Basic social science concepts related to the role of the dentist are presented along with an introduction to Health Care Delivery Systems. During the first part of the second year, Introduction to Patient Care is completed by rotating through the remaining Patient Care Services. In the spring semester, students assume full patient care privileges, begin delivering comprehensive care services, and are responsible for meeting the therapeutic and preventive treatment needed by their patients. In the third year, students spend a significant amount of time caring for their patients in the Comprehensive Care Service, as well as the several specialty services. A series of intermediate dental science and elective courses is offered.
Many students complete their required externships during the summer.
Third-year students are placed at extramural sites throughout the country and participate in the delivery of dental care in a variety of settings. Fourth-year students assume responsibility for patients who require more advanced dental care. Fall semester of the fourth year is free of any core didactic course work so that students may participate in elective courses, research, and their remaining required extramural rotations. Advanced dental science courses, updates, and practice-related material highlight the spring semester of the fourth year. Those wishing to pursue a specialty orientation may choose to participate in one of several specialty experiences that include patient care and research.