The University of Iowa : College of Dentistry : Curriculum

2010-2011 COLLEGIATE COMPETENCIES
FOR THE NEW DENTIST AT THE COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY
THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA

The following competency statements represent the behaviors that the faculty of the College of Dentistry believes are essential for graduates beginning independent practice. Competency is based on knowledge, experience, critical thinking and problem solving skills, professionalism and ethical values, and technical, psychomotor procedural skills and a commitment to self improvement and self directed learning.
COMPETENCIES
1. Critical Thinking:
1.1 Utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
1.2 Recognize knowledge gaps and questions, access information, and evaluate scientific validity of information.
1.3 Evaluate and integrate best research outcomes with clinical expertise and patient values for evidence-based practice.
2. Professionalism:
2.1 Practice dentistry in a professional manner toward all patients, including members of diverse and vulnerable populations.
2.2 Recognize scope of competence and consult with or refer to professional colleagues when indicated.
3. Communication:
3.1 Communicate appropriately with peers, other professionals, staff, patients or guardians and the public at large.
4. Health Promotion:
4.1 Recognize and appreciate the need to contribute to the improvement of oral health beyond those served in traditional practice settings.
4.2 Provide preventive and oral health education for patients and others.
5. Practice Management and Informatics:
5.1 Apply principles of risk management, including informed consent and appropriate record keeping in patient care.
5.2 Comply with local, state, and federal regulations including OSHA and HIPAA.
5.3 Utilize universal infection control guidelines for all clinical procedures.
5.4 Function as the leader of the oral health care team.
5.5 Evaluate and apply contemporary and emerging practice management technology resources.
6. Patient Care: Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment Planning:
6.1 Obtain, document and interpret historical, medical, clinical, radiographic and other health-related information.
6.2 Develop a comprehensive problem list, definitive diagnoses and treatment goals as appropriate for each patient.
6.3 Develop a treatment plan for each patient, including alternatives, based on the patient’s problem list and treatment goals, and discuss the plan with the patient or the patient’s representative.
6.4 Provide periodic examination and maintenance for patients. Evaluate their response to treatment; update their problem list and modify the treatment plan as necessary
7. Establishment and Maintenance of Oral Health:
7.1 Perform therapies to modify local etiologic factors to control caries, periodontal disease, oral mucosal diseases, and other diseases.
7.2 Perform routine restorative, rehabilitative, endodontic, periodontal, oral surgical and esthetic procedures.
7.3 Recognize and manage pain, hemorrhage, trauma and infection of the orofacial complex.
7.4 Manage patients with complex orofacial problems in conjunction with other health care providers.