Prof. Dr. J. Sabarinathan
MDS, FDSRCPS(Glasg), MDTFEd(Edin) · Pro Vice Chancellor – Vinayaka Mission's Research Foundation (Deemed to be University)
A Journey from Orthodontics to Global Academic Leadership
Prof. Dr. J. Sabarinathan is a distinguished educator with 24 years of experience in academics and administration, with a demonstrated history and emphasis on Health Professions Education and Quality Assurance. Dr. Sabarinathan became VMRF-DU's Pro Vice Chancellor in July 2023, after serving the university as Director-Academics for 6 years from July 2017.
Prior to joining VMRF-DU, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of Penang International Dental College, Malaysia. As head of the institution, he was instrumental in implementing Outcome-Based Education, Competency-Based Curriculum, and e-learning, bringing valuable international exposure to his leadership approach.
Dr. Sabarinathan has conducted several faculty development workshops on curriculum design, delivery, and assessment methodology. He has delivered lectures as an invited speaker in India and abroad in the fields of Orthodontics, Outcome-Based Education, Competency-Based Education, and Problem-Based Learning. He has several publications in Problem-Based Learning & Orthodontics to his credit.
He has been part of several committees as chairperson and member, involved in pedagogical strategies, curriculum reappraisal, course designs, research initiatives, accreditation processes, and quality assurance processes, making him a cornerstone of academic excellence at VMRF-DU.
Prof. Dr. J. Sabarinathan
MDS, FDSRCPS(Glasg), MDTFEd(Edin) · Pro Vice Chancellor, VMRF(DU)
Milestones of Academic Reform & Global Impact
A timeline of leadership in health professions education and quality assurance
MDS in Orthodontics
Graduated as the best outgoing post-graduate student, setting the foundation for a career dedicated to dental education and academic excellence.
CEO, Penang International Dental College, Malaysia
Served as Chief Executive Officer, implementing Outcome-Based Education, Competency-Based Curriculum, and e-learning frameworks.
Director-Academics, VMRF(DU)
Served for six years as Director-Academics, shaping the university's pedagogical strategies and curriculum reappraisal processes.
Appointed Pro Vice Chancellor, VMRF(DU)
Elevated to Pro Vice Chancellor, bringing his expertise in quality assurance and health professions education to the forefront of university leadership.
Vice Chairman, Pierre Fauchard Academy, India Section
Currently serves as Vice Chairman of this prestigious international dental honour organization, contributing to the global dental community.
Member, Education Panel of CII, Tamil Nadu
Serves on the Confederation of Indian Industries' Education Panel, influencing industry-academia collaboration at the state level.
Global Recognitions & Professional Affiliations
Faculty Development & Scholarly Contributions
Several Publications in Problem-Based Learning & Orthodontics · Invited Speaker (India & Abroad) · Workshops on Curriculum Design, Delivery & Assessment
A Legacy of Curriculum Innovation & Quality Assurance
Prof. Dr. J. Sabarinathan's visionary leadership in Outcome-Based Education and Competency-Based Curriculum continues to transform health professions education at VMRF-DU. Through faculty development, international collaborations, and unwavering commitment to quality, he exemplifies academic leadership that prepares future-ready professionals.