The foundation of community dentistry at Mahidol University began on December 28, 1971, when the National Education Council approved, in principle, the establishment of a Department of Community Dentistry—once the necessary personnel were in place. In response, the Community Dentistry Unit was created within the Faculty of Dentistry at the Phayathai Campus. Lecturer Pisuit Sanghawest served as the first head of the unit, which was tasked with teaching community dentistry as part of the dental curriculum. Mahidol became the first dental school in Thailand to introduce rural field training for dental students.
In 1973, five dental students participated in an integrated rural health field training project in collaboration with the Faculty of Public Health.
By 1981, the unit had expanded its efforts through a partnership with the National Central Security Command (NCSC), now known as the Armed Forces Development Command. This collaboration allowed students to work alongside mobile development units in remote border provinces. Mobile dental clinics were established to provide care for underserved populations, giving students firsthand experience of rural life.
In 1987, some students began clinical training at community hospitals while continuing to participate in mobile units with the NCSC. This approach aimed to develop an effective model for clinical education in community settings. By 1992, field training had transitioned entirely to community hospitals, beginning in Nakhon Phanom Province. Today, students undergo field training in several provinces including Chiang Rai, Lampang, Phayao, Phrae, and Nan. The fieldwork model continues to evolve to ensure its relevance and effectiveness in preparing students for community-based dental practice.
On November 30, 1981, the Community Dentistry Unit was officially elevated to the Community Dentistry Center, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, as announced by the Ministry of University Affairs.
Later, on September 29, 1995, the center was formally restructured as the Department of Community Dentistry, in accordance with the Mahidol University Act of 1987, as announced by the Ministry of University Affairs.
No. 6, Yothi Road, Ratchathewi District, Bangkok 10400 Hospital (Phayathai Campus)
Tel: +662-200-7777 Hospital (Salaya Campus)
Tel: +662-849-6600 Office
Tel: +662-200-7555
Department Tel: +662-200-7888
No. 6, Yothi Road, Ratchathewi District, Bangkok 10400, Mahidol University Faculty of Dentistry,11th floor
Tel: +662-200-7764
E-mail: dtddsinter@mahidol.ac.th
Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University
No. 6, Yothi Road, Ratchathewi District, Bangkok 10400 THAILAND
Tel: +66(0)2-200-7634, 7642
E-mail: dtmupostgrad@mahidol.ac.th
No. 6, Yothi Road, Ratchathewi District, Bangkok 10400, Mahidol University Faculty of Dentistry,15th floor
Tel: +662-200-7608 E-mail: dtinter@mahidol.ac.th
