Faculty: Health Sciences

Introduction

The oral and dental health specialization focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases and conditions. Students acquire skills in dental anatomy, oral pathology, preventive dentistry, and clinical practices. Graduates are prepared to work in dental clinics, hospitals, public health organizations, and research institutions.

Learning Objectives

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

Main Curriculum

1. Introduction to Oral and Dental Health
   • An overview of basic concepts, principles, and practices in oral and dental health.
   • Fundamentals of oral anatomy, physiology, and maintaining oral health.
2. Dental Anatomy
   • Principles of dental anatomy, including the morphology of teeth, 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. Preventive Dentistry
   • Principles of preventive dentistry, including oral hygiene, dental sealants, and fluoride treatments.
   • Techniques for promoting oral health and preventing dental diseases.
5. Clinical Dental Practices
   • Principles of clinical dental practices, including patient examination, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
   • Techniques for performing dental procedures and managing patient care.
6. Public Health Dentistry
   • Principles of public health dentistry, including community oral health programs, health promotion, and disease prevention.
   • Techniques for implementing and evaluating public health dental initiatives.
7. Oral Epidemiology
   • Principles of oral epidemiology, including the distribution and determinants of oral diseases.
   • Techniques for conducting and interpreting oral epidemiological studies.
8. Research Methods in Dental Health
   • Principles of research methods in dental health, including study design, data collection, and analysis.
   • Techniques for conducting and evaluating dental health research.
9. Practical Training in Oral and Dental Health
   • Practical experiences in oral and dental health, including clinical training, internships, and practical practice in dental clinics or hospitals.
   • Applying acquired skills in practical oral and dental health scenarios.
10. Oral and Dental Health Graduation Project
    • A comprehensive project applying skills in dental anatomy, oral pathology, or preventive dentistry.
    • Delivering a refined project, research paper, or presentation in oral and dental health.

Assessment Methods

Studies in dental anatomy, oral pathology reports, preventive dentistry plans, clinical practice projects in dentistry, public dental health initiatives, oral epidemiology studies, research methodology papers, practical training reports, graduation projects, group projects, and presentations.

Recommended Textbooks

• "Oral and Dental Health" by various authors.
• "Dental Anatomy" by Henry S. Chiappinelli.
• "Oral Pathology" by Brad W. Neville et al.
• "Preventive Dentistry" by various authors.
• "Clinical Practices for Dentistry" by various authors.
• "Public Health Dentistry" by various authors.
• "Oral Epidemiology" by various authors.
• "Research Methods in Dental Health" by various authors.

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of biology, anatomy, and health sciences. Suitable for students interested in oral health, dentistry, and public health.

Program Duration

Typically 4 years to obtain a bachelor's degree, including coursework, clinical rotations, practical training, and internships. Additional advanced degrees or certifications may be required for specialized roles.

Certification

Graduates may earn a degree in oral and dental health and pursue further education or professional certifications, such as Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).

Target Audience

Aspiring dental hygienists, dental assistants, dentists, oral health educators, and individuals seeking careers in dental clinics, hospitals, public health organizations, and research institutions. This specialization provides students with the clinical, analytical, and problem-solving skills needed to excel in oral and dental health, supporting careers in various oral health-related roles.