Department of Pedodontics, Orthodontics, and Preventive Dentistry
Department of Pedodontics, Orthodontics, and Preventive Dentistry
Overview of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics, and Preventive Dentistry:
The Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics, and Preventive Dentistry at the College of Dentistry was established during the academic year 1985–1986 and was officially inaugurated on November 1, 1985, making it the newest academic department at the college at that time.
Despite its relatively recent establishment, the department has witnessed significant and continuous development since its inception. It started with a single clinic comprising 12 dental units and a training laboratory designated for undergraduate students in the fields of orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, community dentistry, and preventive dentistry, staffed by only four faculty members (three in orthodontics and one in preventive dentistry).
Over time, the department expanded significantly to include a larger number of clinical and educational laboratories for undergraduate students. Postgraduate programs were introduced in 1995 to award master’s degrees in orthodontics and preventive dentistry, followed by the launch of a Ph.D. program in orthodontics in 2010. The number of faculty members has since grown to 45, holding both master’s and doctoral degrees in orthodontics, preventive dentistry, and pediatric dentistry.
The department’s efforts have resulted in the awarding of as of June 1, 2025:
•
92 Master’s degrees in Orthodontics
•
48 Master’s degrees in Preventive Dentistry
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20 Ph.D. degrees in Dental Sciences / Orthodontics
The department has also adopted a strategy to develop academic staff through international scholarship programs. Several faculty members have been sent abroad to earn doctoral degrees from prestigious universities in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Europe, and East Asia in the fields of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry.
Vision:
The department aims to excel in preparing qualified academic and medical professionals by developing educational curricula and updating theoretical and practical training methods. The vision focuses on graduating dentists with strong scientific knowledge and solid clinical skills, enabling them to understand and apply preventive dentistry principles and effectively manage the clinical aspects of pediatric dentistry and orthodontics.
Mission:
The Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics, and Preventive Dentistry is dedicated to preparing scientifically and professionally qualified dentists capable of diagnosing and treating dental conditions in children and identifying orthodontic disorders using the latest approved materials and techniques in prevention and treatment. It also attempts to prepare students for effective community engagement through scientific and practical training, with an emphasis on preparing final-year students to confidently and competently meet the requirements of the field upon graduation.
Department Goals:
1.
Enhance theoretical and practical capabilities of undergraduate and postgraduate students in line with modern medical education standards.
2.
Support and develop scientific research among faculty and postgraduate students by adopting advanced technologies and artificial intelligence in research.
3.
Build and develop specialized academic staff in pediatric dentistry aligned with the expansion of undergraduate programs.
4.
Send scholars in pediatric dentistry to obtain master’s and doctoral degrees to develop national expertise.
5.
Establish postgraduate (Ph.D.) programs in orthodontics and preventive dentistry to strengthen research and specialized education.
6.
Complete the equipping of the scientific research laboratory with the latest devices and materials to ensure an advanced research environment.
7.
Expand educational clinical facilities to meet the needs of undergraduate and postgraduate students and provide comprehensive practical training.
8.
Organize scientific seminars and courses within the framework of continuing medical education to enhance academic and clinical skills.
9.
Provide specialized advisory and therapeutic services to patients through the consultation office, contributing to community service.
10.
Promote community engagement through field visits to schools and rural areas and raise health awareness among various community groups.
11.
Foster international academic openness through organizing workshops and training courses in collaboration with prestigious global universities and hosting international experts.
12.
Invite professors from advanced countries’ universities to deliver lectures and hold training workshops to elevate medical education and training standards.
13.
Establish specialized treatment units for patients with cleft lip and other units focused on orthognathic surgery to provide advanced medical care.
14.
Coordinate with city hospitals to offer advanced field training opportunities for postgraduate students in orthognathic surgery.
15.
Develop academic and technical human resources in alignment with sustainable development standards and quality education strategies.
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