Beyond clinics: Why community dentistry is a national responsibility
KARACHI: Dentistry is often thought of as just clinics, fillings, and procedures. In the latest episode of the Dental News Podcast, Dr. Ambrina Qureshi, Professor of Community Dentistry at Dow University of Health Sciences and Principal of the School of Dental Care Professionals, DUHS, busts these myths and presents a vision of dentistry far beyond the clinic. She challenges the traditional mindset and establishes a role for dentists in shaping public health, policy, and preventive care — a perspective many have never considered.
Community dentistry: more than just classrooms
Dr. Ambrina explains that community dentistry links oral health with population-level outcomes, awareness campaigns, and systemic wellbeing. She also raises a provocative question: Are we teaching students too much theory and too little real-world impact? Her answer hints at a curriculum revolution. Don't miss to watch the full debate on Dental News Podcast.
When to teach community dentistry?
One of the most debated topics in dental education is when to teach community dentistry. Dr. Ambrina shares her rationale behind why the community dentistry should be taught from third year, connecting it to clinical readiness and meaningful learning. The complete reasoning, and how it could reshape student perspectives, is explained in the podcast itself.
Undergraduate vs postgraduate: a whole new scope
She touches on how postgraduate community dentistry opens doors to policy, program design, and international health initiatives — expanding the role of dentists beyond local communities.
Integrated learning, research that matters
Dr. Ambrina teases how an integrated curriculum linking oral and systemic health could transform dental education in Pakistan. She also suggests ways undergraduates can conduct research that actually impacts society.
A message for students, educators
For BDS students, postgraduate aspirants, and dental educators, Dr. Ambrina’s journey highlights mentorship, early motivation, and a focus on real-world impact. She emphasizes that community dentistry is not a fallback option but a leadership discipline — and the full story, including actionable insights and examples, is available only on the Dental News Pakistan YouTube channel.
You may watch Prof. Dr. Ambrina Qureshi's full podcast HERE.
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