Dr. Kirthiga Transforms Pediatric Dentistry with Innovation and Awareness

Dentistry in India is transforming, and at the forefront of this revolution is Dr. Kirthiga M, Founder & Managing Director of Microsmiles Dental Care Pvt Ltd, who recently got recognised in 40 under 40 India Leaders 2025. 

With a mission to offer world-class, pain-free dental care, Dr. Kirthiga has set new benchmarks in pediatric dentistry while working towards raising awareness about Childhood Decay, the most common chronic disease in children.

Founded in 2019 by Dr. Kirthiga and her husband, Dr. Praveen Rajesh. Today Microsmiles Dental Care Pvt Ltd at Chennai & Bangalore is an 8-chair practice and a team of 30 skilled professionals. Microsmiles Dental Care Pvt Ltd has rapidly emerged as a leader in modern dentistry, with state-of-the-art branches in Chennai and Bangalore.

Dr. Praveen is the first Indian resident Endodontist to become a member of the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh after completing an M Endo RCS (Edin). Since his undergraduate days, Dr. Praveen Rajesh has been fascinated by the intricacies of the human body and the perfection of its design. He firmly believed in preserving what nature had created, which inspired him to pursue post-graduation in Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics—the science of saving teeth and gums. 

After earning his MDS, he worked in over 40 different clinics as a Root Canal Specialist, where he observed that many patients in India were receiving substandard care. In the UK, he discovered a profound dedication to tooth preservation, minimally invasive techniques, unique treatment protocols, and Microdentistry—an approach that ensures precise and non-invasive care. Inspired by their systematic and meticulous approach to dentistry, he made it his mission to bring these advanced tools and techniques back to India.

Microsmiles’ pain-free dentistry techniques, such as the use of laughing gas sedation, advanced anaesthesia methods, and microscopic precision treatments, distinguish it as a premier dental care provider. The clinic also houses specialist pediatric dentists, ensuring that children receive the best care in a stress-free, child-friendly environment.

Dr. Kirthiga’s contributions to dentistry have been widely recognised both nationally and internationally. She’s the first dentist in India to receive the Early Career Fellowship Award from the Wellcome Trust DBT India Alliance, securing a research grant of INR 1.02 crore. 

Also, she’s a recipient of the Paul P Taylor Award from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry for Best Original Research (2020), and is honoured with the JSPD Travel Award from the International Association of Pediatric Dentistry (2023) and the ORCA Travel Grant from the European Organisation of Caries Research (2024).

On behalf of Microsmiles, she has also led the clinic to numerous accolades, including Clinical Team of the Year (2025) and Clinic of the Year (2024) at the Famdent Excellence in Dentistry Awards.

Dr. Kirthiga’s vision for Microsmiles is expansion and innovation. With plans to open more centres across Chennai, Bangalore, and beyond, she envisions a future where quality dental care is accessible to all. The clinic is also working towards integrating the latest in dental technology, including in-house aligners and advanced digital dentistry solutions.

Microsmiles is not just a clinic; it is a movement towards a healthier, decay-free future for adults & children. Dr. Kirthiga, added on this, “Our vision is to establish multiple centres across India and bring the best global oral health tools and techniques to our country. Additionally, we are committed to educating 1,000,000 adults about Tooth Decay and its prevention, with the goal of saving 1,000,000 teeth from being extracted by focusing on proactive care and treatment.”