DUHS integrates digital technologies into dental education for future-ready professionals

KARACHI: The Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) is making significant strides in the advancement of digital dental education, reinforcing its commitment to innovation in line with its 2027 strategic goals. At the forefront of this transformation is the School of Dental Care Professionals (SDCP), which is actively working to integrate emerging digital technologies into the curriculum, clinical training, and overall dental education infrastructure.

In alignment with DUHS's vision to promote excellence and pioneering advancements in healthcare education, SDCP is not just focused on upgrading its infrastructure but also on transforming the way dental allied health programs are delivered. The university aims to provide students with hands-on experience in digital tools, preparing them for the evolving landscape of modern dentistry.

Curriculum reforms: Students lead the way

A key part of this transformation involves student engagement in shaping the curriculum. In a recent interactive academic session, third-year and final-year students from the BS Dental Hygiene and BS Dental Technology programs were invited to co-create the future of their dental education. The session focused on the integration of digital dental technologies into their studies, with a particular emphasis on preparing students for the new age of dentistry.

Final-year students played a central role in the discussion, offering practical, experience-based feedback on the current curriculum and highlighting the need for more hands-on training. They stressed that equipping future dental professionals with advanced digital skills would help enhance clinical competence, improve patient care, and make them more competitive in the workforce.

Addressing gaps, proposing digital solutions

The BS Dental Hygiene students raised crucial concerns regarding Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the challenges that many communities face in accessing quality oral healthcare. They proposed several technology-driven solutions that could address these gaps, including:

• AI-assisted dental screening tools for early detection of oral diseases.

• Digital saliva scanning systems that would help in preventive diagnostics.

• Integrated digital clinical logbooks for accurate tracking of patient histories, facilitating continuous care.

These innovative proposals highlight the importance of digital health solutions in improving the delivery of oral healthcare, particularly for underserved communities.

Embracing advanced technology in dental laboratories

Meanwhile, BS Dental Technology students pushed for cutting-edge laboratory training to meet the demands of modern dental technology. They emphasized the need for exposure to:

• 3D-printed denture bases to develop practical skills in digital prosthetics.

• The integration of CAD CAM (Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing) systems to enhance the efficiency and precision of dental laboratories.

• A curriculum that incorporates digital workflows to help students meet the evolving demands of both clinical and laboratory dental practices.

By aligning their training with the latest technological advancements, students are being prepared to become industry-ready professionals who can seamlessly integrate digital systems into their future careers.

Leadership commitment to modernizing education

At the conclusion of the session, Prof. Dr. Ambrina Qureshi, Principal and Chairperson of the Department of Community & Preventive Dentistry, underscored the significance of curriculum co-creation in driving innovation and preparing students for the future. She emphasized that the student-led feedback would be instrumental in modernizing SDCP's curriculum, reinforcing DUHS's commitment to delivering world-class education that adapts to emerging technologies.

Prof. Qureshi also noted that the ongoing digital reforms would help SDCP provide students with the tools and knowledge necessary to become leaders in the field of dental care, ensuring that they are well-equipped to handle the demands of modern dental practices and improving patient care outcomes.

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Conclusion

As DUHS continues its drive to enhance dental education through digital integration, the SDCP’s proactive approach in involving students in curriculum reforms ensures that future professionals are well-prepared for the rapid advancements in dental technologies. The inclusion of digital dentistry in the curriculum promises to create a new generation of dental professionals who will be able to deliver cutting-edge care with a focus on efficiency, accuracy, and patient-centered care. This shift is not just a step forward for the university but for the future of dentistry in Pakistan.