Santosh Kumar Tadakamadla

Professor Santosh Kumar Tadakamadla serves as the Head of Dentistry and Oral Health at La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Australia. With over 15 years of international experience as a dental academic and researcher, he specializes in public health dentistry and has made significant contributions to oral health policy and practice. His leadership extends to adjunct professorial appointments at University of Bari Aldo Moro (Italy), Dr D Y Patil Dental College & Hospital (India), and SRM Dental College (India).

Professor Tadakamadla completed his PhD at Griffith University, Master of Public Health Dentistry at Rajasthan University of Health Sciences, and Bachelor of Dental Surgery at Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences. He also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Promotion from Public Health Foundation of India and a Graduate Certificate in University Learning and Teaching from Griffith University.

His research focuses on oral health promotion, workforce distribution, health inequalities, oral epidemiology, and community-based interventions to address oral health disparities. Professor Tadakamadla has published over 170 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals including The Lancet and Journal of Dental Research. His work has influenced health policy, featured in OECD and Cochrane documents, and translated into large-scale health promotion initiatives. His recent publications demonstrate expertise across digital dentistry, oral health promotion interventions, substance-related oral trauma, and addressing health disparities among vulnerable populations.

Professor Tadakamadla's scientific recognition includes:

• NHMRC Early Career Fellowship
• International Association for Dental Research (IADR) Centennial Emerging Leader Award for Asia-Pacific (2020)
• IADR Distinguished Scientist Young Investigator Award (2025)
• Honorary membership from the Australian Dental Association Victoria Branch
• Fellowships from the Pierre Fauchard Academy and International College of Dentists
• Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

As an experienced HDR supervisor, thesis examiner, and grant assessor, Professor Tadakamadla has mentored numerous early- to mid-career academics. He actively engages with Indigenous and rural communities, serves on international editorial boards, and collaborates globally to advance oral health equity. His research leadership extends to National Health and Medical Research Council-funded projects in Australia, with findings influencing health policy and practice.