Biography
Dr. Ramaa Balkaran, DDS, MPH, PhD Candidate
Special Needs Dentistry Expert | Educator | Public Health Advocate
Dr. Ramaa Balkaran is a dedicated dental professional, educator, and researcher with over 17 years of experience in clinical practice, academic leadership, and public health. With a specialization in Special Needs Dentistry, Geriatric Oral Health, and Dental Ethics, she is committed to transforming oral healthcare through innovative education, compassionate patient care, and impactful community initiatives.
Ramaa earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the University of the West Indies (UWI) and later pursued a Master of Public Health (MPH) with a specialization in Health Systems Management from the University of Liverpool. Currently, she is completing her PhD in Oral Sciences at the University of Turku in Finland, where her research focuses on addressing barriers to dental care for individuals with special needs.
Throughout her career, she has held various leadership positions, including Associate Director of the NYU Langone AEGD program and tenured lecturer at UWI, where she developed curricula, mentored students, and introduced innovative teaching methodologies. Her research has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, including Frontiers in Oral Health, BMC Oral Health, and the West Indian Medical Journal.
Beyond academia, Dr. Balkaran has secured significant funding to improve dental care access for underserved populations, including children with special needs. Her philanthropic efforts have resulted in grants for equipment, treatment programs, and community workshops designed to promote inclusive, patient-centered care.
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Now based in the Greater Toronto Area, she continues her mission to advance oral healthcare through education, research, and advocacy. Dr. Balkaran is passionate about developing sustainable, community-focused initiatives to ensure that vulnerable populations receive the care they deserve while inspiring the next generation of dental professionals to prioritize inclusivity, ethics, and innovation in their practice.
"My work is driven by the belief that everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background, deserves access to compassionate, high-quality dental care. Through education, research, and community partnerships, I hope to contribute to a healthier, more inclusive future for oral healthcare."
~Dr. Balkaran
Education & Training
Currently Enrolled (2024)
Doctoral Program in Oral Sciences (PhD Candidate)
University of Turku, Finland
(FINDOS-Turku Program)
2015
Certificate of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
Faculty of Dental Trainers
(MDTFEd RCSEd)
Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
2014
Certificate in University Teaching and Learning (CUTL)
University of the West Indies (UWI)
2013
Master of Public Health
(MPH) (Specialization in the Management of Health Systems)
University of Liverpool
2010
Certificate in International Developmental Dentistry
University of Louisville School of Dentistry / Underwood and Lee Outpatient Dental Clinic, Kentucky, USA
2006
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
University of the West Indies (UWI)