Doctor of Dental Medicine, DMD

The four-year DMD program and curriculum at Penn Dental Medicine not only reflects a strong commitment to developing knowledge and skills in both oral science and oral health care, but also offers the flexibility for students to tailor their education to their interests. As one of 12 schools within the larger urban campus of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Dental Medicine is uniquely positioned to provide a depth of opportunities for interdisciplinary study across other professional disciplines. Here, students find an education that builds excellence in dental medicine by encouraging individual interests and strengths to flourish and grow.

For more information: https://www.dental.upenn.edu/academic_programs_admissions/dmd_program

Curriculum

First Year

The first year of the curriculum introduces students to the concepts of human biology as they pertain to medicine in general and to dental medicine in particular. The curriculum reflects an emphasis on integration of scientific information by grouping courses into integrative course streams rather than discipline specific courses. This includes studies relating to the principles of oral disease prevention, patient management, and physical examination. A major segment of the curriculum focuses on the structure and function of oral tissues and contiguous structures. During this time, students will also begin an integrated preclinical course in restorative dentistry combining several disciplines (e.g., dental anatomy and occlusion, operative dentistry and dental materials), including extensive use of the School’s Virtual Reality Laboratory. Clinical experiences begin upon entry into the DMD program and increase with each succeeding year. In the first year, students begin clinical rotations in oral medicine, periodontics, health promotion, radiology, and hospital dentistry. Additionally, students will assist upperclassmen on the clinic floor as part of the DRAUT first year course.

First Year Courses
DENT 500Foundation Sciences I
DENT 502Foundation Sciences II
DENT 504Foundation Sciences III
DENT 506Intro To Pharmacology
DENT 510Biological Systems I
DENT 512Biological Systems II
DENT 514Biological Systems III
DENT 516Biological Systems Iv
DENT 530Advanced Simulation
DENT 532Dental Devel.& Anatomy
DENT 534Intro. To Occlusion
DENT 536Operative Dent. Lecture
DENT 538Operative Dent. Lab
DENT 539Dental Materials
DENT 540Periodontics I
DENT 550Behav Sci I-Health Promo
DENT 552Ethics I
DENT 560Clin Prac I-Intro To Pt.
DENT 562Clinial Prac II - Dau
DENT 564Intro To Clinical Dent I

Second Year

The second-year curriculum is applied to understanding the pathology of the oral cavity and the principles of diagnosis and treatment. The curriculum includes fundamental courses in pathology (an integration of general and oral pathology), pharmacology, and principles of medicine. The preclinical restorative dentistry course is a continuation of the program offered in the first year and focuses on prosthetic therapy; it also includes additional rotations in the Virtual Reality Laboratory. Other didactic, laboratory, and clinical experiences are initiated in anesthesia and pain control, community health, endodontics, orthodontics, and periodontics. A course entitled “Introduction to Clinical Dentistry” is offered in the second year; the purpose is to facilitate the transition from the classroom to the clinic by allowing students to observe and practice the provision of services in various clinical departments. Beginning in October, afternoons are set aside for courses in the Selectives Program.

Second Year Courses
DENT 610Biological Systems V
DENT 612Biological Systems Vi
DENT 614Biological Systems Vii
DENT 616Biological Systems Viii
DENT 620Oral & Maxil Complex III
DENT 622Oral & Maxil Complex Iv
DENT 624Oral & Maxil Complex V
DENT 630Fixed Prosthodontics Lec
DENT 631Fixed Prosthodontics Lab
DENT 632Complete Rem Dent Pros L
DENT 633Complete Rem Dent Pros B
DENT 634Partial Rem Dent Pros Lb
DENT 640Periodontics II Lec/Lab
DENT 650Behav Sci II-Pub Health
DENT 652Ethics II
DENT 654Behavioral Management
DENT 662Clinical Prac III-Dau
DENT 664Intro To Clin Dent II
DENT 670Endodontics Lecture
DENT 672Endodontics Lab
DENT 680Orthodontics
DENT 682Adjunctive Ortho Lec/Lab

Third Year

Students begin to function as dental practitioners during their third year. Didactic courses provide a deeper and more sophisticated foundation of knowledge in the clinical disciplines. However, the bulk of the third year is spent providing general patient care in a variety of settings. This includes assignments to Primary Care Units in the general clinic and rotations in various specialty clinics. In addition, students provide patient screenings and education in community-based dental health programs at schools, health fairs, geriatric centers, and homes for disabled persons. Third-year students also participate in the Selectives Program.

Third Year Courses
DPED 704Pediatric Dentistry L/B
DCOH 708Health Promotion S
DCOH 712Community Oral Health
DRST 740Restorative Dentistry L
DRST 741Comprehensive Care C Fal
DRST 742Restorative Dentistry SP
DPED 751Pediatric Dentistry Clin
DENT 752Ethics III
DORT 753Orthodontics II
DEND 756Endodontics Clinic
DOMD 760Oral Medicine L
DOMD 761Admissions and Emergency
DOMD 764Od&E Medical Clerkship
DOSP 770Oral Surgery L
DOSP 772Oral Surgery Clinic
DRAD 777Radiology Clinic/Seminar
DPRD 780Periodontics L
DPRD 781Periodontics Clinic
DCOH 785Practice Management
DORT 788P and I Clinic
DRST 789Clinical Seminar
DENT 790Multidisciplinary Sem

Fourth Year

The fourth-year curriculum continues to expand the intellectual and clinical experiences of students, including a two-week hospital externship. Students continue to attend PCU clinical seminars in which they present clinical cases where the integration of knowledge, skills, and values is emphasized. Coursework is designed to augment the basic knowledge in the first three years. By graduation, students will have demonstrated the competence, confidence, and maturity to qualify as safe, beginning independent general dental practitioners.

Fourth Year Courses
DORT 803Adjunctive Orthodontics
DCOH 808Health Promotion
DCOH 812Community Oral Health
DRST 841Comprehensive Care C
DPED 851Pediatric Dentistry Clin
DEND 856Endodontics Clinic
DOMD 861Admissions and Emergency
DOSP 872Oral Surgery Clinic
DPRD 881Periodontics Clinic
DOMD 887Hospital Assignment
DRST 889Clinical Seminar

Selectives

The Penn Dental Medicine’s Selectives Program enhances the predoctoral curriculum by allowing students to individualize their education to reflect their own professional interests. Selectives are offered from October to June each year, and includes didactic, clinical, community dental health service, and research opportunities. Many Selectives occur in small group seminars or individualized settings that promote close student-faculty interactions.

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2020 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.