The D.D.S. Program
The University of Iowa's comprehensive Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree program prepares students to begin professional dental practice immediately after graduation.
During the first year of study, emphasis is placed on the basic sciences, the biological foundation of the dental profession. Dental technique courses also are part of the curriculum, and Iowa offers its students patient care experiences in preventive dentistry during the first year.
The second year builds on the basic science courses and involves experiences in more advanced patient procedures. During this time, students will be providing restorative and preventive dental care for patients in a clinic -- a key feature of the Iowa program.
Iowa's third year is much different from that of other schools. It is a year of clinical rotations from one specialty to another in all dental specialties. These in-depth studies occur in concentrated five-week periods. At the end of the third year of study, students will have developed skills in every area of dentistry.
During the fourth year of the program, these skills are integrated in the Family Dentistry Clinics. Management skills are emphasized as students practice in a simulated office setting, providing comprehensive dental care to patients. There also are many programs available outside the college, including a mobile dental unit and hospital dentistry. Unique among these is the Special Care Clinic, where many elderly persons with complex problems as well as patients with disabilities receive treatment. In addition, international exchange opportunities are available in London, England; Nijmegan, the Netherlands; Aarhus, Denmark and India