The first year of the curriculum introduces students to the concepts of human biology as they pertain to medicine in general and to dental medicine in particular. The curriculum reflects an emphasis on integration of scientific information by grouping courses into integrative course streams rather than discipline specific courses. This includes studies relating to the principles of oral disease prevention, patient management, and physical examination. A major segment of the curriculum focuses on the structure and function of oral tissues and contiguous structures. During this time, students will also begin an integrated preclinical course in restorative dentistry combining several disciplines (e.g., dental anatomy and occlusion, operative dentistry and dental materials), including extensive use of the School’s Advanced Simulation Laboratory. Clinical experiences begin upon entry into the DMD program and increase with each succeeding year. In the first year, students begin clinical rotations in oral medicine, periodontics, health promotion, radiology, and their assigned clinical groups. Students assist D3 and D4 students on the clinic floor as part of the year long DAU first year course where they begin to learn and implement the fundamentals of team based care. A three year long course of Professional Practitioner Development, which explores concepts in professionalism, ethics, and practice management, is started in the first year and continues throughout the second and third years. Additionally, the concepts and practices in community oral health and public health are introduced to create the foundation for our comprehensive, four year clinical and didactic program in community and special care.
Key: (L= Lecture, B = Laboratory, S = Seminar, C = Clinic, R = Rotation)
First-Year Courses |
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