D.M.D. Program Overview
Program
The predoctoral dental curriculum leads to the award of the doctor of dental medicine degree, or D.M.D. The objectives of this curriculum are education of competent general practitioners of dentistry and preparation for life-long learning and advanced training. The curriculum is completed in four academic years, including an eight-week summer session before the second, third and fourth years of training.
Year 1 provides an integrated approach to teaching the basic sciences. Students learn the fundamentals of oral radiology, dental materials, restorative dentistry, periodontology and prevention of dental disease.
Year 2, which emphasizes dental technique skills development, includes didactic and laboratory courses in facial growth, prosthodontics, oral surgery, periodontology, endodontology and dental materials application.
Years 3 and 4 emphasize clinical practice supported by lecture and seminar sessions covering oral disease diagnosis, treatment planning and clinical treatment procedures. Dental students also participate in supervised off-campus educational experiences and are encouraged to strengthen personal qualities to meet patient needs and professional standards.
Enhancement of knowledge and development of technical skills are not the only aims of the curriculum. The ethical standards, social responsibilities and humanitarian attitudes characteristic of the healing professions are fostered through courses in the history of dentistry, ethics, behavioral aspects of the dentist-patient relation, and social and economic problems in dental care delivery. Courses in practice management instruct students in practical and legal aspects of dental practice.
The purpose of the dental educational program is to impart scientific knowledge and clinical skills needed in the practice of these professions, to instill standards of professional conduct as a way of life and to promote a dedication to continuous, life-long professional study and self improvement.
Health care is more than a collection of knowledge and skills; dental professionals need certain personal qualities to meet the needs of their patients and the standards of their peers. The school fosters each student's commitment to support high ethical and moral values, a liking for people and for unselfish service, an understanding of human relations, the ability to communicate, and a broad understanding of the community's and nation's health goals.
The Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry is the only academic health center in the state and its fundamental purpose is to ensure and improve the health of all Oregonians. The ethical practice of dentistry requires intellectual ability, physical competence, and personal responsibility. Therefore, each applicant must satisfactorily complete all requirements for admission to the School of Dentistry. In addition to demonstrating personal characteristics appropriate for a career in a health care profession, qualification for admission to, and, following completion of the curriculum, graduation from the School of Dentistry requires satisfaction of the following standards:
- sufficient intellectual capacity to fulfill the curricular requirements of the various required basic science and clinical courses;
- ability to communicate effectively with patients, colleagues, faculty, staff, and other members of the health care community;
- ability to learn and safely perform the various technical skills required to complete the dental curriculum; and
- sufficient emotional stability and responsibility to withstand the stresses, uncertainties, and changing circumstances that characterize the practice of dentistry and dental specialties.
Specific technical standards, based on clinical competencies and accreditation standards of the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, are available from the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs of the School of Dentistry.
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Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 ("Title IX") protects individuals from discrimination and harassment on the basis of sex or gender in any educational program or activity operated by recipients of federal aid. OHSU, as a recipient of federal funds, complies with Title IX and 34 CFR Part 106 by prohibiting sex and gender discrimination and harassment, which includes sexual misconduct and sexual violence, in education programs, activities, employment, and admissions. Inquiries about Title IX compliance or sex/gender discrimination and harassment may be directed to the OHSU Title IX Coordinator at titleix@ohsu.edu. Inquiries may also be directed to the U.S. Department of Education, Western Region Office for Civil Rights at 206-607-1600, ocr.seattle@ed.gov