LAHORE: Treating children is often one of the most challenging aspects of dental practice—requiring not just clinical expertise, but also behavioral understanding, precision, and decision-making under pressure. Recognizing this complexity, the Institute of Advanced Dental Sciences and Research (IADSR) recently conducted a focused, one-day hands-on workshop on pediatric dentistry.
Held under the umbrella of the 20th Professional Diploma in Advanced General Dentistry (PDAGD), the workshop was designed to address a critical gap in dental training: the ability to confidently translate theoretical knowledge into real clinical practice when dealing with pediatric patients.
Expert-led learning rooted in real clinical experience
The workshop was facilitated by Dr Arham Nawaz Chohan, Professor of Pediatric Dentistry at CMH Lahore, who brought a strong clinical perspective to the session. Rather than limiting the discussion to textbook concepts, he focused on practical realities that dentists encounter in everyday pediatric cases.
A major portion of the session centered on examination and treatment planning—an area often underestimated but critical in pediatric dentistry. Dr Arham emphasized how working without a structured plan can lead to complications, and guided participants through the principles that shape effective, safe, and patient-centered decision-making.
Behavioral management, a defining aspect of pediatric care, was also discussed in depth, along with the careful and rational use of antibiotics in children—topics that directly influence treatment outcomes.
Hands-on exposure turns knowledge into confidence
What truly elevated the workshop was its strong emphasis on hands-on training. Participants were not just passive listeners; they actively performed key procedures under supervision, allowing them to translate theory into action.
Procedures such as stainless steel crowns and anterior strip crowns were practiced on typhodonts, with continuous guidance from the facilitator. Every challenge faced during these exercises was addressed in real time, creating a highly interactive and problem-solving oriented learning environment.
This practical exposure helped participants understand not only how procedures are performed, but how complications can be managed effectively in clinical settings.
Deep clinical insights into pulp therapy and trauma management
The session also offered a comprehensive exploration of pulp therapy in primary dentition, covering the entire spectrum from diagnosis to treatment execution. Participants were guided through clinical reasoning behind different treatment approaches, helping them understand when and why specific interventions are chosen.
As the session progressed, discussions expanded to include trauma in primary and permanent teeth, iatrogenic complications, and the role of radiography in pediatric cases—areas that often challenge young practitioners in real-life scenarios.
Advanced concepts shaping modern pediatric dentistry
To ensure a complete learning experience, the workshop also touched on advanced and evolving areas of pediatric dental care. These included:
• Apexogenesis and apexification
• Space management in children
• Complications of pulpotomy in primary molars
Related story: Hands-on workshop on facial and smile aesthetics held at IADSR
Rather than being treated as isolated topics, these were integrated into clinical context, helping participants connect theory with practical decision-making.
A meaningful shift in dental training approach
The workshop reflects a broader and much-needed shift in Pakistan’s dental education landscape—towards hands-on, clinically relevant, and skill-driven learning.
For many participants, the experience went beyond routine academic exposure. It offered clarity, corrected misconceptions, and built the confidence required to manage pediatric patients more effectively.
Strengthening the future of child dental care
As awareness around child oral health continues to grow, the need for well-trained practitioners becomes even more critical. Workshops like this not only enhance individual competence but also contribute to raising the overall standard of pediatric dental care in Pakistan.
By the end of the session, the workshop had successfully achieved its intended learning outcomes—leaving participants better prepared to handle the unique clinical and behavioral challenges that define pediatric dentistry.
Stay informed, stay ahead
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Dental News Pakistan on WhatsApp for real-time updates on healthcare, education, and public safety.
