Khon Kaen University - SDG Alignment for Master of Science Program in Dentistry

SDG Alignment for Master of Science Program in Dentistry

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Master of Science Program in Dentistry at Khon Kaen University is dedicated to developing highly competent dental specialists and researchers to advance the field of oral health. The program's core philosophy and objectives are deeply integrated with several key SDGs by equipping graduates to tackle pressing health challenges and drive innovation. Its primary focus on advanced clinical skills, disease prevention, and holistic patient care for diverse populations, including the elderly and those with special needs, directly contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). By fostering expertise in cutting-edge technologies like digital dentistry and advanced research methodologies, the program champions SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Furthermore, the curriculum’s emphasis on research, ethical professional conduct, and community-based projects positions it as a significant contributor to SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Its dedication to improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations also links it to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), highlighting the program's commitment to creating inclusive and healthy societies.

SDG Related to Course(s)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

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Alignment Summary: The program is a major contributor to good health by preparing dental specialists to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral diseases, which are often linked to overall systemic health. The curriculum includes advanced training in geriatric and special needs dentistry, oral health promotion, and the management of systemic diseases, directly supporting universal health coverage and the reduction of disease-related mortality[cite: 12382, 12125].

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
DT 328 102	Oral Health Promotion and Prevention of Oral Diseases for Children and Adolescents	Focuses on the prevention of oral diseases in young populations, aligning with Target 3.4 to reduce mortality from non-communicable diseases by promoting oral health from an early age[cite: 12113].
DT 347 201	Health Project Management in Community	Directly involves students in community health projects, fostering skills to manage health challenges at a local level and promoting public health (Target 3.B)[cite: 12177].
DT 347 404	Advanced Oral Health Promotion	Provides foundational knowledge in behavioral and social sciences to develop effective health promotion strategies for diverse populations, supporting Target 3.8 to achieve universal health coverage[cite: 12187].
DT 387 893	Seminar in Relationship between Periodontal Disease and Systemic Health	Addresses the critical link between oral and systemic diseases, directly supporting efforts to combat non-communicable diseases as part of a holistic approach to health (Target 3.4)[cite: 12296].
DT 307 102	Geriatric Medicine for Dentistry	Explicitly focuses on the medical and oral health needs of the aging population, contributing to Target 3.4 by addressing health issues in a specific, vulnerable demographic[cite: 12382].

SDG 4: Quality Education

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Alignment Summary: This program is a prime example of quality education. As a master's degree, it provides specialized training and research opportunities to cultivate the next generation of experts. The curriculum emphasizes lifelong learning, self-directed research, and the development of advanced professional skills necessary for high-level employment in the dental and health sciences fields[cite: 11865].

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
DT 347 401	Research Methodology in Dentistry	Equips students with essential research skills, directly supporting Target 4.4 by providing technical and professional knowledge for career advancement in dental science[cite: 12096].
DT 347 402	Biostatistics and Data Management	Teaches students how to analyze and manage data, a critical skill for modern research and evidence-based practice, thereby enhancing relevant technical skills for employment (Target 4.4)[cite: 12101].
DT 347 407	Evidence-based Dentistry	Promotes lifelong learning (Target 4.3) by teaching students how to critically appraise scientific literature and apply current evidence to clinical practice[cite: 12526].
DT 307 899	Thesis	The capstone research project requires students to conduct independent research, publish findings, and defend their work, representing a high level of academic and professional achievement in line with Target 4.3[cite: 12599].

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

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Alignment Summary: The program actively promotes innovation within the dental and health industries. It integrates modern technologies and research into its curriculum, preparing graduates to develop and implement new tools, techniques, and systems that improve service delivery and efficiency. The focus on digital dentistry and advanced diagnostics directly supports the technological upgrading of the healthcare infrastructure[cite: 11854].

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
DT 368 108	Digital Dentistry	This course trains students to use digital scanners and computer programs for dental treatment planning, promoting technological innovation and infrastructure in the healthcare industry (Target 9.B)[cite: 12558].
DT 347 402	Biostatistics and Data Management	By teaching data analysis and the use of computer programs, this course supports the development of a resilient and advanced healthcare infrastructure by enabling data-driven research and management (Target 9.B)[cite: 12101].

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

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Alignment Summary: The curriculum actively addresses inequalities by providing specialized training in caring for vulnerable and marginalized populations. It focuses on the dental needs of the elderly and patients with special needs, ensuring that all individuals have access to high-quality healthcare. By training professionals to work with these groups, the program helps to reduce disparities in health outcomes[cite: 12626].

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
DT 328 104	Dental Management for Children with Special Needs and Medically Compromised Children	Directly addresses Target 10.2 by preparing specialists to provide appropriate care for children who face barriers to accessing standard dental services[cite: 12125].
DT 307 104	Principles of Care for Special Needs and Medically Compromised Patients	Provides the foundational knowledge needed to care for patients with complex health issues, ensuring that no one is left behind in receiving necessary dental treatment (Target 10.2)[cite: 12399].
DT 307 105	Interdisciplinary Dental Treatment Planning in the Elderly Patients with Special Needs	Focuses on comprehensive and personalized care planning for the elderly and special needs populations, promoting equal opportunities and reducing inequalities in health access (Target 10.2)[cite: 12405].
DT 307 108	Therapeutic Activities for Elderly and Patients with Special Needs	Equips students with skills in occupational therapy to help elderly and special needs patients improve their daily living activities, supporting their well-being and social inclusion (Target 10.2)[cite: 12441].

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

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Alignment Summary: This program contributes to making communities sustainable by focusing on community health and improving the quality of life for the elderly. Through courses on dental public health and geriatric care, it prepares graduates to address the specific needs of urban and rural populations, ensuring that communities are more inclusive, safe, and resilient[cite: 12378, 12263].

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
DT 347 201	Health Project Management in Community	By training students to manage health projects in communities, this course helps to build sustainable, healthy, and resilient public health systems (Target 11.A)[cite: 12177].
DT 307 101	Family Dentistry	Promotes comprehensive primary care that integrates oral health into a holistic framework, emphasizing community-based care and the development of local caregivers (Target 11.A)[cite: 12378].
DT 307 892	Seminar in Geriatric Dentistry II	Focuses on applying knowledge to improve the quality of life for geriatric patients, contributing to inclusive, safe, and healthy urban and rural living environments (Target 11.3)[cite: 12437].

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

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Alignment Summary: The program fosters strong and ethical institutions by instilling a deep sense of professional responsibility and integrity in its graduates. Courses on professional ethics, legal standards, and quality management ensure that dental professionals uphold high standards of practice and contribute to transparent, accountable, and reliable healthcare systems[cite: 12168, 12176].

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
DT 347 101	Professional Ethics in Dentistry	Directly addresses ethical standards, legal problems, and professional responsibilities, which are foundational to building effective and accountable public institutions (Target 16.6)[cite: 12168].
DT 347 406	Dental Public Health Administration and Oral Health System	Focuses on the systematic planning, organization, and monitoring of dental public health, promoting effective and transparent governance within health institutions (Target 16.6)[cite: 12190].
DT 307 891	Seminar in Geriatric Dentistry I	Emphasizes teamwork and professional responsibility in geriatric care, reinforcing the importance of collaborative and accountable work environments (Target 16.7)[cite: 12433].

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

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Alignment Summary: The program is an exemplary model of partnerships for the goals. Its international focus, a master's-level curriculum, and emphasis on collaborative research and interdisciplinary teamwork prepare graduates to engage in multi-stakeholder partnerships at local and global levels[cite: 11858]. The program actively promotes the sharing of academic knowledge through seminars and research publication, a key component of strengthening global partnerships[cite: 12599].

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
DT 307 105	Interdisciplinary Dental Treatment Planning in the Elderly Patients with Special Needs	Focuses on interdisciplinary treatment planning and consultation, promoting collaboration with experts from various fields to achieve comprehensive patient care (Target 17.17)[cite: 12405].
DT 327 303	Advanced Pediatric Dental Clinic III	Requires clinical practice with interdisciplinary teams, such as cleft lip/palate teams, fostering real-world collaboration across different specializations to address complex health issues (Target 17.17)[cite: 12142].
DT 347 891	Seminar in Dental Public Health I	Involves collecting and analyzing academic information from various sources and presenting findings, which supports the international exchange of knowledge and best practices (Target 17.6)[cite: 12190].
DT 307 899	Thesis	Requires students to publish their research in national or international journals, thereby contributing to the global body of scientific knowledge and fostering partnerships for sustainable development (Target 17.6)[cite: 12599].