Dental Clinical Specialty Foundations (DCSF)

DCSF 5100. Critical Appraisal of Dental Literature I. 3 Credit Hours.

This course will familiarize students with current literature in each of the dental specialties and provide experience with the critical appraisal process. The aim of the Critical Appraisal of Dental Literature course is to develop students ability to interpret research findings and enhance their ability to assess the value and clinical application of evidence reported in the dental literature. During Critical Appraisal of Dental Literature I, students learn how to assess the quality of evidence in dental research articles in literature review seminars where students read selected papers and then critique the study design, research methods, results, and appropriateness of conclusions. Each student conducts a critical appraisal for an assigned research question with mentor guidance and presents the appraisal to classmates and faculty, who provide feedback.

DCSF 5101. Contemporary Research Methods I. 3 Credit Hours.

This course will introduce students to the research process and strategies for employing Evidence-Based Practice in educational and practice settings. Contemporary Research Methods I focuses on the principles and process of research design, which will prepare students to plan a research study that explores a research question of current relevance to clinical dentistry. Each student is assigned a faculty mentor and attends presentations on study design, project management, data collection and analysis, scientific writing and current research priorities in each of the dental specialties. By the conclusion of the course, students formulate research questions and hypothesis to guide development of the study protocol. Students also participate in seminars on evidence-based practice (EBP), followed by a simulation exercise where students apply EBP principles to a patient scenario.

DCSF 5102. Foundations and Advancements in Clinical Dentistry l. 3 Credit Hours.

A solid understanding of anatomical, physiological, biochemical, microbial, and genetic processes are necessary for the proper diagnosis and treatment of oral and craniofacial pathology. Foundations and Advancements in Clinical Dentistry I focuses on the biological foundations of normal and abnormal oral and craniofacial development including gross and microanatomy, structural growth and development, physiology of the head and neck tissues, and the biochemical, microbial, and genetic processes that contribute to oral disease. This course will provide students with a multidisciplinary approach to basic science foundations pertinent to the practice of dentistry, with a focus on recent advances in the understanding of disease processes, new treatment approaches, and interrelationships between oral and systemic health and pathology.

DCSF 5103. Teaching and Clinical Assisting Methods l. 3 Credit Hours.

The purpose of this course is to develop the students teaching and clinical patient management skills. TCAM I will focus on teaching. After training in basic teaching strategies including practice teaching exercises, development of course plans, and observation of exemplary instructors, each student creates and conducts a set of lectures and seminars for pre-doctoral dental students. Students receive feedback on their teaching methods from participating dental students and receive a rubric-guided evaluation by faculty observers. The clinical component of TCAM is intended to develop the student's skills in clinical patient management under the mentorship of clinical faculty. Students will assist faculty mentors and graduate residents in the UTHSA-SOD Faculty Practice and Graduate Clinics to learn patient assessment and management skills and assist during patient care. Students will also participate in other clinical practices such as diagnosis, treatment planning, and select procedures.

DCSF 5104. Critical Appraisal of Dental Literature II. 3 Credit Hours.

This course will familiarize students with current literature in each of the dental specialties and provide experience with the critical appraisal process. The aim of the Critical Appraisal of Dental Literature course is to develop students ability to interpret research findings and enhance their ability to assess the value and clinical application of evidence reported in the dental literature. During Critical Appraisal of Dental Literature II, students continue in the literature review seminars and participate in seminars on strategies for translating research evidence into clinical practice. Each student conducts a critical appraisal for an assigned research question with mentor guidance and presents the appraisal to classmates and faculty, who provide feedback.

DCSF 5105. Contemporary Research Methods II. 3 Credit Hours.

This course will introduce students to the research process and strategies for employing Evidence-Based Practice in educational and practice settings. Each student is assigned a faculty mentor and attends presentations on study design, project management, data collection and analysis, scientific writing, and current research priorities in each of the dental specialties. By the conclusion of the course, students formulate research questions and hypotheses to guide the development of the study protocol. During Contemporary Research Methods II students develop a plan for their research project, guided by faculty mentors, and present their projects to classmates and faculty. Students also participate in seminars on evidence-based practice (EBP), followed by a simulation exercise where students apply EBP principles to a patient scenario.

DCSF 5106. Foundations and Advancements in Clinical Dentistry II. 3 Credit Hours.

A solid understanding of anatomical, physiological, biochemical, microbial, and genetic processes are necessary for the proper diagnosis and treatment of oral and craniofacial pathology. Foundations and Advancements in Clinical Dentistry II focus on the biological processes associated with normal and abnormal wound healing, formation of plaque and calculus, development of oral infections, causes of altered sensory perception, and the oral-facial pain pathway, with a strong emphasis on precipitating and exacerbating factors that inter-link oral health disorders with general health maladies. This course will provide students with a multidisciplinary approach to basic science foundations pertinent to the practice of dentistry, with a focus on recent advances in the understanding of disease processes, new treatment approaches, and interrelationships between oral and systemic health and pathology.

DCSF 5107. Teaching and Clinical Assisting Methods II. 3 Credit Hours.

The purpose of Teaching and Clinical Assisting II is to develop the students teaching and clinical patient management skills. This course will focus on patient management and successful functioning within the clinical environment. After training in basic teaching strategies including practice teaching exercises, development of course plans, and observation of exemplary instructors, each student creates and conducts a set of lectures and seminars for pre-doctoral dental students. Students receive feedback on their teaching methods from participating dental students and receive a rubric-guided evaluation by faculty observers. The clinical component of this course is intended to develop the students skills in clinical patient management under the mentorship of clinical faculty. Students will assist faculty mentors and graduate residents in the UTHSA-SOD Faculty Practice and Graduate Clinics to learn patient assessment and management skills and assist during patient care. Students will also participate in other clinical practices such as diagnosis, treatment planning, and select procedures.