Ramakiran Chavali, B.D.S., M.S., has been appointed Assistant Director of the International Dentist Program (IDP) in the UAB School of Dentistry effective September 1.
He joins Stephen (Steve) Mitchell, D.M.D., M.S., the program’s co-director, who will take over the directorship on December 1, 2022, when Dr. Sonya Mitchell steps down from the position.
Chavali earned his B.D.S. from India-Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences in 2001, his M.S. in Clinical Dentistry with an emphasis in Biomaterials from UAB in 2005, and his prosthodontics residency at UAB in 2009. Serving on faculty for nearly 16 years, he is a mentee in the 2021-2023 cohort of the UAB Healthcare Educators Academy and a 2021 recipient of the UAB President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Chavali’s journey in teaching dental students started nearly 20 years ago while pursuing his master’s degree. He was given the opportunity to teach operative dentistry in the Preclinical Dentistry Lab. Now an associate professor who teaches courses in biomaterials and prosthodontics, he works to educate students, patients, and the community on oral health care in patients with HIV and AIDS.
His dedication to students nearly unmatched, Chavali is known for creating a welcoming and interactive learning environment. Enthusiastic and passionate, students say he can simplify the most complex and difficult concepts into understandable, concise, and clear information. He welcomes all questions and delivers constructive criticism in effective ways.
Mitchell called Chavali a ‘tremendous asset’ to the IDP program because of his exceptional ability to connect with students. He also noted, “IDP applicants frequently speak of UAB’s reputation for exceptional prosthodontic and implant training as a leading draw to our school. Dr. Chavali’s expertise in these areas will be invaluable in our continued success in recruiting the best students into our program.”
Each year the program enrolls up to 24 highly qualified persons who have graduated from dental schools outside of the United States or Canada. The program consists of an overall 30-month curriculum, a five-term period of study. IDP students begin at UAB at a second-year, second-semester level. Upon completing a six-month preparatory term with program leadership, they are integrated into the third-year D.M.D. class.
Chavali shared his excitement to be part of the professional transformation of international students, helping them progress and succeed the way he has at UAB. He also welcomes the opportunity to make lifelong connections with individuals from all over the world.
“My goal is to provide our new IDP students with a solid foundation as they settle in and become comfortable and confident,” he said. “I look forward to being a friend and mentor as they begin their UAB experience.”
In addition to serving the IDP program, Chavali will continue to teach in the Comprehensive Care Clinic. He is the Clinical Director for the D3/D4 removable partial prosthodontics clinic and the Predoctoral Clinical Implant Director.