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Dental education in Kuwait
1Faculty of Dentistry, Health Sciences Center, Kuwait University, Kuwait. jawadbeh@hsc.kuniv.edu.kw
Summary
Kuwait established its first dental school in 1998, admitting students to a new 6.5-year curriculum in 2001. This program emphasizes evidence-based and community-based learning to promote oral health in Kuwait.
Area of Science:
- Dental Education
- Public Health
- Kuwait
Background:
- The need for a national dental school in Kuwait was driven by a predominantly expatriate dental workforce.
- An Amiri decree in 1996 paved the way for establishing a dental faculty at Kuwait University.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a dedicated dental faculty and curriculum in Kuwait to address national oral health needs.
- To integrate modern educational approaches into dental training.
Main Methods:
- Development of a comprehensive 6.5-year dental curriculum following two years of committee work.
- Curriculum design incorporated evidence-based and community-based learning methodologies.
- Focus on problem-solving and outcome-based learning through comprehensive patient care.
Main Results:
- The Kuwait University Faculty of Dentistry was established, admitting its first students in 1998.
- A novel 6.5-year dental curriculum was approved by the University Council in 2001.
- The curriculum was designed to meet contemporary standards in dental education.
Conclusions:
- The establishment of the Faculty of Dentistry marks a significant step in advancing oral health in Kuwait.
- The new curriculum aims to produce competent dental professionals equipped with modern skills.
- The faculty is committed to promoting oral health through education, research, and community engagement.