Public Health Dentistry Dental

Overview

The Department of Public Health Dentistry at SMIDS is dedicated to undergraduate students .The subject is taught in the third year and final year with special emphasis on the concept of prevention. The students are trained in Research Methodology and topics of vital importance like Ethics, Dental finance and Jurisprudence. Interns attend dental camps and perform initial screening examinations. They are sensitised to specific needs of a variety of patient population. Our outreach programmes have been categorised as 1).Sree Mookambika Intense learning and Empowerment programme (SMILE) catering to people with special needs and economically deprived communities. 2) Sree Mookambika Children Oral Care Programme (SCOPE) which is basically a preventive school health programme 3.) Sree Mookambika Awareness and Referral Tooth Programme (SMART) through which dental screening and treatment camps are conducted. Another initiative of the department is the Tobacco Cessation Centre where Tobacco cessation counselling is provided to patients who want to quit tobacco usage.

Dr.Joe Joseph MDS

Professor and HOD

Objectives & Focus

Aims to improve community oral health by focusing on prevention, education, and disease control rather than just individual treatment. Its primary objectives include ensuring equitable access to care for underserved populations, conducting oral health surveillance through epidemiology, and formulating public health policies.

Key objectives of Public Health Dentistry include:

Disease Prevention and Health Promotion: Implementing programs to prevent dental diseases (e.g., water fluoridation) and promoting oral hygiene practices.

Access to Care:

Ensuring that dental services, particularly preventative care, are accessible to all, especially underserved or rural populations.

Community Oral Health Assessment:

Utilizing epidemiological methods to survey oral health needs, identify risks, and evaluate the effectiveness of programs.

Oral Health Education:

Educating the public to empower individuals to manage their own oral health.

Policy Development:

Creating, implementing, and evaluating oral health policies to improve community health standards.

Faculties :

NAME	Designation
Dr.Joe Joseph MDS	Professor and HOD
Dr. Manoj Kumar MDS	Lecturer
Dr.Vemalin Preminda BDS	Lecturer

1. PROCEDURE

Basic general dentistry in the department
Basic procedures in peripheral centers
Screening in outreach programs

2. SPECIALITY SERVICES

General dentistry in the department and basic dental procedures in the peripheral centers and outreach programs.

3. TEACHING PROGRAMME

The public health dentistry (PHD) teaching program for final-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students at The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University is a mandatory, clinical-based, and theoretical curriculum focused on epidemiology, preventive dentistry, and oral health advocacy. The program emphasizes rural outreach, school-based health initiatives, and community dentistry to address oral health issues at the grassroots level.
Key Aspects of the Final Year Public Health Dentistry Program:
Curriculum Focus:
The curriculum includes the study of dental epidemiology, biostatistics, survey methodology, health education, school dental health, and the management of comprehensive oral healthcare programs.
Clinical and Field Programs:
Field Visits/Camps:
Regular rural dental health care programs and school-based dental clinics are mandatory to provide experience in community-based oral health promotion.
Health Education:
Students participate in dental health advocacy and literacy campaigns.
Practical Requirements:
- Oral Health Indices:
Training in the application of various indices (e.g., WHO Oral Health Assessment Form).
Preventive Procedures:
Application of topical fluorides, pit and fissure sealants, and oral prophylaxis in community settings.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures, small group discussions, seminars, and field demonstrations.
Final Year Exam:
Public Health Dentistry is one of the key subjects in the final year BDS exam, which includes a theory paper and a clinical/practical examination.
Academic Requirements:
As per Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University regulations, students must meet strict attendance requirements (90% in theory and practicals) to appear for the final examination.
The program follows guidelines from the Dental Council of India to prepare students for comprehensive community oral health care