Dental Medicine

CCF 1 (Clinical Care Foundations 1) introduces students to the dental profession and their associated privileges and responsibilities as dental professionals. Elements covered in this course include ethical decision-making principles, evidence-based clinical decision-making, self- assessment, community healthcare, and patient-centered and culturally sensitive health care.

Students also learn population-based strategies for promoting oral health and the variety of dental practice delivery models. The application of the knowledge and values learned in this course will be assessed throughout the curriculum. Successful completion of CCF1 is required to progress to the D2 year.

OCAV (Oral Cavity) is designed to introduce the student to high-level foundational knowledge about basic biology of the oral cavity and oropharynx. The scientific background of the epidemiology, genetics, microbiology, and risk factors associated with the development of the teeth, dental caries, and periodontal disease is presented. Students are introduced to strategies to manage and reduce oral disease in patients, including behavioral approaches, and learn the impact of nutrition on oral health. Finally, risk assessment and risk- based prevention of oral diseases are introduced. Successful completion of OCAV is required to progress to the D2 year.

OPATH (Oral Pathology) is a course designed to ensure the student attains a high-level understanding of the epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, and management of the numerous pathologic lesions and disorders that may occur in the oral cavity. Emphasis is placed on the student learning to identify and correlate the medical history clues along with the clinical, radiologic, and laboratory findings to generate a defendable differential diagnosis and management strategy. Successful completion of OPATH is required to progress to the D2 year.

DDF (Dental Disciplines Foundations) is a didactic discipline module-based course where the first-year dental student will acquire the essential knowledge necessary to begin the practice of comprehensive general dentistry. DDF modules will include: 1) occlusion and dental materials, 2) periodontal, pulpal therapy, and pain management, 3) restorative dentistry, removable prosthodontics, and implants, 4) hard & soft tissue surgery and infection and emergency management, 5) pediatric and orthodontic basics. The student will attain a high-level knowledge base regarding occlusion, dental biomaterials, basic periodontal diseases, local anesthesia, pulpal diseases, dental pain and infection, drug stewardship, tooth preparation and restoration, prosthetic design, basic hard & soft tissue surgery, dental infection, office emergencies, basic pediatric assessment and therapy, and basic orthodontic assessment and therapy. The student applies the foundational concepts learned in DDF during the companion preclinical simulation course (DDFS) that runs in concert with DDF. Successful progression through DDF is required for the student to transition to the Dental Disciplines Foundations Gateway (DDFG) course.

DDFS (Dental Disciplines Foundations Simulation) is a dental simulation module-based course where the first-year dental student applies the concepts learned in DDF. In DDFS, students will develop and demonstrate the manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and performance time efficiencies necessary to perform the laboratory and clinical procedures associated with the practice of comprehensive general dentistry. DDFS modules include: 1) occlusion and dental morphology, 2) restorative dentistry, fixed and removable prosthodontics, 3) pediatric and orthodontic basics, 4) periodontal, pulp, and pain management, and 5) hard & soft tissue surgery and infection and emergency management. The student attains a high-level knowledge base regarding occlusion, dental morphology, tooth preparation and restoration, prosthetic design, periodontal treatment, local anesthesia, management of pulpal diseases, dental pain and infection, basic hard & soft tissue surgery, dental infection, basic pediatric assessment and therapy, and basic orthodontic assessment and therapy. Successful progression through DDFS is required for the student to transition to the Dental Disciplines Foundations Gateway (DDFG) course.

During CCF 2 (Clinical Care Foundations 2), students gain familiarity with the patient care environment and acquire numerous non-invasive clinical skills. The course builds upon and applies the knowledge and values learned in CCF 1. Throughout the year, students learn and practice in the simulation clinic and rotational clinical settings to gain the foundational patient care skills used to assess the patient's oral health, attain a diagnosis, and develop a treatment plan.

Knowledge and skills attained include: 1) ergonomics, 2) infection control and room set-up, 3) communication skills, 4) cultural competence, 5) history taking and interpretation, 6) head and neck examination, 7) intraoral examination, 8) oral radiology technique and interpretation, 9) intraoral hard tissue examination, 10) risk assessment and prevention counseling, 11) periodontal screening, and 12) consultation and referral. Paired student and small group learning are employed in this module. To round out their preparation for patient care, students complete a sealant lab / 2-day sealant clinic, and Community Based Prevention rotations at a Head Start Preschool. Successful completion of CCF 2 is required to progress to the D2 year.

The goals of Dental Medicine 1 (DMED 1) are to introduce the first-year dental student to the fundamental biologic principles and processes that influence wellness and disease. Case-based scenarios are used to ensure the depth of instruction is sufficient to 1) ensure the aspiring dental professional understands the relationship between systemic health and oral health, 2) the importance of their active participation in both early systemic disease identification and management, and 3) ensure their ability to develop individual patient-tailored strategies to safely manage the dental needs of the patient. Students examine a variety of important contributors to health and disease, including principles and mechanisms of pharmacology, infectious disease, genetic influences on human health, and functions of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and gastrointestinal systems. Successful completion of DMED 1 is required to progress to the D2 year.

The goals of Dental Medicine 2 (DMED 2) are to introduce the first-year dental student to the fundamental biologic principles and processes that influence wellness and disease. Case-based scenarios are used to ensure the depth of instruction is sufficient to 1) ensure the aspiring dental professional understands the relationship between systemic health and oral health, 2) the importance of their active participation in both early systemic disease identification and management, and 3) ensure their ability to develop individual patient-tailored strategies to safely manage the dental needs of the patient. Students examine the anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology of the genitourinary, endocrine, immune, musculoskeletal, hematology, oncologic, and neurological systems. Successful completion of DMED 2 is required to progress to the D2 year.

DDFG is a 12-week course placed at the end of the first-year curriculum. Under close faculty supervision and utilizing a student-pair model, students provide patient care. During DDFG, dental students begin their journey toward: 1) demonstrating progress toward competency in comprehensive dental care for patients, and 2) ultimately demonstrating acquisition of competency in the core skills of general dentistry by the conclusion of year 3. As they apply the knowledge, skills and values learned in the preceding first year courses to the task of resolving patients’ oral health issues, dental students are assessed utilizing a standardized formative assessment addressing five educational domains: 1) Critical Thinking and Application of Basic and Behavioral Science Knowledge, 2) Professionalism, 3) Communication and Interpersonal Skills, 4) Practice Management and Administration, and 5) Patient Care. Successful completion of DDFG is required to progress to the D2 year.

COHC is a year-long clinical course during which dental students apply the knowledge, values, and skills learned in the first-year curriculum to the tasks of patient care. During patient care, dental student pairs progressively build their skills to deliver urgent and routine comprehensive dental care for patients efficiently and compassionately, working under the direct supervision of LCSDM clinical faculty. Student pairs are assessed utilizing standardized formative assessments addressing five educational domains: 1) Critical Thinking and Application of Basic and Behavioral Science Knowledge, 2) Professionalism, 3) Communication and Interpersonal Skills, 4) Practice Management and Administration, and 5) Patient Care. Successful completion of COHC is required to progress to the D3 year.

Geriatrics (GERI) is designed to introduce students to the unique considerations involved in the management of geriatric patients. Through classroom-based lectures, faculty-guided discussions, case-based learning, and interactive activities, students explore the physiologic, cognitive, behavioral, pharmacologic, and social aspects of aging that influence oral healthcare delivery. Emphasis is placed on communication techniques, mobility and access-to-care issues, dementia, psychiatric and neuromuscular disorders, treatment planning modifications, and interprofessional management of older adults. Successful completion of GERI is required for progression to the D3 year.

DTC 1 will be a weekly didactic course during the fall semester of the second year, designed to be a didactic continuation of DDF. During this course, dental students will explore advanced dental therapeutic options to address the unique needs of dental patients. Examples of topics to be addressed include: dental photography, advanced biomaterials, surgical and restorative implantology, digital dentistry, utilization of lasers in periodontics, restorative dentistry and TMD. Successful completion of DTC 1 will be required to progress to the D3 year.

OPDC 1 explores advanced diagnostic methodologies and protocols in dentistry. Example topics include: caries detection, imaging advancements, diagnostic adjuncts, periodontal diagnostics, salivary diagnostics, and genetic testing. Students critically research the literature to objectively determine pros and cons of the assigned diagnostic intervention. Successful completion of OPDC-1 is required to progress to the D3 year.

During the EPD course, dental students explore the role that ethics plays in dental practice through a series of pre-assigned case-based scenarios created by the American College of Dentists < dentalethics.org >. During scheduled sessions, the course director facilitates analysis and discussion to address and resolve the ethical conundrums presented in the case. Successful completion of EPD is required to progress to the D3 year.

PHARM is designed to achieve two educational goals: to provide students with a sound understanding of the rationale, indications, and contraindications for prescribing pharmacologic agents during dental care, and to develop their ability to evaluate the implications of pharmacologic agents that patients may be taking when presenting for dental treatment. Successful completion of PHARM is required to progress to the D3 year.

During SNR, dental students gain experience assessing and providing care to individuals not routinely seen in general practice, such as pediatric patients with or without disabilities, patients with psychiatric or neurological disabilities, economically challenged patients, assisted living patients, and patients with a cultural or language barrier. Student-pairs will perform diagnostic workups, develop treatment plans, and provide basic care. Successful completion of SNR 1 will be required to progress to the D3 year.

Oral Health Care Systems (OHCS) examines the organization, financing, delivery, and utilization of oral health care services in the United States. Through lectures, guest expert presentations, classroom discussions, and case-based learning activities, students examine current and conceptual future oral healthcare systems while exploring issues related to access to care, workforce models, healthcare financing, public policy, insurance, and oral health disparities. Students evaluate the roles of public and private organizations, community based programs, and health care providers in improving oral health outcomes and expanding access to care. Successful completion of OHCS is required for progression to the D3 year.

CRES 1 is a required course for students to explore skills and opportunities for the field of dental research. Students will investigate types of research, biostatistics, scientific literature, and cross-disciplinary skills that apply to research. Practitioners, clinicians, and researchers will be invited as guest presenters. Successful completion of CRES 1 is required to progress to the D3 year.

PMAN1 addresses various career choices available for individuals with a dental degree. The major goal of the course is to allow dental students to develop an objective perspective in goal setting and attainment. An introduction to the basic principles of starting and managing a dental practice is presented, and the need to develop a personal philosophy of practice is emphasized. Essential personal skills including non- verbal communication, conflict resolution, handling difficult conversations, and team building are explored. Successful completion of PMAN 1 is required to progress to the D3 year.

Preparation for Licensure (PFL) is designed to provide structured review sessions and aids to prepare students for the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) and the ADEX clinical examination, which must be passed to obtain licensure. Emphasis is placed on the pathway to licensure in Arkansas, including application, INBDE, ADEX clinical examination, and Arkansas jurisprudence. Successful completion of PFL is required to progress to the D3 year.

AOHC is a year-long clinical course that utilizes a paired student model. Dental students continue to progress toward, and ultimately demonstrate competency in their ability to efficiently provide oral health care for patients within the scope of general dentistry as they manage an increasingly complex patient cohort. Students will be assessed utilizing standardized progress and competency assessment instruments addressing five educational domains: 1) Critical Thinking and Application of Basic and Behavioral Science Knowledge, 2) Professionalism, 3) Communication and Interpersonal Skills, 4) Practice Management and Administration, and 5) Patient Care. Successful completion of AOHC will be required for graduation.

During SNR 2, dental students complete clinical rotations to gain experience assessing and providing care to individuals not routinely seen in general practice, such as pediatric patients with or without disabilities, patients with psychiatric or neurological disabilities, economically challenged patients, assisted living patients, and patients with a cultural or language barrier. Student-pairs will perform diagnostic workups, develop treatment plans, and provide basic care. Successful completion of SNR 2 is required for graduation.

IED addresses indications and clinical applications for alternative approaches to meet the esthetic desires of the patients. Dental students learn about materials designed for the concepts of esthetic dentistry and appropriate methods of patient communication and management. Successful completion of IED is required for graduation.

CRES-2 builds upon the foundational concepts introduced in CRES-1 by providing students with the opportunity to apply research principles through completion of a research project. Students are assigned an LCSDM faculty research mentor who guides and supports their research activities.

OPDC 2 builds upon the concepts introduced in OPDC 1 and explores the evolving role of the dental professional within integrated healthcare delivery models. As oral health providers increasingly participate in interdisciplinary approaches to patient care, students examine contemporary proposals and practices related to medical disease screening and health promotion in dental settings. Through faculty-led discussions, case analyses, and evaluation of contrasting perspectives on selected topics, students will critically assess the opportunities, challenges, and implications of expanded responsibilities for dental professionals. Successful completion of OPDC 2 is required for graduation.

DTC 2 focuses on novel and advanced therapeutic approaches used to address the evolving needs of dental patients. The course provides an in-depth examination of contemporary concepts, emerging technologies, and evidence-based treatment strategies across multiple dental disciplines, including restorative dentistry, prosthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, and oral medicine. Through assigned readings, faculty-led discussions, and analysis of current clinical practices, students will evaluate therapeutic options and their application to comprehensive patient care. Successful completion of DTC 2 is required for graduation. Successful completion of DTC 2 is required for graduation.

PMAN 2 builds upon the concepts introduced in PMAN 1 and provides students with the opportunity to apply principles of practice management through the development of a comprehensive dental practice business plan. The course examines key aspects of establishing and operating a dental practice, including office design, equipment selection, site selection, practice administration, accounting principles, banking and finance, marketing strategies, personnel management, and operational planning. Students integrate these concepts to develop a viable business prospectus for a dental practice. Successful completion of PMAN 2 is required for graduation.

SLCD provides students with the opportunity to apply the principles of community oral health through the planning, implementation, and evaluation of a community-based outreach project. Working in teams, students develop and deliver an oral health–related initiative that addresses the needs of a community. Students also complete an individual reflective assessment of their service-learning experience. Successful completion of SLCD is required for graduation.