Background: Rapid advances in dental medicine necessitate a shift from traditional educational paradigms to competency-based education (CBE), which emphasizes the acquisition of specific clinical and professional skills. Aim: This study examines the implementation and effectiveness of CBE in Sudanese dental schools by comparing four curriculum models—discipline-based, hybrid, integrated, and community-based. Methods: A convergent parallel mixed-method design was employed to collect quantitative data through structured surveys and qualitative data via semi-structured interviews with students, faculty, and dental practitioners. Descriptive statistical analyses and thematic analyses were used to assess competency achievement across eight domains and to evaluate stakeholder perceptions. Results: Quantitative findings revealed robust competency attainment in the knowledge base domain, while practice management skills were significantly lacking across several models. Notably, the integrated curriculum at Ribat University achieved high scores in both communication and practice management, contrasting with gaps observed in discipline-based and hybrid models. Qualitative insights underscored the need for improved management training and stronger interdisciplinary integration. Conclusions: CBE frameworks in Sudanese dental education effectively foster essential competencies; however, targeted curricular enhancements—particularly in practice management—are required to better prepare graduates for contemporary dental practice.

Aims: This study was to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and obesity in young adults from Sudan, investigate their effect on plasma levels of oxytocin, and examine the association of oxytocin level with the determinants of metabolic syndrome and obesity. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that included 202 young adults. Random sampling was applied to recruit volunteers from Ribat University, Khartoum, Sudan. Blood pressure, waist circumference, and plasma lipids were measured and applied for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome according to the National Cholesterol Education Program - Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) criteria. Fasting blood glucose and insulin were used to validate the insulin resistance in patients with MetS. Oxytocin was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 29 students (14.36%). Mean oxytocin level was significantly higher in students with MetS (10.34 pg/mL, N=29) compared with students without MetS (9.15 pg/mL, N=174) (P < 0.001). Mean oxytocin level did not differ between students with homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) ≥ 2.5 (N=47), and without HOMA-IR < 2.5 (N=155); the oxytocin level was 9.53 pg/mL and 9.25 pg/mL, respectively (P = 0.068). Moderate positive correlations existed between oxytocin and waist circumference, BMI, body weight, triglycerides (TG), hip circumference, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL; P < 0.001). Oxytocin did not correlate with fasting blood glucose. Conclusion: Oxytocin levels increased in young adults with MetS. Oxytocin levels correlate positively with BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides, and HDL.