Sri Lankan dental expert visits Dow Dental College to explore AI and academic collaboration

KARACHI: In a significant academic exchange under the Pak-Sri Lanka Higher Education Commission Cooperation Program, Professor Chantha Jayawardena, a distinguished faculty member from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, visited Dow Dental College (DDC), a constituent institute of the Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), Karachi.

Professor Jayawardena, known for her contributions to dental education and research, spent two days at DDC, engaging with faculty, students, and administrative staff. Her visit emphasized mutual learning, the integration of artificial intelligence in dentistry, and the promotion of academic innovation across borders.

A deep dive into teaching and training at DDC

During her campus tour, Professor Jayawardena visited several departments, including academic and clinical units, medical teaching facilities, and the research laboratory. She examined teaching methodologies, clinical protocols, and student evaluation tools, expressing appreciation for DDC’s focus on individual attention, logbook-based assessment, and hands-on preclinical training.

She engaged in meaningful discussions about:

• Faculty workload distribution
• Practical training in preclinical dentistry
• Use of modern teaching aids and digital tools
• Challenges faced by dental educators in South Asia

Her exchange of insights with DDC faculty shed light on the shared educational hurdles and opportunities faced by dental institutions in both Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

AI in dental education: A forward-looking lecture

A major highlight of her visit was her lecture titled “Use of AI for Teaching and Research in Dentistry.” The presentation attracted wide interest from students and faculty alike, sparking thought-provoking conversations about AI integration in dental education and clinical decision-making.

Professor Jayawardena emphasized the need for a pedagogical shift towards:

• Analytical and critical thinking skills
• Encouraging meaningful learning over rote memorization
• Preparing future dentists for an AI-driven professional landscape

This session aligned with global educational trends and highlighted DUHS’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of tech-enabled dental science.

Visit to government-supported healthcare

Facilitated by Professors Shajahan Katpar and Naresh Kumar, Professor Jayawardena also visited the Maxillofacial Surgery Ward at the Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Institute of Trauma (SMBBIT). She observed patient care systems provided free of cost by the Government of Sindh and praised the quality of services and infrastructure.

Strengthening regional collaboration

The visit concluded with a shared resolve to develop future academic and research collaborations between DUHS and the University of Peradeniya. The interaction demonstrated the importance of regional cooperation in health sciences, especially in areas of shared expertise and innovation.

This academic initiative aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 4 – Quality Education
• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

The visit by Professor Chantha Jayawardena not only enhanced academic dialogue but also positioned DUHS as a leading institution driving regional partnerships, educational reform, and AI-led dental innovation.