This course utilizes the format of didactic lectures, case based learning and treatment planning seminars to introduce the advanced standing students to comprehensive treatment planning. The course will emphasize a holistic approach to develop competency in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning of patients with a focus on the relationship between oral health and systemic health. Lectures will demonstrate the importance of integrating a patient's medical and dental history with biomedical sciences at a molecular or organ systems level. The student will demonstrate mastery of biomedical science through an understanding of disease etiology, and integrating that into prognosis, risk analysis and treatment. Time will be spent demonstrating how to effectively analyze information collected in the comprehensive oral evaluation in light of best practices, patients desires and understanding and other modifying factors. The students learn skills that enable them to evaluate a patient's needs and develop an orderly, prioritized and sequential course of treatment that is problem-based. They will be able to develop a recommended plan as well as an alternative plan of therapy and support their decisions based on the available evidence in the dental literature. Utilizing treatment plans presented during students' clinical work, the student learns to present this information in a way that enables the patient to conceptualize what treatment and to co-participate in an informed fashion in the development of their treatment plan. The case presentations facilitate questions and debate, demonstrating students' communication skills and comprehensive understanding of the presented material before peers and other dental professionals.

Note that this information may change at any time. Please visit the Student Link for the most up-to-date course information.