Dental Graduate Attributes

The dental graduates during training in the institutions should acquire adequate knowledge, necessary skills, and reasonable attitudes which are required for carrying out all activities appropriate to a general dental practice involving the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of anomalies and diseases of the teeth, mouth, jaws and associated tissues. The graduate also should understand the concept of community oral health education and be able to participate in the rural health care delivery programs existing in the country.

On graduation, a dental practitioner must be able to:

• demonstrate that patient safety is supreme in all decisions and actions
• demonstrate appropriate caring behavior towards patients and respect professional boundaries between themselves and patients.
• demonstrate that all interactions focus on the patient’s best interests and provide patient-centered care, respect patients’ dignity, rights, and choices
• recognize the importance of continuing dental education for all members of the dental team
• understand the ethical principles in dental practice
• understand State and National legislation relevant to practice as a dental practitioner

On graduation, a dental practitioner must be able to:

• communicate and engage with patients, patient’s families, and communities about oral health
• present clear information promptly regarding treatment options to be provided
• communicate with other health professionals involved in patient care
• engage in mentor/mentee activities and leadership within a healthcare team

• understand the scientific method and the role of research in advancing knowledge and clinical practice

On graduation, a dentist must be able to:

• understand the biomedical, physical, and behavioral sciences of oral health and disease
• understand the scientific principles and application of infection prevention and control
• understand the scientific basis, application, and risks of using ionizing radiation
• understand the scientific basis, application, limitations, and risks of using dental materials
• understand the principles of pharmacology, the risks, and limitations of using therapeutic agents

On graduation, a dentist must be able to:

• obtain and record a relevant history of the patient’s medical, social, and oral health status
• examine health, disease, and abnormalities of the dentition, mouth, and associated structures
• select necessary clinical, pathology, and other diagnostic procedures and interpret results
• take radiographs relevant to dental practice
• evaluate individual patient risk factors for oral disease
• maintain accurate, consistent records of patient management and protect patient privacy

On graduation, a dentist must be able to:

• diagnose disease or abnormalities of the dentition, mouth, and associated structures and identify conditions that require management
• determine the impact of risk factors, systemic disease, and medications on oral health and treatment planning
• formulate and record a comprehensive, patient-centered, evidence-based oral health treatment plan
• determine when and how to refer patients to the appropriate health professional
• obtain and record patient informed consent and financial consent for treatment

On graduation, a dentist must be able to:

• apply the principles of disease and trauma prevention and early intervention in the management of the dentition, mouth, and associated structures
• apply the principles of behavior management
• manage a patient’s anxiety and pain related to the dentition, mouth, and associated structures
• manage the surgical and non-surgical treatment of diseases and conditions of the periodontium and supporting tissues of the teeth or their replacements
• manage the surgical and non-surgical treatment of pulp and periapical diseases and conditions with endodontic treatment
• manage the loss of tooth structure by restoring the dentition with direct and indirect restorations
• utilize patient removable prostheses to rehabilitate, restore appearance and function, prevent injury, and stabilize the occlusion
• utilize fixed prostheses to rehabilitate, restore appearance and function, and stabilize the occlusion
• manage oral conditions, pathology, and medically related disorders and diseases associated with the dentition, mouth, and associated structures
• manage skeletal and dental occlusal discrepancies
• manage the removal of teeth and oral surgical procedures
• administer, apply, and/or prescribe pharmaceutical agents
• evaluate and monitor the progress of treatment and oral health outcomes
• manage dental emergencies
• manage medical emergencies