Faculty: Dentistry

The dentistry major focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating diseases and conditions that affect the oral cavity. Students acquire skills in dental anatomy, oral pathology, restorative dentistry, oral surgery, and patient care. Graduates are prepared to work in private dental practices, hospitals, community health centers, and academic institutions.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the fundamentals of dentistry and oral health.
• Develop skills in dental anatomy, oral pathology, restorative dentistry, and oral surgery.
• Learn techniques for diagnosing and treating oral diseases and conditions.
• Explore principles of preventive dentistry, patient care, and oral public health.
• Analyze and interpret dental data and research findings.
• Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and clinical skills for effective dental practice.

Main Outline:

1. Introduction to Dentistry
   • Overview of basic concepts, principles, and practices in dentistry.
   • Essentials of oral anatomy, physiology, and maintaining oral health.
2. Dental Anatomy
   • Principles of dental anatomy, including teeth morphology, dental tissues, and oral structures.
   • Techniques for recognizing and understanding dental anatomy.
3. Oral Pathology
   • Principles of oral pathology, including oral diseases, infections, and abnormalities.
   • Techniques for diagnosing and treating oral diseases.
4. Restorative Dentistry
   • Principles of restorative dentistry, including fillings, crowns, bridges, and implants.
   • Techniques for performing restorative dental procedures.
5. Oral Surgery
   • Principles of oral surgery, including tooth extractions, surgical treatments, and managing oral trauma.
   • Techniques for conducting oral surgical procedures.
6. Preventive Dentistry
   • Principles of preventive dentistry, including oral hygiene, sealants, and fluoride treatments.
   • Techniques for enhancing oral health and preventing dental diseases.
7. Oral Public Health
   • Principles of oral public health, including community oral health programs, health promotion, and disease prevention.
   • Techniques for implementing and evaluating oral public health initiatives.
8. Patient Care in Dentistry
   • Principles of patient care in dentistry, including patient assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
   • Techniques for providing effective and compassionate patient care.
9. Clinical Training
   • Practical experiences in dental settings, including clinical training and hands-on practice in clinics or hospitals.
   • Application of acquired skills in practical dental scenarios.
10. Capstone Project in Dentistry
    • Comprehensive project applying skills in dental anatomy, oral pathology, restorative dentistry, or oral surgery.
    • Presentation of a refined project, research paper, or presentation in dentistry.

Assessment Methods:

Studies in dental anatomy, oral pathology reports, restorative dentistry projects, oral surgery plans, preventive dentistry programs, oral public health initiatives, patient care projects, clinical training reports, capstone projects, group projects, and presentations.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "Dentistry" by various authors.
• "Dental Anatomy" by Henry S. Chiapinelli.
• "Oral Pathology" by Brad W. Neville et al.
• "Restorative Dentistry" by various authors.
• "Oral Surgery" by various authors.
• "Preventive Dentistry" by various authors.
• "Oral Public Health" by various authors.
• "Patient Care in Dentistry" by various authors.

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge of biology, anatomy, and chemistry. Suitable for students interested in oral health, dentistry, and healthcare services.

Duration:

Typically 4 years to obtain a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree, including coursework, clinical rotations, and internships. Additional advanced degrees or certificates may be required for specialized roles.

Certification:

Graduates may earn a degree in dentistry (DDS or DMD) and pursue additional education or professional certificates, such as specialized training in areas like orthodontics, periodontics, or oral surgery.

Target Audience:

Aspiring dentists, dental specialists, oral surgeons, and individuals seeking careers in private dental practices, hospitals, community health centers, and academic institutions. This major equips students with clinical, technical, and patient care skills necessary to excel in dentistry, supporting careers in various oral health and dental care settings.