Dr. Rutuja Dandgaval
BDS | MHM | MIPH (Research Extension)
Philosophy
"We lead by lifting others.
Empowerment is not a strategy; it's a principle."
Journey
Dr. Rutuja Dandgaval’s journey began with a dental degree from Dr. D. Y. Patil University - Pune in 2013. Like many aspiring dentists, she set her sights on the U.S., preparing rigorously for the NBDE and planning to pursue a DDS. But it was a single, quiet moment before her interview at the University of Colorado that redefined her path. Her focus shifted from personal advancement to collective impact.
With that vision, she moved to Australia and earned dual Master's in International Public Health and Health Management from the University of New South Wales (UNSW). Her commitment to meaningful change earned her the prestigious Future of Change Scholarship, awarded to leaders with potential to shape the future.
Her passion for impact extended far beyond borders. Rutuja was part of a public health initiative in Northern Uganda, which demonstrated women’s economic empowerment is associated with lower rates of intimate partner violence in Uganda. It was a powerful reminder that health isn’t just about medicine; it’s about empowerment, equity, and systems that serve people.
Rutuja has worked across private, public and corporate dental practices, gaining deep insights into how high-performing clinics operate, grow, and evolve. She currently works in Vancouver, Canada, as a Clinical Research Professional in Cosmetic Dermatology, where she bridges science, innovation, and patient care.
Out of her rich and purpose-driven path, PRAXIS is born - a vision to empower Indian dentists with global knowledge, practice systems, and growth strategies. PRAXIS is more than just education; it’s about building a community of forward-thinking professionals who are ready to lead and excel.
Because when you understand the global secret sauce, you don’t just copy it. You adapt it, refine it, and turn it into something uniquely yours. Something impactful. Something lasting.
Research Publications
Comparing Factors Associated With Intimate Partner Violence Among Rural and Urban Women in Northern Uganda
https://doi.org/10.1177/08862605221120902
Understanding the Kenyan governance in context to deprived population to reduce under five child mortality: time to take off the blindfold
(Response article - letter to editor)
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2017-000655
Effectiveness of Er: YAG and CO2 lasers in the management of gingival melanin hyperpigmentation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24984669/
Literature Review
Barriers and Enablers to accessing Sexual Health for International Students (for STI Policy Design - NSW Ministry of Health)
Opinion Citation
The right scholarship can ease your education burden - The Hindu
'The reality is that most students from India take casual jobs to support their living in Sydney which affects their academic performances. In such cases, even a partial scholarship makes a difference. You save on the tuition fee and support your living with it instead of taking casual jobs. That’s how it has been a privilege to me. Because of it, I have been able to grab significant career opportunities such as unpaid internships and international study trips without a second thought about expenses,'
