Dental Medicine

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

Students also will 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 CCF 1 will be required to progress to the D2 year.

The goals of ANTD (Head and Neck Anatomy and Development) are to have the student develop a comprehensive understanding of the developmental and anatomical aspects of the head and neck regions of the body. This course will utilize lecture based and video-based based methods to cover basic concepts of embryology, growth and development, macroscopic and microscopic anatomy, neuroscience, physiology, and radiology of the head and neck as they relate to the clinical practice of dentistry. Successful completion of ANTD will be required to progress to the D2 year.

OCAV (Oral Cavity) will be a didactic and lab course 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 will be presented. Students will be 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 will be introduced. Successful completion of OCAV will be 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 will apply the foundational concepts learned in DDF during the companion preclinical simulation lab course (DDFL) that runs in concert with DDF. Successful progression through DDF will be required for the student to transition to the Dental Disciplines Foundations Gateway (DDFG) course.

DDFL (Dental Disciplines Foundations Lab) will be a dental simulation and laboratory module-based course where the first-year dental student will apply the concepts learned in DDF. In DDFL, 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. DDFL modules will include: 1) occlusion and dental materials, 2) periodontal, pulp, and pain management 3) restorative dentistry, removable prosthodontics, and implants, 4) hard and 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 and soft tissue surgery, dental infection, office emergencies, basic pediatric assessment and therapy, and basic orthodontic assessment and therapy. Successful progression through DDFL will be required for the student to transition to the Dental Disciplines Foundations Gateway (DDFG) course.

During CCF 2 (Clinical Care Foundations 2), the student will 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, the student will learn and practice in the simulation lab and rotational clinical settings, 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 will be employed in this module. To round out their preparation for patient care, students will complete a sealant lab / 2-day sealant clinic, and Community Based Prevention rotations at a Head Start Preschool. Successful completion of CCF 2 will be required to progress to the D2 year.

The goals of DMED 1 (Dental Medicine 1) are to introduce the first-year dental student to the fundamental biologic principles and processes that influence wellness and disease. Case-based scenarios will be used to ensure the depth of instruction is sufficient to ensure that the dental student: 1) understands the relationship between systemic health and oral health, 2) understands the importance of active participation in both early systemic disease identification and management, and 3) has the ability to develop individual patient-tailored strategies to safely manage the dental needs of the patient. Students will examine a variety of important contributors to health and disease. Successful completion of DMED 1 will be required to progress to the D2 year.

OPATH (Oral Pathology) will be a didactic and lab-based 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. The LCSDM has identified a number of diseases and conditions affecting the oral cavity that the student should be able to identify and manage. While the discussion of many of these conditions will be interspersed throughout the curriculum, many will be presented in this course. Emphasis will be 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 will be required to progress to the D2 year

The goals of DMED 2 (Dental Medicine 2) are to introduce the first-year dental student to commonly encountered diseases in dental practice. For each organ system discussed, an overview of normal organ function will be presented, followed by a discussion of the epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, and management of selected diseases. Case-based scenarios will be used to ensure the depth of instruction is sufficient that the aspiring dental professional 1) understands the relationship between systemic health and oral health, 2) understands the importance of their active participation in both early systemic disease identification and management, and 3) has the ability to develop individual patient-tailored strategies to safely manage the dental needs of the patient. Successful completion of DMED 2 will be required to progress to the D2 year.

The goals of DMED 3 (Dental Medicine 3) are to introduce the first-year dental student to commonly encountered diseases in dental practice. For each organ system discussed, an overview of normal organ function will be presented, followed by a discussion of the epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, and management of selected diseases. Case-based scenarios will be used to ensure the depth of instruction is sufficient to ensure that the aspiring dental professional 1) understands the relationship between systemic health and oral health, 2) understands the importance of their active participation in both early systemic disease identification and management, and 3) has the ability to develop individual patient-tailored strategies to safely manage the dental needs of the patient. Successful completion of DMED-3 is required to progress to the D2 year.

DDFG will be a 12-week course placed at the end of the first-year curriculum. Under close faculty supervision, and utilizing a student-pair model, students will provide patient care in the LCSDM clinic located at the Little Rock Branch Campus of Lyon College. During DDFG, dental students will 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 will be assessed on a daily basis 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. As described in Standard 2-5 (Table 2-5.1), each of the five domains is comprised of 3 to 14 subdomains. Successful completion of DDFG will be required to progress to the D2 year.

COHC will be a yearlong clinical course during which dental students will apply the knowledge, values, and skills learned in the first-year curriculum to the tasks of patient care. During patient care at the LCSDM on campus clinics, dental student-pairs will 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 will be assessed daily 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. As described in Standard 2-5 (Table 2-5.1), each of the five domains is composed of 3 to 14 subdomains, which will be assessed. Clinical progress assessment and associated counseling to identify and address areas in need of improvement will occur monthly. Successful completion of COHC will be required to progress to the D3 year.

GERI will be a course that introduces dental students to the unique features regarding the management of geriatric patients. Prior to each class, dental students will be requested to complete reading assignments pertinent to the topic of that session: normal aging, dementias, pharmacologic considerations, communication techniques, dental care for nursing home and homebound elderly, approaches to treatment planning and modifications for effective clinical care. During scheduled sessions, the course director will facilitate case-based discussions. Participation will be verified with random quizzes throughout the course. Assessment will be based on a final case-based comprehensive examination. Successful completion of GERI will be required to progress to the D3 year.

DTC 1 will be a monthly learning activity during the fall and spring semesters of the second year. During this course, dental students will explore advanced dental therapeutic options to address the unique needs of dental patients. Using case-based scenarios, dental students will be challenged to critically research the literature to identify optimal therapeutic solutions. Examples of topics to be addressed include: the patient with dry mouth, the patient with burning mouth disorder, the post-cancer therapy patient, the patient with a prosthetic implant, and the patient with uncontrolled diabetes. During classroom sessions, the course director will facilitate a discussion of the assigned case. Assessment will be accomplished by a quiz over the previous session’s information. Successful completion of DTC 1 will be required to progress to the D3 year.

OPDC 1 will be a monthly course where dental students will explore advanced diagnostic methodologies and protocols in dentistry. Example topics include: caries detection, imaging advancements, diagnostic adjuncts, periodontal diagnostics, salivary diagnostics, and genetic testing. Students will critically research the literature to objectively determine pros and cons of the assigned diagnostic intervention. During the scheduled seminar, the course director will facilitate a discussion of the assigned protocol. Participation will be verified with random quizzes throughout the course. Assessment will be completed by a weekly quiz over the previous session’s information and a cumulative final examination. Successful completion of OPDC-1 will be required to progress to the D3 year.

During the EPD course, dental students will 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 will facilitate analysis and discussion to address and resolve the ethical conundrums presented in the case. Participation will be verified with random quizzes throughout the course. Assessment will be based on a final case-based comprehensive examination. Successful completion of EPD will be required to progress to the D3 year.

PHARM will be an twelve-session course with two educational goals. The first goal is for the dental student to develop a sound understanding of the rationale, indications, and contraindications for prescribing pharmacologic agents during dental care. The second goal is for the dental student to consider the implications for other pharmacologic agents that the patient may be taking when presenting for dental care. Students will be assigned pre-session topics to study prior to each scheduled class. During the scheduled seminars, the course director will facilitate case-based discussions. Participation will be verified with random quizzes throughout the course. Assessment will be accomplished by two written examinations. Successful completion of PHARM will be required to progress to the D3 year.

During SNR, dental students will 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. A rotation block will consist of Tuesday (AM/PM), Wednesday (AM) and Thursday (AM/PM). Each student-pair will be scheduled for 3 rotation blocks during the year. Student-pairs will perform diagnostic workups, develop treatment plans, and provide basic care as directed by the supervising faculty. A standardized criteria-based assessment will be used to assess student performance. Successful completion of SNR 1 will be required to progress to the D3 year.

OHCS will be a didactic course addressing the oral health care systems in the United States. Guest experts will present seminars that address current and conceptual future oral healthcare delivery models. During these seminars, dental students will explore factors affecting oral health care delivery including financial considerations, demographic trends, public policy, cultural barriers to care, insurance, and access to care. Assessment will be accomplished by a case-based written final exam. Successful completion of OHCS will be required to progress to the D3 year.

CRES 1 will be a course that provides dental students with opportunities to explore career opportunities in the field of oral health research. Students will investigate the various realms of research (e.g., basic science, bench top, clinical, others) and the additional educational requirements required to pursue a chosen path (e.g., biostatistics, epidemiology, grant writing, others). Students will gain experience in the basic principles and processes for designing clinical research studies. A module discussing the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network will be provided. Assessment will be accomplished by a take home final examination and the submission of self-reflection paper, both completed by the end of the fall semester. Successful completion of CRES 1 will be required to progress to the D3 year.

PMAN 1 will be a lecture-based virtual course addressing the various career choices available for individuals with a dental degree. The major goal of the course will be 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 will be presented and the need to develop a personal philosophy of practice will be emphasized. Essential personal skills including non- verbal communication, conflict resolution, handling difficult conversations, and team building will be explored. Assessment will be accomplished by a written examination. Successful completion of PMAN 1 will be required to progress to the D3 year.

PFL will be a virtual lecture-based course designed to provide structured review sessions and aids to prepare students for the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) and regional dental clinical exams, which must be passed to obtain licensure. Emphasis will be placed on the pathway to licensure in Arkansas (Application, INDBE, SRTA/WREB/CDCA/CITA/CRDTS regional clinical exams, Arkansas Jurisprudence).

AOHC will be a yearlong clinical course implemented at the LCSDM on campus clinics. Under direct faculty supervision of LCSDM clinical faculty on site and utilizing 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 daily utilizing standardized progress and competency assessments 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. As described in Standard 2-5 (Table 2-5.1), each of the five domains is comprised of 3 to 14 subdomains, which will be assessed. Successful completion of AOHC will be required for graduation.

During SNR 2, dental students will 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. A rotation block will consist of Tuesday (AM/PM), Wednesday (AM) and Thursday (AM/PM). Each student-pair will be scheduled for 3 rotation blocks during the year. Student-pairs will perform diagnostic workups, develop treatment plans, and provide basic care as directed by the faculty. A standardized competency assessment instrument will be used to measure student performance. Successful completion of SNR 2 will be required for graduation.

IED will be an eight-session virtual lecture-based course addressing the indications and clinical applications for alternative approaches to meet the esthetic desires of the patients. Dental students will learn about materials designed for the concepts of esthetic dentistry and appropriate methods of patient communication and management. Assessment will be accomplished by two case-based written exams. Successful completion of IED will be required for graduation.

[Selective Course; enrollment by permission of course director]

CRES-2 will be a follow-on course to CRES 1 to apply principles learned from CRES 1 with a research project. Students will be assigned a LCSDM research faculty mentor as they accomplish research activities. The faculty research mentor will assess student performance and provide a written letter of recommendation. The course will be assessed as Pass/Fall.

OPDC 2 will be a four-session virtual learning course that builds upon OPDC 1. As an acknowledged first line provider in integrated healthcare models, proposals that the dental professional actively participate in medical disease screening have increased. Prior to each course session, students will be assigned contrasting materials to review on a selected integrated healthcare proposal (for example, dentists screening for diabetes). During the scheduled sessions, course faculty will facilitate online discussion of the assigned topics. Online student participation will be verified with random quizzes throughout the course. Assessment will be completed by a written examination during the final course session. Successful completion of OPDC 2 will be required for graduation.

DTC 2 will be a four-session virtual learning course that focuses on novel and / or advanced therapeutic options to address the needs of the dental patient. Prior to each seminar, students will complete a reading assignment and an asynchronous online presentation that will cover aspects of selected dental disciplines: restorative care, prosthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, and oral medicine. During the scheduled seminar, the course director will facilitate online discussion of the assigned topics. Online participation will be verified with random quizzes throughout the course. Assessment will be a written examination during the final course session. Successful completion of DTC 2 will be required for graduation.

PMAN 2 will be a virtual lecture-based continuation to PMAN 1, during which dental students will apply the knowledge and insights gained in PMAN 1 to develop their own dental practice business plan. Assigned course modules will introduce students to office design and equipment selection principles, choosing a location, administering a practice, accounting methods, banking, marketing, management, utilization of personnel. The goal for the student will be to develop a viable business prospectus. Assessment will be accomplished by a written exam. Successful completion of PMAN 2 will be required for graduation.

SLCD will be a community oral health outreach project implemented by teams of dental students. Teams of D3 students will develop, accomplish and evaluate an oral health-related outreach activity in a community near campus. A LCSDM course director and a community representative will supervise and facilitate the activities of the student team. The faculty mentor and the community representative will assess the teams’ performance and project outcomes, and each student will submit a personal reflection of their individual experience. The SLCD Course will be graded as Pass/Fail based on criteria developed by the course director. Successful completion of SLCD will be required for graduation.