Dhaka Dental College: A Historical Overview and Program Guide

Dhaka Dental College (DDC), the premier dental institution in Bangladesh, holds a significant place in the history of dental education in the region. Established in 1961, it has grown from humble beginnings to become the largest dental school and hospital in the country. This article delves into the history of Dhaka Dental College, its academic programs, and its contributions to the field of dentistry in Bangladesh.

Early History and Establishment

The need for a dedicated dental college in the region was recognized long before its actual establishment. While the history of dental practices dates back millennia, the formalization of dental education in the Indian subcontinent began in the early 20th century. Prior to the establishment of Dhaka Dental College, dental treatment in Bangladesh was primarily carried out by untrained individuals.

The modern era of dentistry in Bangladesh was pioneered by Dr. Md. Fakhruzzaman, known as Dr. F. Zaman, and Dr. Abu Haider Sajedur Rahman, known as Dr. Mastana. Recognizing the lack of knowledge and awareness about oral health, Dr. F. Zaman discontinued his MBBS course to pursue dentistry at De'Montmorency College of Dentistry in Lahore, Pakistan. He returned to Dhaka in 1955 as the first qualified dentist in East Pakistan and established a private dental clinic. Dr. Mastana followed a similar path, becoming the first person to hold both an MBBS and a DDS degree.

Dr. F. Zaman played a crucial role in establishing Dhaka Dental College. The college's journey began in August 1961 with just six students in a small classroom at Dhaka Medical College. For the first three months, there were no qualified teachers until Dr. Mastana returned from Lahore and joined as a faculty member.

Evolution and Growth

Dhaka Dental College initially operated within the premises of Dhaka Medical College. The college did not have a building of its own at the beginning. The early years were marked by limited resources and a small number of students. However, the dedication of the faculty and the growing recognition of the importance of dental health led to its gradual expansion.

Over the years, Dhaka Dental College has experienced significant growth and development. Starting with a small classroom, the college now boasts a comprehensive campus with modern facilities. In 1998, a new and independent campus was inaugurated in Mirpur by the Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. By 2000, all departments had been shifted from the Dhaka Medical College premises to the new campus.

Today, Dhaka Dental College and Hospital (DDCH) stands as the largest dental educational institution in Bangladesh. The academic building is a five-story structure housing seven departments, a library, two clubs, three common rooms, and a canteen. The hospital is the largest dental hospital in Bangladesh, with a seven-story building and 200 beds.

Academic Programs

Dhaka Dental College offers a comprehensive range of academic programs in dentistry. The college is affiliated with Dhaka University for its undergraduate programs and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) for its postgraduate programs.

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)

The college offers a five-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) course under Dhaka University. The BDS program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the basic medical sciences and the clinical aspects of dentistry. During the four years of study at a Dental College, a student learns about all the basics of medical science such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, medicine, surgery, pathology etc. But the main speciality of Dentistry is that a student also studies the basics of this specialized subject e.g. Science of Dental Materials, Dental Pharmacology, Dental Public Health, Oral Anatomy, Periodontology and Oral Pathology, Endodontics, Paedodontics, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, Conservative Dentistry, Oral and maxillofacial Surgery etc.

The curriculum includes subjects such as:

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Anatomy
Physiology
Biochemistry
Dental Materials
Dental Pharmacology
Oral Anatomy
Periodontology
Oral Pathology
Endodontics
Paedodontics
Orthodontics
Prosthodontics
Conservative Dentistry
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Each year, Dhaka Dental College admits top applicants from all over the country through a competitive medical-dental college entrance examination. The top students get the opportunity to study at Dhaka Dental College.

Postgraduate Programs

Dhaka Dental College also offers MS courses affiliated with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). These postgraduate programs provide specialized training in various fields of dentistry. A student has to study 4 years for the B.D. S. (bachelor of Dentistry) degree. A B.D.S. Dental Surgeon is already a specialist medical professional. The profession of Dentistry has emerged as one of the smartest and highest paid jobs all over the world. The number of Dental Surgeons in Bangladesh is still pretty low. Only a handful of Dentists are trying to provide for a huge population. So it is the call of Country and Humanity that a student takes up this noble profession and offer his/her services as a Doctor to the society.

Contributions to Dental Education and Healthcare

Dhaka Dental College has played a pivotal role in advancing dental education and healthcare in Bangladesh. The college has produced thousands of qualified dentists who have made significant contributions to the field.

Pioneer in Dental Education

Dhaka Dental College was the first dental school in East Pakistan, paving the way for the development of dental education in the region. The college has set high standards for dental education and has served as a model for other dental institutions in the country.

Research and Innovation

Dhaka Dental College has been involved in research and innovation in various fields of dentistry. The faculty and students of the college have conducted research on oral health issues prevalent in Bangladesh and have developed innovative solutions to address these challenges.

Healthcare Services

The Dhaka Dental College Hospital provides comprehensive dental care services to patients from all over Bangladesh. The hospital is equipped with modern facilities and staffed by experienced dentists and support staff. It serves as a referral center for complex dental cases.

Dhaka Medical College: A brief overview

Dhaka Medical College (DMC), established on July 10, 1946, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is a renowned medical institution with a rich history. Originally a 200-bed field hospital for British Indian armed forces, it has evolved into a 2600-bedded tertiary-level hospital. The college's main building, constructed in 1904, initially served as the Secretariat office for Asham and the then three angel Prince of British Colonies.

DMC played a significant role in Bangladesh's democratic movements, including the 1952 Language Movement and the 1971 Liberation War. It serves as an academic hospital for Dhaka Medical College and Dhaka Nursing College, offering practical training in various disciplines.

The hospital provides a wide range of medical specialties and sub-specialties, along with modern investigation facilities. Key features include:

Unconditional admission for all patients
Provision of medicines and MSR
24/7 emergency and casualty operations
Round-the-clock investigation facilities
A specialized team for mass casualty management

DMC's journey began in 1946, marking a new era in medical education in Bangladesh. The original building, built before the partition of Bengal in 1905, was once the secretariat of East Bengal and Assam. It later became part of the University of Dhaka in 1921 and served as an American armed forces hospital during World War II.

Initially, Dhaka Medical College had only four departments: Medicine, Surgery, Gynecology, and Otolaryngology. Today, it has 42 departments offering MBBS and postgraduate courses. The MBBS program admits around 190 students annually, while postgraduate courses offer MD, M.Phil, and Diploma degrees in 42 disciplines, conducted by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University.

Dhaka Medical College has produced over 10,000 doctors who have significantly contributed to society. Its dormitory was central to the Language Movement from 1948 to 1952, and students sacrificed their lives for the cause. The Shaheed Minar for the Language Movement was established within the DMCH compound.

The college now includes a college building with an extension, an auditorium, a Nuclear Medicine Centre, dormitories, and burn units on approximately 25 acres of land. With 34 departments and 42 wards, 234 doctors, 140 interns, 560 nurses, and 1100 other staff members ensure 24-hour health services.

Private Dental Colleges and Institutes

In addition to Dhaka Dental College, several private dental colleges and institutes have been established in Bangladesh. These institutions have played a crucial role in increasing the number of dentists in the country and expanding access to dental care. Pioneer Dental College, City Dental College, and University Dental College were among the first private sector initiatives in this field. Despite various challenges, twelve non-government dental colleges are currently operating.

The Role of Dr. F. Zaman and Dr. Mastana

Dr. F. Zaman and Dr. Mastana were instrumental in shaping the landscape of dentistry in Bangladesh. Dr. F. Zaman's contributions to mass awareness building and generating interest in the dentistry profession were invaluable. His rural dental camps provided essential dental treatment and advice to ordinary people. Dr. Mastana, with his MBBS and DDS degrees, played a key role in the early years of Dhaka Dental College.

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