Integration of Revealed Knowledge (Naqli) and Rational Science (Aqli) in the Design of A Dental Curriculum

The education of dentists at the faculty of dentistry, universiti sains islam malaysia (usim), is a unique programme. it adopts the integration of naqli (revealed knowledge) and aqli (rational science) as a philosophical basis of its dental education programme. the objective of this paper is to examine the curriculum, focusing on structure, content and the intangibles of the programme leading to the degree of bachelor of dental surgery. this is a qualitative study using literature review and document analysis. the curriculum is designed by first identifying a set of ten (10) values that are fundamental in islamic science. these are subsequently converted to programme educational objectives. the tawhidic principle forms the axis of this value system that provides the guide in moulding a student to be a good person in terms of character and a competent professional as determined by the profession. these two domains are expected to be in balance as grounded in the concept of wasatiyyah. as the same time, students are reminded of their vertical relationship with allah and the horizontal relationship with society. the curriculum content incorporates the fundamental islamic knowledge and memorisation of selected verses that are relevant to health and society. these groups of courses form 12% of the total student learning time (slt). the behavioural science and oral health group of courses complement the development of character. the process of learning emphasises trust, responsibility, cleanliness and time management. these values permeate the entire curriculum. the outcome of this integration that emphasises on good character within the framework of wasatiyyah posed an extreme challenge to the faculty and the graduates. in implementing this educational programme it faces several challenges from the dimensions of staff, students and environment.