Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University: 29 Years of Excellence in Dental Education and Service to Society

Many people recognize the Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University as an institution that produces highly qualified dental professionals. Beyond academic excellence, however, a strong commitment to social responsibility has remained one of the faculty’s defining values throughout its 29-year history.

This commitment is deeply embedded in the curriculum and reflects the core philosophy of Thammasat University—promoting equality, public service, and meaningful contributions to society.

The Foundation of the Faculty of Dentistry and Its Commitment to Society

Established in 1996 as Thailand’s seventh dental school, the Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University was founded on the principles of equality and social responsibility. Guided by the belief that everyone deserves access to quality oral healthcare, the faculty has pursued four key missions that reflect its commitment to serving society.

1. Educating Competent and Socially Responsible Dental Professionals

The Faculty of Dentistry is committed to fostering critical thinking, sound clinical judgment, and lifelong learning. Our goal is to develop graduates who are not only professionally competent but also possess a strong sense of social responsibility and a commitment to improving the oral health of their communities.

2. Academic and Professional Services

The faculty promotes the advancement and dissemination of knowledge through continuing education programs, professional training courses, and collaborative initiatives. By working closely with external organizations and stakeholders, we contribute to improving oral health outcomes and advancing standards of dental care throughout Thailand.

3. Oral Healthcare Services

Comprehensive dental services are provided through the Faculty of Dentistry’s clinics, including the Student Dental Clinic, Royal Dental Outreach Units, and various community-based programs. These initiatives help ensure equitable and inclusive access to oral healthcare for people from all sectors of society.

4. Research and Innovation

Research and innovation are central to the faculty’s mission. We strive to generate new knowledge and develop practical innovations that address oral health challenges and improve the quality of dental care. Our research also provides evidence to support policy development and contributes to the sustainable advancement of Thailand’s oral healthcare system.

Community-Based Education

A distinctive feature of dental education at Thammasat University is its Community-Based Education approach. This model emphasizes experiential learning through direct engagement with communities and real-world healthcare settings.

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.

This experience enables students to develop a holistic perspective on healthcare and recognize their role as dental professionals who respond effectively to the needs of society. At the same time, it cultivates empathy, civic responsibility, and a lifelong commitment to serving the public.

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29 Years of Excellence, Service, and Social Responsibility

For 29 years, the Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University has remained committed to the university’s core values of excellence, social responsibility, and service to society. Beyond educating highly competent dental professionals, the faculty has continuously promoted initiatives that improve oral health and enhance the quality of life of communities across Thailand.

Through community outreach programs, public oral health services, and research-driven innovations, the faculty strives to ensure equitable access to quality dental care for all. The following initiatives represent some of the faculty’s most impactful contributions to society over the past 29 years.

1. Royal Dental Service Unit

Established in 1999 under the royal initiative of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great (Rama IX), the Royal Dental Service Unit was founded with the mission of promoting equitable access to oral healthcare.

For more than two decades, the unit has provided free dental services to underserved populations, including residents of remote communities and vulnerable groups throughout Thailand. Guided by the belief that good oral health is fundamental to overall well-being, the initiative continues to improve quality of life through accessible and compassionate dental care.

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

The Thammasat University Gerodontology and Special Care Dentistry (TUGS) Center serves as a collaborative hub for the care of older adults and individuals with special healthcare needs.

In addition to providing specialized dental services, the center functions as a training and learning platform for dentists and healthcare professionals through continuing education programs, workshops, and study visits. TUGS has also contributed significantly to the development of gerodontology in Thailand, including its involvement in the establishment of the Thai Society for Gerodontology.

Beyond professional education, the center provides ongoing oral healthcare services for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations.

In 2024, TUGS expanded its social impact through collaboration with the Hire Me Please Project of the Mirror Foundation, establishing a dedicated oral healthcare service for people experiencing homelessness. This initiative aims to restore oral health, rebuild confidence, and improve overall quality of life.

3. Prosthetic Eye Center

The Faculty of Dentistry believes that everyone deserves dignity, confidence, and an improved quality of life. This belief inspired the establishment of the Prosthetic Eye Center.

In collaboration with the Specialized Ophthalmology Center at Thammasat University Hospital, the faculty provides free custom-made ocular prostheses for patients who have lost an eye. Each prosthesis is carefully designed and fabricated by experienced dental professionals to achieve a natural appearance while meeting the unique needs of each individual.

Through this initiative, the faculty helps restore confidence, enhance psychological well-being, and improve quality of life for patients and their families.

Partner with Us in Advancing Oral Health for All

For 29 years, the Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University has upheld a strong commitment to social responsibility and public service. Our mission extends beyond dental treatment—it is about improving lives, reducing health inequalities, and expanding access to quality oral healthcare.

Whether you are an alumnus, student, partner organization, or member of the public, you can help support our mission. Contributions to dental education, student scholarships, community outreach programs, and public service initiatives help us continue creating meaningful and lasting impacts on society.

Support our initiatives through our E-Donation program: https://www.dentistry.tu.ac.th/e-donation