Department of General Medicine
The Department of General Medicine provides essential training to III Year BDS students, equipping them with the knowledge to address medical needs that may arise in dental patients. Located within the same campus as the dental school, the department offers BDS students access to a wide range of medical cases and treatment options at the Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences, one of the largest departments on campus.
With over 20,000 patient visits annually, including both inpatients and outpatients, the General Medicine department is committed to providing comprehensive care using the latest medical advances. The department also conducts community outreach through health camps, focusing on conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma, allowing students to experience preventive and public health practices firsthand.
Clinical Training for BDS Students
For III Year BDS students, the department organizes weekly clinical postings, totaling 3 hours per week. During these sessions, students are introduced to a broad spectrum of medical conditions and learn essential management principles for various diseases that may impact dental care.
Core Medical Topics Covered
The curriculum for III Year BDS students includes an array of topics to give them a solid foundation in general medicine:
Preventive Health and Infectious Diseases
- Acute and chronic infections
- HIV and tuberculosis
Metabolic Disorders
- Diabetes melli
- Hypertension
- Dyslipidemia
- Obesity
Endocrine Disorders
- Osteoporosis
- Other common endocrine dysfunctions
Respiratory Disorders
- Acute and chronic respiratory infections
- Occupational lung disease
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Cardiovascular Disorders
- Rheumatic heart disease
- Coronary heart disease
Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Acid peptic disease
- Acute and chronic gastrointestinal infections
- Liver diseases
Nutritional Disorderss
- Anemia
- Vitamin and trace element deficiencies
Women’s Health and Adult Vaccination
- Special health concerns for women
- Importance and scheduling of adult vaccinations
Community Health Camps and Public Health Exposure
The Department of General Medicine actively participates in community health camps, which provide vital screening services for various health conditions, including:
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- Diabetes: Blood sugar testing and education on managing diabetes.
- Hypertension: Blood pressure screening and lifestyle modification advice.
- Respiratory Health: Screenings for asthma and other respiratory issues.
These outreach programs not only benefit the community but also provide students with real-world experience in preventive healthcare, early diagnosis, and patient education.
Through its comprehensive curriculum, patient care services, and community outreach, the Department of General Medicine provides BDS students with essential training in general medical knowledge, preparing them to manage medical complexities in dental patients. This foundational medical education ensures that students can deliver holistic, patient-centered care in their dental practice.
