“Dentistry was not just my profession—it was my platform to heal, educate, and build a legacy that transformed Indian dental education”
-Dr. N. M. Veeraiyan
Transformation
Dr. N. M. Veeraiyan is a pioneer whose work spans five decades of transformational impact in dentistry, healthcare, education, and social empowerment. As the Chancellor of Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), he has redefined what private initiative can achieve in India—without government aid. His vision and execution have created a legacy that is tangible, scalable, and globally benchmarked.
“Dentistry was the beginning of my journey—one that transformed into a lifelong mission to heal, teach, and uplift.” - Dr. N. M. Veeraiyan
From a small village in Erode to founding India’s No. 1 dental college — Dr. N. M. Veeraiyan’s journey is a testament to vision, perseverance, and passion for education.
Starting with a 100-bed hospital in 1977, he went on to establish Saveetha Dental College in 1988, which blossomed into a Deemed University in 2005.
His reforms in curriculum, research focus, and global standards shaped generations of healthcare professionals.
A true inspiration — proving that with vision and dedication, dreams can redefine history.
“The Birth of an Idea”- Top Dental School in India
In 1972, he began his dental practice in Erode, a small town in Tamil Nadu. What he lacked in resources, he made up for in vision: to make oral healthcare and education accessible to everyone, regardless of background. In that pursuit, he co-authored the first Tamil-language textbook on dentistry in over five decades. Released by “then” Chief Minister, this award-winning book made dental science approachable to thousands and marked the start of a transformative journey. Dr.Veeraiyan established a 100 bedded multi-specialty hospital in 1977 and also a School of Nursing for Diploma course, the first of its kind in Erode. Dr.Veeraiyan, had the ambition to start a model dental college and started Saveetha Dental College & Hospital in Chennai in 1988 and subsequently College of Nursing in 1992, College of Physiotherapy in 1993 and College of Occupational Therapy in 1998 .The service to the cause of education was extended to other fields by establishment of Saveetha Engineering College in 2001. He had a vision to impart education on par with international standards by updating the curriculum and reforming examination system and to expose & engage students & faculty in research activities. This led to the creation of a Deemed to be University namely Saveetha University in 2005. Later three several institutions were added to the Saveetha family.
Vision: “India- A Global Hub for dental excellence”
He has trained thousands of dental professionals, including over 1,200 international dentists from Australia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
“Innovation in dental education is not an option—it’s an obligation. I’ve always believed that real change begins with system-level transformation.”
-Dr. N. M. Veeraiyan
Dr. N. M. Veeraiyan has been a trailblazer in reimagining the educational landscape at Saveetha Dental College, with a deep commitment to fostering active, participatory learning. He championed small-group learning as a core pedagogical approach, ensuring that students do not merely sit as passive recipients of information but actively engage in dialogue, collaboration, and problem-solving. This model encourages every learner to take ownership of their education, cultivating critical thinking and communication skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
His forward-thinking leadership also extended to technological integration in both academic and clinical domains. Dr. Veeraiyan personally oversaw the AACSB-inspired adoption of iPads for hospital records, streamlining patient management and allowing for instantaneous data access. He introduced shared whiteboard classrooms to foster real-time collaboration and idea exchange, and flipped classrooms, where students first explore lecture materials independently and then use class time for interactive discussions and applied learning. These innovations not only modernized the learning process but also prepared students for the dynamic, tech-enabled healthcare environment they will serve in.
A hallmark of his vision is the MILA (Multiple Interactive Learning Algorithm)—a pioneering, module-based learning framework developed under his direct leadership. MILA combines micro-lectures with team-led activities, structured to enhance conceptual clarity, promote peer learning, and maximize knowledge retention. By breaking down complex subjects into digestible, interactive modules, MILA empowers students to engage deeply with the material and apply their knowledge in practical settings.
In the clinical sphere, Dr. Veeraiyan spearheaded the transition to paperless patient data systems, a move that reduced administrative burden, improved accuracy, and aligned with global sustainability goals. He implemented real-time tracking of clinical procedures, ensuring transparency, accountability, and enhanced patient care. Further, he introduced faculty grading through a self-engineered software system, enabling objective, data-driven performance evaluation while streamlining feedback for both educators and learners.
Through these transformative initiatives, Dr. Veeraiyan has not only modernized education at Saveetha Dental College but has also set a benchmark for academic innovation in healthcare education, creating an environment where technology, pedagogy, and compassion converge to produce globally competent, ethically grounded professionals.
Dr. N. M. Veeraiyan is widely recognized as one of the earliest and most committed champions of undergraduate research in India. Dr. Veeraiyan envisioned a new paradigm—where undergraduate students were not just passive recipients of information but active contributors to scientific knowledge.
In 2012, under his leadership, SIMATS became the first institution in India to formally implement a structured undergraduate research framework, beginning with Saveetha Dental College. His goal was clear: to match and even surpass international standards in academic inquiry—without relying on public or private research grants. He believed that the power to solve India’s problems resided in the creativity and curiosity of its youth.
“I firmly believe that research must begin at the undergraduate level—where curiosity is highest and imagination is unbound.- Dr. N. M. Veeriayan
"A smile should never come at a cost. Through free dental care, we restore dignity, confidence, and health—one patient at a time."
-Dr. N.M.Veeraiyan
Dr. N. M. Veeraiyan’s vision for oral healthcare was never confined to classrooms or clinics—it extended to millions of underserved individuals across India. Under his leadership, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals has delivered over ₹2,400 crores worth of free dental treatment—one of the largest contributions to public oral health by any private institution in the country.
“We don’t believe dental care should be a privilege. It is a basic human right—and we’re here to ensure no one is denied that right because of their income or geography."
— Dr. N.M. Veeraiyan
