Bulletin of Dental Education Article

Gopal Majmundar, M.D., and Mina Majmundar, M.D., have made a major gift valued at more than $150,000 to the University of Pikeville Tanner College of Dental Medicine (UPIKE CDM) to support the creation of a state-of-the-art simulation lab. This cutting-edge facility will play a central role in preparing dental students for real-world clinical practice through immersive, hands-on training.

As longtime physicians and dedicated community advocates in eastern Kentucky, the Majmundars’ donation reflects the shared commitment to expanding health care access and investing in future providers.

Mina Majmundar, M.D., and Gopal Majmundar, M.D.

“Our goal has always been to invest in a healthier future by increasing access to care, growing a skilled local workforce and supporting education that stays connected to the people it serves and the people who need it most,” the couple shared in a joint statement. “This contribution is one small way we help create lasting change.”

Dr. Gopal Majmundar is board-certified in both Family Medicine and Pediatrics, and Dr. Mina Majmundar completed training in Obstetrics and Gynecology in India before pursuing an additional residency in Anesthesiology in the United States, where she ultimately practiced. Since moving to Martin, KY, in 1978, the now-retired couple has dedicated their lives to serving rural, underserved communities in Appalachia and continues to give back through their ongoing commitment to advancing health care access within eastern Kentucky and the Commonwealth.

Their contribution will fund the dental simulation lab at UPIKE CDM, which will equip students with advanced tools and technology to practice patient care in a real-world clinical setting.

“Thanks to their support, [UPIKE CDM] is now equipped to offer our dental students an unparalleled educational experience through the integration of cutting-edge technology,” said Iquebal Hasan, B.D.S., FNAP, UPIKE CDM Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. “The establishment of the dental simulation lab marks the beginning of a new era in preclinical dental education. This state-of-the-art facility will redefine how students learn and how educators teach, creating a more efficient, effective and immersive training environment.”

The lab’s simulators bridge the gap between theory and clinical practice by offering students a safe, controlled environment to build skills and confidence, while also enabling performance assessment and refining teaching methods. A key feature is the virtual patient application, which recreates real-life scenarios to enhance engagement and deepen practical understanding, providing a powerful complement to traditional instruction.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Majmundar family for their visionary support,” Dr. Hasan added. “Their contribution will leave a lasting legacy in our region—one that will shape the future of dental education and elevate the standard of care for generations to come.”

The Majmundars’ gift aligns with UPIKE’s mission to educate health care professionals who are committed to service and dedicated to improving the lives of those in rural and medically underserved areas.

“This donation is about more than just equipment,” said the Majmundars. “It’s about empowering the next generation of clinicians who will receive exceptional education and go on to strengthen the communities they serve.”

Their daughters have followed in their footsteps. Mamata Majmundar, M.D., is a Family Medicine physician, passionate about the intersection of science, business and human experience. Monica Majmundar Sheth, M.D., is a board-certified and fellowship-trained, breast-imaging radiologist.

“I’m so excited to see how the future landscape of healthcare in eastern Kentucky is impacted by the addition of the dental college to UPIKE’s medical and optometry schools,” said Dr. Mamata Majmundar.

The Majmundars hope their donation will inspire others in the medical community to support educational institutions that provide outstanding education and train future healthcare leaders dedicated to serving this region.

For more information about the Tanner College of Dental Medicine, visit www.upike.edu.

University of Pikeville

Founded in 1889, the University of Pikeville is an innovative higher education institution in the heart of Appalachia. UPIKE prepares students for the future while creating intellectual, cultural and economic opportunities for eastern Kentucky. With four academic colleges, two professional schools, the Kentucky College of Optometry and the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine and the upcoming Tanner College of Dental Medicine, UPIKE offers a broad liberal arts curriculum where students can discover their passion, see new possibilities and move mountains.

Courtesy of University of Pikeville Tanner College of Dental Medicine

Published on July 9, 2025