for gum disease and inflammation includes deep cleaning, gum maintenance and, in advanced cases, gum surgery. Early treatment can help prevent tooth loss.
Pediatric Dentistry
Preventive care and early diagnosis for children, including checkups, fluoride, sealants, fillings, treatment of infected baby teeth and habit correction.
Dental Problems Treated
- Tooth decay (cavities): Treated with fillings, crowns or root canal treatment, based on how deep the decay is.
- Gum disease: Gingivitis and periodontitis are treated with cleaning and gum care.
- Tooth sensitivity: The dentist finds the cause, such as worn enamel, decay or gum recession, and suggests suitable care.
- Bad breath (halitosis): Often linked to plaque, gum disease or decay, and treated by finding the cause.
- Crooked teeth: Corrected with braces or aligners.
- Oral infections: Infected teeth and gums are treated to relieve pain and stop the spread.
- Missing teeth: Replaced with implants, bridges or dentures.
Finding these problems early can mean the difference between a small filling and a root canal. This is why regular care with the same dentist in India helps keep your teeth healthy over time.
When Should You See a Dentist Right Away?
Do not wait for your six month checkup if you notice:
- Tooth pain or sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods that does not go away
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- Bad breath that does not go away
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Jaw pain or clicking
- Mouth sores that have not healed within two weeks
- Cracks, chips or dark spots on the teeth
- Swelling of the face or gums
Many dental problems, especially early cavities and early gum disease, cause no pain at all. This is why routine visits matter even when nothing feels wrong. If you have facial swelling with fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing, go to a hospital emergency department straight away.
Why Regular Dental Visits Matter
- Early detection saves teeth: A small cavity needs a filling, while an ignored one may need a root canal or removal.
- Early gum disease can be reversed: Gingivitis treated in time may not progress to periodontitis.
- Tartar needs professional cleaning: Once plaque hardens, brushing alone cannot remove it.
- Oral health affects general health: Research has linked gum disease with heart disease and diabetes.
- Prevention usually costs less: Regular care is usually simpler and less costly than treating advanced problems.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Here is what usually happens at your first visit to Dr. Hari’s Dental Centre. Knowing these steps can help when choosing any dentist in India, since a good first visit should feel clear and unhurried.
- The dentist asks about your general health, medicines and dental concerns.
- Your teeth, gums, bite and jaw joint are examined.
- 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 can ask any questions.
Please bring 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 of Dental Treatment
The cost of treatment depends on the procedure, the materials used and how complex the case is. As a general guide:
- Checkup and cleaning: Usually the lowest cost visit.
- Fillings and restorative work: Moderate cost, depending on the number of teeth involved.
- Implants and full mouth rehabilitation: Higher cost, quoted after a full examination and diagnosis.
At Dr. Hari’s Dental Centre, the expected cost is discussed during the consultation, before any treatment begins. Larger treatment plans can often be done in stages.
Technology and Facilities
- Digital X rays: Clear images with lower radiation exposure than older film X rays.
- Intraoral cameras: Show close up pictures of your teeth on screen, so you can see what the dentist sees.
- Local anesthesia and comfort measures: Used for procedures that need them, to keep you comfortable.
- Sterilization protocol: Instruments are cleaned and sterilized after every use, and surfaces are cleaned between patients.
- Clean treatment rooms: Set up for general, specialist and children’s dental care.
What Patients Can Expect
- A team of eight dentists, including pediatric dentists, an orthodontist, periodontists, a restorative dentist and general dentists
- A clear explanation of the diagnosis and all treatment choices
- Strict hygiene and sterilization steps
- A cost estimate before treatment begins
- A treatment plan suited to each patient, not a fixed package
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
- Avoid tobacco and areca nut (supari) in all forms
- Replace your toothbrush every three months
- Visit your dentist regularly, even when nothing hurts
Book an Appointment
You can book a consultation at Dr. Hari’s Dental Centre by phone or in person. If you have been putting off a dental problem, an early visit usually means simpler and less costly treatment. Call +91 98400 36061 to book.
Conclusion
Good oral health supports your overall wellbeing, and the dentist you choose to protect it matters. Finding a dentist in India is not about finding the flashiest clinic. It is about checking qualifications, the right training for your need, clear costs and good hygiene. Dr. Hari’s Dental Centre in Medavakkam, Chennai, brings pediatric, orthodontic, periodontal, restorative and general dental care together in one place, with a focus on prevention and clear communication. If you are looking for a dentist in India for routine care or a specific problem, call +91 98400 36061 to book a visit.
Read also: Pediatric Dentist in Chennai.
