Introduction to Patient Care (DIPC)

DIPC 5001. Patient Care Foundations. 12 Credit Hours.

In IPC 1 (Patient Care Foundations), students gain familiarity with the patient care environment and acquire a variety of non-invasive clinical skills. The heart of IPC 1 is a series of 12-hour rotations throughout the first year where students learn and practice, in lab and clinical settings, fundamental patient care skills in the sequence they will use them in the clinic to assess a patient's oral health. IPC 1 begins with a didactic component addressing foundational aspects of patient care including ethical issues, introduction to radiologic and physical examination, infection control (room wrapping, personal protective equipment and management of blood borne pathogens), CPR, ergonomics and electronic patient records. Students then complete a series of three day (12 hour) rotations that parallel the patient assessment process: Health History, Head & Neck Exam & Radiographic Anatomy (fall semester), Periodontal Examination and Instrumentation (fall and spring semesters), Clinical Prevention and Hard Tissue Examination (fall and spring semesters), Intraoral Radiographic Technique (fall semester), Health History and Head & Neck Exam - Application (spring semester), Radiographic Interpretation (spring semester), Community Based Prevention at Head Start Preschool Program (fall semester). Students must be enrolled as DS 1 students.

DIPC 6002. 2nd Year Patient Care Foundations. 13 Credit Hours.

Patient Care Foundations is a patient- and student-centered course that serves as a hands-on complement to the knowledge and skills that connect second-year didactic courses to the clinical practice of dentistry. At its core, the course features a series of structured rotations that give students opportunities to contribute to patient care under the direct supervision of faculty and senior students (peers), as well as in select interprofessional settings. Students build on first-year foundational knowledge in patient management, behavioral sciences, diagnosis, oral health management, and the provision of limited dental therapy for patients, standardized patients, or through simulation-based learning. Throughout the course, students expand their understanding of patient care by participating in experiences related to community- and population-based health care, vulnerable and pediatric populations, individuals with special needs, risk prevention, esthetics, and the management of medical and dental emergencies. They also explore foundational strategies for patients and dental practice management. The year concludes with a comprehensive exam. Successful completion of all DS I courses is required to enroll in this course. Successful completion of DS1 year is required.

DIPC 6003. Periodontal and Endodontic Therapy. 1.5 Credit Hour.

During DIPC 6003 (Periodontal and Endodontic Therapy), second year dental students acquire knowledge and skills needed for management of patients with gingival and periodontal diseases encountered by dentists in general practice. In the periodontics component, students learn how to conduct a comprehensive examination of the periodontium and how to chart findings in AxiUm (the clinical database). Students learn and practice skills necessary for performing and assessing non-surgical periodontal therapy for patients with plaque-induced gingivitis and patients with slight to moderate chronic periodontitis. Techniques for preventing periodontal disease and maintaining periodontal health are emphasized. In the endodontics component, students learn basic concepts of prevention, diagnosis and management of diseases of the pulp and related diseases of the periradicular tissues. In preclinical labs, students practice the technique skills necessary to perform successful root canal treatment for uncomplicated single and multi-rooted teeth. Students also learn diagnosis of pulpal and periapical disease, root canal system anatomy, coronal access technique, root canal instrumentation and obturation. Successful completion of all DS I courses is required to enroll in this course.

DIPC 6004. Developmental Dentistry Year 2 Fall Semester. 2.5 Credit Hours.

DIPC 4 (Developmental Dentistry) introduces second year dental students to the specialties of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics. During the Pediatric Dentistry module, students learn foundational concepts that are essential to the provision of dental care for infant, child, and adolescent patients. During the Orthodontic module, students learn the problem-oriented approach to diagnosis and treatment planning for the correction of malocclusion in children and adults in a general dentistry practice. Students learn the biology of tooth movement, orthodontic force systems, the biomechanical principles of appliance design, and modifications unique to providing dental care for the pediatric patient. During DIPC 6004, students have a diverse learning experience including lectures, interactive online modules, and cooperative learning in small groups. Successful completion of all DS I courses is required to enroll in this course.

DIPC 6005. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Management of Pain, Anxiety and Medical Emergencies. 2.5 Credit Hours.

The purpose of DIPC 6005 is to prepare second year students for initial clinical experiences in basic outpatient oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures. Students learn fundamental concepts for preoperative patient evaluation, postoperative patient evaluation, basic surgical protocols and techniques, strategies for prevention, recognition of management of medical emergencies, and administration of local anesthetics and nitrous oxide sedation for management of patients' pain and anxiety. Successful completion of all DS I courses is required to enroll in this course.