The program evaluates a student's assessment skills in identifying patient dental, medical and functional living problems.
Students watch video clips of actual patients while developing a rapport with the patient.
Charts, photographs and radiographs are provided in each case as well as answers with media feedback to a set of questions in the areas of dental history, medical history, oral examination, and functional assessment unique to each patient. Currently 18 simulations have been completed. The Colleges of Dentistry and Nursing at the University of Iowa collaborated to build a nursing related functional assessment component to the program. The program is currently being used by all junior and senior dental students at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry for training in Special Care Dentistry and geriatric care issues.