Hey, I'm

Dr. Divya Uppala

Head of Department, Department of Oral Pathology. Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology | Forensic Analysis & Law | AI in Oral Pathology | Digital Diagnostics | Healthcare Education.

Histopathology Explainable AI Pharmacovigilance Forensic Odontology
15+
Years at
GITAM
5
Professional
Languages
3+
Advanced
Disciplines
Professional Summary

Advancing oral health through pathology, research, technology and education.

A multidisciplinary academic journey focused on oral pathology, research, diagnostics and healthcare education.

As Head of Department at GITAM Deemed University, my journey has been marked by a deep commitment to advancing oral health through innovative research and education.

Specializing in oral and maxillofacial pathology, my focus has been on understanding and combating oral diseases while mentoring and inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals.

My professional interests extend into forensic odontology, digital diagnostics, explainable AI and healthcare education, creating opportunities to connect traditional dental science with emerging technologies.

Oral Pathology Research Digital Diagnostics AI Forensic Odontology
“Teach, Diagnose oral lesions.” Pathology • Research • Education • Innovation
Top Skills & Expertise

Clinical, technological and interdisciplinary strengths.

Combining specialist pathology knowledge with emerging technologies and healthcare education.

01 • Diagnostics

Histopathology

Pathology-focused diagnostic expertise with emphasis on oral and maxillofacial disease.

02 • AI

Explainable AI

Exploring transparent and interpretable AI approaches for diagnostic healthcare applications.

03 • Digital

Digital Diagnostics

Technology-enabled approaches to modern pathology workflows and diagnostics.

04 • Forensics

Forensic Odontology

Forensic analysis, dental science and interdisciplinary applications of law.

05 • Safety

Pharmacovigilance

Interest in medicine safety, adverse-event awareness and evidence-driven healthcare.

06 • Education

Healthcare Education

Teaching, mentoring and integrating emerging technologies into dental education.

Experience

Academic leadership, clinical practice & editorial contribution.

A career spanning university leadership, teaching, clinical practice, research and scientific publishing.

Medical academic environment
Current Leadership

Head of Department

GITAM Deemed University • Professor
September 2022 — Present • Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Academic leadership combining oral pathology, research, mentoring, digital diagnostics and healthcare education.

Leadership Oral Pathology Research Education
Research

Oral pathology meets evidence & innovation.

Research interests spanning oral cancer, rare pathology, molecular factors, diagnostics and healthcare education.

Research Focus

Current areas of professional interest include oral and maxillofacial pathology, oral lesions, oral squamous cell carcinoma, HPV infection, p53 polymorphism/mutation, digital diagnostics and AI applications in pathology.

Oral Cancer HPV p53 Digital Pathology Explainable AI
Research Philosophy

Evidence-driven diagnosis with meaningful innovation.

Bridging pathology expertise with technology, education and interdisciplinary research to strengthen diagnostic understanding and healthcare practice.

01

Desmoplastic Ameloblastoma

Research topic in oral and maxillofacial pathology.

02

Relationship among tobacco habits, HPV infection, p53 polymorphism/mutation and the risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Research connecting behavioral, viral and molecular factors with oral cancer risk.

03

Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor of Mandible

Rare oral and maxillofacial pathology case subject.

04

Cholesteatoma of the Maxillary Sinus Simulating Neoplasia

Rare case-report subject emphasizing diagnostic differentiation.

Education

A multidisciplinary academic foundation.

Dentistry, pathology, biotechnology, law and forensic odontology come together in a unique professional profile.

Master's in Dental Surgery

Oral Pathology & Microbiology

Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai • Ragas DC & H • 2008–2011

Bachelor of Laws

LLB

Andhra University • Law • 2017–2020

MSc

Biotechnology

GITAM University, Visakhapatnam • 2017–2018

Bachelor of Dental Surgery

General Dentistry

Thai Moogambigai Dental College & Hospital, Chennai • 2000–2005

Fellowship

Forensic Odontology

SDM College of Dental Sciences • June 2024–July 2025

PhD

AI and OPMD

Dr M.G.R Research and Educational Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Recognition & Development

Honors, certifications and continuing professional development.

Honors & Awards

Academic Recognition

First Prize in Periodontology; Colgate Dr. M.G.R. Medical University Award for Oral Pathology; Science Academies' Summer Research Fellowship Programme 2017.

Certifications

Continuing Learning

Clinical Differential Diagnosis of Oral Mucosal Lesions, Neuro Linguistic Programming, Cancer Screening Training and Publons Academy Reviewer Certification.

Languages

Professional communication across five languages.

English Hindi Bengali Telugu Tamil
Connect • Collaborate • Learn

Let's advance healthcare through expertise and innovation.

For academic collaboration, research, speaking, professional consultation or educational initiatives, get in touch.