Introduction to Dentistry Summer Course

This special course offers a unique opportunity to explore the art and craft of dentistry – the hands-on skills needed to drill a tooth or place a restoration, which are such fundamental parts of dental education and professional practice.

Whether a prospective dental student or just beginning to consider a dental career, you can gain hands-on experience in the type of preclinical coursework encountered in dental school courses designed to develop your psychomotor skills. Such courses comprise nearly 20 percent of dental school curriculum and an even greater portion of the coursework during the first two years. While students entering dental school often excel academically, few have ever taken courses that focus not only on what you know, but also on what you can do.

During this six-day course, you will work in Penn Dental Medicine's Virtual Reality Simulation Lab on high tech stations that simulate a dental care environment with computerized patient mannequins, dental instruments, and related software. These units are the most advanced technology used in dental education. As the world’s first academic testing site for this technology, Penn Dental Medicine remains a leader in its application, which has been shown to reduce the time needed to learn psychomotor skills in a fun and enjoyable way. In addition to practicing the skills needed for preparing and restoring teeth, you will also learn how to perform an oral exam, complete periodontal charting, make an impression, and create dental molds.

 Why attend?

• Gain a better understanding of dentistry and whether it is the right career choice for you -- no dental experience required -- open to anyone 18 years or older.
• Be better prepared for the first years of dental school.
• Get an early start on Penn Dental Medicine's psychomotor curriculum if you are an incoming student. All freshmen begin working in the simulation lab their first semester.

Course Dates: Late June/early July, 2010

Registration will begin January 15, 2010. Please check back for course dates and registration materials at that time.

Itinerary:
Sunday evening: Check-in and Reception
Monday – Thursday: Course from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday: Course 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Friday afternoon: Departure

Course Fee: $1,700 (includes University housing accommodations for five nights, reception Sunday evening, dining hall privileges Monday through Friday, and all needed supplies).

A $500 non-refundable deposit is due with registration.
A balance of $1,200 is due by June 1, 2009.

Registration: Thank you for your interest in the Introduction to Dentistry Summer Course. The course is now full. New registrations are no longer being accepted.

For more information:
Contact Dr. Margrit Maggio at mmaggio@dental.upenn.edu.