Doctor of Dental Surgery Program

APPLICATION/ADMISSION

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO THE DENTAL PROGRAM

The Dental School seeks to enroll the highest caliber of students who will become exemplary health care professionals. To achieve this strategic objective, the Dental School has established admissions criteria that permit flexibility in choosing an undergraduate program while remaining discriminative with regard to scholastic achievement. Students are majoring in either science or non science disciplines, as well as individuals interested in career changes, are encouraged to apply. In addition, those individuals who are interested in changing their careers will receive careful consideration for admission. The admissions process strives to identify applicants who possess the ability to think critically and who have demonstrated independence and self-direction. In all respects, applicants must give every promise of becoming successful students and practitioners of the highest ethical standards.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate not only that they have participated in a challenging program in their respective disciplines, but also that it was supplemented by a broad selection of courses in the social sciences, humanities, and arts. Applicants should also be able to demonstrate the activities undertaken to investigate the dental profession. Additionally, experiences that develop manual dexterity are strongly recommended.

Although the completion of a bachelor's degree before dental school matriculation is strongly encouraged by the Committee on Dental Recruitment and Admissions, applicants who have successfully completed at least three academic years (90 credit hours) in an accredited university will be considered for admission.

No more than 60 of the minimum required credits will be accepted from a community college or junior college; these credits must have been validated by an accredited college of arts and sciences. All admission requirements must be completed by June 30 of the desired year of admission. Applicants must also present favorable recommendations from their respective predental committee or, if no such committee is available, from one faculty member each in the departments of biology and chemistry. Applicants will not be admitted with unabsolved conditions or unabsolved failures.

Requirements for admission are subject to change without prior notice, as the Committee on Dental Recruitment and Admissions reserves the right to modify the prerequisites when additional courses are necessary to improve an applicant's preparation for dental school. At the minimum, the undergraduate curriculum must include the following:

• 8 Semester Hours of General Biology (including laboratories)
• 8 Semester Hours of Inorganic Chemistry (including laboratories)
• 8 Semester Hours of Organic Chemistry (including laboratories)
• 8 Semester Hours of Physics (including laboratories)
• 3 Semester Hours of Biochemistry
• 6 Semester Hours of English Composition

Moreover, applicants are expected to achieve superior grades in these prerequisite courses, because these are the best predictors of dental student performance in the first two years of the dental curriculum.

A strong record of academic achievement is essential, and all applicants should present science and cumulative grade point averages (GPA) and Dental Admission Test (DAT) scores that exceed the national averages. All applicants are encouraged to take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) no later than November of the year before admission. The final admission decision will be based on DAT scores, performance in previous academic programs, the quality of those programs, and personal factors as evidenced by letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and a personal interview.

Before applying to the Dental School, potential applicants should note the University of Maryland policy concerning prevention and management of student and employee infection with bloodborne pathogens, and the Dental School's technical standards for admission and matriculation. In addition, although the admissions process does not include questions concerning any prior criminal activity, individuals who may have a prior or subsequent conviction or nolo contendre plea for a felony may encounter denial or removal of licensure.

Return to Top

APPLICATION AND ACCEPTANCE PROCEDURES

Students are admitted only at the beginning of the fall semester in August. All applications, with the exception of transfer and advanced standing applications, are processed through the American Dental Education Association. The application service, AADSAS, will duplicate the transcript, calculate the grade point average for each applicant, and furnish pertinent information to the Dental School. Although the AADSAS application must be filed by all applicants before to January 1 of the desired year of admission, early filing of the application is strongly recommended. The Dental School also charges a separate application review fee of $75, which should be submitted directly to the Office of Admissions at the same time the AADSAS application is submitted.
 
If the requirements for admission are fulfilled and preliminary admission criteria are met, the applicant will receive the Dental School's supplemental application form, which should be completed and mailed to the Dental School's Office of Admissions and Career Advancement. All applicants who merit consideration will be interviewed; however, a personal interview does not guarantee admission.

The Committee on Dental Recruitment and Admissions, composed of members of the faculty, students, and alumni, selects qualified applicants for admission based on the applicant's academic performance, DAT scores, faculty recommendations, and the personal interview. A deposit of $500, to be credited toward tuition, must accompany an applicant's acceptance of an offer of admission. An additional $500 deposit is due by April 1 to confirm intent to enroll. Admission is contingent on completion of all prerequisite coursework and continued satisfactory academic performance and behavior during the period between acceptance and enrollment.

ADMISSION WITH ADVANCED STANDING

Students currently enrolled in dental schools within the United States, as well as graduates of non U.S./non Canadian dental schools, may apply for admission with advanced standing. It should be noted, however, that such admissions occur very rarely because of limited space availability or incompatibility of curricula at different schools. Students admitted with advanced standing may be exempted from certain courses, based on skills assessment by the faculty. 

POLICY FOR ADMISSION WITH ADVANCED STANDING 

The University of Maryland Dental School does not have a specific program designed for candidates seeking admission to the DDS program with advanced standing. However, it may be possible for exceptionally talented graduates of a non-US/non-Canadian dental schools or dental students currently enrolled in US/Canadian dental schools, to gain admission to the University of Maryland's Doctor of Dental Surgery program, with advanced standing.

Candidates should be aware that the application process is complex, given the nature of assessing candidate's performance in different curricula at other institutions. Furthermore, all admissions considerations are contingent on space availability within the program.

This policy specifically addresses admissions requirements for two categories of candidates for admission with advanced standing:

• Transfer students
• Internationally trained dentists

Transfer Students

Eligibility
 In order to be eligible for consideration for transfer, applicants must be currently enrolled in a US or Canadian dental school, and in good academic and professional standing. First consideration will be given to applicants whose personal circumstances compel them to transfer.

Application Process
Application for admission with advanced standing should be requested from the Office of Admissions. Completed applications should be returned no later than April 1, along with the following:

• a detailed letter describing the reason for the transfer request
• the $350 application fee (payable to the University of Maryland Dental School)
• a letter from the Dean of the dental school, verifying that the student is currently enrolled and is in good academic and professional standing
• official undergraduate transcript
• DAT score report
• official dental school transcript
• National Board score report (where applicable)
• current dental school catalog

Preliminary Review  
 After required materials have been submitted and preliminarily reviewed, the Committee on Dental Recruitment and Admissions makes a determination regarding a personal interview. Candidates being seriously considered for admission are interviewed. 

Review by Departments
 Based on the outcome of the preliminary interview, candidates who are recommended for possible admission by the Committee on Dental Recruitment and Admissions are requested to provide copies of all course syllabi for courses completed and in progress at the current dental school. Dental School department chairs (or their designees) review the course syllabi and, if necessary, communicate directly with candidates when further clarification is needed. Department chairs/designees then provide the Office of Academic Affairs with the recommendations regarding placement within the curriculum. 

Admissions and Placement Decisions
 The Committee on Dental Recruitment and Admissions makes the final decision regarding admission. The Progression Committee develops specific recommendations regarding placement or modification to the student's curriculum or course requirements to accommodate individual needs. The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs notifies applicants regarding admission decisions and, if indicated, placement decisions. Space must be available within the projected class in order for an offer of admission to be extended.

Internationally Trained Dentists

Eligibility
 In order to be eligible for admission with advanced standing as an internationally trained dentist, applicants must have successfully completed the DDS degree (or its equivalent). Additionally, candidates must have passed Parts I and II of the National Dental Board Examination.

Application Process
Applications for admission with advanced standing should be requested from the Office of Admissions.  Completed applications should be returned no later than January 1, along with the following:

• a detailed letter describing the reason for seeking admission with advanced standing
• the $350 application fee (payable to the University of Maryland Dental School)
• Official reports of National Board Part I and Part II scores
• Results of a TOEFL, if English is not the native language 
• Clear, legible photocopies of the dental degree (DDS equivalent), course transcripts, and grades or examination scores, with certified English translations
• A course-by-course evaluation of academic credentials, performed by a recognized evaluation service
• Three letters of recommendation from former faculty members or recent professional contacts

Preliminary Review
 After required materials have been submitted and preliminarily reviewed, the Committee on Dental Recruitment and Admissions makes a determination regarding a personal interview. Candidates being seriously considered for admission are interviewed by members of the Committee on Dental Recruitment and Admissions. After the preliminary interview, the Committee makes a determination whether the candidate should be invited to complete the comprehensive skills analysis, conducted by the departments. For candidates invited to continue with the application process, the fee for the skills assessment is $2,000, payable on or before the date of the first departmental assessment.
  
 Review by Departments
 Candidates receive a list of Dental School department chairs (or designees) who meet with the candidates and conduct academic and preclinical skills assessments. The Dental School reserves the right to modify or waive all or part of the skills assessment, based on the backgrounds of individual candidates. Candidates contact the faculty directly to make arrangements for their evaluations. Department chairs/designees then provide to the Office of Academic Affairs recommendations regarding admission and, where appropriate, placement within the curriculum.

Admissions and Placement Decisions
The Committee on Dental Recruitment and Admissions makes the final decision regarding admission. The Progression Committees develop specific recommendations regarding placement or modification to the student's curriculum or course requirements to accommodate individual needs. The Assistant Dean of Admissions and Recruitment notifies applicants regarding admissions decisions and, if indicated, placement decisions. Space must be available within the projected class in order for an offer of admission to be extended.

Return to Top

READMISSION TO DENTAL SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Consequent to dismissal or withdrawal, readmission may be sought by reapplication to the Dental School. To initiate the readmission procedure, the former student shall submit a detailed letter, with supporting documents, to the Office of Admissions, requesting readmission to the Dental School. Students dismissed for violations of the Professional Code of Conduct are ineligible for readmission, unless substantial evidence of rehabilitation is provided. Determination of substantial evidence is within the School's sole discretion.

Once the letter of application has been processed by the Office of Admissions, the Committee on Dental Recruitment and Admissions, in consultation with the appropriate departments, the progression committee, and administrative and nonadministrative faculty members within the Dental School, may consider the student for readmission. The process of consideration may include a careful review of the student's academic record, a study of the reasons for readmission, and assessment of the student's potential for academic progress in the future. Recommendations relative to the readmission will be referred to the Committee on Dental Recruitment and Admissions in conjunction with the Office of Admissions and Office of Academic Affairs for final decision and notification, including conditions for readmission, where appropriate. Decisions resulting from this policy are not subject to appeal.

Return to Top

 COMBINED ARTS AND SCIENCES/DENTAL PROGRAM

 Although the Dental School supports a coherent four year program of undergraduate education for most students, it recognizes that some individuals may be prepared to enter after three years.  For eligible candidates, undergraduate programs within the University System of Maryland may offer a combined curriculum leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dental Surgery. The preprofessional part of this curriculum is taken in an undergraduate college of arts and sciences within the University System of Maryland, and the preprofessional part at the Dental School in Baltimore. Students who have been approved for the combined program and who have completed the arts and sciences phase may, at the recommendation of the dean of the Dental School, be granted the degree of Bachelor of Science by the undergraduate college after completion of the student's first year in the Dental School. Further information and applications should be obtained from the office of admissions at the undergraduate institution.

Return to Top

ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROGRAMS

 GRADING SYSTEM  

The following numerical range for standardized grades is used in the evaluation of student performance.

A	90-100
B	80-89
C	70-79
F	below 70

A - Excellent: This grade signifies performance of the highest quality or exceptional achievement. It is recommended that this grade be awarded to those students with the highest degree of talent, skills, and knowledge, compared with the expected performance of students at that particular stage of development and training.

B - Good: This grade should be recorded for students who have demonstrated knowledge, talent, or skills significantly above the acceptable level, compared with the expected performance of students at that particular stage of development and training.

C - Satisfactory: This grade should be recorded for students who have demonstrated knowledge, talent, or skills at an acceptable level, compared with the expected performance of students at that particular stage of development and training.
 
E - Conditional Failure: This grade is used as a progress grade or as a temporary final grade to indicate that a student, who otherwise is progressing satisfactorily in a course, has failed to master limited segments of a course or some clinical procedures, but may achieve a satisfactory level of proficiency within a short time if allowed to do so based on overall academic performance. When the E grade is used as a temporary final grade, it counts in the grade point average calculation. If successful remediation occurs, the student will receive the final grade earned in the course, shown on the permanent record along with the original E. An unresolved grade of E will result in a permanent grade of F.

F - Failure: Students who receive this grade exhibited unsatisfactory performance. This grade indicates that they have not achieved an acceptable level in skills and knowledge. As a result, they are not considered ready to advance to more complex work or to perform independently. When the failure has been absolved, the F grade will remain on the student's permanent record, but only the new grade will be used in computing the grade point average.

H - Honors: Elective clerkship courses are graded as honors when the student demonstrates excellence and advanced knowledge, skills and attitudes that exceed dental curriculum requirements in the dental specialty or practice area.

I - Incomplete: A student whose work in completed assignments is of acceptable quality but who, because of circumstances beyond the student's control (such as illness or disability), has been unable to complete course requirements, will receive a grade of Incomplete. When all requirements have been satisfied, the student will receive the final grade earned in the course. Except under extraordinary circumstances, an Incomplete may not be carried into the next academic year.

P - Pass: This grade signifies acceptable performance and satisfactory completion of course requirements.

WD - Withdraw:  This grade indicates withdrawal during the first half of the course.

WP - Withdraw Pass or WF - Withdraw Fail:  This grade denotes student performance to date when withdrawal occurs after the first half of the course.

Scholastic averages are computed on the basis of credits assigned to each course and the following numerical values for grades: A-4, B-3, C-2, E-0, F-0. The grade point average is the sum of the products of course credits and grade values, divided by the total number of course credits in that year of the curriculum.

Return to Top

 ADVANCEMENT PROCESS

The Student Progression Committees review the performance of each student at the end of each semester. On the basis of progress and/or final grades, the committees determine one of the following actions for each student: unconditional advancement; conditional advancement; probationary advancement; repeat of the year; remediation of the year; or recommend academic dismissal to the Faculty Council, which approves all decisions pertaining to academic dismissal or graduation. Remediation or re-examination is not offered until the committees meet after the end of the academic year in May. A student may appeal any action of the progression committees or the Faculty Council by submission of a written request to the associate dean.

Students must achieve a 2.00 grade point average and passing grades in all courses to advance unconditionally to the next year. Second-year students must also successfully pass the Part I National Board Dental Examination for unconditional advancement to the third year.

*Class of 2011 and forward:  Students must take Part I no later than October 1 of the second year of the dental curriculum.  Re-examination, if necessary, must be completed no later than April 1.  Students who do not pass Part I by the end of the second year of the dental curriculum will be permitted to begin didactic courses in the fall semester of the third year, but will not be advanced to the clinic. These students must pass Part I before the start of the year three spring semester or they will be dismissed. (See Policy for Limiting Enrollment Time and National Board Examination Eligibility.) 

*Class of 2010:  Students who do not pass Part I by the end of the second year of the dental curriculum will be permitted to begin didactic courses in the fall semester of the third year, but will not be advanced to the clinic.  These students must pass Part I before the start of the year three spring semester or they will be dismissed. (See Policy for Limiting Enrollment Time and National Board Examination Eligibility.)

*Class of 2009:  Students who have not passed Part I by the end of the third year of the dental curriculum will be permitted to take didactic courses in the fall semester of the fourth year, but will not be permitted to continue in clinic.  These students must pass Part I before the start of the year four spring semester or they will be dismissed.  (See Policy for Limiting Enrollment Time and National Board Examination Eligibility.)

*Approved by Faculty Council on November 15, 2007.

In accordance with the attendance policy, students who do not meet published departmental/course standards for attendance may lose the opportunity for remediation.  Students with a pattern of unexcused absences who receive one or more failing or deficient grades may be dismissed.  Extenuating circumstances should be identified at the time the absence occurs, following procedures in the attendance policy, in order to be considered as a basis for appeal.

A student may be permitted to absolve deficiencies during the summer session, as recommended by the progression committees. Depending on the type of deficiencies involved, students may be required to register and pay a fee for the summer session. The progression committees may also permit students in Years I and II to repeat a failed basic science course at another institution during the summer session.

Conditional advancement may be assigned to 1) first- and second-year students with minor deficiencies who have not successfully completed remediation of deficient grades during the summer session; 2) second-year students who have not passed the Part I National Board Dental Examination; and 3) third-year students with minor clinical deficiencies who have not successfully completed all courses but who, in the judgment of the committee, should be afforded the opportunity to complete requirements from the third year while proceeding with fourth-year courses. Conditionally advanced students who fail the Part I National Board Dental Examination must meet the requirements of a remedial program approved by the Student Progression Committee before taking a re-examination.

Probationary advancement may be assigned to students with a final grade of F in one or more courses at the end of the academic year. Students on probation must remediate or repeat all courses in which there was a deficiency to a passing grade of C, achieve a minimum grade point average of 2.00, and must pass all courses taken during the probationary academic year. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the dental program subject to discretionary review by the Faculty Council.  In accordance with the Dental School Policy for Limiting Enrollment Time and National Board Examination Eligibility for Predoctoral Dental Students, the maximum number of years to complete Year I and II courses is three years and the maximum number of years to complete Year III and IV courses is three years.

Students who fail one Year III course may be advanced conditionally on probation to Year IV where the schedule and curriculum permit repeat of the failed course while taking Year IV courses. In these circumstances, the following guidelines will be applied:  attendance at the repeated course must take precedence where there is a scheduling conflict; coursework that could not be completed due to scheduling conflicts in the fall semester must be completed during the following fall semester; courses not affected by a scheduling conflict must be successfully completed in accordance with the probation policy.

Students with deficiencies too severe to be absolved during the summer session may be afforded the opportunity to repeat or remediate a specific year of the dental program. Repeat of the year entails repeating the year's work in its entirety. Remediation of the year provides students with the opportunity for exemption from courses or portions of courses at the discretion of the department chairs. During the remedial year students repeat failed courses and may also be required to repeat courses previously passed to maintain or enhance skills and/or knowledge. The grade on the repeated course, whether higher or lower than the original grade, replaces the original grade in the grade point average calculation. Students who are repeating or remediating any year of the dental program are placed on probation and are subject to the probationary guidelines noted above.  If it is determined that a student is progressing so poorly that remediation will not bring him/her to a passing level, dismissal will be recommended to the Faculty Council.

Advancement Process August 2004

Return to Top

 POLICY FOR APPEAL OF ADVANCEMENT DECISIONS

Appeals Process

The following guidelines have been established to review appeals of decisions made by the Progression Committees, or in cases of dismissal, decisions made by the Faculty Council.  This mechanism will not be used to dispute the published advancement guidelines which have been approved by the Faculty Council.

1. A student wishing to appeal an advancement or dismissal decision must initiate the appeal process within 5 working days of receiving written notification from the Office of Academic Affairs regarding Advancement Committee decisions, or from the Dean regarding dismissal decisions made by the Faculty Council.   In this written appeal, the student must present evidence of compelling additional information or extenuating circumstances not previously considered and the reason why the information was not previously presented.  The written appeal must include: the decision the student is appealing; the specific basis for the appeal, including appropriate supporting documentation; and the academic status that the student is requesting. The student may present and prioritize more than one alternative.

2. The appeal, which must be submitted in writing to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, will be reviewed by a panel composed of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and the Chair of the Progression Committee.

3. The review panel will determine whether the student's written appeal meets the criteria outlined above. Should the panel determine that an appeal lacks the required evidence, the appeal will be denied.   In these circumstances, there is no further appeal.

4. Should the panel determine that an appeal meets the required criteria outlined above, the panel will forward the appeal to the Progression Committee for its consideration. 

5. The Progression Committee will meet within ten working days, when possible, of receiving the initial appeal request from the review panel. 

6. The Committee will issue a written decision within five days of its meeting, when possible. The Committee's decision is final and there is no further appeal. The Committee's decision shall be forwarded to the Faculty Council for information.

Return to Top

 POLICY FOR LIMITING ENROLLMENT TIME AND NATIONAL BOARD EXAMINATION ELIGIBILITY FOR PREDOCTORAL DENTAL STUDENTS                   

The maximum number of years to complete all dental courses and pass Part I and Part II of the National Board Dental Examinations will be six years.* 

1. The maximum number of years to complete Year I and Year II courses will be three years. After completing the Year I curriculum, a student will have up to a maximum of three attempts within 15 months of eligibility to pass Part I of the National Boards.  A student who does not pass Part I within 15 months of eligibility, regardless of the number of attempts, will be dismissed.
2. The maximum number of years to complete all Year III and Year IV clinical and didactic requirements will be three years.  A student who fails Part II of the National Boards a total of three times during the first senior year and any remedial senior year will be dismissed.
3. Following completion of Year IV requirements, a student may be granted an additional seven months to pass Part II of the National Board Dental Examinations on a third and final attempt provided all the following criteria are met: (a) total time enrolled including the additional seven months will not exceed the six-year limit and (b) the student has had only two opportunities to take Part II.
4. Requests for exceptions to the above timetable because of interruptions caused by illness or leave of absence may be appealed to the Faculty Council.
5. A student may appeal any decision reached pursuant to this policy under the School's established academic appeal process.
6. This policy does not apply to students in combined degree programs.

*This policy is based on the current format and schedule of the National Board Dental Examinations.  In the event there is a change in the format or schedule of the examinations, this policy will be revised.
Approved by the Faculty Council: November 15, 2007

Return To Top

 PROGRAM FOR DENTAL STUDENTS WHO HAVE NOT SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED PART II OF THE NATIONAL BOARD DENTAL EXAMINATION BY THE END OF THE SENIOR YEAR

In accordance with Dental School policy, successful completion of Part II of the National Board Dental Examination is a requirement for graduation. Following completion of Year IV requirements, a student may be granted an additional seven months to pass Part II of the National Board Dental Examinations on a third and final attempt provided all the following criteria are met: (a) total time enrolled, including the additional seven months, will not exceed the six-year limit, and (b) the student has had only two opportunities to take Part II. A continuing student will register in, and pay tuition for, a program specifically designed to meet the student's needs as determined by the Clinical Progression Committee. The Committee will develop this program based on the department chairs' recommendations for student assignment to clinical programs in need of student services. Additionally, continuing students will be assigned patients who need comprehensive care and/or will participate in specific clinical and nonclinical activities to maintain their clinical knowledge and skills. Students will also be assigned an independent course of study to assist them in preparation for the board examination.

Return to Top

ATTENDANCE POLICY

The faculty and administration of the Dental School expect every student to attend all scheduled lectures, seminars, laboratory sessions, and clinic assignments, except in the event of illness or emergency.  Course syllabi for each department and the Clinic Manual address specific departmental and clinical attendance policies and requirements, and delineate a policy for managing missed examinations, quizzes and other assignments. Students may lose the opportunity for remediation and/or re-examination if they do not meet published departmental/course standards for attendance.

Students who anticipate that they will be absent for planned events (e.g., religious holidays) should contact course directors to make arrangements in advance of the anticipated absence. Year III and Year IV dental students should also contact their general practice managers and directors of block assignments, if indicated.

In the event of an emergency or serious illness, students should contact course directors, general practice managers, and directors of block assignments, preferably before scheduled educational activities. If prior notice is not possible, contact should be made at the earliest opportunity. Course directors will determine the effect of the absence and the subsequent course of action.

Students who miss specific educational activities including, but not limited to, examinations, quizzes and block assignments, must complete an absence form, including an explanation for the absence. The student's signature on the form verifies that the explanation provided is accurate. The course director will review the absence form, make a determination regarding the appropriate course of action, and sign the absence form. Copies of the form will be provided for the student, the course director/department, and the Office of Academic Affairs. Student appeals of the final disposition must be made within five working days, and should be referred to the department chair. If a satisfactory resolution is not reached, the appeal should be forwarded to the office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for a final disposition.

Students who anticipate a long-term absence (longer than five days) should directly contact the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to discuss strategies for managing the impact of the absence on the educational program.

Return to Top

The educational opportunities and guided experiences of the pre-doctoral dental education program at the University of Maryland are designed to prepare the new graduate for entry into the profession of dentistry. Prior to graduation, pre-doctoral dental students are expected to demonstrate that they have attained competence. The Dental School employs specific exams to assure students meet the expectations articulated in the Maryland Competency Statements described above.

Competency exams are a formal didactic and/or practical examination, the requirements of which are standardized across the population of students being assessed. A competency exam assesses the knowledge, and/or skills, and/or values required to achieve a goal (or a set of goals) relative to the profession of dentistry and/or delivering oral health care. Each is graded according to written protocols. All competency exams must be successfully challenged prior to graduation. A competency exam may be any of the following:

• Case based report - standardized
• Demonstration - clinical performance
• Demonstration - simulated patient/typodont/laboratory
• Exam - oral case-based
• Exam - written (responding to e-files)
• Exam - written (case-based)
• Exam - written (testing didactic material)
• Presentation - oral
• Review of literature
• Review of patient clinical records

 Students are apprised of competency exams and their requirements in one or more ways:

• Course syllabi contain descriptions of competency exams included in the course
• Faculty discuss with students competency exams on the first day of class
• Clinic Manual contains descriptions of the competencies
• GP managers distribute information about clinical competency examinations and grading to their students
• Each GP maintains clinical competency evaluation forms

The Competency Exam Manual is a compilation of the reference documents developed for each competency exam. It lists prerequisites, grading protocols, remediation, and other pertinent information.  The Competency Exam Manual is located on Blackboard, the campus e-learning software platform.

Return to Top

 REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION

The Doctor of Dental Surgery degree is conferred on a candidate who has met the conditions specified below:

1. A candidate must have satisfied all requirements of the various departments.
2. A candidate must have acquired and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and values contained in the Dental School Competencies.
3. A candidate must pass all fourth-year courses and achieve a minimum 2.0 average in the fourth year.
4. The candidate must pass the Part II National Board Dental Examination.
5. The candidate must have satisfied all University obligations before graduation.
6. The candidate must be clear of all disciplinary matters.

 GRADUATION DATES  

Students who enter the DDS program at the University of Maryland Dental School are required to complete a minimum of four academic years at the School. The length of the program has been established to provide the students a comprehensive professional education. Graduation for students who complete the program within this prescribed period is in May. Students who fail to complete all requirements in May will be considered for graduation the following July, December, or May, as they are judged ready to do so.

Return to Top

 THE DENTAL CURRICULUM - 2008-2009

*General Practice Simulation - Credits in Selected Courses (#) are reduced for GPS Students.

F-Final Grade; P-Progress Grade.  Year-long courses have progress grades in the fall semester.  The spring final grade is applied to the credits for the fall and spring.

Curriculum requirements are subject to change without prior notice.

Year III Elective Course

PEDS 539, Pediatric Dentistry Elective, 6 Credits (3 Fall/3 Spring). This course allows selected Year III students to pursue further studies in pediatric dentistry specially designed to meet their needs and interests.  Students devote a portion of their clinic time to this specialized program; the remaining clinic time is spent in the comprehensive treatment of patients in the regular program.  The course includes clinical activities in the undergraduate and postgraduate clinics and didactic seminars.  Enrichment activities include humanities seminars, public health experiences, and career planning.

Year IV Elective Courses

The elective clerkship allows selected students to pursue further studies in departmental activities specially designed to meet their needs and interests. Students devote a portion of their clinic time to these specialized programs; the remaining clinic time is spent in the comprehensive treatment of patients in the regular program. Clerkships are available in basic science and clinical disciplines, and several incorporate off-campus clinical experiences in various practice settings.