A wide variety of surgical conditions are studied including etiology, management, interpretation of surgical radiographs and indications for surgical intervention. These include head and neck tumors, salivary gland disease, temporomandibular joint disorders, facial fractures and deformities. In addition, students are familiarized with the basic biology, current concepts and techniques of implant dentistry. Advanced periodontal procedures are taught and include ridge augmentation, bone grafting and guided tissue regeneration. This course provides students with an in-depth opportunity for discussion and analysis of the ethical, social, financial, ethnic and cultural issues posed by the patients encountered in the clinic.
Students gain an improved understanding of factors affecting patient and provider behavior.
Students also obtain a working knowledge of the dental care delivery system within which these behaviors exist and an understanding of the trends affecting the delivery of dental health services in the United States. Basic fundamentals in risk management, quality assurance, decision analysis and professional career decisions are presented. Radiology Rotations Students are assigned to the Radiology Clinic to prescreen patients and prescribe, take, develop, and mount radiographs of new patients. Students prepare and present radiologic reports on patients seen in consultation with the faculty and staff assigned to the Radiology Clinic. The patient is consulted and counseled about the nature and cost of the treatment plan and assisted in making a decision.