White coat ceremony: Only one dental surgeon for over 10,000 people in Pakistan

As new students enroll in dentistry, speakers lament of shortage of dentists in country .

KARACHI: Shortage of dentists in the country and lack of awareness of oral heath were among the topics highlighted at the 8th white coat ceremony of Fatima Jinnah Dental College on Friday.

Only one dental surgeon is available for over 10,000 people in Pakistan, said Ziauddin University’s vice chancellor, Prof. Dr Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui. Considering the shortage of dentists and surgeons in Pakistan, the government’s health programme can only be successful if doctors are prepared to face the increasing challenges.  “Developing soft skills, such as communication and updating knowledge through group discussions, along with other social interaction abilities are essential for doctors,” said Dr Syed Hussain Askary, the academic director at the college. “Since the current education system is not meeting the requirements of medical students, it is left to professional institutions to cover the gap.”

Fatima Jinnah Dental College, which inducted its 21st batch of students on Friday, was established in 1992 and is run by the Fatima Jinnah Dental College and Hospital Trust. Among the degrees offered at the institute are Bachelor of Dental Sciences, MS, MPhil and PhD.

The college is affiliated with the Karachi University and is recognised by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council. The post-graduate programmes offered at the institute are approved by the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan.

“There is an increasing need for oral-heath awareness in the country,” stressed Dr Yawar Ali Abidi, head of surgical dentistry at Dow Medial University. “Habits among masses are leading to higher risk of oral-health problems.”



Student Salman Ahmed felt that the white coat ceremony at the beginning of the session increases one’s responsibility towards studies. “The condition of healthcare facilities in the country is at its lowest level but it also means there is room for growth and opportunities.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 29^th, 2012.