Prosthodontics

Prosthodontics is the specialty of dentistry pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance, and health of patients with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes.

The philosophy of this specialty programme is to produce an individual who has been trained to be an autonomous clinician capable of independent critical thought and exhibiting excellence in critical appraisal and clinical skills. It will provide the basis of further ongoing development within the field of Prosthodontics at Specialist level.

Treatment outcomes expected by a Prosthodontist include restoration of proper tooth form, function and esthetics while maintaining the physiological integrity of the teeth in harmonious relationship with the adjacent hard and soft tissues, all of which enhance the general health and welfare of the patient.​​


Duration and Outline of Training:

The Prosthodontics residency programme extends over four years, during which progressively increasing exposure and responsibilities will be given to the trainees.

Rotations are in accordance with College of Physicians and Surgeons, Pakistan.


On-call Duties and Reporting Time:

​On-call emergency room coverage would be provided by the dental service 24 hours, seven days a week on rotational basis under the overall supervision of on-call consultants. Residents are supposed to join the clinic at 8:45am.

Evaluation and Assessments Process:

The residents are continuously assessed for their performance by their supervising faculty. A written assessment form is completed by the faculty on quarterly basis and forwarded to the residents’ file and the programme director. In addition, there are quarterly exams of the residents in the following sequence:
  • TOACS Exam
  • Theory Exam
  • Clinical & Oral Exam
  • End of the Year Exam
  • PGME Generic & Specialty exam
  • Continuous assessment 
It is mandatory for the residents to appear and pass these exams before qualifying for the promotion. A table of specification is made to assess the domains of cognitive learning, psychomotor skills and attitudinal (affective) domains of learning. The objective is to train the future specialists that can serve as expert clinicians and dedicated teachers with willingness to become life- long learners.​


Research:

The residents are encouraged to familiarise themselves with research methodology and study designs. Towards the end of their first year, they are expected to have their own research projects lined up for which constant guidance and supervision is provided on one-to-one basis.  In addition to FCPS dissertation, each resident is expected to contribute one article every year to a reputable journal.  As mentioned earlier, the programme has the provision of delivering basic concepts of clinical research in a lecture format to the residents. The residents are made aware of the tools of epidemiology, biostatistics and medical writing and critical appraisal of dental literature. The residents are also encouraged to attend relevant research sessions and courses organised by PGME and CHS at Aga Khan University.  Most of these courses are financially supported by the PGME and department of Surgery. The faculty of dentistry provides mentorship to the residents by supervising them in their research work, refining the research question and improving the study methodology. Residents are encouraged and supported to attend national and international conferences for presenting papers.

Eligibility:

  • BDS or equivalent degree approved by the PMC, with minimum score of 55 per cent and above 
  • One year internship/house job in Dentistry
  • FCPS Part I in Dentistry
  • Previous experience not required
Positions will be advertised to invite applicants. An MCQ entrance test will be given and the shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview. Both test and interview will be critical in the selection process.  An attempt will be made to make a comprehensive evaluation to determine the candidate's academic p​otential and commitment to a demanding four-year programme.

The selection process is based purely on merit.



Goals & Objectives:

​Goals

The aims of four-year residency programme in Prosthodontics will be achieved by a logical series of small group seminars, literature reviews and practical sessions facilitated by specialist staff. It aims at providing cutting edge training in the area of poly specialty restorative dentistry. In addition to general tooth conservation procedures, this training programme encompasses disciplines of Removable-, Fixed-, Maxillofacial-Prosthodontics, TMD and dental occlusion.

The programme has been designed to enhance lifelong learning skills, aid in developing evidence-based practice and develop advanced clinical skills th​rough acquisition of research knowledge, skills and the production of a research project, facilitate further career development.

Objectives

At the completion of the four-year residency programme, our graduates will be able to:
  • Assess the patient properly, plan an inquiry strategy, interpret the results of those investigations and make an accurate diagnosis
  • Devise a comprehensive and realistic treatment plan
  • Have comprehensive understanding of infection control and cross infection
  • Execute the treatment plan to high treatment standards by performing restorative procedures independently and competently
  • Deal effectively and promptly with problems and complications which may be encountered during or after the treatment
  • Maintain a standardised dental record of all patients
  • Provide subsequent continuing care
  • Establish, organise and plan teaching facilities and programmes as training supervisors
  • Plan, conduct, publish and implement research in their field pertinent to the needs of their own community
  • Acquire new information, assess its utility and make appropriate application
  • Recognise the role of team work and function as an effective member/leader of the team
  • Advise the community on promoting dental health and preventing oral diseases
  • Train dental auxiliaries, dental hygiene students and other junior members of the dental team.

Scope after Graduation from the programme:

​Prosthodontics offers a unique training in Pakistan and is among the rare programmes which offer a hospital based training, helpful in learning the management of a variety of medically compromised patients.

The clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art dental equipment and operatories.  Easy access to a variety of latest books and journals in library and access to res​earch office assistance services is another added advantage very rarely found in other institutions.  This training will provide the residents a firm basis of knowledge to take the Part II fellowship examination in Prosthodontics, conducted by the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Pakistan.


Administrative Set-up:

Under the supervision of Chair of Surgery, the specialty of Prosthodontics has following faculty.

Programme Director:

Dr. Mohammad Taimur Khalid
Assistant Professor
Department of Surgery
​


Programme Officers:  
Ms. Marium Khan, Assistant Manager, Department of Surgery
Mr. Irfan Ibrahim, Associate, Department of Surgery


Positions Available:

Positions are available for induction cycle 2025