Dental Clinical Services (DECS)


DECS 7310  Special Patient Care  (1 credits)  
An introduction to the multifaceted aspects of disabling conditions and their implications for oral health care. Conditions addressed include the developmental disabilities, sensory disability, cardiovascular and neuromuscular deficits. Emphasis is on clinical management of patients with such conditions. Aging is also studied in regard to the relationship between normal aging, chronic disease and oral health.
Level of Study: Dental  
Last four terms offered: 2024 Spring Term, 2023 Spring Term, 2022 Spring Term, 2021 Spring Term  
DECS 7314  Comprehensive Patient Care Practicum 1  (5 credits)  
Third year dental students interact with members of the dental team and deliver care under circumstances which are similar to a large group practice. Dental students are expected to demonstrate a satisfactory level of proficiency in the assigned CPMG and during block rotation assignments. Each CPMG meets once weekly for general dental rounds where students present cases or topics and are asked to defend treatment-planning decisions with reference to the literature. Emphasis is placed on relatively simple restorations within the student's capabilities. Students are expected to perform clinically acceptable procedures on manikins in unguided situations as an assessment of competency. S/U grade assessment.
Level of Study: Dental  
Last four terms offered: 2023 Fall Term, 2022 Fall Term, 2021 Fall Term, 2021 Spring Term  
DECS 7320  Dental Practice Dynamics 1  (1 credits)  
Provides the student with an understanding of the dynamics of patient management and clinical practice systems that will allows them to effectively manage the practice environment. Topics include: the psychology of the clinic patient, effective appointment strategies, attracting clinic patients and creating ideal systems for the private practice among others. S/U grade assessment.
Level of Study: Dental  
Last four terms offered: 2024 Spring Term, 2023 Spring Term, 2022 Spring Term, 2021 Spring Term  
DECS 7324  Comprehensive Patient Care Practicum 2  (5 credits)  
The second course in a three-course series builds upon the initial Comprehensive Patient Care Practicum. Third-year dental students interact with members of the dental team and deliver care under circumstances similar to a large group practice. Focus is on increasing clinical skills and completing appraised clinical experiences, demonstrating clinical competency in a variety of areas. S/U grade assessment.
Level of Study: Dental  
Last four terms offered: 2024 Summer Term, 2024 Spring Term, 2023 Summer Term, 2023 Spring Term  
DECS 7334  Comprehensive Patient Care Practicum 3  (5 credits)  
The third course in a three-course series builds upon the initial Comprehensive Patient Care Practicum. Third-year dental students are expected to provide comprehensive clinical care across various disciplines of dentistry. Focus is on increasing clinical skills and completing appraised clinical experiences, demonstrating clinical competency in a variety of areas. S/U grade assessment.
Level of Study: Dental  
Last four terms offered: 2024 Summer Term, 2023 Summer Term, 2022 Summer Term, 2021 Summer Term  
DECS 7410  Dental Practice Dynamics 2  (2 credits)  
Builds on the initial course in the sequence, Dental Practice Dynamics 1, and provides the students with the background to be successful practitioners. Topics include: Creating a compelling philosophy of care, preparing for financial viability, leadership and change, the future of dental practice and developing the practice environment. S/U grade assessment.
Level of Study: Dental  
Last four terms offered: 2023 Fall Term, 2022 Fall Term, 2021 Fall Term, 2020 Fall Term  
DECS 7414  Senior Clinical Practicum in Comprehensive Patient Care 1  (5 credits)  
The first of two advanced level courses in comprehensive dental care. Students are expected to demonstrate their ability to provide dental services to restore oral health and function for patients requiring a range of skilled care from simple to complex. Students are also assigned to rotational experiences at external clinics, where additional exposure to a variety of populations increases patient management skills. S/U grade assessment.
Level of Study: Dental  
Last four terms offered: 2023 Fall Term, 2022 Fall Term, 2021 Fall Term, 2021 Spring Term  
DECS 7424  Senior Clinical Practicum in Comprehensive Patient Care 2  (5 credits)  
The second of two advanced level courses in comprehensive dental care. Students are expected to demonstrate their ability to provide a broad range of dental services to a diverse population of patients requiring a range of skilled care from simple to complex. Students are expected to provide care in a variety of community and rural settings. Students are expected to complete all appraised clinical experiences (ACE), demonstrating clinical competency and the ability to be a safe entry-level dental healthcare provider. Students also provide service to the school and the community. S/U grade assessment.
Level of Study: Dental  
Last four terms offered: 2024 Spring Term, 2023 Spring Term, 2022 Spring Term, 2021 Spring Term  
DECS 7996  Extended Clinical Practice  (0 credits)  
Allows students to fulfill clinical requirements necessary for graduation. Requires completion of all course work in D.D.S. program. SNC/UNC grade assessment.
Level of Study: Dental  
Last four terms offered: 2024 Summer Term, 2024 Spring Term, 2023 Fall Term, 2023 Summer Term