Goals and objectives

Goals

The dental graduates during training in the institutions should acquire adequate knowledge, necessary skills and reasonable attitudes which are required for carrying out all activities appropriate to general dental practice involving the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of anomalies and diseases of the teeth, mouth, jaws and associated tissues. The graduate also should understand the concept of community oral health education and be able to participate in the rural health care delivery programmes existing in the country.

Objectives

The objectives are dealt under three headings.

1. (a) Knowledge and understanding.
2. (b) skills.
3. (c) Attitudes.

(a) Knowledge and understanding

The graduate should acquire the following during the period of training.

• Adequate knowledge of the scientific foundations on which dentistry is based and good understanding of various relevant scientific methods, principles of biological functions and be able to evaluate and analyze scientifically various established facts and data.
• Adequate knowledge of the development, structure and function of the teeth, mouth and jaws and associated tissues both in health and disease and their relationship and effect on general state of health and also bearing on physical and social well being of the patient.
• Adequate knowledge of clinical disciplines and methods which provide a coherent picture of anomalies, lesions and diseases of the teeth, mouth and jaws and preventive diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of dentistry.
• Adequate clinical experience required for general dental practice.
• Adequate knowledge of the constitution, biological function and behaviour of persons in health and sickness as well as the influence of the natural and social environment on the state of health in so far as it affect dentistry.

(b) Skills

A graduate should be able to demonstrate the following skills necessary for practice of dentistry.

• Able to diagnose and manage various common dental problems encountered in general dental practice keeping in mind the expectations and the right of the society to receive the best possible treatment available wherever possible.
• Acquire the skill to prevent and manage complications if encountered while carrying out various surgical and other procedures.
• Possess skill to carry out certain investigative procedures and ability to interpret laboratory findings.
• Promote oral health and help prevent oral diseases where possible.
• Competent in the control of pain and anxiety among the patients during dental treatment.

(c) Attitudes

A graduate should develop the following attitudes during the training period.

• Willing to apply the current knowledge of dentistry in the best interest of the patients and the community.
• Maintain a high standard of professional ethics and conduct and apply these in all aspects of professional life.
• Seek to improve awareness and provide possible solutions for oral health problems and needs throughout the community.
• Willingness to participate in the CPED Programmes to update the knowledge and professional skill from time to time.
• To help and participate in the implementation of the national oral health policy.