Diagnostic Sciences (DGS03-DN)

This course introduces the student to a basic approach to the diagnosis, treatment and treatment planning for common orofacial disorders. The course will (1) draw upon and expand relevant concepts of the epidemiology of oral disease as they relate to understanding the population distribution and demographics of common oral diseases; (2) draw upon and expand relevant concepts of diagnostic validity (specificity, sensitivity and predictive value); (3) draw upon and expand relevant concepts of diagnostic criteria, and risk factors and predictors; (4) describe current disease classifications and diagnostic techniques and criteria; 5) describe the etiology, pathogenesis, basis for initiating therapy, core methods for and approaches to treatment, and assessment strategies to determine outcome of therapy and prevention strategies to promote health for: 1) caries, 2) periodontal disease, and 3) diseases of the dental pulp. Information in this course provides the cornerstone foundation for patient evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. We will address therapeutic issues for the pediatric, adult, and geriatric patient as well as related pharmacologic implications. This course is open only to students in the Doctor of Dental Surgery program. Core curriculum.

This is the first of three courses that are designed to assist a dental practitioner in acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary to manage a sound business operation that facilitates the delivery of quality oral health care. This first course will focus on the theories of workflow, coding, financial basics and includes a mandatory lecture on Human Trafficking. This course is open only to students in the Doctor of Dental Surgery program. Core curriculum.

This is the second of three courses designed to assist the student in their transition from the dental school environment into general practice. Students will be exposed to the skills and knowledge necessary to manage a sound business that facilitates the delivery of quality oral health care. Students will learn disaster management and preparedness along with how insurance and recovery time can impact the practice of dentistry. Other modules will provide greater depth into finance and insurance literacy. Students will be reintroduced to the concepts of co-pay, deductibles, in/out of network providers and the legal implications associated with program participation. The complex legal/regulatory aspects of being an employer will be reviewed. Finally, a mock trial will be conducted to demonstrate the impact that proper/ethical practice and record keeping can have on the practitioner. This 'trial' will have student volunteers and experienced attorneys role play in every part of the legal system/process. This course is open only to students in the Doctor of Dental Surgery program. Core curriculum.

This course is a continuation of Practice Management II (DGS03-DN 4509) and it is designed to assist the general dental practitioner in acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary to manage a sound business operation that facilitates the delivery of quality oral health care. Topic to be discussed include: Preparation for employment, buying and starting a practice, debt consolidation, formulation of a business plan, retirement planning, business and professional insurance for dentists. This course is open only to students in the Doctor of Dental Surgery program. Core curriculum.