History
In 2002, a four-year postgraduate residency programme in Operative Dentistry - Endodontics was initiated under the leadership of Dr Ninette Banday and Dr Munawar Rahman, as programme director and associate programme director, respectively. The next year, a second 4-year residency programme in Orthodontics followed under the mentorship of Dr Mubassar Fida. Thus, began an era of postgraduate training, academics and research in Dentistry at AKU.
From the year 1985 to 1992, the two operatory dental clinics remained situated in the consulting clinic area. From 1993 to 2012, the number of operatories increased from two to seven with major development in that era with the establishment of a fully commissioned dental laboratory; the credit of which goes to the vision of the dental section head, Dr Azfar Siddiqui, and a generous endowment from Mr Aziz Shariff. Moreover, two fully functional dental operatories were established in Clifton Medical Services building in 2004 and by 2013, the clinic expanded from seven operatories to 16 operatories. The major development of this era is the establishment of in-house radiology support in the form of panoramic imaging, cephalometry and CBCT imaging.
A two-year undergraduate program for Diploma Dental Hygiene was established in the university in 2015 under the leadership and initiative of Dr Saida Rasul, and Dr Munawar Rahman. Later, Ms Karima Bapu, Dr Sabrina Heglund and Ms Salima AliBhai joined as course directors for this programme. The strength of that programme was strong clinical support from a full-time Periodontist, Dr Ali Sadiq.
In 2020, the third four-year postgraduate residency programme in Prosthodontics was established under the patronage of Dr Syed Murtaza Raza Kazmi and Taimur Khalid. The residency programme in the discipline of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery is a work in progress.
Teaching
Medical
Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene
Currently, an Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene degree is being offered at Aga Khan University, Pakistan. Dental faculties are Course Directors and teach ASDH programmes both in the classroom and clinical area along with their clinical practices. To read more on the ASDH click on the mentioned link: ASDH Programme.
Residents
Three residency programmes are being offered at the Section of Dentistry.
Operative Dentistry
Operative Dentistry deals with the art and science of the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of the defects of teeth. Treatment outcomes expected by an operative dentist include restoration of proper tooth form, function, and aesthetics 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.
The four-year residency programme in Operative Dentistry aims at providing cutting-edge training in poly speciality restorative dentistry. In addition to general tooth conservation procedures, this training programme encompasses disciplines of Endodontics, Fixed Prosthodontics, and Periodontics. Operative dentistry residency programme.
Orthodontics
Operative Dentistry deals with the art and science of the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of defects of teeth. Treatment outcomes expected by an operative dentist include restoration of proper tooth form, function, and aesthetics 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.
The four-year residency programme in Operative Dentistry aims at providing cutting-edge training in poly speciality restorative dentistry. In addition to general tooth conservation procedures, this training programme encompasses disciplines of Endodontics, Fixed Prosthodontics, and Periodontics.
Prosthodontics
Upon completing the study, the resident is eligible for the FCPS examination by the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan. The goal of the residency is to provide a high level of training in the full scope of operative dentistry and orthodontics and to ensure the development of skilled dentists capable of offering comprehensive dental care of the highest quality.
Observership Program in Dentistry
The Observership Program at Aga Khan University Hospital's Dental Clinics offers a structured educational opportunity for dental students and young dentists to observe and learn from experienced practitioners in a clinical setting.This program provides a valuable learning experience for dental students, residents, and practicing dentists seeking to expand their knowledge and skills in specific areas of dentistry. Participants, known as Observers, will spend their time shadowing dental consultants from various disciplines, gaining meaningful and well-directed observational experience in both clinical and classroom settings, including the academic sessions of our postgraduate programs.
Observers will have the opportunity to witness a wide range of dental procedures and specialties, such as:
- Prosthodontics
- Operative Dentistry and Endodontics
- Periodontics
- Orthodontics
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Dental Laboratory Procedures
Throughout the program, Observers will also interact with residents enrolled in different specialties, further enriching their understanding of the various disciplines within dentistry.
