In a groundbreaking move for the Indian Navy, Surg Cmde (D) Kavita Makkar has been appointed as the Commanding Officer of INDC Danteshwari and the Dental Advisor (Navy), marking a significant milestone as she becomes the first woman Naval Officer to hold this esteemed position. The announcement, made on February 17, 2024, underscores the Navy’s commitment to gender equality and empowering women within its ranks.
The appointment of Surg Cmde Makkar is a testament to her exceptional service and expertise in the field of naval dentistry, reflecting the Navy’s progressive approach in recognizing and promoting talent irrespective of gender. This historic appointment is not just a personal achievement for Surg Cmde Makkar but also a moment of pride for the entire nation.
Indian Naval Dental Centre Danteshwari represents a significant advancement in the healthcare facilities of the Indian Navy, marking a pivotal moment in its commitment to providing comprehensive and state-of-the-art dental care to its personnel. Commissioned on December 12, 2018, in Mumbai, INDC Danteshwari stands as the first multi-speciality dental centre within the Indian Navy, designed to offer a wide range of dental healthcare services under one roof.
The commissioning ceremony of INDC Danteshwari was a notable event, attended by distinguished guests from the highest echelons of the Indian Navy and the Armed Forces’ dental services. Surgeon Commodore (D) Bireshwar Mukherjee, who was appointed as the first Commanding Officer of INDC Danteshwari, read out the commissioning warrant in the presence of Admiral Sunil Lanba, the Chief of Naval Staff at the time; Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command; and Lieutenant General SM Londhe, Director General Dental Services. The commissioning plaque was unveiled by Mrs. Preeti Luthra, President of the Naval Wives Welfare Association (NWWA) Western Region, marking the official induction of this state-of-the-art facility into the Indian Navy.
The establishment of INDC Danteshwari was driven by the growing demand for quality dental healthcare within the Armed Forces, reflecting a broader recognition of the importance of dental health in ensuring the overall well-being and operational readiness of military personnel. By bringing together various dental specialties under one roof, INDC Danteshwari aims to provide the naval community in Mumbai and its environs with access to the best and latest in dental healthcare practices and technologies, comparable to international standards.
With its commissioning, INDC Danteshwari became the first dedicated dental unit of the Indian Navy, equipped with additional clinics and specialist rooms to cater to the expanding scope and demand for dental services. This development not only enhances the Navy’s healthcare capabilities but also underscores its commitment to the health and welfare of its personnel.
As a full-fledged dental hospital, INDC Danteshwari serves as a cornerstone in the Navy’s healthcare infrastructure, offering a broad spectrum of dental treatments and preventive services. This facility embodies the Navy’s proactive approach to healthcare management, ensuring that its serving defence community receives exemplary dental care, thereby contributing to the overall mission readiness and effectiveness of the Indian Navy.
