Dental Public Health discipline focuses on oral health education, community preventive programs and oral health promotion. It combines knowledge of oral disease etiology and preventive dentistry to allow planning and implementation of preventive dentistry programs for individuals and for population groups. A basic knowledge of dental research methods, information on tools to plan, implement and report an empirical study, planning and implementation of oral health programs in conjunction with the community or other health professionals are also dealt with. Ethical requirements and medico-legal obligations are introduced as a guide for students to ensure adherence to ethical and legal standards of patient care. Dental care for special groups, such as institutionalized and non-institutionalized handicapped persons, are also highlighted in these courses.
Orthodontics is the oldest specialty in dentistry, and covers all necessary processes and routines associated with diagnosis and treatment of malocclusions. Didactic orthodontic teaching at the undergraduate level focuses on growth of the jaws, development of occlusion, contributions of adverse growth patterns to development of malocclusion, effects of orthodontic forces on the teeth and the jaws, need for orthodontic treatment, timing of orthodontic treatment, mode of action of different types of orthodontic appliances, outcomes of different types of treatment, including those that require multidisciplinary interventions for successful results, as well as different types of adverse effects. Clinical teaching is limited to appropriate referral routines for cases in need of comprehensive care and active care of patients with limited treatment needs.
Pediatric Dentistry being an interdisciplinary subject, integrates and requires knowledge in different aspects and fields of dentistry. Recognition of the pediatric patient as a growing individual and theoretical knowledge of the somatic and mental development of the child patient as they relate to management of children in the dental clinic is emphasized. Genetic basis, developmental parameters, clinical presentation and management of dentofacial anomalies and diseases in children, didactic and clinical education on early recognition, diagnosis and management of minor occlusal problems in children are also addressed. Courses also provide the opportunity for the students to be involved in the clinical management of hospital-based child patients requiring oral and dental management. Students are taught to provide comprehensive dental care to both normal and disabled children in a normal dental setting, including the use of minor sedation techniques.