IADSR strengthens dentists' oral surgery skills through simulation-based goat-head workshop

LAHORE: The Institute of Advanced Dental Sciences and Research (IADSR) has conducted an advanced simulation-based oral surgery workshop, using goat-head models to provide practicing dentists with realistic, hands-on training in essential surgical techniques.

The practical training session was organized as part of the institute's 21st Professional Diploma in Advanced General Dentistry (PDAGD) programme and focused on enhancing participants' clinical competence in oral surgery through supervised simulation before patient-based practice.

The workshop was led by Prof. Hafiz Shakir, BDS, MCPS (Oral Surgery), MDS (Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery), an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon and academician, who guided participants through the principles and practical aspects of common oral surgical procedures.

The session opened with demonstrations on surgical suturing, covering wound closure principles, proper needle handling, selection of suture materials and the appropriate use of different suturing techniques in clinical practice. Participants then practiced these techniques under close supervision to improve precision, dexterity and confidence in intraoral wound management.

The training progressed to simulated surgical procedures using goat-head models, allowing participants to perform soft tissue handling, incision placement, wound management and suturing in an environment designed to closely replicate real clinical conditions.

The simulation-based approach enabled dentists to gain valuable tactile experience while refining tissue-handling skills, surgical judgment and procedural confidence in a controlled educational setting.

Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in interactive discussions on common clinical challenges encountered during oral surgery. Drawing on his extensive academic and clinical experience, Prof. Hafiz Shakir shared practical insights and evidence-based strategies for improving surgical decision-making and managing routine oral surgical cases.

By the end of the session, participants had strengthened their practical understanding of suturing, wound management and core oral surgery techniques essential for general dental practice.

IADSR said the workshop reflects its continued emphasis on competency-based continuing dental education, equipping dentists with practical, evidence-based skills that enhance clinical confidence and contribute to safer, higher-quality patient care.