CURRICULUM OF THE PRIMARY, PART I AND PART II EXAMINATIONS IN DENTAL

PRIMARY EXAMINATIONS
A pass at the primary examination is regarded as entry requirement into the Residency training programme.
OBJECTIVES.
To broaden the candidate’s knowledge in Basic Medical and Dental Sciences and to determine the preparedness of the candidate for postgraduate Residency training.
Candidates for the Primary Fellowship examinations are expected to have adequate knowledge of the Basic Medical and Dental Sciences. These areas include:

General Physiology
Body homeostasis – water, electrolyte, acid-base metabolism and regulation.
Endocrine, structure and function of the nervous system.
Principles of human nutrition
Respiratory system, oxygen, energy supply, transportation and utilization.
Cardiovascular system, haemodynamics, structure and function of blood.
Structure and function of the genitor-urinary system.
Structure and function of the gastro-intestinal system.
General anatomy including histology and embryology – with special emphasis on the head and neck region Human anatomy-applied and surgical basis.
Embryology- including congenital malformations of Oro-facial region, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular, respiratory, musculo-skeletal, genitor-urinary and central nervous systems.
Osteology and musculo-skeletal system.
General Pathology (including microbiology and virology in relation to Dentistry).
Cellular and histopathology
Microbiology
Virology
Chemical pathology
Heamatology
Immunology
Oncology
Pharmacology
The basic principles of pharmacology of Drugs used in anaesthesia & analgesics
The basic principles of pharmacology of Antimicrobials and chemotherapeutics
Drugs acting on the cardiovascular, genito-urinary, respiratory and gastro-intestinal systems.
Cancer chemotherapeutics and immuno-suppressive drugs.
Oral Biology
Oral histology and dental anatomy, and cytology.
Oral Physiology-including structure and function of saliva.
Physiological chemistry Carbohydrates, Lipids, Amino acids, Proteins.
Porphyrins and Bile pigments.
Protein synthesis, Enzymes
Metabolism of Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, and Amino Acids, Purines and Pyrimidines.


FORMAT OF THE PRIMARY EXAMINATION
The Primary examination consists of 3 parts:
One and half-hour multiple-choice questions paper.
One 3-hour essay questions paper
Three oral (viva-voce) examinations, each in Anatomy, Pathology and Physiology.
In order to pass the primary examination, the candidate must pass in all 3 parts of the examination, and obtain at least 50% of the overall score in each of the 3 parts of the examination.

JUNIOR RESIDENCY TRAINING
PART I EXAMINATIONS
There shall be a Residency programme in Dental Surgery to prepare candidates for the Part I examination. The Residency prograrnrne shall be done in hospitals recognized (accredited) by the Faculty and College. Candidates must have passed the primary examination in basic medical and dental science or been exempted there-from.
OBJECTIVES:
The aim of the junior Residency programme is to train the Resident to acquire relevant competencies for routine management of all common oral health conditions at a level higher than that of the house officer. The Resident should be able to recognize the limit of his/her proficiency and make appropriate referrals. The Resident should be able to make use of the library and information technology in clinical presentations, seminars, etc., and provide primary oral health care at various level of the health delivery system. Throughout the Residency training programme, the Resident is expected to be exposed to, and actively participate in seminars, group discussions, lectures, and clinico-pathological conferences and research.
The Part I examination may be taken anytime after completion of the prescribed 24 months (2 years) rotation. Evidence of rotation through these specialties must be produced and vetted by the training institution before approval is granted to trainees to take the examination. Presentation of a log book is therefore mandatory (obtainable form the College Secretariat).
The trainee shall spend a minimum period of 24 months of rotation through the following specialties:
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery - 4 months
Restorative Dentistry - 4 months
Child Oral Health - 4 months
Preventive Dentistry - 3 months
Oral Pathology - 2months
Medicine - 3months
Surgery - 2 months
Ear, Nose & Throat - 1month
Anaesthesia - 1month
Total - 24 months
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

During the posting, the resident is expected to acquire competence in history-taking, examination, making logical impressions, determination of relevant investigations and definitive diagnosis. The procedures that the resident is expected to perform include the following: excision of gingival epulis, small cysts, impacted third molars and malposed teeth, removal of retained roots, incision and drainage of abscess, closure of small oro-facial fistulae, minor frenectomies, manual reduction of TMJ dislocation, alveoloplasty, closed reduction of mandibular fractures, post operative and follow up care.
Restorative Dentistry [Conservation and Prostodontics].
During this posting, the resident is expected to have a broad clinical exposure to all aspects of Restorative Dentistry. The resident should acquire appropriate competence in simple restorations such as amalgam and composite fillings, inlays, crowns and bridges, endodontics, removable prostheses, maxillofacial and cleft palate prostheses, occlusion, implants and science of dental materials. The resident is expected to perform procedures relevant to achieve the desired level of competence.

Child Oral Health
[Paedodontics and Orthodontics] Paedodontics
At the end of this posting, the resident is expected to acquire a higher level of competence in Children’s dentistry. The resident should be able to make a comprehensive treatment plan for any child including the handicapped, recognize the indications for use of local, regional and general anaesthesia. During this period, the resident is expected to perform the following procedure on children: Root canal therapy on anterior teeth, acid-etch restorations, acrylic and porcelain jacket crowns, stainless steel crowns, pulpotomies, pulpectomies, complete management of fractured incisors, application of fissure sealants, topical fluoride, routine exodontias, fabrication of cast core gold posts.

Orthodontics
The resident is expected to:
Know the principles of the practice of orthodontics, be conversant with basic orthodontic instruments, and be aware of the general and specific indications for common orthodontic procedures and associated complications. Diagnose and make appropriate treatment plan for simple orthodontic problems and take adequate care of orthodontic emergencies.
Trace and analyze cephalometric radiographs. Perform Orthodontic treatment with simple orthodontic appliances. 4. Preventive Dentistry [Periodontology, Community Oral Health, Oral Medicine] Periodontology At completion of this posting, the resident should be competent to: Know the biology of the periodontium, the diseases of the periodontium and their etiology. Diagnose and treat diseases of the periodontal tissues Know the different methods for the prevention of periodontal diseases. Understand and interpret indices for the assessment of periodontal diseases. Community Oral Health After this posting, the resident should understand: The basic principles of community oral health and its application to the community. Public health administration, planning and organization of health services. Implementation of epidemiological procedures relevant to oral diseases, especially caries and periodontal diseases. The various methods for the prevention of oral diseases and their application. Appropriate dietary counseling relevant to preventive oral health. Oral health research methods. Oral Medicine/Oral Radiology. By the end of this posting, the resident should recognize and manage diseases of the oral and facial region. The resident should be able to: Diagnose and treat common oro-facial diseases. Recognize congenital abnormalities within the oro-facial region. Take and interpret intra-oral radiographs Interpret extra-oral radiographs particularly of the oro-facial region. Identify and recommend special investigations that may aid diagnoses. 5. Oral Pathology. After this posting, the resident is expected to: Know the pathology and patho-physiology of common oral diseases. Process and stain surgical specimen Participate in microscopic diagnosis of biopsies and interpretation of slides. Smear cytological specimen. Medicine By the end of this posting, the resident should be able to: Recognize and handle medical emergencies especially as may occur in dental practice. Recognize medical conditions of relevance in the practice of dentistry. Surgery The resident is expected to know: Pre-operative management of surgical emergencies. Initial investigations and resuscitation and make appropriate referrals. Ear, Nose & Throat After this posting, the resident should acquire knowledge in: Common diseases of the Ear, Nose & Throat. Tracheostomy Anaesthesia The resident is expected to acquire knowledge in: Endotracheal intubation Resuscitation. Use of common anaesthetic drugs. FORMAT FOR PART I EXAMINATIONS The examination shall consist of three parts: i) Written papers Paper I - MCQ (Multiple choice questions) covering all aspects of the prescribed specialties. Paper II - Essay examination of three hours duration covering preventive dentistry, restorative dentistry and child oral health. Paper III - Essay examination of three hours duration covering oral and maxillofacial surgery, medicine, surgery and related specialties. Only candidates who are successful in the written examination shall proceed to the practicals and oral examination. ii) Practicals. This shall consist of clinical procedures in any specialty as determined by the examiners. iii) Oral examination. This shall comprise of any, several or all the specialties. In order to pass the Part I examination, the candidate must pass in all parts of the examination and obtain at least 50% of the overall score in each of the parts of the examination. An integrated course in general dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery is arranged twice a year by the College (March/April and September/October) for candidates preparing for Part I examination. It is imperative that candidates attend these courses. SENIOR RESIDENCY TRAINING PART II FINAL EXAMINATIONS Candidates must have passed the Part I examination to qualify for Part II residency training. OBJECTIVES The candidate for Part II FWACS training is expected to acquire competence in the chosen specialty, in teaching and research and health services management. He is expected to acquire competence to the level of a specialist/consultant in his chosen field. The Part II (final) FWACS training program covers a period of 24 months. The Part II examination may be taken anytime after completion of the prescribed 24 months (2 years). The senior resident is expected to have chosen an area of specialization in Dental Surgery and the training will focus on this chosen specialty. Areas of specialization are: Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Conservative Dentistry Prosthodontics Paedodontics Orthodontics Periodontology Oral Pathology Community Oral Health Oral Medicine 1. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery By the end of the posting in this discipline the senior resident is expected to acquire complete competence in surgical procedures and the management of the following: Surgical emergencies, especially severe facial trauma, severe facial cellulites. Mandibulectomy Maxillectomy Tracheostomy Orthognatic and reconstructive surgery Reduction and immobilization of all types of jaw fractures, osteosynthesis. Simple rotation/advancement flaps Cleft lip and palate repair. Surgery of the TMJ: arthroplasty and release of ankylosis Cyst enucleation/excision Sequestrectomy, decortication and saucerization Surgery of the salivary glands Pre-prosthetic surgery Removal of impacted teeth Glossectomy. Conservative Dentistry. The resident is expected to acquire more advanced clinical skills and acquire mastery in conservation with emphasis on: Endodontics Crown and bridge work Implantology. Prosthodontics. The resident is expected to acquire more advanced clinical skills in prosthodontics with emphasis on: Full dentures Metallic partial dentures Immediate dentures Obturators Implants 4. Paedodontics After this posting, the senior resident is expected to acquire competence at the level of a specialist in the following procedures: Porcelain jacket crown, acrylic jacket crown, stainless steel crown and full veneer crown. Acid etch technique, temporary bridges and fissure sealant application. Pulpotomy and pulpectomy Use of minor orthodontic appliances Exodontia 5. Orthodontics The resident is expected to have adequate exposure to acquire high level of competence in the specialty and this includes: Diagnosis and treatment of all orthodontics problems using removable and fixed appliances. Class I,II and III malocclusions, Cleft lip and palate Incisor bite Interdisciplinary management of appropriate cases. 6. Periodontology By the end of this posting, the senior resident should be able to design and conduct periodontal surveys as well as acquire high level of performance in periodontal surgery. This includes: Subgingival curettage Gingivectomy and gingivoplasty Gingival flap operations 7. Oral Pathology After this posting, the senior resident should be proficient and be able to: Understand the scientific principles of surgical oral pathology, general pathology practice, oral microbiology, histochemical procedures, preparation and interpretation of frozen section and fine needle aspiration biopsy. Interpretation of cytological smears. perform autopsy interpret special stains 8. Community Oral Health After this posting, the senior resident should be able to: Collect, process, interpret epidemiological data and apply the findings in community oral health planning Understand and apply the general principle of epidemiology in relation to oral diseases. Apply topical fluorides and fissure sealants for the prevention of caries. Carry out effective clinical plaque control Plan oral health manpower requirement Administer public oral health programme Utilize oral health auxiliaries effectively in the delivery of primary oral health care. 9. Oral Medicine After this posting, the senior resident should have adequate proficiency to be able to: Perform comprehensive management of patients with common oral soft tissue lesions. Conduct simple epidemiological surveys of common oral disease and statistically analyze and interpret the data collected. Dissertation and Case Book. The senior resident shall present a dissertation or a case book. The purpose is to expose the candidate to research methods and problem solving approach. The candidate may not be expected to make new discoveries in the research; however the candidate is expected to demonstrate satisfactory competence in research and problem solving. The dissertation should demonstrate the experience of the resident in the management of clinical problems and practical competence in the chosen area. It should also reflect the ability of the candidate to clearly define the research problem, the aims and objectives and critically review the literature. The methodology should be appropriate to achieve the goals and data generated should be properly analyzed using relevant statistical tools when appropriate, to obtain results, discuss the findings and make logical conclusions. FORMAT FOR PART II EXAMINATIONS This examination shall consist of two parts. (a) There shall be a presentation of a dissertation on a previously approved topic. The topic may be a clinical study, epidemiological survey or series of case reports (case book) as relevant to the specialty of the candidate. The dissertation will be evaluated by examiners. If satisfactory, the candidate will proceed to the Part (b) stage of the examination. (b) This will consist of oral examinations at an advanced level concentrated mainly on the candidates' specialty and shall include discussion of the dissertation (case book) presented by the candidate and overview in medicine and dentistry. Presentation and evaluation of Resident Logbook is mandatory. In order to pass the Part II examination, the candidate must satisfy the examiners in all Parts of the examination, including evaluation of the Resident Logbook. .