Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)

Graduation Completion Requirements 

·       Successfully complete all academic requirements, including attendance.

·       Pass all courses in the BDS curriculum.

·       Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA (CGPA) of 2.00.

·       Complete at least 40 hours of community service.

·       Earn at least 50% of the total program credits at RAKMHSU.

·       Complete the required 201 credit hours for the BDS program (including General Education courses).

·       Clear all financial obligations to the university. Degree certificates and transcripts will be withheld until all dues are settled

Teaching and Learning Methods OR Teaching Learning Assessment Pedagogy

Enlist the main teaching and learning methods used in the program. Provide a short definition or description for each method to clarify how it contributes to student learning. These should align with the nature of the course (theoretical, practical, clinical) and the intended learning outcomes.

·       Interactive lectures for core theoretical concepts. Instructor-led sessions aimed at delivering foundational knowledge and theories

·       Small-group tutorials and discussions to promote critical thinking and deepen understanding of key concepts through guided problem-solving.

·       Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Case-Based Learning (CBL): Students learn through clinical scenarios that promote critical thinking, clinical reasoning, problem-solving, and the application of scientific knowledge to patient care.

·       Preclinical Laboratory Training: Students develop foundational clinical and psychomotor skills using simulation laboratories and dental mannequins before treating patients.

·       Clinical Training: Students provide supervised patient care in the university dental hospital, applying theoretical knowledge in real clinical settings while developing professional competence.

·       Demonstrations and Practical Sessions: Faculty-led demonstrations and hands-on practice help students master clinical techniques, procedures, and psychomotor skills.

·       Seminars and Student Presentations: Students present and discuss scientific topics to strengthen communication, teamwork, critical appraisal, and evidence-based practice skills.

·       Self-Directed Learning (SDL): Students independently identify learning needs, access relevant resources, and evaluate their progress to foster lifelong learning habits.

·       Research Projects and Literature Appraisal: Students engage in research activities and critically evaluate scientific literature to develop inquiry, analytical thinking, and evidence-based decision-making skills.

·       Community-Based Dental Education and Outreach: Students participate in community oral health programs that promote disease prevention, public health awareness, and social and professional responsibility.

·       E-Learning and Digital Learning Resources: The University’s Learning Management System (LMS) and other digital resources support blended learning by providing access to course materials, assessments, interactive content, and online collaboration.

Assessment Methods.

The assessment system at the RAK College of Dental Sciences (RAKCODS) is designed to evaluate students’ theoretical knowledge, clinical competence, professional behavior, communication skills, and critical thinking. The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program follows a combination of continuous assessment and final examinations to ensure comprehensive evaluation of student learning outcomes. The assessment framework emphasizes continuous learning, competency-based education, and the development of safe, ethical, and clinically competent dental professionals by integrating formative and summative assessment methods throughout the BDS program.

The major assessment methods used at RAKCODS include:

Continuous Assessment (CA): Continuous assessment contributes 60% of the total course grade and is conducted throughout the semester. It includes:

·       Quizzes

·       Written tests

·       Self-Directed Learning (SDL) activities

·       Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Case-Based Learning (CBL):

·       Assignments and presentations

Mid-Term Examinations: Mid-semester assessments evaluate students’ understanding of theoretical and practical concepts using:

·         Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

·         Objective Structured Practical Examinations (OSPE)

·         Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE)

Final Examinations: Comprehensive end-of-course examinations assess students’ overall knowledge and clinical competencies in both theory (MCQs), practical and clinical components. Final assessment contributes 40% of the total course grade.

Clinical Competency Assessment: Clinical skills are assessed through direct observation using standardized clinical assessment criteria. Students are evaluated on professional conduct, patient-centered care, communication skills, health promotion, and scientific knowledge. Unsatisfactory performance requires repetition of the clinical procedure within the specified period.

Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE): OSCEs are conducted at scheduled intervals to objectively assess clinical skills, diagnostic ability, patient management, and communication through standardized clinical stations.

Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE): OSPE evaluates practical laboratory skills and procedural competence in a structured and standardized format.