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DMD Program » Introduction to Dentistry Course

Thank you for your interest in the 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 week-long course, you will work in Penn Dental Medicine’s Advanced Simulation Lab on high tech stations that simulate a dental care environment with computerized patient mannequins, dental instruments, and related software. Participants will also complete restorative dentistry procedures using all kinds of materials. You will also meet with our Assistant Dean for Admissions for an informational session and have a question-and-answer lunch with current students, who will field questions ranging from “how to prepare to apply to dental school”, “what schools did you apply to”, to “what it is like to attend dental school” and everything in between.

Why attend?

Gain a better understanding of dentistry and whether it is the right career choice for you.
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

June 23 – 28, 2013
Arrival/check-in to the dormitory is Sunday, June 23, in the late afternoon. A casual welcome reception is scheduled that evening at Penn Dental Medicine; parents are welcome to attend the reception.

Course Fee

$1,700 ($500 deposit is required upon acceptance into the program; a registration form will be sent to you upon acceptance. The registration form and deposit will be required on or before March 30; the balance must be paid in full by June 1.)

Room and board is included in the course fee. Housing is in a secure, high rise dorm. Participants are housed in a two- or three-bedroom suite with one other attendee (you would have your own room). Breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the dining hall is provided. There is also at least one scheduled dinner with current dental students at a nearby restaurant.

Application

There are 18-20 spots for the course, limited by the number of simulators used in the course. There are no requirements to attend this course other than demonstrating a sincere interest in the field of dentistry and being over the age of 18. To apply:

Complete the Introduction to Dentistry Summer Course Application Form (PDF)
Mail completed application to: Dr. Margrit P. Maggio, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Dept. of Preventive and Restorative Sciences, 240 S. 40th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, Re: Summer Course
Applications must be received by February 28, 2013. Notification of acceptance into the program will be via email on March 8.

Contact

Dr. Margrit Maggio
Department of Preventive and Restorative Sciences
University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
240 South 40th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6030
mmaggio@dental.upenn.edu

During the introduction to dentistry course, participants 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 software that tracks and offers feedback on your work as you go.