General Practice Residency Curriculum

Our challenging didactic curriculum components include: physical diagnosis; weekly conferences and seminars; monthly grand rounds and case discussions; literature review and case-based learning; Oral Pathology seminars; Blood-Borne Pathogens Training; Infection Control Training and OSHA Training; ACLS and PALS courses and certification; and regional or state dental meetings.

Our didactic curriculum objectives are to:

  1. Understand the principles and techniques of physical diagnosis and their relevance to pertinent medical conditions and the implications for dental treatment;
  2. Develop an understanding of dental literature and be able critically to review articles for accuracy, pertinence, and validity;
  3. Understand the principles of diagnosis and treatment planning and the variability in treatment modalities as an approach to clinical care;
  4. Understand the different dental treatment modalities using evidence-based or scientific principles and criteria;
  5. Understand the various medical conditions that may alter dental care and the manner in which it is rendered;
  6. Learn various principles and techniques in all disciplines of dentistry to improve the resident's ability to provide comprehensive treatment;
  7. Understand and manage the various pathological conditions that may occur within and around the oral cavity;
  8. Understand the requirements for infection control and OSHA compliance;
  9. Develop an understanding for advanced study groups, local, state, and national organizations; and,
  10. Develop an appreciation for quality continuing dental education.

Upon completion of this program, a resident should be fully prepared for a professional career in any chosen career tract. This is accomplished through these strategic curriculum objectives:

  1. Understand the role of dentistry as it relates to the total health care of the patient, especially those who are physically, mentally or medically compromised;
  2. Understand and appreciate the role of a dentist on the medical staff of a hospital in the comprehensive treatment of patients in a hospital environment;
  3. Recognize and evaluate systemic diseases and how they affect oral health;
  4. Understand the implications of various types of clinical laboratory data and their use in the diagnosis and treatment of oral disease;
  5. Understand and utilize appropriate consultations from other subspecialties of medicine and dentistry before final preparation and presentation of comprehensive treatment plans;
  6. Understand and appreciate the pharmacological actions of drugs used in treating oral and systemic disease;
  7. Manage the dental problems of the pediatric, adult and geriatric patient;
  8. Recognize the importance of preventive dental care and its role in the total success of dental treatment;
  9. Interact with dental assistants, billing coordinator, and secretaries in an office type environment;
  10. Interact with a broad range of health care providers, such as physicians, pharmacists, and residents in training;
  11. Understand the rationale, indications, and use of inhalation and intravenous drugs for control of pain and apprehension in the conscious patient;
  12. Understand the implications for use of general anesthesia to facilitate dentistry in the operating room;
  13. Provide comprehensive dental care including periodontal treatment, fixed and removable appliances, restorative procedures, oral surgery, operative dentistry, endodontics, and orthodontics for patients from various socioeconomic backgrounds;
  14. Understand hospital organization, protocol, and administration;
  15. Understand and demonstrate the need and desire to work as a team with a shared vision; and,
  16. Understand the hospital's role in comprehensive health care.