At this time, a revision of the textbook has become absolutely necessary because the Dental Council of India have revised the syllabus for biochemistry. This book is prepared according the syllabi (modified in 2007) prepared by the Dental Council of India. We have also consulted the syllabi of dental courses of various universities.

In this edition, we have deleted some extra details shown in the first edition. We have also added one chapter on Endocrinology, as it is now introduced by the Dental Council of India. In this edition, important points are made into bold letters, so that students can grasp the subject easily. Moreover, the facts are given in pointwise (with numbers), so as to aid easy memorization. The essentials of biochemistry are given in ordinary font, the "must know points" will be available from these paragraphs. A small group of students who aspire for more knowledge, a bit more advanced topics are given in small prints. Students just before the examination can skip the tiny letters, but these areas will also become important later in their pursuit of knowledge. Those who are interested to get more facts may consult our Textbook of Biochemistry for Medical Students, now in 6th edition. A question bank, given in the end of the book contains essay questions and short note questions, which are compiled from the question papers of various universities during the last decade. These questions will be ideal for students for last-minute preparation for examinations.

The first author is in the process of retirement from active service, and would like to reduce the burden in due course. A successful textbook is something like a growing institution; individuals may come and go, but the institution will march ahead. Therefore, we felt the need to induce younger blood into the editorial board. Thus, a third author has been added in this edition, so that the torch can be handed over smoothly at an appropriate time later on.

The first author desires more interaction with faculty and students who are using this textbook. All are welcome to communicate at his email address <dmvasudevan@yahoo.co.in>. The help and assistance rendered by our students in preparing this book are enormous. Web pictures, without copyright protection were used in some figures. The remarkable success of the book was due to the active support of the publishers. This is to record our appreciation for the cooperation extended by Shri Jitendar P Vij, Chairman and Managing Director, Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers Pvt Ltd, New Delhi and his associates.

We hope that this edition will be friendlier to the students and be more attractive to the teachers. Now this is in your hands to judge.

This book is prepared after consulting the syllabi of Dental courses of various universities. As there are slight variations on the emphasis given by different universities, we have tried to incorporate all the facts prescribed in all those curricula. So, some students may find some chapters unnecessary for their immediate purpose. But a general textbook of this nature has to satisfy the needs of all students.

The important points are made into bold letters, so that students can grasp the subject easily. Moreover, the facts are given in point-wise (with numbers), so as to aid easy memorization. There are two sets of undergraduate students; majority wants only a pass. For them, the essentials of Biochemistry are given in ordinary font. A small group of students aspire for distinction; for them a bit more advanced knowledge is given in small prints. Students just before the examination can skip the tiny letters, but these areas will also become important later in their pursuit of knowledge. Those who are interested to get more facts may consult our Textbook of Biochemistry for Medical Students.

A question bank, given in the end of the book contains essay questions, short notes and viva voce type questions. These questions are compiled from the question papers of various universities during the last decade. These questions will be ideal for students for last-minute preparation for examinations.

The first author desires more interaction with faculty and students who are using this textbook. All are welcome to communicate at his e-mail address <dmvasudevan@aims.amrita.edu>.

We extend our thanks for the enormous help rendered by Dr Ananth N Rao and Dr R Krishnaprasad in preparation of this book. We also thank Shri Jitendar P Vij, Chairman and Managing Director, Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers Pvt Ltd, New Delhi and his associates for their active support in making this publication possible.

A textbook will be matured only by successive revisions. We hope that this first edition will be friendly to the students and be attractive to the teachers. Now this is in your hands to judge.