Introduction

Since its establishment, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has pledged to raise the intellectual and educational level of the citizen, and has given great attention to the basic development in education and health care services, in particular: dental colleges, and this interest culminated in the establishment of a tripartite committee from: the Ministry of Planning, the Ministry of Finance and National Economy, and the Ministry Higher education by a proposed decision to establish the College of Dentistry in Dammam in 1405 AH - 1984 AD 

The approval of the Royal Decree No. 7/B/11155 was issued on 7/26/1415H ,14/12/2001G corresponding to 10/10/1423H with the consent of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. In 2009, Dammam campus of King Faisal University was separated, and an independent University of Dammam (UOD) was established. The College of Dentistry was included in the health cluster colleges of UOD. On 28/02/1438H (28/11/2016G), by the Royal Decree no. (29402), “University of Dammam” was renamed as “Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University” (IAU). The University is steadfast in its commitment to fulfilling the goals and developmental endeavors of the Kingdom, enshrined in its strategic plans and guided by the Kingdom Vision 2030. In the year 1422 / 1423H - 2001 / 2002G, the first batch of students was accepted, then the first batch of female students was accepted in the year 1432H/2011G to expand the circle of beneficiaries.  

College of Dentistry is the first Dental College in the Eastern Province and the third dental educational institution in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the time of its establishment. The College of Dentistry at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University fosters the dissemination of knowledge in all areas of dentistry, and promotes development in dental education, treatment, and research. This helps translate the values of the university from the theory to practice, utilizing the values in milieu of consensus among students, faculty, and professionals during the following years. 

Meanwhile, the BDS has undergone major reformation in 2016 in addition to consistent course revisions by COD auditors and external experts.

In 2017, the College of Dentistry launched its first postgraduate program, the Fellowship in Endodontics. This was subsequently followed by six additional programs: Fellowship in Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Orthodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Pediatric Dentistry, and Advanced Education in General Dentistry. 

In 2024, the College of Dentistry became the first among IAU colleges to receive full re-accreditation from the Education and Training Evaluation Commission (formerly the National Commission for Academic Accreditation and Assessment – NCAAA). The final site visit was conducted by an international panel of experts from December 17 to 21, 2023.

In 2025, the College of Dentistry achieved a significant milestone by ranking 18th globally and 1st locally in the QS World University Rankings by Subject.

Vision

To be recognized nationally and internationally for excellence in dental education, research, innovation and community partnership.

Mission

To promote oral health by graduating professionals recognized for serving the community through contemporary dental education, innovation, and research 

BDS Vision, Mission

Vision

To be a leading program providing student centered dental education fostering innovation, research and community outreach. 

Mission

To achieve outstanding professional quality in oral health by graduating dentists committed to serving the community and primed for lifelong learning, research and innovation. 

Goals

  • Goal 1: To ensure graduates will excel and lead the future of oral health.
  • Goal 2: To conduct research for the benefit of education, patient care, and scientific discovery.
  • Goal 3: To provide state-of-the art facilities for dental education and patient care.
  • Goal 4: To promote the oral health of the community at large.

Values

  • Integrity
  • Respect
  • Accountability
  • Empathy
  • Collaboration
  • Social Responsibility
  • Embracing Diversity

Graduates Attributes

In alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—to meet labor market demands, adopt best international practices, and equip graduates with essential 21st-century skills—Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU) has taken significant steps to enhance academic excellence and graduate preparedness. The Deanship of Academic Development, in collaboration with the academic community, has successfully established the University’s Graduate Attributes (GAs) to guide the development of learning outcomes and ensure graduates are future-ready. In support of this initiative, the Vice Deanship for Academic Affairs at the College of Dentistry has aligned the College’s Program Learning Objectives (PLOs) with the IAU Graduate Attributes. This achievement reflects the university’s commitment to its strategic goals, Saudi Vision 2023, and the standards set by the National Center for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation (NCAAA), reinforcing its dedication to graduate excellence and lifelong learning.

The College of Dentistry is committed to having all the College graduates achieve the following six attributes.

College of dentistry graduate attributes

  • Safe Practitioner: 
  1. Practices within the defined scope of dentistry and expertise as a member of a healthcare team.
  2. Actively contributes to the continuous improvement of health care quality and patient safety.
  • Professional:
  1. Demonstrates altruism towards patients and society by applying best practices and adhering to the ethical standards of the profession.
  2. Adheres to the local, regional, and international laws governing the health care practice.
  • Leader:
  1. Demonstrates leadership in professional practice by contributing towards the improvement of health care delivery in teams, organizations, and systems.
  2. Influences and engages others in developing processes, ideas or projects leading to potential entrepreneurships. 
  • Communicator:
  1. Establishes professional therapeutic relationships with patients and their families to provide patient-centered care.
  2. Collaborates with individuals, within teams and the community for improved health outcomes.
  3. Optimizes clinical decision-making and patient safety through clear documentation and referral in written and electronic format.
  • Lifelong learner:
  1. Engages in the continuous enhancement of their professional activities through ongoing learning and reflective practice
  2. Integrates best available evidence into practice
  3. Contributes to the creation and dissemination of knowledge and practices in healthcare
  • Advocate for Oral Health:
  1. Responds to an individual patient’s health needs and the needs of the communities or populations by advocating continuous quality improvement for disease prevention, health promotion and health surveillance activities.
  2. Demonstrates social responsibility and an understanding of the contribution of the profession, health services, society, and political influences towards the health outcomes of patients.