PDF version of this chapterProfessional Degrees
Doctor of Dental Surgery
The Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) program covers 11 consecutive 14-week trimesters. The course of study maximizes the interrelationship of all basic sciences and clinical detail sciences required by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
USC's reputation for excellent preparation of its graduates for private practice has been enhanced by curriculum changes that permit students to begin clinical experience in their first year. At the same time, opportunity and encouragement are given to those who might elect to pursue careers in teaching and research.
Admission
The School of Dentistry admits 144 students each year for the curriculum leading to the Doctor of Dental Surgery. Admission to the school is granted through the Office of Admission and Student Affairs which receives and processes all applications, evaluates credentials and notifies applicants who qualify for entrance by forwarding letters of acceptance. Students are selected by the Committee on Admissions, which bases its decision on consideration of an applicant's personal qualities, aptitude and superior scholarship necessary for the successful study and practice of dentistry. Candidates who have received or will receive a baccalaureate or higher degree will be considered more favorably than applicants who have fulfilled only minimum requirements. Admission information may be obtained by mail, online or in person. Address inquiries to: USC School of Dentistry, Office of Admission and Student Affairs, 925 W. 34th Street, Room 201, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0641, (213) 740-2841, email: scdental@hsc.usc.edu or access the school's Web site at www.usc.edu/hsc/dental.Admission Requirements
Minimum entrance requirements include: (1) graduation from an accredited secondary school, with credit for at least 12 academic units, including three in English, three in one laboratory science course, two in one foreign language and two in college preparatory mathematics; (2) a minimum of 60 semester units, or the equivalent completed or in progress, at the time of application, in an accredited college or university in the United States or Canada; (3) required courses, semester hours with laboratory required: eight units each -- one year's completed course -- of general biology (zoology), inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physics; other courses: English composition (8 units or one year), philosophy, history or fine arts (8 units or one year); (4) it is strongly suggested that students take additional upper division courses. Biochemistry, human or comparative anatomy, embryology, histology, genetics, physiology, psychology, sociology and economics are examples of recommended courses; (5) all students who apply for admission to the School of Dentistry are required to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT), given under the auspices of the Council on Dental Education of the American Dental Association. The Dental Admission Test must be taken no later than March of the year for which formal application is made.To expedite the admissions process, it is recommended that the DAT be taken during a testing period before filing formal application through the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS). Test scores more than two years old will not be accepted. Applicants should check with the Dental Admissions Office. Full information about the test is sent to all applicants upon request, or can be obtained from the Division of Educational Measurements, Council on Dental Education, American Dental Association, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. No action can be taken on the application until DAT scores have been received.
(6) An interview at the School of Dentistry may be required of all applicants who appear qualified for consideration as determined by the Office of Admission and Student Affairs, although this interview may be waived for exceptionally qualified candidates as determined by the Dental Admissions Committee; a manual dexterity test may be required as part of an interview process; (7) complete transcripts of undergraduate and graduate work, including degree notations, must be on file in the Office of Admission and Student Affairs by July 15 prior to enrolling; (8) residency requirements: as a private institution, USC seeks a culturally and geographically diverse population. Therefore, out-of-state applicants are evaluated and selected based on the same criteria as California residents.
No applicant will be denied admission on the basis of race, religion, creed or disability. All admitted students must provide evidence that functional health is sufficient to meet professional demands, both in the student role and as an entry-level practitioner.
Application Procedure
(1) An application form should be obtained from the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) by writing: AADSAS, 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Suite 600, Washington, D.C. 20036-2212 or access the online version at www.adea.org or email: csraadsas@adea.org. (2) The AADSAS application form should be filled out and returned to AADSAS. USC requires that the application be received by AADSAS no later than March 1 of the year in which enrollment is anticipated. Early application and file completion is recommended for applicants desiring an off-site interview. Do not send the application form to USC directly. (3) Applicants are required to pay a nonrefundable $65 processing fee, which should be forwarded directly to admissions (international students requiring a student visa must submit a $145 processing fee). (4) Notification from the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs will be sent, indicating that the application has been received from AADSAS. (5) Candidates who are being seriously considered for acceptance will be sent an invitation for an interview and will be required to submit additional information. No interview can be granted unless the file is complete, including DAT scores. The interview may be waived for exceptional candidates as determined by the admissions committee. (6) Notification of acceptance will be sent by the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs sometime after December 1. (7) A non-refundable commitment fee of $500 is required from students by the deadline indicated in their acceptance letter to hold a place in the entering class. A second commitment fee of $1,000 is required by May 1. Applicants accepted after May 1 are required to pay a flat fee of $1,500 within 15 days from the date of their acceptance letter to hold a place in the entering class; applicants accepted after July 1 are required to pay a $1,500 commitment fee within five days. These non-refundable fees will be applied toward tuition upon enrollment. (8) Preregistration for the first year dental class is held before orientation; (9) all entering students are required to prepay $1,500 toward the initial tuition by July 15. (10) Prior to enrollment, accepted students must provide evidence of sound health and meet the school's health requirements.Orientation
Students who have been accepted into the predoctoral dental program and who have reserved their place in the class will receive information on orientation during the first two weeks in July.Orientation takes place prior to the first week of classes. The purpose of the orientation program is to acquaint incoming students with the school, its policies, programs, faculty and facilities. Incoming students receive financial counseling and receive their initial equipment issue during this orientation period.
Graduation Requirements
A student is eligible for the Doctor of Dental Surgery after successfully attaining the qualitative and quantitative level expected in the doctoral curriculum, specifically: has met the 2.0 GPA requirement for graduation; has no conditions existing at the termination of the final academic time unit that would qualify him or her for academic probation, clinical probation or academic disqualification; has no marks of "F," "IN," "MG" or "NCr"; has demonstrated the personal characteristics expected of a professional; has fulfilled his or her financial obligations as well as all other obligations and requirements for graduation.In addition to meeting the academic requirements indicated above, students must have a completed administrative clearance form on file in the Office of Academic Affairs before a degree can be conferred. This administrative clearance indicates that the student has met financial and other obligations to the university and to the student's patients.
Curriculum
The curriculum leading to the Doctor of Dental Surgery degree undergoes constant change to meet the challenges of modern dental practice. Course listings are current as of 2005-2006 and are subject to change without notice by action of the School of Dentistry and the university.Doctor of Dental Surgery Curriculum -- Traditional Program
| Required courses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| AMED 502 | Emergency Medicine | 2 |
| AMED 521 | Local Anesthesia | 1 |
| AMED 522 | Pharmacosedation I | 1 |
| AMED 523 | Pharmacosedation II | 1 |
| ANAT 521 | Head and Neck Anatomy | 3 |
| ANAT 522 | Systemic Human Anatomy | 3 |
| ANAT 523 | Head and Neck Dissection | 1 |
| CMDT 501 | Introduction to Community Dentistry Programs | 1 |
| CMDT 502ab | Contemporary Dental Practice | 2-2 |
| CMDT 507abc | Ethical Issues in the Practice of Dentistry | 0-0-1 |
| CMDT 601 | Mobile Clinic | 1 |
| DBIO 501 | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | 2 |
| DIAG 521 | Principles of Oral Radiology | 2 |
| DIAG 522 | Radiographic Techniques | 1 |
| DMAT 505 | Dental Materials Update | 1 |
| DMAT 521ab | Dental Materials | 2-2 |
| DPHR 501 | Pharmacology | 3 |
| ENDO 501 | Clinical Endodontics | 1 |
| ENDO 502 | Advanced Endodontics | 1 |
| ENDO 521 | Preclinical Endodontics | 3 |
| ENDO 562abcd | Clinic: Concentrated Early Endodontics | 0-0-0-1 |
| ENDO 563ab | Clinic: Endodontic Therapy | 0-2 |
| FPRO 521 | Preclinical Fixed Prosthodontics I | 3 |
| FPRO 522 | Preclinical Fixed Prosthodontics II | 3 |
| FPRO 561abcd | Clinic: Fixed Prosthodontics I | 0-0-0-3 |
| FPRO 562ab | Clinic: Fixed Prosthodontics II | 0-3 |
| GSPD 504 | Dental Treatment of the Geriatric and Special Patient | 2 |
| GSPD 562abc | Clinic: Geriatric Dentistry | 0-0-1 |
| GSPD 563abc | Clinic: Special Patient Care | 0-0-1 |
| HBHV 501 | Behavioral Skills in Dentistry | 1 |
| HBHV 502 | Interactional Skills | 1 |
| HBHV 504 | Patient Education and Management | 1 |
| HBHV 550 | Communications in Clinical Dentistry | 1 |
| HBHV 561abcde | Clinic: Behavioral Dentistry | 0-0-0-0-1 |
| INDD 501 | Applied Growth and Development | 1 |
| INTB 504 | Human Craniofacial Development and Genetics | 3 |
| INTB 521 | Basic and Medical Microbiology | 2 |
| INTP 503ab | Evaluation of Scientific Information in Clinical Practice | 0-1 |
| INTR 503 | Preclinical Diagnosis and Treatment Planning | 2 |
| INTR 524abcdef | Clinical Practice | 0-0-0-0-0-3 |
| INTR 550ab | Introduction to Clinical Dentistry | 0-1 |
| INTR 551abcde | Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Planning | 0-0-0-0-1 |
| INTR 553abcdef | Clinic: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning | 0-0-0-0-0-2 |
| INTX 501abcdefh | Integrated Basic and Applied Science I | 1-1-2-2-2-2-1 |
| INTX 502abcdef | Integrated Basic and Applied Science II | 1-1-2-3-1-2 |
| MBIO 501 | Immunology | 2 |
| OCCL 502 | Occlusion | 1 |
| OCCL 521ab | Dental Morphology and Function | 3-2 |
| OCCL 522 | Occlusion Laboratory | 1 |
| OMOD 501 | Emergency Dental Treatment | 1 |
| OMOD 502 | Chronic Orofacial Pain | 2 |
| OMOD 506 | Infection Control | 1 |
| OMOD 551abcd | Clinic: Physical Evaluation | 0-0-0-1 |
| OMOD 562abcd | Clinic: Hospital Dentistry | 0-0-0-1 |
| OMOD 563abcdef | Clinic: Emergency Dental Treatment | 0-0-0-0-0-1 |
| OPER 521ab | Preclinical Operative Dentistry I | 1-3 |
| OPER 522 | Preclinical Operative Dentistry II | 3 |
| OPER 561abcd | Clinic: Operative Dentistry I | 0-0-0-6 |
| OPER 562ab | Clinic: Operative Dentistry II | 0-6 |
| ORTH 501ab | Seminar: Orthodontics | 0-1 |
| ORTH 521 | Preclinical Orthodontics | 2 |
| ORTH 561abcdef | Clinic: Orthodontic Therapy | 0-0-0-0-0-2 |
| PEDO 501 | Clinical Pediatric Dentistry | 1 |
| PEDO 521 | Preclinical Pediatric Dentistry | 2 |
| PEDO 551abc | Clinic: Dentistry for Children I | 0-0-2 |
| PEDO 561abc | Clinic: Dentistry for Children II | 0-0-1 |
| PERI 502 | Periodontal Diseases and Elements of Therapeutic Judgment | 2 |
| PERI 504 | Advanced Periodontics | 1 |
| PERI 521 | Periodontal Surgery | 2 |
| PERI 550ab | Clinic: Introductory Periodontal Therapy | 1-1 |
| PERI 561abcd | Clinic: Periodontal Therapy I | 0-0-0-1 |
| PERI 562ab | Clinic: Periodontal Therapy II | 0-2 |
| PTHL 501 | Oral Pathology | 4 |
| PTHL 504ab | Seminar: Oral Pathology | 0-0 |
| REST 501 | Preclinical Operative and Fixed Prosthodontics (Conjoint) | 2 |
| REST 503ab | Clinical Restorative Dentistry | 1-1 |
| REST 504 | Diagnosis and Treatment Planning | 1 |
| REST 521 | Preclinical Operative/Fixed Prosthodontics Laboratory | 3 |
| REST 522 | Aesthetics in Dentistry | 1 |
| RPRO 502 | Removable Complete Prosthodontics | 1 |
| RPRO 503ab | Preclinical Removable Prosthodontics and Implants | 2-1 |
| RPRO 510 | Implant Dentistry | 1 |
| RPRO 513 | Removable Partial Prosthodontics | 1 |
| RPRO 523ab | Preclinical Removable Prosthodontics and Implants Laboratory | 1-1 |
| RPRO 550 | Removable Complete Prosthodontics Clinic I | 1 |
| RPRO 561abcd | Clinic: Removable Complete Prosthodontics I | 0-0-0-2 |
| RPRO 562ab | Clinic: Removable Complete Prosthodontics II | 0-3 |
| RPRO 571abcdef | Clinic: Removable Partial Prosthodontics | 0-0-0-0-0-2 |
| SURG 501 | Oral Surgery | 2 |
| SURG 562abc | Clinic: Oral Surgery I | 0-0-1 |
| SURG 563abc | Clinic: Oral Surgery II | 0-0-1 |
| SURG 564abcd | Clinic: Hospital Oral Surgery | 0-0-0-1 |
Four units of selective courses are required in addition to the above.
Advanced Placement Doctoral Dental Degree
The Advanced Placement D.D.S. program allows the outstanding student who has completed a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene to waive several courses in order to complete the doctoral dental degree in 151 units rather than the 185 units for the regular program.Admission Requirements
In addition to the entrance requirements to the School of Dentistry, the following additional requirements must be met: (1) bachelor's degree from the USC dental hygiene program completed within five years of the projected date of entry into the doctoral dental program; (2) a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0) in the dental hygiene program and a minimum "C" grade in each of the courses waived; (3) two letters of recommendation from faculty in the dental hygiene program.Degree Requirements
The student in the Advanced Placement D.D.S. program must complete all the D.D.S. required courses except for the following: DPBL 501ab, DPBL 502ab, DPBL 503ab and DPBL 504ab.Six-Year Program
The School of Dentistry offers a six-year predental/dental program.The main purposes of the Accelerated Dental Acceptance Program Track (ADAPT) are (1) to continue to attract high quality applicants to the USC School of Dentistry, (2) to encourage students interested in dentistry to take their predental education at USC, and (3) to offer an opportunity for quality students to complete their education at an outstanding private university. Only students who are completing their senior year in high school are eligible to apply.
Application Procedures
(1) Complete and submit the USC undergraduate admissions application by the priority deadline of December 15. (2) Complete and submit the ADAPT application and essay to the USC School of Dentistry by February 1. (3) In addition, forward the following items directly to the School of Dentistry: (a) $55 application fee, (b) 2" x 2" passport-style photograph, (c) two letters of recommendation from high school science teachers, (d) copies of SAT scores and high school transcripts, and copy of acceptance letter from USC.For additional information and an application, contact: USC School of Dentistry, Office of Admission and Student Affairs, 925 W. 34th Street, Room 201, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0641, (213) 740-2841, email: scdental@hsc.usc.edu or access the school's Web site at www.usc.edu/hsc/dental.
D.D.S./M.B.A.
In response to changes in dental care delivery systems and to the increasing complexity of dental care financing, the School of Dentistry offers an innovative program for individuals desiring knowledge in both dental science and business administration.The D.D.S./M.B.A. dual degree program is a five-year program offered cooperatively by the School of Dentistry and the Marshall School of Business. Students must complete all requirements established by both schools for their respective degrees.
The program involves completion of the first year in the School of Dentistry, the second in the Marshall School of Business, and then completion of the balance of the slightly modified dentistry program. A total of 48 units must be completed in the Marshall School of Business.
First Year: required dentistry courses
Second Year: required M.B.A. core program
Third to Fifth Year: Completion of the remainder of required dentistry courses and graduate elective courses sufficient to bring the total units completed in the Marshall School to at least 48. Dual degree students may not count courses taken outside the Marshall School of Business toward the 48 units. The dentistry requirement of four units of selective courses will be met by Marshall School courses.
The program may be completed in five calendar years.
Admission Requirements
Students who have successfully completed one year in the School of Dentistry will be considered for admission to the Marshall School of Business. All requirements for admission to the regular M.A. program (grade point average, GMAT score, etc.) must be fulfilled by the dental student for admission to the Marshall School of Business.The D.D.S. and the M.B.A. degrees are awarded simultaneously upon completion of their requirements by the School of Dentistry and the Marshall School of Business.
D.D.S./M.S. in Gerontology
The D.D.S./M.S. dual degree program extends over five years and is offered cooperatively by the School of Dentistry and the Davis School of Gerontology. The program addresses the challenges facing oral health care providers as the number of older persons needing dental care increases. With the evolution of care toward patients who live longer lives, graduating dentists will be better prepared to provide service to the aging population in community settings and health care facilities.The student spends the first year taking required D.D.S. courses in the Dental School. Gerontology course work will be introduced in the second year and continue through the fifth year.
Gerontology Requirements
The Master of Science in Gerontology requires 38 units of course and field work which includes the core content of the M.S. in Gerontology program.| Required courses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| GERO 475 | Ethical Issues in Geriatric Health Care | 4 |
| GERO 513 | Stress, Health, and Aging | 4 |
| GERO 520 | Life Span Developmental Psychology | 4 |
| GERO 530 | Life Span Developmental Sociology | 4 |
| GERO 540 | Social Policy and Aging | 4 |
| GERO 555 | Integrating Gerontology: A Multidisciplinary Approach | 4 |
| GERO 591z | Field Practicum | 6 |
| GERO 593 | Research Methods | 4 |
| Elective courses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
Four units to be selected from the following list in consultation with the advisor: | ||
| GERO 522 | Counseling Older Adults and Their Families | 4 |
| GERO 550 | Administration and System Management in Programs for Older Adults | 4 |
| GERO 554 | Program Evaluation | 4 |
Dentistry Requirements
The D.D.S. requires 185 units of credit. The School of Dentistry will waive CMDT 501, CMDT 507abc, GSPD 562abc, HBHV 501, HBHV 504, INTP 503ab and electives totaling 10 units from the required curriculum. In its place, students are required to take INTP 651 Experience in Dental Teaching (4), INTP 502ab Human Relations in Dental Practice (2-2), GSPD 610 Clinical Gerontology (1), GSPD 612 Special Patient Care Clinic (1).Program Adaptation
The Davis School of Gerontology will waive 14 units of credit: GERO 510 Physiology of Development and Aging (4); GERO 589 Professional Issues in Gerontology (4); GERO 591z Field Practicum (2) and GERO electives (4). These requirements will be replaced by INTP 651 (4), INTP 502ab (2-2), GSPD 610 (1), GSPD 612 (1) and INTX 502e (1).Admission Requirements
In addition to the entrance requirements to the School of Dentistry (listed here), the following additional requirements must be met:(1) Applicants must meet the admission requirements of both the Graduate School and the Dental School.
(2) Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in any academic field.
(3) Applicants must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA in the last two years of undergraduate school and be competitive with the incoming class.
(4) Performance on the Graduate Record Exam to the satisfaction of Gerontology and competitive with the incoming class.
(5) Evidence of leadership and motivation.
(6) Completion of the M.S. in Gerontology application including a written statement regarding commitment to the field of geriatric dentistry, letters of reference, etc.
Doctor of Dental Surgery – Problem Based Learning Program
The Problem Based Learning Program has been designed to address the recommendations developed by the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine in their report, "Dental Education at the Crossroads – Challenges and Change." This program will present the identical set of curricular learning outcomes that were recently approved by the American Dental Association Council on Dental Accreditation. The Dental Problem Based Learning Program represents an alternative approach to the School of Dentistry curriculum rather than a new curriculum.
The objective of the Problem Based Learning Program is to educate a student who will be committed to lifelong, self-motivated learning, skilled in the techniques of problem solving in a clinical setting, well-prepared to deal with the future advances in dental therapy and dental care delivery, able to deal with the medical presentations of dental patients, effective in group learning/accomplishment environments and highly skilled in the delivery of dental health care of outstanding quality.
Admission Requirements
Minimum admission requirements are identical to those for the Doctor of Dental Surgery; refer to the Admission Requirements section under the Doctor of Dental Surgery.Curriculum
The problem based learning curriculum achieves the identical set of curricular learning outcomes found in the School of Dentistry curriculum. However, the methodology and course structure differ. For instance, greater emphasis is placed on clinical observation and the small group learning experience.Periodic individual meetings held each trimester by PBL faculty members help to communicate each student's progress. Peer feedback may also play an integral role in the PBL curriculum.
Graduation Requirements
Graduation requirements are identical to those for the Doctor of Dental Surgery; refer to the Graduation Requirements section under the Doctor of Dental Surgery traditional program.Problem Based Learning Curriculum
| Required courses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| DPBL 501abc | Dental Problem Based Learning -- Human Structure I | 3-3-3 |
| DPBL 502abc | Dental Problem Based Learning -- Human Function I | 8-8-8 |
| DPBL 503abc | Dental Problem Based Learning -- Human Behavior I | 2-2-2 |
| DPBL 504abc | Dental Problem Based Learning -- Human Clinical Dentistry I | 4-4-4 |
| DPBL 511abc | Dental Problem Based Learning -- Human Structure II | 2-2-2 |
| DPBL 512abc | Dental Problem Based Learning -- Human Function II | 5-5-5 |
| DPBL 513abc | Dental Problem Based Learning -- Human Behavior II | 3-3-2 |
| DPBL 514abc | Dental Problem Based Learning -- Human Clinical Dentistry II | 7-7-8 |
| DPBL 521abc | Dental Problem Based Learning -- Human Structure III | 1-1-1 |
| DPBL 522abc | Dental Problem Based Learning -- Human Function III | 1-1-1 |
| DPBL 523abc | Dental Problem Based Learning -- Human Behavior III | 1-1-1 |
| DPBL 524abc | Dental Problem Based Learning -- Human Clinical Dentistry III | 14-14-14 |
| DPBL 531ab | Dental Problem Based Learning -- Human Structure IV | 1-1 |
| DPBL 532ab | Dental Problem Based Learning -- Human Function IV | 1-1 |
| DPBL 533ab | Dental Problem Based Learning -- Human Behavior IV | 1-1 |
| DPBL 534ab | Dental Problem Based Learning -- Human Clinical Dentistry IV | 13-13 |
Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists
This program is designed to teach qualified dentists from other countries the knowledge and skills available in the United States. Time necessary to complete the program depends upon the doctor's ability; a minimum of two years is usually required. About eight months will be devoted to fundamental, technical and academic procedures. The remaining time is devoted to clinical training as necessary to achieve graduation qualifications. Graduation from the Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists leads to a D.D.S. degree but does not give automatic licensure to practice dentistry. However, graduates are eligible to take the State Board Dental Examinations in most of the United States. (A few states still require U.S. citizenship.)
Additional information may be requested from the USC School of Dentistry, Office of Admissions and Student Affairs, 925 W. 34th Street, Room 201, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0641, (213) 740-2841, email: scdental@hsc.usc.edu or access the school's Web site at www.usc.edu/hsc/dental.
Admission
Prospective students must apply to the Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists. Selected applicants will be tested in November and accepted based on the following requirements: (1) completion of the formal application (before September 15 for admission to the program in April). A $145 processing fee must accompany the application. (2) Successful completion of the National Boards Part I examination of the American Dental Association (ADA). A score of 75 percent must be attained in each category. Higher scores are advantageous in evaluation of the candidate's academic level. (3) Proficiency in English is an important key to success in the program. To demonstrate competence in English, applicants must score 250 (computer-based) or 600 (paper-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The TOEFL can be arranged through an American embassy. (4) A small group problem-based interview evaluation session with members of the School of Dentistry. (5) Two letters of recommendation from dental school faculty. (6) A brief but accurate account of clinical experience. (7) Documentary proof of license to practice from a Ministry of Health or proper governing body. (8) Satisfactory completion of and competence in the following academic and artistic entrance examinations to be given to invited applicants in November: (a) fixed prosthodontics (practical); (b) operative dentistry (practical). In addition, a separate written examination may be administered. (9) Complete official documents (transcripts) of all college and university course work, including dental education in the original language accompanied by certified English translation when necessary. (10) Certification of dental degree. Candidates chosen will be those who demonstrate the best qualifications in all academic and practical skills. (11) Prior to enrollment, accepted students must provide evidence of sound health and meet the school's health requirements.Student Visas
The I-20 Student Visa is issued to the applicant only after complete admission and acceptance has been granted. Before the papers can be processed, the applicant must present a copy of the I-94 form (white sheet in the passport) and a notarized statement of financial support for tuition and expenses for two years ($100,000) to the Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists. These materials must be submitted at the time of application. The International Admission Office will issue the I-20 visa upon receipt and approval of these documents.Financial Assistance
It is university policy to accept candidates who have the personal financial resources to pay for graduate study. Foreign students are usually ineligible for financial assistance through the university or U.S. banks with the exception of permanent residents or U.S. citizens. In no case is financial assistance available to foreign nationals attending school on student visas.Permanent residents and U.S. citizens enrolling in the Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists are advised that financial support for all students is severely limited, therefore, all applicants are urged to carefully examine their financial resources before accepting an offer of admission.
Curriculum
Each candidate for the D.D.S. degree should complete the course of instruction in two years, however, some individuals may need more time. The first four to eight months will be spent in preclinical exercises to acquaint the student with the fundamental technical procedures used at USC. The balance will be used for clinical procedures related to diagnosis and treatment of patients.Grade Point Average Standards
Since this is a short program and highly concentrated, a GPA of 2.0 (A = 4.0) must be maintained each trimester. Therefore, each applicant will be provisionally accepted. If a doctor is unable to maintain an average GPA of 2.0, he or she will be asked to resign.Periodic meetings each trimester by the entire Advanced Standing for International Dentists faculty to evaluate each student's progress are used to help counsel the students more effectively in their course work. From these meetings, recommendations are made regarding advancement, special programs and disqualification.
Graduation Requirements
In order to receive the Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree, students in the Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists must: (1) successfully complete all the required courses and clinical patient care assigned in trimesters VI, VII, VIII, IX, X and XI of the Problem Based Learning D.D.S. curriculum; (2) pass Part I and Part II of the National Dental Board Examinations; and (3) achieve all of the competencies defined for the D.D.S. curriculum and complete all required clinical performance evaluations. All assessments of progress to degree completion will be equivalent for all students seeking the D.D.S. degree.In addition to meeting the academic requirements indicated above, students must have a completed administrative clearance form on file in the Office of Academic Affairs before a degree can be conferred. This administrative clearance indicates that the student has met financial and other obligations to the university and to the student's patients.
Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists Curriculum
| Required courses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| DPBL 511c | Dental Problem Based Learning -- Human Structure II | 2 |
| DPBL 512c | Dental Problem Based Learning -- Human Function II | 5 |
| DPBL 513c | Dental Problem Based Learning -- Human Behavior II | 2 |
| DPBL 514c | Dental Problem Based Learning -- Human Clinical Dentistry II | 8 |
| DPBL 521abc | Dental Problem Based Learning -- Human Structure III | 1-1-1 |
| DPBL 522abc | Dental Problem Based Learning -- Human Function III | 1-1-1 |
| DPBL 523abc | Dental Problem Based Learning -- Human Behavior III | 1-1-1 |
| DPBL 524abc | Dental Problem Based Learning -- Human Clinical Dentistry III | 14-14-14 |
| DPBL 531ab | Dental Problem Based Learning -- Human Structure IV | 1-1 |
| DPBL 532ab | Dental Problem Based Learning -- Human Function IV | 1-1 |
| DPBL 533ab | Dental Problem Based Learning -- Human Behavior IV | 1-1 |
| DPBL 534ab | Dental Problem Based Learning -- Human Clinical Dentistry IV | 13-13 |
| 100 | ||