John Aguiar
A dentist from Goa, Lt. Col. Dr. Parag Prabhudesai (Retd) served in the Indian Army as both a doctor and a soldier.
Prabhudesai’s interest in the military began at a young age and grew during his years at Goa Dental College, where he attended lectures by a Commanding Officer of the Army Dental Corps. With encouragement from teachers who had Army experience, he applied to the Corps and was successfully selected.
A defining aspect of his career was the “soldier first” philosophy. Although trained as a dentist, he underwent rigorous military training, including weapons handling and combat basics, before completing professional dental training in a military setting.
He served in varied postings, from border areas to high-altitude regions, commanded several dental units and later served as Joint Director (Planning) at Army Headquarters, where he oversaw the induction of dental officers and ensured a fair, merit-based selection process.
He also spent four years on deputation with the Royal Armed Forces of Oman. The experience gave him a new understanding of how different armies function, even though professional dental standards were similar.
Prabhudesai believes that a military dentist’s role goes beyond treating patients. It requires discipline and the ability to adapt to different conditions. He describes the Army as a way of life that offers a ‘Mini India’ experience, where officers work with people from different cultures and backgrounds while forming strong bonds.
As part of the selection process, dental officers are shortlisted through NEET and interviewed by senior army officials. Those selected undergo basic military training before starting their duties. Postgraduate officers receive promotion benefits through a
nte-dating.
Dental officers may also get the opportunity to work with elite units such as the National Security Guard and Para Commandos, including the chance to qualify as paratroopers.
Advising young dental professionals, Prabhudesai said the Army offers professional support, builds confidence and provides a fulfilling career that goes beyond a
regular job.
After retirement, he has remained active in Goa’s dental community. As president of the Indian Dental Association (IDA), Goa branch, he has promoted ethical practice, regulatory compliance and led oral health campaigns, including initiatives against oral cancer. He and his wife, Dr. Preeti Prabhudesai, run the Prabhudesai Dental Clinic in Panaji, one of the first clinics in Goa registered under the Goa Clinical Establishments
Act, 2021.
(The writer is a former Information Officer with the Department of Information and Publicity and a poet.)
