The academic content and curriculum of the Oral and Dental Health Associate Degree Program aims to provide students with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of dental health. The curriculum of this program generally consists of basic health sciences and courses specific to dental health.
In the first year of the program, students usually take courses in basic health sciences. These courses include basic sciences such as Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Pathology. These courses provide students with a general knowledge of the human body, the basic mechanisms of diseases and microorganisms.
Moving into the second year, more specific and applied courses come to the fore. In this period, students take courses specific to dental health such as Dental Anatomy and Morphology, Periodontology, Pedodontics, Endodontics, Prosthodontics. These courses cover topics such as the structure of teeth, oral and dental diseases, treatment methods and dental health care.
The program may also include courses such as Dental Radiology and First Aid in Dentistry. The Dental Radiology course is designed to develop skills in taking and interpreting radiographs of teeth and jaws. The First Aid in Dentistry course teaches how to perform necessary interventions in emergency situations.
Practical applications are an important part of the program. Students put the theoretical knowledge they have learned into practice through laboratory work and clinical applications. These applications include dental modeling, basic dental treatments and oral care techniques.
Internships are another important component of the program. Students do internships in dental clinics, hospitals or other healthcare organizations, usually in their final year of study. These internships give students real-world experience and help them find jobs after graduation.
To summarize, the curriculum of the Oral and Dental Health Associate Degree Program offers students a comprehensive education in both basic health sciences and subjects specific to dental health. The aim of the program is to train competent, knowledgeable and skilled professionals in the field of dental health by combining theoretical knowledge and practical skills.