Introduction

The University of Colorado Denver (UCD) School of Dental Medicine is indeed impressive; however, just as impressive are the other ways in which the School of Dental Medicine is on the move. Since the dental school enrolled its first class in 1973, the program evolved as advances in dental research and practice have occurred. The school’s concise mission and progressive vision have allowed the young program to flourish and to garner a reputation for the personalized quality of its educational experience and for its successful graduates that continues to grow today. The relatively small class size (50) of the school contributes to the teaching and learning processes.

In the fall of 1996, the University of Colorado Denver inaugurated a Comprehensive Care Program spanning six semesters as the primary intramural clinical curriculum for all pre-doctoral dental students. Early clinical experiences include observing and assisting upperclassmen in treating patients. Following this first year, students begin treating patients on a limited basis, performing primarily oral diagnosis, periodontal and operative dental procedures. After accumulating a “family” of patients, the students are responsible for the total care of these patients. During the semesters that follow, students continue to treat patients while rotating through the Oral Surgery, Emergency and Pediatric Clinics. All senior dental students beginning with the summer semester will continue to treat patients in the Comprehensive Care Clinic while participating in the Advanced Clinical Training Service (ACTS) program simultaneously. This nationally recognized service learning program, which is a cooperative effort between the School of Dental Medicine and community-based providers, emphasizes external programs in the urban clinics and rural public health centers across the state to care for Colorado’s underserved populations. The ACTS program provides direct dental services to underserved communities in Colorado.

Excitement is high and the energy palpable in the innovative setting as students, faculty and staff navigate through the UCD School of Dental Medicine's wide hallways and explore the spacious classrooms and laboratories. In the simulation laboratory, a mannequin head and torso display a full set of teeth which allows the students to not only learn dental procedures, but also to learn the proper ergonomic position in which to perform those procedures. The School of Dental Medicine is also set up for clinical functions, including general dentistry, endodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, surgery, radiology, esthetic dentistry and specialized areas for pediatric care, geriatric care and special needs care.

The UCD Anschutz Medical Campus is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). The last NCA site visit for the UCAMC was completed in September 2001. In their report, the NCA site visitors concluded that the UCAMC excelled at performing its missions, offered numerous commendations, and gave no recommendations at the time.

Career Benefits

A career in dentistry offers multiple opportunities and attracts individuals for various reasons:

have an interest and ability in science
have good manual dexterity
willing to accept the responsibilities of providing health care and helping people,
the idea of flexibility, hard work and independence that can come from owning one’s own business,
has an interest and wants to be a part of a changing profession that is expanding its scope of services and developing new methods to care for a rapidly aging population, and
would like to be part of a profession that has prestige and respect

Prematriculation Health Standard

Applicants for the Doctorate of Dental Surgery program at UCD Anschutz Medical Campus must be able to demonstrate the physical and mental skills that are necessary for rigorous education and training that prepares those successfully completing the program with the knowledge and skills required for the practice of general dentistry.

See Admission Requirements

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