University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry

Academics

4-year semitraditional. The curriculum is designed to enable the student to acquire the essential knowledge and skills necessary for competent practice in dentistry. This demands direct participation in classes, laboratories, and clinics for 35 or more hours per week. Related study and preparation time is extensive. In addition to the conventional 2 semesters of each academic year, students participate in 4 additional weeks of instruction during the first and second years and also provide patient care in a 10-week summer session following the third year. Flexibility is provided within many courses and the clinics to allow students the opportunity to learn in an individualized manner. Instruction is provided in the basic biological sciences, behavioral sciences, and clinical dental sciences. Most of the biological science instruction is in the first 2 years. Clinical sciences are taught throughout the entire curriculum. As the student progresses, increasing emphasis and time are devoted to supervised patient care. Behavioral sciences instruction, the management of dental practice, and professional responsibility are incorporated throughout the curriculum. First year: Concerned largely with the basic structure and function of the human body. Courses in human gross anatomy, microscopic anatomy with emphasis on the oralfacial structures, biochemistry, and physiology provide the student with the understanding of the biological sciences important to the dentist. Second year: Concentrates on the processes of disease and infection through conjoint courses in pathology, oral pathology, microbiology, and immunology. More advanced instruction in the clinical disciplines is provided and the student assumes an increasing responsibility for care of patients. Third year: More than half of the student’s time is spent in the provision of dental care to patients. At the same time, he or she continues to receive instruction in basic sciences, particularly pharmacology, and in the clinical, behavioral, and social sciences. Students work in collaborative groups to provide high-quality care, practice effective management principles, and assist each other in professional growth and development. Fourth year: Concentrates extensively on patient care, the correlation of the basic, behavioral, and clinical sciences, as well as the effective and efficient management of dental services.