The University of Iowa : College of Dentistry : Curriculum

Students hanging out between classes.

Fourth-year dental students are involved in the delivery of comprehensive dental care in an environment that simulates conditions in private dental practice. For a ten-week community dentistry experience, students are exposed to various health programs that include hospitals, nursing homes, and the Special Patient Care Clinics.

Participation in special national and international programs is possible. Students may choose to participate in the Colorado Migrant Worker Program, Indian Health Service Program, or a Foreign Dental School Exchange Program. For those interested in international practice, it is possible to participate in exchange programs with dental schools in Denmark, England, or the Netherlands.

The Department of Family Dentistry plays a major role in the senior dental student's final integration of academic experience. The primary goal is to combine previously learned clinical skills into a well-organized and systematic approach to the comprehensive dental treatment of patients. The experience encompasses approximately three-fourths of the fourth year.

Students spend five days a week in a clinical setting where they gain experience in total patient management and care. Their course work builds on their previous education. All areas of clinical and didactic instruction, patient awareness, and sensitivity to patients' needs are stressed.

Practice management courses help students to choose where to locate their practices as well as manage the business aspects of a dental office.