29ปีแห่งความภูมิใจบัณฑิตของคณะทันตแพทย์ศาสตร์ธรรมศาสตร์

Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University: 29 Years of Public Spirit and Pride

Many people may recognize the Faculty of Dentistry at Thammasat University as the institute that produces highly skilled dental professionals. However, apart from the academic values that our faculty put into students and graduates, Public Spirit for Society is another significant core value that has stood out for the past 29 years. This commitment is embedded within the curriculum and aligned with the spirit of Thammasat University.

การเรียนการสอนที่ให้นักศึกษาได้เรียนรู้จากปัญหาจริงในชุมชน

The Beginning of the Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University and Its Mission For Society

The Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University, was established in 1996 as the seventh dental school in Thailand. Along with the universitys belief in the equality and the principle that everyone deserves the rights to access the oral healthcare, the faculty has defined four key missions that embody its commitment to society, as follows:

1. Producing graduates whose qualifications meet professional standards

The Faculty of Dentistry is committed to fostering critical and systematic thinking, nurturing sound judgment, and promoting the principle of lifelong learning. Our goal is to produce dental graduates who are not only professionally competent but also carry a strong public spirit and responsibility for the oral health of the community.

2. Academic Services

We share and expand knowledge through dental training programs that combine both theoretical and practical components for dentists. In addition, we collaborate with external organizations to improve the oral health of the public, aiming to elevate the standards of dental care in Thai society to ensure inclusivity and equality.

3. Oral Health Services

Comprehensive dental services are provided at the Student Dental Clinic of the Faculty of Dentistry, along with the Royal Dental Outreach Units and various proactive programs. These initiatives ensure inclusive and equitable access to oral healthcare for people in the communities.

4. Research and Innovation

Another important commitment of the faculty is to produce research and innovations that can be practically applied to address oral health problems in Thailand. The researches also serve as an evidence-based foundation for policy development, supporting the sustainable improvement of the national dental care system.

The concept of Community-Based Education in Dentistry at Thammasat University emphasizes learning through real-life experiences within community settings. Its goal is to deepen dental students understanding of the social, economic, and cultural factors influencing oral health, while enhancing their professional skills, communication, and leadership. Through direct participation in providing dental care services to local communities, students gain both competence and social responsibility.

This approach enables students to gain a holistic view of health problems and recognize their role as healthcare providers who genuinely respond to the needs of society. At the same time, it reinforces a sense of social responsibility, balanced with the continuous development of their professional skills.

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29 Years of Proud Social Contribution Projects

Throughout its 29-year journey, the Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University, has remained entrusted to the universitys core value: to produce dentists who are not only professionally competent but also socially responsible, committed to giving back to society. With this spirit, the faculty has consistently advanced a wide range of community projects, from providing dental services to developing research and innovations that promote better oral health. These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to social responsibility and our conviction that everyone deserves equitable access to high-quality dental care. The following are the community service projects that we have been most proud of over the past 29 years.

1. The Royal Dental Service

The Royal Dental Service Unit was established in 1999 under the royal initiative of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great (Rama IX), with the mission of providing equal access to oral healthcare. The unit has delivered free dental services both within and beyond local communities, reaching out to the general public, the underprivileged, and those living in remote areas. This initiative is driven by the belief that Good oral health is the foundation of a healthy quality of life.

2. Thammasat University Gerodontology and Special Care Dentistry (TUGS) Project

Another significant initiative is the Thammasat University Gerodontology and Special Care Dentistry (TUGS) centre, which serves as a collaborative dental centre for the elderly and individuals with special needs. The centre serves as a learning hub for dentists and healthcare professionals, offering training programs and study visits that enhance their capacity to care for these specific patient groups. It has also played a role in the establishment of the Thai Society for Gerodontology.

In addition to professional development, the project offers continuous dental care to the elderly, individuals with special needs, and vulnerable groups. In 2024, its mission expanded through collaboration with the Hire Me Please Project (The Mirror Foundation) to create a dedicated space for oral healthcare for homeless individualsrestoring smiles, rebuilding confidence, and creating opportunities for a better quality of life.

3. Prosthetic Eye Centre

We believe that everyone deserves a confident smileand that belief inspired the development of the Prosthetic Eye Center. The eyes play a vital role in reflecting ones confidence and identity. To support this, the Faculty of Dentistry has collaborated with the Specialized Ophthalmology Center at Thammasat University Hospital to provide free ocular prostheses, created by a team of expert dental instructors. Each prosthetic eye is carefully crafted to be realistic, aesthetically pleasing, and harmonized with the individual needs of every patient.

Join Us in Empowering Society with the Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University

For 29 years, the Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University, has stood firmly on the foundation of public spirit, driving dentistry to be more than just treatmentit is about delivering a better quality of life to Thai society with equity and inclusivity.

Whether you are an alumnus, a current student, a partner organization, or a member of the publicyou can be part of this collective force for good. Feel free to support us by contributing to dental education, student scholarships, student activities, and community projects through E-Donation at: https://www.dentistry.tu.ac.th/e-donation. pungkorn12