University of the Pacific Arthur P. Dugoni School of Dentistry

University of the Pacific Arthur P. Dugoni School of Dentistry Academics

First year: During the first quarter students practice the use of dental instruments and materials, working position and posture using direct and indirect vision, and basic dental laboratory procedures. They are introduced to study and test-taking skills and methods of time management. Biomedical science instruction in anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, and microbiology is offered in the first 8 quarters, followed by multidisciplinary presentations of basic science foundations for clinical topics such as the importance of saliva, tissue aging, nutrition, and infection control. Second and third years: Students practice clinical dentistry for 15 hours per week, learning to provide comprehensive dental care under the direction of group practice administrators and multidisciplinary faculty from diagnostic sciences, periodontics, operative dentistry, endodontics, orthodontics, and fixed and removable prosthodontics. Oral and maxillofacial surgery, pediatric dentistry, and radiology are learned in respective specialty clinics. Fourth year: Advanced clinical dentistry and evaluation of new developments and topics that involve several disciplines are taught in conjunction with patient care. Rotation to extramural clinics provides management training that will increase efficiency in the delivery of high-quality dental care in a setting that resembles private practice more closely than the dental school clinic. Students are counseled about establishing a practice and applying for postgraduate education.