Program for Advanced Standing Students, DMD

The Program for Advanced Standing Students (PASS) is designed for graduates of foreign dental schools who want to practice dentistry in the United States. Most states require a degree from a dental school accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA) before granting licensure. To prepare non-U.S. trained dentists, Penn Dental Medicine offers a two-and-a-half year program which leads to a DMD degree. Successful completion of the program allows foreign-trained dentists to take licensing exams in any state. PASS students are expected to successfully complete all competencies required in the 4-year program.

This degree requires a minimum of 125 Credit Hours.

Curriculum

Upon matriculation in January, PASS students will join the second year DMD class by participating in all ongoing preclinical and laboratory courses. PASS students will NOT be required to take any second year basic science courses but instead will participate in an additional, specially designed preclinical laboratory/seminar program.

Second Year

DENT 6162Behavioral Management0.5-3.5
DENT 6212Control and Treatment of Dental Plaque-Induced Diseases5-8
DENT 6402Soft and Hard Tissue Pathology, Diagnosis and Management5-8
DENT 6612Patients Across the Lifespan5-8
DENT 6802Fixed Prosthodontics Lec Spring0.5-3.25
DENT 6812Partial Rem Dent Pros Lb0.75-4
DENT 6842Clinical Prac IIi-Dau0.75-4
DENT 6872Pass Preparatory Course0-3
DENT 6892Professionalism, Ethics and Healthcare Communities0.25-3
DENT 6992Selectives II0.25-1.5

Third- and Fourth-Year Dental Curriculum

Following the successful completion of the second year, students will be fully integrated into the class where they take part in all academic and clinical experiences in the third and fourth years of dental school. This includes participation in externships abroad or in the U.S. and the Selectives course offerings to customize a student’s educational experience. No special or separate teaching is conducted for the PASS program students. Please refer to the DMD curriculum for a complete description of the third- and fourth-year curriculum. Students participate in a modern health care delivery system which simulates general practice. In addition, they rotate through the specialty departments and work under the preceptorship of master clinicians.

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
Summer
Endodontics
Radiology I
Introduction to Oral Surgery and Medical Emergencies
Oral Surgery and Pharmacology
Pediatric Dentistry
Periodontics
Complete Removable Dental Prosthesis
Comprehensive Care III
Restorative Microscopy III
Fall
Health Promotion S
Endodontics Clinic
Radiology Clinic/Seminar
Clinical Oral Medicine & Personalized Care
Oral Surgery Clinic
Orthodontics II
P and I Clinic
Pediatric Dentistry L/B
Pediatric Dentistry Clin
Periodontics L
Periodontics Clinic
Restorative Dentistry L
Comprehensive Care C Fal
Spring
Differential Diagnosis
Health Promotion II Spring
Professional Practitioner Development II
Endodontics II Clinical Spring
Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine
Radiology II Clinic Spring
Clinical Oral Medicine & Personalized Care II
Oral Surgery L II
Oral Surgery II Clinic Spring
Multidisciplinary Seminar
Preventive and Interceptive Orthodontics II Clinic
Pediatric Dentistry II Clinical
Periodontics Clinic
Restorative Dentistry II
Comprehensive Care C Spr
Clinical Seminars II
Selectives III

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
Summer
The Endodontic II Clinic
Radiology IV
Personalized Care
Oral Medicine Clinical Rotation
Hospital Assignment
Clinical Oral Surgery
Adjunctive Orthodontics I
Pediatric Dentistry
Periodontics
Comprehensive Care VI
Fall
Professional Practitioner Development III
The Endodontic Clinic
Radiology Clinic
Personalized Care
Oral Medicine Clinical Rotation
Hospital Assignment
Oral Surgery Clinic
Adjunctive Orthodontics
Pediatric Dentistry Clinic
Periodontics Clinic
Comprehensive Care VII
Clinical Seminar
Selectives IV
Spring
The Endodontic II Clinic
Radiology II Clinic
Personalized Care II
Oral Medicine Clinical Rotation
Hospital Assignment
Oral Surgery II Clinic
Adjunctive Orthodontics II Clinic
Pediatric Dentistry II Clinical
Periodontics II C
Comprehensive Care II Clinical
Clinical Seminar II Spring

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 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.