LAHORE: Pediatric dentistry took centre stage at the Institute of Advanced Dental Sciences and Research (IADSR), where dentists participating in the 21st Professional Diploma in Advanced General Dentistry (PDAGD) underwent an intensive hands-on workshop designed to strengthen the clinical skills required for treating children.
The one-day workshop focused exclusively on pediatric dentistry—an uncommon feature in continuing dental education programmes—allowing participants to spend an entire day mastering diagnosis, treatment planning and practical clinical procedures under the guidance of an experienced specialist.
The workshop was facilitated by Prof. Dr. Arham Nawaz Chohan, Professor of Pediatric Dentistry at CMH Lahore, who combined evidence-based lectures with supervised practical exercises to bridge the gap between theory and clinical application.
Why treatment planning comes before treatment
The session opened with an in-depth discussion on the examination and treatment planning of pediatric dental patients.
Prof. Dr. Arham Nawaz Chohan explained why successful pediatric dentistry begins with careful diagnosis rather than immediate intervention. He discussed the advantages of structured treatment planning while highlighting the clinical risks and limitations associated with treating young patients without a comprehensive plan.
Participants also explored the key principles influencing treatment planning, including patient age, behavioural assessment, disease severity and long-term oral health outcomes.
Managing young patients beyond the dental chair
A major focus of the workshop was helping dentists understand the unique behavioural and clinical challenges involved in treating children.
Prof. Dr. Arham Nawaz Chohan delivered interactive sessions on behavioural management techniques, appropriate antibiotic use in pediatric patients and strategies for improving cooperation during dental procedures.
The discussion emphasized patient-centred care while balancing clinical effectiveness with child comfort and safety.
Hands-on training strengthens clinical confidence
The highlight of the programme came during the practical sessions, where participants performed posterior stainless steel crowns and anterior strip crowns on typhodont models under direct faculty supervision.
As participants completed each procedure, Prof. Dr. Arham Nawaz Chohan provided real-time guidance, corrected technical errors and addressed complications encountered during restorative treatment.
The supervised simulation enabled dentists to refine their manual skills and improve procedural accuracy before translating these techniques into clinical practice.
From pulp therapy to dental trauma
The workshop extended well beyond restorative procedures, covering several essential topics in modern pediatric dentistry.
Participants received comprehensive instruction on:
• Pulp therapy in primary dentition, from diagnosis to treatment
• Pulp therapy for young permanent teeth
• Trauma management in both primary and permanent dentition
• Apexogenesis and apexification
• Space management in children
• Complications of pulpotomy in primary molars
• Reattachment of fractured tooth fragments
• Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) pulpotomy
• Safe administration of local anesthesia in pediatric patients
The role of radiography in primary dentition
Prevention and management of iatrogenic cases in pediatric dentistry
The interactive discussions encouraged participants to analyse real-world clinical scenarios while strengthening evidence-based decision-making.
Advancing competency through continuing dental education
The workshop concluded after successfully achieving its intended learning objectives, with participants enhancing both their theoretical understanding and practical competence in pediatric dentistry.
By dedicating an entire day to one of dentistry's most specialised disciplines, IADSR reinforced its commitment to competency-based continuing dental education and hands-on clinical training.
As pediatric oral healthcare continues to evolve, workshops like these equip practicing dentists with the confidence, knowledge and technical skills needed to deliver safer, more predictable and child-friendly dental care.
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