College: Health Programs

This specialty focuses on the diagnosis, treatment planning, and restoration of oral function and aesthetics using prosthetic dentures. Students will study the design, manufacture, and fitting of prosthetic teeth, crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants. The program integrates theoretical knowledge with clinical skills to prepare students for careers in prosthetic dentistry, dental rehabilitation, and research.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the principles of prosthetic dentistry and its role in restoring oral function and aesthetics.
• Develop skills in diagnosing and treating complex dental conditions.
• Learn techniques for designing and manufacturing prosthetic dentures.
• Explore the use of advanced materials and techniques in prosthetic dentistry.
• Analyze the impact of prosthetic dental treatments on the patient's quality of life.
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address contemporary dental challenges.

Main Outline:

1. Introduction to Prosthetic Dentistry - Overview of the field, its history, and its importance in dental care.
2. Fixed Prosthetic Dentistry - Study of crowns, bridges, and fixed dentures.
3. Removable Prosthetic Dentistry - Design and fitting techniques for removable and partial dentures.
4. Dental Implants - Principles of dental implantation, including surgical placement and prosthetic restoration.
5. Maxillofacial Prosthetics - Restoration of oral and facial structures damaged by trauma, surgery, or congenital defects.
6. Advanced Materials and Techniques - Use of ceramics, polymers, and digital technologies in prosthetic dentistry.
7. Patient Care and Management - Strategies for patient evaluation, treatment planning, and post-surgical care.
8. Emerging Trends in Prosthetic Dentistry - Integration of digital dentistry, 3D printing, and computer-aided design and manufacturing technologies.

Assessment Methods:

• Clinical practice and prosthetic dental projects.
• Written assignments and research papers.
• Presentations on prosthetic dental cases and treatment plans.
• Participation in group discussions on contemporary issues.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "Contemporary Fixed Prosthodontics" by Stephen F. Rosenstiel, Martin F. Land, and Junhei Fujimoto.
• "McCracken's Removable Partial Prosthodontics" by Alan B. Carr and David T. Brown.
• "Prosthodontic Treatment for Edentulous Patients" by George A. Zarb, Charles L. Bolender, and Steven E. Eckert.

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge of dentistry, anatomy, and material sciences.

Duration:

Four years, combining lectures, clinical practice, and research projects.

Certification:

A degree in dentistry, according to the program.

Target Audience:

Undergraduate and graduate students in dentistry or related fields, and professionals seeking to enhance their skills. This specialty prepares students to restore oral function and aesthetics using advanced dental techniques, leveraging theoretical knowledge, clinical skills, and emerging technologies to improve patient outcomes.