The Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry (AFID), located in Rawalpindi Cantonment, is Pakistan’s foremost military-run dental hospital. It specializes in providing advanced oral, maxillofacial, and cosmetic dental services to both military personnel and civilian patients, along with serving as a leading training institution for dental professionals in the country.
📍 Location & Access
AFID is situated within the Rawalpindi Cantonment area, easily accessible from across the twin cities via main roads and public transport. Emergency referrals are accepted 24/7, with a dedicated ambulance service for military dental emergencies.
🏥 Departments & Clinical Services
- General and Preventive Dentistry: Routine check-ups, restorations, oral hygiene education and scaling.
- Oral Surgery & Maxillofacial Services: Extractions, minor jaw surgery, treatment of facial injuries and corrections.
- Orthodontics: Braces, retainers, and corrective alignment for children and adults.
- Endodontics: Root canal and complex pulp treatments.
- Prosthodontics: Crowns, bridges, complete and partial dentures, and implant planning.
- Periodontology: Treatment of gum disease, deep cleaning, and periodontal surgery.
- Cosmetic Dentistry: Teeth whitening, veneers, composite restorations, and smile makeovers.
- Pediatric Dental Unit: Specialized child dental care including early orthodontic assessment.
- Emergency Dental Clinic: Post-trauma care, acute pain management, and urgent oral procedures.
🎓 Academic & Training Programs
AFID serves as a premier training centre for Army Medical College and other dental institutes, offering postgraduate fellowships, postgraduate dental training, and internship programs. It frequently hosts workshops, seminars, and continuing education courses in advanced dental techniques.
✅ Strengths & Institutional Reputation
- Specialized Expertise: Expert dental teams covering surgery, orthodontics, implants, and cosmetic dentistry.
- Advanced Facilities: Digital imaging (CBCT, digital X-rays), chair-side CAD/CAM milling, in-house dental labs, and sterilization units.
- Integrated Care Model: Full-spectrum services from prevention to implants under one roof.
- Academic Excellence: Training ground for dental graduates and army dental officers.
- Emergency Readiness: Round-the-clock dental trauma support for military operations and public emergencies.
⚠️ Challenges & Areas for Enhancement
- High Demand & Waiting Times: Appointment backs up quickly for specialist services like implants and orthodontics.
- Equipment Upkeep: Continued investment needed to maintain advanced imaging and CAD/CAM systems.
- Staffing Needs: Recruitment of additional academic faculty and specialized dental assistants is ongoing.
- Public Awareness: Increased outreach for civilian awareness about available services and referral processes could enhance access.
📈 Recent Enhancements & Initiatives
- Introduction of digital imaging and in-house milling for faster restorations.
- Expansion of pediatric dentistry and child behavior management programmes.
- Upgraded sterilization workflows and infection control protocols.
- Launch of workshops on implantology, surgical orthodontics, and advanced restorative techniques.
❓ FAQs – AFID
Who can receive treatment at AFID?
AFID treats military personnel, their dependents, and civilian patients—especially those referred from other hospitals.
Do they handle dental emergencies?
Yes. A 24/7 emergency clinic manages trauma, severe pain, and urgent dental care needs.
Is pediatric dentistry available?
Yes. Specialized services are available for children, including early orthodontic assessments and behavior-managed care.
Do they offer orthodontic and cosmetic dentistry?
Absolutely. AFID provides braces, veneers, whitening, and cosmetic restorations by specialized teams.
Does AFID have digital dental technology?
Yes. The institute is equipped with digital X-rays, CBCT, CAD/CAM milling machines, and bleeding-edge sterilization units.
How do I make an appointment?
Appointments are usually booked via the reception or by referral. Emergency walk-in services are available anytime.
Do they provide dental training?
Yes. AFID offers postgraduate training, internships, and continuing education programs for dental professionals and Army officers.
Is there an in-house dental lab?
Yes. AFID’s on-site lab supports crown, bridge, denture, and implant prosthesis fabrication with faster turnaround times.
🔍 Conclusion
The Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry stands as a leading dental center in Pakistan, noted for its clinical expertise, advanced technologies, and educational programs. By focusing on expanding specialist availability, maintaining top‑tier equipment, and improving public awareness, it continues to set high standards in dental health and training nationwide.