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Comparison Of Dental Curriculum In India Versus Developed Countries
Correspondence: Lakshmi Nidhi Rao P.G Student, Department of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Nitte University "Dimpi Cottage", 2nd Bridge, Jeppu, Mangalore - 575 002 Karnataka +919845055108 India. E-mail: dimpirao@rediffmail.com
This article was originally published by Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Private Ltd. and was migrated to Scientific Scholar after the change of Publisher.
Abstract
As the importance of good dental care becomes increasingly paramount in a globally connected society, it is imperative that the dental curriculum keep up pace with it.
This means that the large numbers of Indian dental graduates who pass out every year are in sync with latest in the dental world.
Hence this study aims to compare the dental curriculum of the traditional Indian BDS undergraduate program with those of the developed countries (restricted to American and British universities).
It goes onto highlight the strengths of each of curriculums studied. Additionally it identifies specific features of other curriculums which could be incorporated into the Indian dental curriculum.
Keywords
Dental curriculum
undergraduate
comparison
strengths and weaknesses
Introduction:
Dentistry is a challenging and rewarding profession. With an aging population who are retaining teeth into old age and an ever increasing stressful life, the importance of quickly understanding interactions between general and oral health becomes paramount.
Excellent communication skills are absolute necessity to enable dentists to treat patients effectively. A sound understanding of the biological basis of the oral disease and preventive approaches to care constitute the essential foundation of dental practice.
Major advances in technology and dental materials have increased the scope of dental practice. The expansion in the numbers of professionals complementary to dentistry has led to an increased emphasis on the dentist's role as a diagnostician and team leader. This allows the dentist to focus on more complex dental treatments.
Undergraduate course in dentistry is a first step in this direction to provide one with a solid foundation of learning on which to base ones clinical experience and patient care. This is the best way to ensure that the patients receive the most effective care possible supported by solid scientific evidence.
Framework for a Dental program
Dental teaching is typically a combination of lectures, seminars, laboratory demonstrations, practical laboratory work, clinical demonstrations and practical clinical work.
Although it's difficult to generalize across various countries; BDS (or its equivalent) curriculum by and large can be broken down into
1st year: Work on basic building blocks related to Medicine and Dentistry.
2nd year: Start building ones knowledge and skills with introduction to Clinical Dentistry.
3rd year: Start integrating knowledge, skills and attitudes via exposure to Clinical studies.
4th year: Gain clinical competence based on the university one attends: Doctor of Dental
5th year: Moving to professional competence via Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). By and internships and handling of complex dental cases.
However American Dental School takes a minimum of four academic years and leads to one oftwo equivalent degrees large curriculum follows similar structure to the above.
Comparison of Dental curriculum structure
First year Dental undergraduate studies |
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B.D.S degree in India |
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DMD degree in Penn University, Pennsylvania, USA |
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Kings college London, BDS |
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Second year Dental undergraduate studies |
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B.D.S degree in India |
Covers understanding the pathology of the oral cavity and the principles of diagnosis and treatment. Includes fundamental courses in
No introduction to Clinical Dentistry course is offered to the 2nd year students |
DMD degree in Penn University, Pennsylvania, USA |
Covers understanding the pathology of the oral cavity and the principles of diagnosis and treatment. Includes fundamentals of
Preclinical restorative dentistry course with special focus on prosthetic therapy. This also includes additional rotations in the Virtual Reality Laboratory. Exposure to anesthesia and pain control, community health, endodontics, orthodontics, and periodontics through laboratory, and clinical experiences. Introduction to Clinical Dentistry. |
Kings college London, BDS |
Introduction and development of basic dental clinical skills. First term includes treatment of patients in the associated NHS trusts with minor gum problems. Restorative care of one's own patients is taken up in the third term. Study of biomedical science subjects such as
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Third year Dental undergraduate studies |
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B.D.S degree in India |
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DMD degree in Penn University, Pennsylvania, USA |
(both general and speciality clinics)
programs at schools, health fares, geriatric centers, and homes for disabled persons.
|
Kings college London, BDS |
This year begins to establish oneself as a dentist. Intercalated degree option to pursue subjects of one's interest in greater depth. Subjects can be wide ranging; from clinically relevant and related topics such as health services management or psychology to more traditional subjects, such as neuroscience and biochemistry. |
Fourth year Dental undergraduate studies |
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B.D.S degree in India |
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DMD degree in Penn University, Pennsylvania, USA |
skills, and values is emphasized.
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Kings college London, BDS |
relevant to disease in and around the mouth.
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Fifth year Dental undergraduate studies |
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B.D.S degree in India |
Compulsory rotatory internship program which covers all branches of dentistry. Inclusion of rural postings to cater to sections of society which might be deprived of effective dental care. |
DMD degree in Penn University, Pennsylvania, USA |
Not applicable as it's a 4 year course. |
Kings college London, BDS |
|
Kingdom, or the world, to learn about how dental care is provided in that region.
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Conclusion :
Inclusion of rural postings to cater to sections of society which might be deprived of effective dental care marks out as a highlight ofthe Indian dental curriculum.
Additionally, comparison of the various curriculums highlights the following features which can be incorporated as part of the Indian dental curriculum.
Early clinical experience to thoroughly map theoretical aspects of learning with practical aspects of dentistry.
Intercalated Degree Option
Flexibility in terms of electives
Electives could be grouped into 2 major categories
General: Sports, art, music, dance and yoga
Health care related: Forensic sciences, Biochemistry, Nanotechnology, Neuroscience, Health service management.
Compulsory 2 subjects; one from each of the above category could be mandated as part of the curriculum for the 3rd year BDS students.
By understanding the various best practices followed worldwide by dental institutes in terms of curriculum, teaching methodologies, and cutting edge technologies any institute can help the development of a world class dentist with strong ethical value system. This is a proactive way of improvement.
Alternatively one can have tie ups with best institutes worldwide and thus inculcate the best practices/ curriculum followed.
Above provides a static recipe of graduating into a good dentist. It is imperative that each dental student takes utmost responsibility to continuously keep upgrading oneself for remainder of their careers so that they stay up to date on the latest scientific and clinical developments.