B.D.S. COURSE DESCRIPTION
The Bachelor of Dental Surgery prepares students for patient-oriented dental practice and emphasizes prevention and early detection of dental disease Students develop a spirit of inquiry that leads them to seek better ways to promote and preserve oral and general health. The primary goal of our institution is to educate dentists who are well grounded in the basic medical sciences, skilled in the exercise of clinical care, and, above all, sensitive to the needs of their patients. To this end, the curriculum combines course work, and a series of planned, practical learning experiences in dental clinics of our college and medical hospitals outside the dental institution. Our aims and objectives are provision of:
- basic knowledge on medical subjects
- erudition on dental subjects
- training in essential clinical skills
- education in comprehensive patient care
- knowledge for patient-oriented practice
- essentials on patient communication skills
The first year begins with a preparatory program introducing basic science courses. This foundation year includes introduction to dental materials and pre-clinical dental sciences.
Human Anatomy including Embryology & Histology Gross anatomy, histology and embryology are treated in their broadest aspects with emphasis on points of clinical importance. Morphology is learned by lectures, dissections and clinical discussions.
Human Physiology including Biochemistry Integrated body functions and the physiological basis for the understanding of clinical conditions. Laboratory exercises are supplemented with animal experimentation and demonstration. Biochemistry deals with the nature of chemical processes occurring in the living cells of our body with their applied aspects.
Dental Materials An in-depth consideration of the physical and chemical properties of materials related to the practice of dentistry.
The second year is shared by the basic pre-clinical and clinical sciences.
General and Dental Pharmacology and Therapeutics General principles of drug action in the body and drugs of importance to clinical dentistry.
General Pathology and General Microbiology Curriculum covers fundamental mechanisms and general principles of the diseases of our body. Didactic sessions largely comprising lectures are supplemented with gross and microscopic laboratories and seminars. Microbiology comprises bacteriology, virology, mycology and immunology to prepare students for a detailed study of infectious diseases, general characteristics of pathogenic microorganisms along with laboratory instructions.
Human Oral Anatomy including Embryology and Histology A lecture and laboratory course introducing normal tooth morphology, tooth-carving exercises and the anatomy of occlusion of the healthy dentition. This course also includes a comprehensive under-standing of the embryology. microscopic and macroscopic structure, and functions of the orofacial complex.
Pre-clinical Operative Dentistry A laboratory course that introduces the student to fundamental operative procedures related to teeth.
Pre-clinical Prosthodontics A laboratory course, which introduces the student to basic prosthodontic procedures.
The student enters dental clinics and employs the dexterity which has been obtained in the previous years for treatment of the patients. At the same time the student continues didactic courses in basic medical and dental subjects.
Oral Pathology and Microbiology The student is taught to recognize, analyze and appreciate primary 2nd secondary disease conditions of the oral and peri-oral regions present in patients. The course also includes microscopic and macroscopic evaluation and diagnosis of common oral diseases.
General Medicine Fundamental procedures in systematic examination of patients with diseases, including lectures and clinics.
General Surgery Introduction to general principles of surgery, clinical examination and evaluation of patients with surgical conditions.
Preventive and Community Dentistry Designed to help the student to explore professional ethics as they relate to dentist' s relationships to peers, patients and the community. Student attends dental camps and performs initial screening examinations and is sensitized to specific needs of a variety of patient populations.
THE FINAL YEAR
Oral Medicine and Radiology Instruction in the systemic background of diseases and the effect of oral diseases on total patient health. Focus on history-taking techniques, comprehensive patient examination, use of diagnostic aids and tests, and formulation of treatment plans. Radiology includes a detailed didactic and practical presentation of radiological techniques essential for various specialties of dentistry.
Paedodontics and Preventive Dentistry Oral health problems during development and growth of oro-facial complex of the child and adolescent. The course includes training in patient management, preventive and restorative dentistry treatment of traumatic dental injuries, and minor tooth movements.
Orthodontics Focus on orofacial growth and development, and an introduction to the concepts and practical aspects of orthodontic diagnosis and treatment. Advanced diagnostic facilities such as computerised cephalometrics, computerised growth prediction and other ultra modern equipment help render state-of the art orthodontic care.
Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics Dental restorative care including diagnosis, prevention and treatment planning, and establishment of sensitivity to patient' s health and comfort. Individual intracoronal restorations including amalgam, cast gold, composite, glass ionomer restorative systems are taught with emphasis on co-ordinating restorative treatment with patient' s overall dental needs. Endodontics provides dental student with a clear understanding of the biologic foundations of the pulp and periapical disease and teaches them to discuss the techniques of root canal therapy and periapical surgery.
Periodontics The student is introduced to normal periodontium, diagnosis and treatment of common periodontal diseases with both non-surgical and surgical methods.
Prosthodontics A detailed analysis of edentulous and partially edentulous patient, with emphasis on diagnosis, design and fabrication of removable and fixed appliances. The department is equipped with casting and ceramic laboratory.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Introduction to the basic concepts and techniques of tooth removal, as well as minor and major surgical problems. Also includes methods of pain control and local anaesthesia, and emergency dental care. Clinical programme also includes major surgeries, involving the treatment of oral cancers, facial trauma, temperomandibular joint disorders, cleft lip and palate, and jaw deformities.
After the fourth year, the students participate in another distinguishing part of the curriculum: the one year internship. This internship exposes students to alternative clinical settings and different modes of treatment and instruction. This plays a vital role in the curriculum by allowing the student to practice his or her clinical and interpersonal skills in a more independent setting, with supervision, support, and guidance from the faculty. During their internship, students strengthen their skills in clinical diagnosis, treatment planning, patient and practice management, and emergency care.
The respective departments assess the students of each academic year by conducting theory and practical examinations. The student has to appear for two examinations (one after each term). The marks obtained in these examinations affect the internal assessment of each student.
The passing examination to enter the next academic year is conducted by the NTR University of Health Sciences. A University Examination is conducted at the end of every academic year. Failure in this examination in more than one subject will render the candidate unfit for the subsequent academic year. Failure in a single subject ensures the candidate to get into the next academic year. He/she is required to pass the failed subject in the next examination which is held within 6 months. The students have to pass theory and practical exam separately.
After the completion of BDS course (which includes one year of compulsory rotatory internship), the student is eligible to apply for Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) course. Alternatively, after graduating, the student (who is now a certified DOCTOR) may start his/her own private practice. Though the knowledge and the clinical dexterity gained in this institution is sufficient for any student to begin general dental practice, the fresh graduates may work as assistants to any well-known private dental practioners for few months before venturing on their own. The graduate is also eligible to apply to various institutions abroad for further studies.
