Overview about the Establishment of the Department:

In 1426 A. H., the College of Dentistry was a branch of study next to other eight branches in the College of Applied Sciences. In 1428 A.H., the college's four departments were established as an independent college that teaches preventive treatment and orthodontics. In 1430 A.H., the college started working, and a number of male and female teaching assistants were appointed, in addition to a group of lecturers who had obtained higher certificates from Arab and international universities with diverse expertise, enriching the outcome of the education, research and medical services at the department.

The Department of Preventive Treatment and Orthodontics includes three divisions:

Preventive Treatment: This division is concerned with the teaching of the basics of tooth decay and its preventive methods, as well as the treatment which involve preparing teeth and placing direct restorative fillings. This is in addition to providing detailed information about the tools and materials used. In an advanced stage, the basics of cosmetic treatment and the methods of smile analysis are also taught, as well as the methods of developing treatment plans which require cooperation with the different specialties, to provide comprehensive clinical care.

Dental Nerves and Roots Treatment: This division is concerned with the basic biological sciences of the texture of the tissues inside the pulp of a tooth and the root. It also teaches the methods of diagnosing infections of tooth nerves and its treatment using advanced methods, or the re-treatment of failed cases. In an advanced stage, specialties included in comprehensive clinical care are taught within the courses.

Biomaterials: This division is concerned with the study of the characteristics and components of the biomaterials used in the different dental specialties. The courses of the division are taught in an integrative way with the other divisions and specialties.

Mission:

To upgrade the level of medical education and services, scientific research and community activities in the department by providing the students and the professionals with accurate education in dentistry. To prepare outstanding medical cadres in the field of dentistry, in general, and in the specializations of conservative treatment, cosmetic dentistry, dental nerve and root canal treatment, and dental biomaterials, in particular. This education is provided in line with the mission of the college and its different departments, which harness studies and scientific and applied research in qualifying the graduates to bear their responsibility towards the society.

Objectives:

1. Participating in the preparation and training of medical cadre with the highest level of professionalism, in line with the standards approved by the national and international commissions, to graduate highly qualified male and female physicians capable of starting work or joining postgraduate study programs.
2. Contributing to develop an evidence-based curriculum and to use modern educational strategies linking specialized theoretical sciences to clinical training and required life skills. This is in order to scientifically and practically develop the professional performance inside and outside the college.
3. Using modern and diverse assessment techniques concerned with measuring the learning outcomes in an accurate and practical manner depending on a number of practical and theoretical manifestations, and participating in panel discussions to settle the scientific problems of each educational stage.
4. Encouraging different patterns of education, including: self-learning, active learning, continuous learning, and all the scientific and social activities and events stimulating the educational process. This also includes active communication between the students and teachers inside and outside the department.
5. Ensuring the use of the latest technology equipment in the clinics and labs, and activating the electronic services and technologies used in education and assessment.
6. Introducing postgraduate study programs in line with the labor market needs with regard to training resident physicians enrolled in the programs of the college, which has been approved as an official training center by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCHS) and international universities.
7. Cooperating with the different departments of the college for the students to provide comprehensive clinical care for the patients. These students are trained under the direct supervision of specialized lecturers with high qualifications and diverse expertise.
8. The participation of the academic staff members in providing medical consultation and treatment. This is offered via the clinics specialized in providing treatment for the advanced cases in the fields of aesthetic and restorative dentistry, and the treatment of the nerves and roots of teeth.
9. Conducting laboratory and clinical research, and publishing them in the different local and international scientific journals. The research is carried out in such a manner which contributes to developing the methods of treatment, and innovating or improving the biomedical materials used.
10. Providing a work environment that stimulates constructive innovation and fruitful cooperation between the academic staff members and the administration in the department. This is achieved through the meetings of the divisions and councils of the department, which are held regularly to review the latest developments and achievements.

Values:

1. Showing commitment to Islamic ethics and values related to the medical profession.
2. Fulfilling the role of a dental practitioner in the work team to achieve a common vision.
3. Establishing the principle of "Prevention is better than cure".
4. Continuing to promote knowledge and skills in the field of specialization.
5. Serving the Makkan and the Saudi community as well as the pilgrims.
6. Employing techniques found in international references on treatment and research.