ODC provides an undergraduate programme of high standards, consisting of a five year academic BDS programme, preceded by a predental foundation year that follows contemporary approaches in international dental education in order to graduate and qualify competent dental surgeons who are able to commence independent practice as safe beginners on par with their international counterparts.
The ODC philosophy for its BDS programme is centred on the belief in having a stimulating, competency based student learning environment which is also adapted, where required, to suit the needs of the Sultanate of Oman.
The curriculum at ODC is designed to meet both the European and British academic and professional standards as specified by the Academic Affiliate, in keeping with the UK General Dental Council and the Association for Dental Education in Europe. This approach and structure to the BDS programme has been verified and endorsed by the College’s high level International Advisory Panel and Academic Affiliate.
BDS I
In BDS I students learn about the basic medical science subjects, encompassing Human Structure and Function, which include Biochemistry, General Anatomy & Histology and Physiology, with detailed teaching and learning in Head & Neck Anatomy, Embryology & Genetics. Students in BDS I also learn about Biostatistics, Entrepreneurship and an Introduction to Oral Biology and benefit from some reinforced English and Learning Skills teaching to complement their academic studies.
BDS II
In the preclinical second year, the Oral and Dental Biological Sciences, Dental Biomaterials Science and Preclinical Dentistry are extensively covered together with General Pathology & Microbiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics as well as the principles of Behavioural Sciences and Introductory Radiology. In Preclinical Dentistry there is emphasis on the student acquisition and development of clinical dental skills using patient simulators in the clinical skills laboratory supported by theoretical learning.
These preclinical components are intended to lead to a progressive understanding of the causes and mechanisms, clinical features, diagnoses and management of oral and dental diseases as well as the effects of systemic diseases on oral and dental tissues together with the importance of oral health promotion and oral disease prevention.
Successful completion of the preclinical aspects of the BDS programme is designed to provide a smooth and relatively seamless transition in preparation for the clinical part of the BDS programme.
BDS III
Clinical dentistry in BDS III is when students assume first direct responsibility for the care of patients under close supervision, learning how to perform a range of dental care and applying theory to clinical practice. The transition to patient care commences with an Introduction to Clinical Dentistry course at the start of BDS III in which pertinent health & safety processes, ethical considerations, communication skills are highlighted together with the achievement of several core clinical skills. Students in BDS III are also required to take and pass a Basic Life Support course.
During BDS III students additionally learn about Oral Pathology & Microbiology as well as the Human Diseases with respect to Dentistry and applied Biostatistics in order to apply learning in the clinical context.
BDS IV & V
The main emphasis in the last two years of the BDS programme is on clinical dentistry, including Dental Public Health, based on an holistic approach to the oral healthcare of adults and children. Students progressively become aware of the importance of health promotion, prevention together with the acquisition of diagnostic skills for the treatment care planning required as part of the clinical care of patients. They also gain an awareness of treating medically and physically compromised patients.
As clinical experience is gained, based upon ongoing theoretical knowledge and understanding, clinical dental skills are further developed such that students learn and undertake increasingly more complex and comprehensive patient care in preparation for beginning independent dental practice following the end of BDS V.
Throughout the BDS clinical programme there is emphasis on the interrelationship between the different dental specialties, horizontal and vertical integration of knowledge and skills which enable diagnosis and treatment planning with a view to providing total patient care and appreciation of continuing professional development.