Standing L – R:- Dr Sarah Sheikh, Dr Fatima Aftab Toor
Sitting L – R:- Dr Owais Nasim, Prof. Salman Aziz, Prof. Samir Riaz Qazi , Maj Gen Prof. Dr. Nadeem Fazal (R), HI (M), TI (M), Dr Usman Ashraf, Dr Maham Taj
Introduction
Science of dental materials deals with the natural oral tissues (Dentin, Enamel, cementum, bone, and soft tissues) and biocompatible synthetic biomaterials (metal alloys, ceramics, resin composites, dental cements, dental silver amalgam etc.) which are used to restore decayed, fractured, damaged and missing teeth. The fundamental principles of science of dental materials includes various scientific fields like physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. The aim of science of dental materials curriculum is students should be able to know and understand; The chemistry of dental biomaterials used in clinical and community setups. Handling and manipulation of various dental materials. Chemical and biological interaction with human tissues. Clinical applications. Safety and biocompatibility of dental biomaterials. Better understanding of dental biomaterials to deliver optimal clinical services for community. Throughout this course, the curriculum is designed in such a way that the knowledge and aptitude in students is developed by conducting hands-on sessions, tutorials, and small group discussions to develop a better understanding of dental materials used in preventive, restorative, prosthetic and various other fields of dentistry. The rationale of this in-depth knowledge and understanding among students is necessary for optimal selection of dental biomaterials to excel in the field of dentistry and to predict the clinical performance, behavior and causes of failure of direct and indirect restorations in clinical practice and community services. In addition to lectures and practical sessions, small group discussions, tutorials and presentations are used to develop the sense of competence in students. Students are encouraged to take part in research, oral and poster competitions both at national and international level under the supervision of competent faculty members to have better opportunities to pursue postgraduate qualifications in local and foreign universities. The competencies acquired by the students are assessed by means of objective structured practical examination (OSPE), written examination, oral examination, and internal evaluations.
Head of Department
Welcome to the Department of Dental Materials at the Institute of Dentistry, CMH Lahore Medical College. I am proud to lead a discipline that forms the very foundation of modern clinical practice, bridging basic materials science with restorative and preventive dentistry. Our department is committed to equipping future dentists with a deep understanding of how materials interact with the oral environment, from ceramics and composites to metals and polymers. Through a blend of rigorous theoretical instruction and hands-on laboratory training, we ensure our students not only master current technologies but also develop the critical thinking needed to evaluate emerging innovations. As materials evolve, so does patient care; our goal is to produce graduates who choose and manipulate dental materials with precision, safety, and long-term success in mind. I invite you to explore our labs, engage with our passionate faculty, and discover how the science of materials transforms smiles, one evidence-based decision at a time.
