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 UNC School of Dentistry
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Purpose:  The School of Dentistry's mission is to enhance the oral and general health of people, particularly in North Carolina, through programs of education, research, patient care, and service.

Professional Degree:  Doctor of Dental Surgery, D.D.S.  

Education: 

Undergraduate Degree from an Accredited University

Four Years of Dental School (DDS1 through DDS4)

    First Year: Core courses in basic and dental sciences

    Second Year: Continuation of science courses with introduction to patient care

    Third Year: Dental science and elective courses and experience in specialty clinics

    Fourth Year:  Expanded clinical and patient care responsibilities   

Clinical Experience and Roles of the Dental Students: The DDS program offers in-house an off-site clinical experiences.  Roles of the students in the dental clinics are commensurate with the students' level of knowledge regarding dental treatment. 

In-House Experiential component:

DDS1:  Students begin treating patients in the Preventive Recall Clinic along with assisting upperclasssmen in other clinics during the summer session.  

DDS2 (7-9 hours/week):  Students receive their own family of patients with the needs of the patient matched with the current level of the student's training.  During the spring semester students deliver comprehensive care for the family of patients.

DDS3 (20-25 hours/week): Students are trained in all aspects of clinical dentistry with the exception of oral surgery.  Students are responsible for treating their family of patients and patients in various specialty clinics including Endodontics, Radiology, Urgent Care, Pediatrics, and Orthodontics.  During spring semester students treat patients in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic.

DDS4 (20-30 hours/week):  Students have continued responsibility to their patient family and continue to treat patients in the various specialty clinics with the addition of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Special Care/Geriatrics.

Off-Site Experiential Component (8 weeks): During the summer session following DDS3 year students complete required externships.  Students spend 4 weeks at a community dentistry health service and 4 weeks at a hospital dental service.  Students are placed at extramural sites throughout the country and overseas.  Other opportunities for internships other than the required 8-week rotations also exist. 

 

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Original Site Design - Keith M. Cochran