PROGRAM OUTCOMES | Public Health Dentistry

BDS COURSE

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, to prevent and control oral diseases and promote oral health through organized community efforts.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives are dealt under three headings (a) Knowledge and understanding (b) skills and (c) Attitudes.

(A) KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:

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

At the conclusion of the course the student shall have a knowledge of the basis of public health, preventive dentistry, public health problems in India, Nutrition, Environment and their role in health, basics of dental statistics, epidemiological methods, National oral health policy with emphasis on oral health policy.
To have adequate knowledge and understand the basic principles of epidemiology, environmental care, health education and public health administration at community level.
Apply basic sciences knowledge regarding etiology, diagnosis and management of the prevention, promotion and treatment of all the oral conditions at the individual and community level.
To have knowledge about how to conduct research and Oral Health Surveys in order to identify all the oral health problems affecting the community and find solutions using multi-disciplinary approach.
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:

At the conclusion of the course the students shall have require at the skill of identifying health problems affecting the society, conducting health surveys, conducting health education classes and deciding health strategies. Students should develop a positive attitude towards the problems of the society and must take responsibilities in providing health. 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.
Dental graduate with basic skills in identifying oral health problems, collecting data on oral health problems prevailing in the country through surveys, developing strategies for their control at individual and community levels. and
Dental graduate with potential to efficiently communicate needs of the community, simple self care strategies to promote oral health of population.
Promote oral health and help prevent oral diseases where possible.
Competent in the control of pain and anxiety among the patients during dental treatment.
Take case history, conduct clinical examination, indices recording to arrive at diagnosis and treatment planning.
Plan appropriate Community Oral Health Program, conduct the program and evaluate, at the community level.
To perform hands on procedure – pit and fissure sealants & topical fluoride application.
Establish effective & interactive communication with patients & their relatives, irrespective of age, social and cultural background.
To establish a patient dentist relationship that allows effective delivery of dental treatment.
To identify patient expectations and attitudes (needs and demands) when considering treatment planning and during treatment.
To explain & share information and professional knowledge with both the patient and other professionals, verbally and in writing.
Providing humane and compassionate care to all patients irrespective of socio economic status, gender and education.
Practicing with personal and professional integrity, honesty and truthfulness.
Respecting patient’s rights, particularly in regards to confidentiality and informed consent.
Producing and maintaining an accurate patients treatment and medico-legal record
Selecting and prioritizing treatment options that are sensitive to each individuals need.

(C) ATTITUDES:

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

At the conclusions of the course the student should be able to communicate the needs of the community efficiently, inform the society of all the recent methodologies in preventing oral disease

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 through out 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.

COMPETENCIES

At the completion of the undergraduate training programme the graduates shall be competent in the following.-

General Skills

Apply knowledge& skills in day to day practice Apply principles of ethics Analyze the outcome of treatment Evaluate the scientific literature and information to decide the treatment Participate and involve in professional bodies Self assessment & willingness to update the knowledge & skills from time to time Involvement in simple research projects Minimum computer proficiency to enhance knowledge and skills Refer patients for consultation and specialized treatment Basic study of forensic odontology and geriatric dental problems

Practice Management

Evaluate practice location, population dynamics & reimbursement mechanism Co-ordinate & supervise the activities of allied dental health personnel Maintain all records Implement & monitor infection control and environmental safety programs Practice within the scope of one’s competence

Communication & Community Resources

Assess patients goals, values and concerns to establish rapport and guide patient care
Able to communicate freely, orally and in writing with all concerned Participate in improving the oral health of the individuals through community activities.
Apply the principles of health promotion and disease prevention
Have knowledge of the organization and provision of health care in community and in the hospital service
Have knowledge of the prevalence of common dental conditions in India.
Have knowledge of community based preventive measures
Have knowledge of the social, cultural and env. Factors which contribute to health or illness.
Administer and hygiene instructions, topical fluoride therapy and fissure sealing.
Educate patients concerning the aetiology and prevention of oral disease and encourage them to assure responsibility for their oral health