Curriculum
The DDS has 25 courses that are distributed into two phases
PHASE ONE: FUNDAMENTALS OF DENSTISTRY
Phase 1 (the first two years of study) introduces the students to basic medical and dental subjects. Students will learn about the various body systems in health and disease, with topics geared towards the requirements of a dentist in training. The Year One curriculum is devoted to the study of the normal structures and functions on the body in courses such as Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, whilst in the Year Two curriculum, the students will cover the diseases and abnormalities in Pathology, Pharmacology and Microbiology. The basic dental subjects that are covered in this phase include Oral Biology, Dental Materials and Technology, Oral Health and Simulation Operative Dentistry. Students will acquire the operative practical skills through the completion of a series of simulation exercises conducted throughout the Year Two period.
PHASE TWO: CLINICAL DENTISTRY
Phase 2 of the programme starts from Year Three to Year Five in which much of the time is devoted to step-by-step acquisition of clinical knowledge and practical skills necessary for competence in Dentistry. In the first 6 weeks, students will receive an introductory module to clinical dentistry to aid them in their transition from the pre-clinical laboratory setting to the clinical environment. Once students complete the prescribed introductory exercises, they will be considered ready to begin their clinical practice. Students will be practicing fourhanded dentistry by working in pairs. A considerable amount of time will be spent in clinical contact with patients, in additional to the complementary educational activities such as didactic teaching, seminar, laboratory class work, tutorials, presentation of clinical cases and projects.
The three years clinical training emphasizes on the development of clinical and communication skills in primary oral care, history taking and patient examination. Students are encouraged to take a holistic approach to dentistry and treatment will be undertaken on patients within the context of comprehensive patient care. Students are expected to complete a certain number of cases treated to gain the requisite clinical experiences and competencies.
In Year Five, the curriculum provides the opportunity for the students to consolidate knowledge, skills and behaviour developed throughout the clinical years in General Dental Practice module.
At the end of the programme, the graduates must be competent to
Apply knowledge in basic and clinical sciences to practice safe and independent dentistry
Apply fundamental principles of behavioral sciences pertaining to patient-centered approaches for promoting, improving and maintaining oral health
Use critical thinking and problem solving skills related to comprehensive care of patients
Provide appropriate oral health care within the scope of general dentistry foe the child, adolescent, adult, geriatric and medically compromised patient
Adopt a caring attitute and sensitivities towards patients and their families, colleagues and the whole community
Demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills to function effectively in a multicultural society and work environment
Collaborate with other health professionals ad relevant agencies in health promotion and disease prevention
Apply basic principles of practice management and have the skills to function effectively as a leader of the oral health care team
Apply the principles of ethical reasoning and professional responsibility as they pertain to patient care and practice management
Apply legal and regulatory concepts to the provision and/or support of oral health care services
Use information technology resources in contemporary dental practice
Adapt lifelong learning approach and self-assessment in maintaining dental competency
