Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)

Ostrow trains oral health professionals who pioneer new techniques, conduct groundbreaking research and become extraordinary leaders in their fields.

DDS student performing periodontal osseous surgery exercise | NATE JENSEN

DDS student performing periodontal osseous surgery exercise NATE JENSEN

Our learner-centered doctoral program combines basic science and clinical content over four years, to help you:

    1. Assess dental patients and deliver excellent care
    2. Develop effective communication skills
    3. Work effectively with colleagues
    4. Become a lifelong, self-motivated learner
    5. Contribute to innovation and advances in dental science

    Ostrow’s Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) curriculum ensures that students receive the most up-to-date, learner-centered education possible, with a focus on the 25 competencies necessary to successfully complete the program.

    GENERAL PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCY

    1. Provide compassionate care for all individuals, including those from diverse, disadvantaged and at-risk populations in a variety of practice settings.

    2. Apply ethical, legal and regulatory policies and principles to the provision and/or support of oral health care services.

    3. Apply principles of self-assessment, critical thinking and problem-solving, and seek information to enhance professional competency.

    4. Develop skills to access, critically appraise, apply and communicate scientific literature as it relates to providing evidence-based patient care.

    PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

    5. Understand the differences between various models of oral health care delivery and financing.

    6. Understand the principles, regulations and procedures necessary to manage and lead a contemporary dental practice.

    PATIENT CARE — COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT, DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT PLANNING

    7. Perform comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and risk assessments based on the application of scientific evidence with consultations, as appropriate.

    8. Assess patient goals, values and concerns to establish rapport, guide patient care, maintain oral health and monitor therapeutic outcomes.

    9. Formulate multidisciplinary, comprehensive, sequenced treatment plans based on diagnosis, prognosis and patient expectations, including discussion of risks, benefits and viable alternative treatment recommendations.

    10. Recognize the normal range of clinical findings and significant deviations that indicate oral pathology and that require monitoring, treatment or management.

    11. Recognize oral manifestations of systemic disorders and systemic complications of oral disease, and seek consultations as needed.

    PATIENT CARE — COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT

    12. Provide patient education and preventive strategies to maximize oral health and well-being.

    13. Assess, diagnose and manage dental caries.

    14. Assess, diagnose and manage periodontal disease.

    15. Manage procedures that preserve and restore tooth structure to optimal form, function and esthetics.

    16. Restore edentulous spaces to optimal form, function and esthetics.

    17. Assess, diagnose and manage pulpal and periradicular disease.

    18. Assess, diagnose and manage conditions requiring surgical intervention.

    19. Assess, diagnose and manage chronic orofacial pain and dysfunction, including temporomandibular joint disorders.

    20. Assess, diagnose and manage occlusal and oral spatial abnormalities.

    PATIENT CARE — MEDICAL AND DENTAL EMERGENCIES, PAIN AND/OR ANXIETY CONTROL

    21. Anticipate, detect and manage medical emergencies that may occur in the dental setting.

    22. Assess, diagnose and manage pain, hemorrhage, trauma and infection of the orofacial complex.

    23. Select and administer or prescribe appropriate pharmacological agents used in the treatment of dental patients while being cognizant of and managing the potential for patient drug abuse.

    24. Manage patients with pain and/or anxiety using appropriate non-pharmacological methods.

    PATIENT CARE — COMMUNICATION

    25. Communicate and collaborate with dental team members and other health care professionals in the management of and health promotion for all patients.

    DOCTOR OF DENTAL SURGERY (DDS) CURRICULUM SNAPSHOT

    Ostrow’s learner-centered environment supports students as they work in collaborative groups to solve challenging, patient-based problems. Our expert faculty encourages evidence-based strategies, critical thinking and problem-solving to aid you in acquiring the knowledge, skills and values needed to excel. Student input into ongoing curricular changes is encouraged.

    Following is a snapshot of what to expect during the four-year DDS program. 

    YEAR ONE 
    Fall
    Spring
    Summer
    YEAR TWO
    Fall 
    Spring
    Summer
    YEAR THREE Fall 
    Spring 
    Summer
    YEAR FOUR Fall 
    Spring