DCH503 : Community oral health / Faculty of Dentistry

This course is designed to provide students with skills and hands on experiences that will result in achieving competence in the field of community dentistry. At the completion of this course, the student should have obtained fundamental knowledge of the philosophy, principles and practice of components of community dentistry as outlined in the modules and should have developed skills that contribute to the five course outcomes. Definition of Community Oral Health Community Oral Health is a specialty in dentistry, which examines the levels of oral health and diseases within the community, analyses the variables associated with these distributions and plan programs aimed at promoting oral health of the community. These will work towards improving quality of life through organized efforts of the individual and community. Students will appreciate the importance of a holistic approach to oral health – and prevention focused on the general health and wellbeing of individuals and community. Modules in Community Oral Health This course will involve students to appreciate aspects of several disciplines which are taught in a modular manner – socio and behavioral sciences, preventive dentistry, dental public health, ethics and professionalism, epidemiology and biostatistics. The teaching responsibilities are integrated throughout the BDS programme, with a novel community outreach component in which students will participate in various community projects where they can apply knowledge into practice and also help to develop and enhance soft skills such as planning, communication, teamwork and leadership skills. The course will be conducted throughout semester three (year 2) to semester 8 (year 4) and at the end of semester 8 students will sit for a professional exam in Community Oral Health. Students are expected to apply the knowledge and skills of this course as they continue to treat patients in their final year.