KARACHI: Dental splinting moved from classroom theory to hands-on learning as the Department of Periodontology at Hamdard University Dental Hospital organized a one-day practical workshop for third-year BDS Batch 26 students, using goat heads and mandibles as an experimental teaching model.
The workshop was designed to give undergraduate dental students practical exposure to splinting procedures while helping bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical application.
The activity focused on strengthening students’ clinical understanding, practical skills and confidence in performing dental splinting procedures under faculty guidance.
From theory to hands-on practice
The workshop began with a brief lecture introducing students to dental splints, followed by a short video presentation delivered by Dr. Amna Arsalan.
The academic introduction was then followed by the hands-on component, where students worked with goat head/mandible specimens as an experimental model to understand and practise the principles and techniques involved in dental splinting.
The practical session was facilitated by Prof. Syed Imran Hassan, Dr. Amna Arsalan, Dr. Bilal Ansari and Dr. Saad Ali, who guided the students throughout the activity.
The students demonstrated enthusiasm and motivation during the hands-on exercise, allowing them to translate concepts introduced during the lecture into practical learning under supervision.
Building confidence through practical dental education
For undergraduate dental students, hands-on activities can provide an important link between knowing a procedure theoretically and understanding how its individual steps come together in practice.
The Hamdard workshop was structured around that educational objective, giving Batch 26 students an opportunity to develop familiarity with dental splinting techniques in an experimental setting while receiving guidance from faculty members.
The use of a goat head/mandible model also provided an opportunity for students to engage with a practical simulation rather than limiting the session to lecture-based instruction.
Faculty leadership and academic support
Prof. Syed Imran Hassan, Head of the Department of Periodontology and Principal of Hamdard University Dental Hospital, provided administrative support for the workshop.
His guidance and facilitation contributed to the organization and execution of the educational activity, according to the organizers.
The workshop also incorporated an educational-evaluation component through the involvement of Dr. Hafsa Feroze from the Department of Dental Education.
Dr. Feroze contributed by developing the workshop’s learning objectives and collecting feedback from students. The feedback was intended to help evaluate the students’ learning experience and identify areas that could be improved in future hands-on educational activities.
Students complete practical learning cycle
The workshop concluded with the distribution of certificates to participating students, marking the completion of the undergraduate educational activity.
By combining an introductory lecture, video-based learning, supervised practical work and student feedback, the Department of Periodontology sought to create a more comprehensive learning experience around dental splinting.
The activity also reflects the growing importance of practical, skills-based teaching in undergraduate dental education, where students are increasingly exposed to structured opportunities to connect academic concepts with procedural learning.
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