Admission Steps | Requirements | Technical Standards | Immunization Requirements

Technical Standards

The Technical Standards describe the essential abilities required of all candidates. Reasonable accommodation in achievement of the standards is defined under U.S. federal statutes applied to individuals with disabilities. Such accommodations are intended to support the successful completion of all components of the DMD degree.

Standards in five areas must be met by all candidates: Observation, Communication, Motor Function, Cognitive, and Professional.

Observation

  • Observe demonstrations and participate in experiments in the basic sciences.
  • Observe patients at a distance and close at hand.
  • Demonstrate sufficient use of the senses of vision, hearing, and smell and the somatic sensation necessary to perform a physical examination.
  • Integrate findings based on these observations and to develop an appropriate diagnostic and treatment plan.

Communication

  • Communicate in verbal and written form with health care professionals and patients, including eliciting a complete medical history and recording information regarding patients’ conditions.
  • Perceive relevant non-verbal communication such as changes in mood, activity, and posture as part of a physical examination of a patient.
  • Establish therapeutic relationships with patients.
  • Demonstrate reading skills at a level sufficient to individually accomplish curricular requirements and provide clinical care for patients using written information.

Motor Function

  • Perform physical examinations and diagnostic procedures, using such techniques as inspection, perfusion, palpation and auscultation.
  • Complete routine invasive procedures as part of training, under supervision, using universal precautions without substantial risk of infection to patients.
  • Perform basic laboratory tests and evaluate routine diagnostic tool such as x-rays.
  • Respond in emergency situations to provide the level of care reasonably required of dentists.
  • Participate effectively in physically taxing duties over long hours and complete timed demonstrations of skills.

Cognitive

  • Measure, calculate, analyze, synthesize, extrapolate, and reach diagnostic and therapeutic judgments.
  • Recognize and draw conclusions about three-dimensional spatial relationships and logical sequential relationships among events.
  • Formulate and test hypotheses that enable effective and timely problem-solving in diagnosis and treatment of patients in a variety of clinical modalities.
  • Understand the legal and ethical aspects of the practice of medicine.
  • Remain fully alert and attentive at all times in the clinical settings.

Professionalism

  • Demonstrate the judgement and emotional stability required for full use of their intellectual abilities.
  • Possess the perseverance, diligence, and consistency to complete the College of Dental Medicine Curriculum and prepare to enter the independent practice of dentistry.
  • Exercise good judgement in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
  • Complete all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients within established timelines.
  • Function within both the law and ethical standards of the dental profession.
  • Work effectively and professionally as part of the health care team.
  • Relate to patients, their families, and health care personnel in a sensitive and professional manner.
  • Participate effectively in physically taxing duties over long work hours, function effectively under stress, and display flexibility and adaptability to changing and uncertain environments.
  • Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance for classes and clinical responsibilities.
  • Contribute to collaborative, constructive learning environments, accept constructive feedback from others, and respond with appropriate modification.