Community Dentistry
Community Dentistry, also known as Public Health Dentistry, focuses on the promotion of oral health and the prevention of dental diseases at a population level. It offers a range of public-centered dental services aimed at improving oral health outcomes in communities, especially among underserved and vulnerable populations.
Bachelor
Bachelor of dental surgery: 5 and half year
Community dentistry focuses in promoting public health and addressing dental health issues at a population level. Community dentistry involves community exposure through field posting, health posts visits, oral health education and screening camps. Providing services to the community through outreach postings.
Masters
Community Dentistry
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Conducting awareness programs in schools, communities, and workplaces.
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Promoting good oral hygiene practices through demonstrations and educational materials.
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Counseling on diet, tobacco cessation, and oral hygiene habits.
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Application of fluoride varnish and fluoride mouth rinses.
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Pit and fissure sealants for children.
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Oral prophylaxis (teeth cleaning) to prevent gum diseases.
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Regular dental check-ups for school children.
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Oral health screenings and preventive care.
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Dental health education tailored for young age groups.
In Community Dentistry, “Special Case of the Month” often highlights unique or impactful cases encountered during outreach programs, school screenings, or public health initiatives. These cases are selected to raise awareness, enhance learning, and demonstrate the real-world importance of early diagnosis, preventive care, and community engagement.
Here are examples of special cases that might be featured in a month by a Community Dentistry department:
🦷 1. Early Detection of Oral Cancer in a Tobacco User
Summary:
During a rural screening camp, a 52-year-old male with a history of chewing tobacco presented with a non-healing ulcer on the buccal
mucosa.
Significance:
Early referral led to diagnosis of Stage I oral cancer, highlighting the life-saving impact of regular community screenings.
🧒 2. Rampant Caries in a School-aged Child
Summary:
A 6-year-old child was identified with multiple untreated carious lesions during a school dental health check-up.
Significance:
Case emphasized the need for early preventive care, parental education, and the importance of school-based oral health programs.
👩🦽 3. Geriatric Patient with Neglected Oral Hygiene
Summary:
An 80-year-old woman in a community elder-care facility was found with severe periodontal disease and tooth mobility.
Significance:
Demonstrated the necessity of integrating oral care into geriatric health services and training caregivers in basic oral hygiene.
👨 4. Fluorosis Case in a High-Fluoride Zone
Summary:
A 14-year-old boy exhibited brown staining and enamel pitting consistent with dental fluorosis due to high natural fluoride in drinking water.
Significance:
Stressed the importance of water quality monitoring and the role of community dentistry in public health advocacy.