KARACHI: Behind every successful dentist stands a trained team that keeps the clinic running smoothly. Yet across Pakistan, one of the most overlooked pillars of dental healthcare remains the dental auxiliary workforce.
Now, a new initiative aims to change that.
In a step that could help strengthen the clinical backbone of dental practices, the Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine (AIDM) has officially launched its Dental Surgery Assistant (DSA) Program, designed to train skilled dental support professionals who can enhance efficiency, safety, and quality of care in dental clinics.
Addressing a silent gap in dental healthcare
While dentists often remain in the spotlight, modern dentistry increasingly depends on well-trained assistants who manage clinical workflows, infection control, chairside procedures, and patient coordination.
Recognizing this critical need, AIDM has introduced the DSA program to develop a structured pathway for training dental surgery assistants, ensuring that dental clinics and hospitals are supported by competent auxiliary staff.
The initiative is being led by Dr. Zia Abbas, Director of the Dental Auxiliary Program, whose efforts have been central to the design, development, and implementation of the training curriculum.
Institutional leadership backs the initiative
The launch of the program received strong institutional backing from the leadership of the institute.
Prof. Dr. Hasnain Sakrani, Principal of Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine, and Prof. Dr. Naseer Ahmed, Vice Principal AIDM, extended their full support to the initiative, recognising the importance of developing a professional auxiliary workforce to support modern dental practice.
Ensuring academic integrity and educational quality, the program is being guided under the academic oversight of Dr. Shaur Sarfaraz, Director Medical Education and Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC).
Their combined efforts aim to ensure that the training program meets high educational standards and responds to the evolving needs of dental healthcare delivery.
Visionary leadership behind the program
The establishment of the Dental Surgery Assistant program also reflects the broader institutional vision of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Altamash, President of AIDM.
Under his leadership, the institute has consistently focused on expanding dental education and professional training opportunities, with the goal of strengthening Pakistan’s healthcare workforce.
His commitment to forward-looking education and workforce development continues to guide AIDM’s mission of advancing excellence in dental education and clinical training.
Why dental assistants matter more than ever
Globally, dental healthcare systems increasingly rely on trained assistants to ensure efficient patient care, infection control, and smooth clinical operations.
In Pakistan, however, structured training programs for dental assistants have remained limited.
Experts believe initiatives like the AIDM Dental Surgery Assistant program can help bridge this gap by creating trained support professionals who enhance productivity, improve patient experience, and allow dentists to focus more effectively on clinical care.
As dentistry continues to evolve with advanced technologies and complex procedures, the role of the dental surgery assistant is rapidly becoming indispensable.
The launch of this program therefore signals not just a new academic offering, but a step toward strengthening the entire ecosystem of dental healthcare in Pakistan.
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