Tufts University School of Dental Medicine

Academics

4-year. The curriculum of the School of Dental Medicine has been designed and modified over the years to reflect the changing needs of the dental profession. The school’s primary goal is to develop dental practitioners who are able to utilize their knowledge of the basic principles of human biology and human behavior in conjunction with their technical skills in diagnosing, treating, and preventing oral disease. The DMD program, which extends over a 4-year period, consists of a series of didactic, laboratory, and clinical experiences, all of which are programmed to result in the logical development of concepts and skills. First year: The basic science and preclinical technique courses. Second year: The courses are concerned with the pathology of the body systems with special emphasis on the oral cavity. Clinical experience is begun under faculty supervision. Third and fourth years: These years are primarily clinical and are devoted to the comprehensive care of patients. An integral part of this year is the externship program, which lasts 5 weeks at a facility away from the school.