Dr. U. S. Krishna Nayak, Principal, AB Shetty dental college, passes away

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Mangaluru, December 3, 2024: Renowned orthodontist and principal of A. B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences (ABSMIDS), Dr. U. S. Krishna Nayak, passed away at 10:45 PM on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at KMC Hospital, Ambedkar Circle due to complications from pneumonia. He was 63.

Dr. Nayak, a celebrated academic and practitioner, also served as a consultant orthodontist and director of Nayak’s Dental Specialty Clinic & Orthodontic Centre, Attavar. He is survived by his wife Shaila, son Dr. Arjun Nayak, daughter Dr. Ektha, and younger brother Dr. U. S. Deepak Nayak.

Last Rites: The public may pay their respects at his residence, Karishma, near Microwave Station, Hathill, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM on Wednesday, December 4.
Born on December 16, 1961, Dr. Nayak was the son of one of Mangalore’s pioneering dentists, Dr. U. S. Mohandas Nayak, and Indira M. Nayak. An alumnus of St. Aloysius High School and College, he completed his dental graduation (1982) and post-graduation (1985) from KMC College of Dental Surgery, Manipal.

Dr. Nayak began his career as a professor in orthodontics at ABSMIDS, where he eventually served as Dean (Academic) before becoming Principal. He was immensely popular with the students and his tenure as an academic leader earned him admiration from students and colleagues alike. He also had the distinction of serving as the National President of the Indian Dental Association (2001-2002).

Dr. U. S. Krishna Nayak was a recipient of numerous awards including the Karnataka State Rajyothsava Award (2003), ‘Outstanding Professor Award’ by the Indian Orthodontic Society (2014), ‘The Most Proactive (Sr.) Academician’ (2015-16), ‘The Famdent Excellence in Dentistry Award’ (2016), ‘The Most Enterprising Dean of the Year’ and ‘The Best Dental Administrator Award’ at the World Dental Conference 2019 Malaysia among others. Most recently, in August this year, he was selected as one of the ‘20 Most Prominent Principals in Higher Education 2024’ in the country.

Dr. U. S. Krishna Nayak’s contributions to dentistry, education, and orthodontics leave an indelible mark on the field and in the hearts of those who knew him.