Residency Program Course Curriculum
Dental & Medical Emergencies
Scope: The experience in emergency dentistry is provided through the clinic's emergency service, which is run daily as a service to the local community. The resident gains experience in diagnosis, preventing, and treating dental emergencies and complications. The residents will be required to ask for dental and medical consultations as dictated by patient needs.
Objectives:
- Will respond to dental emergency patients that present to the dental clinic.
- Will evaluate the course of the patient's chief complaint.
- Will prescribe and/or carry out the definitive procedures necessary to relieve the patient's chief complaint.
- Will consult with dental specialists as needed.
- Refer the patient for proper follow-up care.
Dental Ethics
Scope: The dental ethics seminar series is designed to provide an awareness of ethical models and help prepare dental residents for ethical dilemmas they may face during their professional careers. The seminar reviews Clinical Healthcare Ethics, the classic model of ethics, The American College of Dentists ACD Ethics Test and the American Dental Association Code of Ethics. Specific clinical ethical dilemmas are discussed using real life scenarios. Topics include: informed consent, treatment planning, justifiable criticism, the inappropriate patient, ethics in advertising, jurisprudence and insurance.
Objectives:
- Ffamiliarize the resident with general ethical principles.
- Prepare the resident to begin to form a basis for the ethical treatment of patients and staff.
- Create an awareness of potential ethical situations residents may face in their professional careers.
Endodontics
Scope: The endodontic portion of the residency program consists of clinical and didactic phases that emphasize diagnosis and treatment of pathology of the dental pulp and periradicular tissues. The didactic phase consists of seminars on a variety of endodontic topics designed to cover surgical and non-surgical endodontic therapy. The clinical phase of the training allows the residents to gain experience treating anterior and posterior teeth with hand instrumentation and rotary endodontics. Residents gain diagnosis and treatment experience in a broad spectrum of endodontic pathology.
Objectives:
- Increase the resident's expertise in diagnosing and treating pulpal and periradicular pathology.
- Provide the resident with the opportunity to use contemporary techniques for treating pulpal pathology in clinical and emergency settings.
- Provide the resident with the opportunity to treatment plan and treat complex endodontic cases.
- Enable the resident to gain experience managing endodontic complications.
Implant Dentistry
Scope: Training in this discipline is aimed at improving the residents understanding of implant dentistry and to give some perspective of how dental implants offer an alternative to traditional restorative dentistry. The didactic portion involves seminars, literature review, and hands-on courses. Clinical experience includes both placement and restoration of dental implants. Removable, fixed, and single tooth implant cases are treated, depending on case availability. Currently, SteriOss, Calcitek, and ITI systems are used. Patients may be assigned to allow shared learning experiences by as many residents as possible.
Objectives: The objectives of implant dentistry training are intended to increase resident exposure to dental implants and provide an understanding of all aspects, including:
- Criteria for patient selection
- Pre-surgical treatment planning
- Placement and recovery
- Prosthodontic restoration
- Complications
- Special considerations
- Communication between members of the implant team
Literature Seminars
Scope: The scope of these seminars is to provide a forum in which current literature in General Dentistry is reviewed. Each resident will be required to submit abstracts of selected articles. Each resident will present the material to the group and lead the discussion that follows.
Objectives:
- Train the resident to critically review the current dental literature.
- Provide the resident a controlled forum in which dental literature is evaluated and analyzed.
- Reinforce the importance of current literature review as a foundation for lifelong learning.
Medical Risk Assessment
Scope: During this phase of training, the resident learns to evaluate and assess the patient's systemic health and its relation to oral health and to develop sound treatment protocols for medically involved patients. This is accomplished through formal training with dental faculty, lectures and seminars. Reinforcement of this training occurs during all comprehensive examinations of new clinic patients.
Objectives:
- Becomes familiar with major medical disorders that may impact oral health care.
- Assesses patients to determine how their systemic health may affect oral health.
- Designs treatment plans to optimize oral health while protecting the patient's systemic health.
- Learns to consult with other health care providers as necessary to promote the patient's overall health.
- Anticipates and prevents medical emergencies.
Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology
Scope: The oral pathology seminar series reviews the rationale and techniques used to diagnose oral lesions. Residents learn to describe the physical appearance of various lesions that effect the oral tissues and classify the specific entities that have a definite predilection for each oral site. Throughout the course there will be strong emphasis placed on the clinical aspects and applications of the material.
Objectives: Upon completion of training the resident should be able to:
- Examine, biopsy and diagnose lesions of the oral cavity and related structures.
- Arrive at a prognosis for the various conditions diagnosed.
- Determine appropriate treatments and referrals as necessary.
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Scope: Training in oral and maxillofacial surgery is accomplished through lectures and clinical supervision. Clinical experience is provided throughout the year in an integrated format. In addition to the evaluation and treatment of patients with dental emergency problems, each resident will provide advanced surgical care for their comprehensive patients. See dental implants for specific information on that topic.
Objectives: To provide the resident with opportunities to:
- Develop skills in routine and complicated tooth removal both with and without flap surgery.
- Gain experience in pre-prosthetic surgery and biopsy procedures.
- Gain experience in the management of surgical complications.
- Obtain basic experience in the placement of dental implants in uncomplicated cases.
- Develop skills to treat complex oral surgery cases and the ability to know which patients to refer.
Oral Medicine
Scope: The oral medicine seminar series emphasizes the treatment of oral lesions and helps assess the medical status of each patient, the affect of medical status on oral health and the oral symptoms of systemic disease. This course supplements and expands upon the information presented in the oral pathology and medical risk assessment seminar series. Throughout the course there will be strong emphasis placed on the clinical aspects and applications of the material.
Objectives: Upon completion of training the resident should be able to:
- Determine appropriate treatments and referrals as necessary for oral lesions.
- Assess the patients medical status after reviewing the prescription medications they are taking.
Oral Photography
Scope: Training in oral photography provides the resident with the ability to properly prepare clinical cases for presentation to professional groups. It also provides training in keeping photographic records of cases.
Objectives:
- Understand standardized oral photographic techniques.
- Properly expose intraoral and extraoral photographs using digital camera equipment.
- Transfer digital images from the camera into the computer.
- Print digital images to document treatment progress.
- Incorporate patient digital images into computerized presentations.
- Present comprehensive treatment planning cases using intraoral photographs.
Orthodontics
Scope: Training in orthodontics is presented through seminars, case discussions and treatment of selected minor tooth movement cases. The clinical and didactic knowledge of orthodontics acquired in dental school is augmented with increased levels of training in diagnosis and treatment of common orthodontic problems. Residents are exposed to the diagnosis and treatment of minor malocclusions and the concept of appropriate referral of complex cases. The integration of orthodontic therapy into comprehensive care treatment plans to facilitate restorative dentistry is emphasized.
Objectives:
- Develop a working knowledge of common occlusal/orthodontic problems.
- Develop a logical, sequential procedure for diagnosis and analysis of orthodontic problems.
- Acquaint the resident with orthodontic treatment goals.
- Expose the resident to technical methods for treating minor orthodontic problems.
Patient Assessment and Diagnosis
Scope: The skills needed to properly assess patients and diagnose dental disease are covered in this course. Review of the patients objective and subjective findings, chief complaint and expectations of care, occlusal evaluation and assessment, and medical referral procedures are some of the areas emphasized. Residents will gain clinical experience in these areas when evaluating new and established patients throughout the year.
Objectives: Upon completion of training the resident should be able to:
- Complete a thorough patient dental examination and evaluation, including their chief complaint and expectations for care.
- Obtain all required patient records, including radiographs, diagnostic casts, clinical photographs and jaw relation records.
- Obtain required medical consultations.
- Develop a diagnosis and problem list of dental needs.
- Design a well sequenced treatment plan to address the patients dental condition.
- Document all findings and recommendations in the patient record.
Pediatric Dentistry
Scope: Training in pediatric dentistry is intended to enable the resident to more adequately manage the dental care of pediatric and adolescent patients. The resident's education is oriented toward the development of insight, knowledge and the clinical experience required to identify current or developing oral problems. The resident's clinical experiences will provide the application of advanced preventive and restorative procedures necessary to achieve and maintain optimum dental health for young dental patients.
Objectives:
- To familiarize the resident with how the anatomic and emotional differences between the pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients impact on treatment.
- To refine those behavioral management skills necessary to effectively treat the pediatric patient.
- Provide the resident the opportunity to treat comprehensive pediatric dental patients in the general practice setting.
Periodontal Therapy
Scope: Training in this discipline emphasizes the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic pathological conditions of the periodontal tissues. The didactic portion consists of lectures, discussions and seminars. Clinical experience is provided throughout the year in an integrated format. Residents treat patients with a wide range periodontal conditions with currently accepted treatment modalities.
Objectives: Upon completion of training the resident should be able to:
- Understand the clinical importance of the periodontal anatomy.
- Diagnose, treatment plan and clinically manage and maintain patients with periodontal diseases.
- Perform indicated periodontal surgical procedures to facilitate restorative dentistry.
- Perform indicated periodontal surgical procedures to enhance esthetics and optimize oral health.
Practice Management
Scope: The business and management of a dental practice are emphasized. Experience is acquired through management of patient charts, quality assessment/assurance procedures, record audits and daily interaction with dental assistants, hygienists, and other support personnel. Seminars and lectures explore personal finance, business finance and interpersonal relations crucial to practice success. Additionally, the resident will site-visit solo and group practitioners in the community to familiarize themselves with the daily operations of different practice options.
Objectives: Upon completion of training the resident should understand:
- The daily business and management issues associated with dental practice.
- Business plans, insurance, practice development, personnel, quality records, and quality assurance issues.
- Alternative practice options, including managed care, associateships, solo practice and group practice.
- The fundamental principles of dental ethics.
Practice Safety
Scope: This course will review the policies and procedures used to meet OSHA standards and the University of Florida Clinic Manual. All residents will become familiar with each subject area and be able to integrate the principles into the everyday practice of general dentistry.
Objectives:
- To become familiar with Health and Rehabilitative Services and OSHA (CDC) guidelines as they pertain to workplace safety, infection control, biohazardous waste and hazardous communication.
- To understand the prevention and management of accidents in the workplace.
- To become familiar with the Americans with Disabilities Act and its affect on dental practice.
- To understand and be able to follow the UFCD-J Body Substance Exposure Plan.
Preventive Dentistry
Scope: Current information concerning the promotion of oral and systemic health is presented. The relationship between oral and systemic health as well as the control and prevention of periodontal disease and dental caries is emphasized. Clinical experiences are provided through the management of comprehensive and emergency patients throughout the year.
Objectives: At the completion of training, the resident should:
- Understand the relationship between oral and systemic disease.
- Understand current approaches to the control and management of dental caries.
- Understand current approaches to the control and management of periodontal diseases.
- Be able to refer patients for medical consultation and treatment as necessary.
- Be able to design implant maintenance protocols tailored to individual patient requirements.
Prosthodontics
Scope: The replacement of missing teeth with fixed and removable prosthodontics is discussed in seminar and lecture presentations. A wide variety of approaches, materials and techniques are used to manage tissues and edentulous spaces. Conventional appliances as well as advanced techniques, including semi-precision attachment partial dentures, overdentures with attachments, and implant supported fixed and removable appliances are presented. Residents gain significant clinical experience diagnosing and treating complex patients with conventional and advanced prosthodontic techniques. Esthetic approaches to restorative dentistry are emphasized.
Objectives: At the completion of training, the resident should be able to:
- Evaluate and diagnose patients with missing teeth.
- Integrate fixed and removable prosthodontic therapy with other dental therapeutic needs for the patient.
- Manage the treatment sequence for advanced prosthodontic cases.
- Choose the appropriate design and material to meet the requirements of the patient.
- Restore dental implants with fixed and removable appliances.
Restorative Dentistry
Scope: Training in this discipline is presented through topic-oriented literature reviews, chairside instruction, and lectures by staff. A wide variety of materials and techniques are used to restore teeth and single implants. Esthetic approaches to restorative dentistry are emphasized.
Objectives:
- Be able to restore teeth to health and function using current materials and techniques.
- Understand alternative methods of accomplishing treatment objectives and be able to explain options to each patient.
- Be able to provide esthetic dentistry options to all patients.
- Manage the periodontal-restorative interface to promote restoration longevity.
Sedation, Pain & Anixiety Control
Scope: This segment of the residency program consists of a clinical and didactic phase that emphasizes the identification of anxious patients and methods of allaying their fears. The didactic portion covers the use of behavior management techniques, oral sedation and nitrous oxide inhalation sedation. The various injection techniques for local anesthetic are covered in lecture and utilized in the clinic. This clinical and didactic training enables the resident to make sound decisions in patient management. Due to the nature of the patient population there will be a broad range of treatment experiences.
Objectives:
- Identify apprehensive patients.
- Evaluate patients to design pain and anxiety control plans.
- Select appropriate anesthetic drugs.
- Perform anesthetic techniques by different routes.
- Identify complications secondary to anesthesia.
- Administer nitrous oxide sedation.
- Administer oral sedation.
- Use behavior management techniques as necessary.
- Monitor vital signs.
- Discuss pharmacology of drugs selected for administration.
- Manage emergency drugs and equipment.
Treatment Planning for Comprehensive Oral Care
Scope: Planning the treatment for each and every case is an essential component of quality dental care. This course will provide residents the opportunity to integrate all disciplines of dentistry into an appropriate, well sequenced treatment plan tailored to the patient's requirements and circumstances. Emphasis will be placed on the development of an overall treatment plan designed to address all components of the patient's problem list. Considerable effort will be placed on establishing an appropriate sequence of treatment to maximize tissue healing and efficiency. Conferences will be held periodically, chaired by the residency director. They will consist of the presentation of a complete diagnostic work up by an assigned resident and discussion led by the director of the alternative ways the case can be treated.
Objectives:
- To train residents to integrate all phases of dental care in a logical and economically sound manner.
- To train residents to design an 'ideal' treatment plan that addresses the patient's complete dental condition.
- To train residents to design alternative treatment plans that specifically addresses each patient's requirements and circumstances.
- To teach residents to educate patients so they may make an informed decision about their dental care.
- To train residents to sequence dental care to meet the patient's recognized needs while maximizing healing and efficiency.