Competencies for the New DMD Graduate

Competencies are defined as a set of knowledge, skills, and values that a dental graduate is expected to demonstrate consistently and independently. 

Successful completion of each competency evaluation is one of the requirements for graduation from the College of Dentistry. These competencies are subject to continuous review and improvement. 

1. The new dentist must be able to practice ethically.
2. The new dentist must be able to acquire, analyze and synthesize information in a scientific, critical and effective manner.
3. The new dentist must be able to communicate effectively, with colleagues, other health care providers, staff and patients.
4. The new dentist must be able to collect, record, and evaluate the biological, psychological, and social information needed to assess the patient’s oral and general health. This includes the ability to recognize and manage behavioral factors that affect oral health and utilize the information to implement strategies that facilitate the delivery of oral health care.
5. The new dentist must be able to establish a differential, provisional or definitive diagnosis by interpreting and correlating findings from the history, consultations, and examination.
6. The new dentist must be able to develop, present, and discuss treatment goals and plans that address the needs, desires, and abilities of patients in diverse age groups.
7. The new dentist must be able to promote and improve the oral health of individuals, families, and groups in the community.
8. The new dentist must be able to provide care that emphasizes prevention of oral disease and supports the maintenance of existing systemic and oral health and monitor effectiveness of treatment.
9. The new dentist must be able to assess, diagnose, and manage anxiety, apprehension, and dental pain.
10. The new dentist must be able to assess, diagnose, and manage diseases of pulpal and periradicular origin.
11. The new dentist must be able to assess, diagnose, and manage periodontal diseases and monitor the effectiveness of therapy.
12. The new dentist must be able to assess, diagnose, and manage conditions requiring oral and maxillofacial surgical therapy.
13. The new dentist must be able to assess, diagnose, and manage dental and medical emergency situations encountered in the practice of general dentistry.
14. The new dentist must be able to assess, diagnose and manage orofacial pain and temporomandibular disorders (TMD).
15. The new dentist must be able to assess, diagnose, and manage developmental and/or acquired craniofacial/dental abnormalities of the primary, mixed, and permanent dentitions.
16. The new dentist must be able to assess, diagnose, and manage oral mucosal and osseous diseases or disorders.
17. The new dentist must be able to assess patients with special needs.
18. The new dentist must be able to assess, diagnose, and treat the oral conditions of patients requiring restoration and replacement of teeth in order to achieve a dentition that is comfortable, functional, and natural in appearance.
19. The new dentist must be able to critically assess his/her professional knowledge and skills including self-assessment for the need of learning through self-directed learning and continuing education.