AIDM introduces dental surgery assistant training to strengthen Pakistan’s dental clinics

KARACHI: As dental practices in Pakistan continue to modernize, the need for trained support staff is becoming increasingly critical. Recognizing this growing demand, the Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine (AIDM) has launched a Dental Surgery Assistant (DSA) Program, aimed at developing skilled professionals who can support dentists and improve the efficiency of dental clinics.

Dental assistants play a vital role in contemporary dentistry. From assisting during procedures and maintaining infection control protocols to managing instruments and coordinating patient flow, they are essential members of the clinical team. Despite their importance, structured training opportunities for dental assistants in Pakistan have remained limited.

The newly introduced program at AIDM seeks to address this gap by creating a formal pathway for individuals interested in becoming qualified dental surgery assistants. Through structured training and practical exposure, the initiative aims to equip participants with the technical knowledge and clinical skills needed to support dental teams effectively.

The program is being spearheaded by Dr. Zia Abbas, Director of the Dental Auxiliary Program, who has played a key role in designing and implementing the curriculum. His work focuses on ensuring that trainees receive practical, hands-on instruction aligned with the real-world needs of dental practices.

Institutional leadership has strongly supported the launch of the program. Prof. Dr. Hasnain Sakrani, Principal of AIDM, and Prof. Dr. Naseer Ahmed, Vice Principal, have endorsed the initiative as part of the institute’s broader efforts to strengthen the dental workforce in Pakistan.

Academic oversight and quality assurance for the program are being provided by Dr. Shaur Sarfaraz, Director Medical Education and the Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC), who is supervising the academic framework to ensure that training standards remain consistent and relevant.

The initiative also reflects the long-term vision of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Altamash, President of AIDM. Under his leadership, the institute has emphasized expanding educational opportunities that contribute to the development of Pakistan’s healthcare workforce.

Globally, dental assistants are recognized as indispensable members of the dental team. Their presence allows dentists to perform procedures more efficiently, enhances infection control practices, and improves overall patient experience.

Experts believe that programs like AIDM’s Dental Surgery Assistant training could play an important role in strengthening dental care delivery in Pakistan by producing competent auxiliary staff who can support the growing demands of modern dentistry.

With dentistry increasingly adopting advanced technologies and more complex clinical procedures, trained dental assistants are expected to become an essential component of dental healthcare teams. The launch of the DSA program therefore marks a step toward building a stronger and more structured support system for dental practices across the country.