Ragas Dental College and Hospital (RDCH) has effectively planned and initiated an effective, integrated, staggered, self-sustaining research eco system, manned by the intra-mural and extra-mural entities since its major growth in 2000-2005 period. The Unified Research Laboratory (URL) for Research and transfer of knowledge was initiated in the year 2003. The URL is located on the second floor in the college building which is accessible to all the departments of the college. The facilities of the URL and its roles and functions are described during the orientation program to the BDS and post-graduate students by the in-charge of the URL and motivate them towards research activities.

The objectives of the URL are:

• To create awareness about the importance of innovation and discovery in oral health area among students
• To help to identify knowledge/resource gaps that is needed for the clinicians and or the community.
• Creating and promoting new knowledge, technology, and innovation-based start-ups in oral health area
• To instil a culture of innovation-driven entrepreneurship in oral health platform
• To establish a research and innovation platform for undergraduate and postgraduate dental students.
• To build a vibrant social and academic network between academia, industries, and financial institutions.

The URL have state of art Infrastructure facility for Research with modern instruments like Thermal Cycler (PCR), Gel Documentation System (transilluminator), Stereo-microscope, Ten headed microscope, Upright Freezer (-20 and -80 degree C), Digital PH Meter (bench Top), Centrifuge, Gel Electrophoresis Horizontal, Biosafety Cabinet With Virus Burnout, Autoclave, Incubator, Hot Air Oven, Fluorescence Microscope (Up Right), Biological Microscope, fully equipped cytogenetics lab is also available as part of URL.

The URL also promotes the research activity by conducting the orientation programs and workshops among the students. URL has conducted a workshop on PCR and orientation to postgraduate students in in batches during the past 10-year period.

The research ecosystem is facilitated by Institutional Ethical Committee and Publication committee. The Department of Oral Pathology as well as the Tamil nadu Dr. MGR Medical University takes the initiative every year to organise the 3 days’ workshop on Research Methodology for the 1st year Postgraduates.

The BDS students are encouraged to take part in Short Term Studentship of ICMR and in the year 2021,  RDCH has submitted 7 proposals for the same. In addition, postgraduates of the institution have presented their unique concepts and research in several platforms winning several accolades. 

The department of public health dentistry has acquired a patent for their innovation. This work has served as a motivation for others. Other departments are in active collaboration in same direction. To motivate and promote the research work, the Research Advisory Committee (RAC) is established. Inspiring and informative speech with an eminent scientists are being periodically organised by the institution through the RAC.