Undergraduate Studies

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)

PROGRAMME DETAILS

The Faculty of Dentistry at USIM conducts a five-year undergraduate educational programme leading to the degree of Bachelor of Dental Surgery. Successful candidates shall be awarded the degree BDS (USIM). The curriculum uses an outcome-based approach to education and student assessment. This five-year programme is divided into two phases. The Basic Science Phase (Phase I) consists of the first and second years while the next three years are considered as the Clinical Phase (Phase II). The basic science phase is designed to equip students with a strong foundation and understanding of basic medical and dental science subjects before entering the clinical phase. Whilst the Clinical Phase (Phase II) is most important in that the educational activities are organised so that they are able to apply the knowledge and skills in the clinical set-up.

Objectives of the Programme

The Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) produces graduates who are:

• Scientifically knowledgeable and technically competence and biologically orientated for safe and independent practice of dentistry;
• Professionally accountable, ethically responsible and exhibit Islamic conduct and values in provision of oral health care;
• Socially sensitive by demonstrating respect for dignity of patients, other individuals, colleagues and other health care professionals without prejudice to socio-economic status, ethnicity,  language, culture and religion;
• Effective team members and leaders of dental teams in the provision of oral health care for individuals and community; and
• Continually striving to update knowledge and skills in contributing to oral health of patient and progress of ummah.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the five-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programme at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), students are able to:

• Apply basic medical and clinical sciences to ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment of patients;
• Carry out specific treatment interventions required to prevent, restore or maintain patient’s oral health;
• Apply critical thinking and problem solving while providing the oral health care of patients;
• Demonstrate appropriate communication skills with patients, their families, colleagues and other health   care professionals for effective delivery and promotion of oral health;
• Demonstrate respect of patients and colleagues, and sensitive to issues of the community;
• Source information for continuing professional development for quality oral health care to patients and community;
• Manage dental practice effectively and efficiently;
• Conduct practice of dentistry in a professional manner with consideration of ethical and legal responsibilities as well as universal Islamic values; and
• Demonstrate leadership and teamwork skills with colleagues and other oral health personnel in the delivery of oral health care.