The Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) Program

Requirements for Admission to the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program

Requirements for Admission to the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program

The University of Maryland School of Dentistry seeks to enroll the highest caliber of students who will become exemplary health care professionals. To achieve this strategic objective, the dental school has established admissions criteria that permits flexibility in choosing an undergraduate program while remaining discriminative with regard to scholastic achievement. Students who are majoring in either science or non-science disciplines, as well as individuals interested in career changes, are encouraged to apply. In addition, those individuals who are interested in changing their careers will receive careful consideration for admission. The admissions process strives to identify applicants who possess the ability to think critically and who have demonstrated independence and self-direction. In all respects, applicants must give every promise of becoming successful students and practitioners of the highest ethical standards.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate not only that they have participated in a challenging program in their respective disciplines, but also that it was supplemented by a broad selection of courses in the social sciences, humanities, and arts. Applicants should also be able to demonstrate at least 100 hours of activities undertaken to investigate the dental profession. Additionally, experiences that develop manual dexterity are strongly recommended.  An important distinction is demonstrating an ability to manipulate very small objects (such as beads, needle work or small simulation models) as opposed to the eye-hand coordination of most sports.

Although the completion of a bachelor’s degree before dental school matriculation is strongly encouraged by the Committee on Dental Recruitment and Admissions, applicants who have successfully completed at least three academic years (90 credit hours) in an accredited university will be considered for admission.

No more than 60 of the minimum required credits will be accepted from a community college or junior college; these credits must have been validated by an accredited college of arts and sciences. All admission requirements must be completed by June 30th of the desired year of admission. Applicants must also present favorable recommendations from their respective pre-professional committee or, if no such committee is available, from one faculty member each in the departments of biology and chemistry. Applicants will not be admitted with unresolved conditions or unresolved failures.

Requirements for admission are subject to change without prior notice, as the Committee on Dental Recruitment and Admissions reserves the right to modify the prerequisites when additional courses are necessary to improve an applicant’s preparation for dental school. At the minimum, the undergraduate curriculum must include the following:

•      8 Semester Hours of General Biology (including laboratories) 

•      8 Semester Hours of Inorganic Chemistry (including laboratories)

•      8 Semester Hours of Organic Chemistry (including laboratories)

•      8 Semester Hours of Physics (including laboratories) 

•      3 Semester Hours of Biochemistry 

•      6 Semester Hours of English Composition

Moreover, applicants are expected to achieve superior grades in these prerequisite courses, because these are predictors of dental student performance in the first two years of the dental curriculum.

A strong record of academic achievement is essential, and all applicants should present science and cumulative grade point averages (GPA) and Dental Admission Test (DAT) scores that exceed the national averages. All applicants are encouraged to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) no later than November of the year before admission. The final admission decision will be based on DAT scores, performance in previous academic programs, the quality of those programs, and personal factors as evidenced by letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and a personal interview.

Before applying to the dental school, potential applicants should note the University of Maryland’s Policy Concerning Prevention and Management of Student and Employee Infection with Bloodborne Pathogens, and the School of Dentistry’s Technical Standards for Admission and Matriculation. In addition, individuals who may have a prior or subsequent conviction or nolo contendere plea for a felony may encounter denial or removal of licensure.

Application and Acceptance Procedures

Application and Acceptance Procedures

Students are admitted only at the beginning of the fall semester in August. All applications, with the exception of transfer and advanced standing applications, are processed through the American Dental Education Association (ADEA). The application service, Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS), will verify transcripts, calculate the grade point average for each applicant, and furnish pertinent information to the dental school. Although the AADSAS application must be filed by all applicants prior to December 15 of the year before admission, early filing of the application is strongly recommended. The dental school also charges a separate application review fee of $90, which should be submitted directly to the Office of Admissions.

Candidates whose applications are complete and verified by AADSAS by December 15 of the year before admission will be invited to continue with the admissions process and will receive an invitation to complete the University of Maryland supplemental application. Upon receipt of the completed supplemental application, applicants advancing in the admissions process will be invited for an interview with members of the Committee on Dental Recruitment and Admissions. A personal interview does not guarantee admission.

The Committee on Dental Recruitment and Admissions, comprised of members of the faculty, students, and alumni, selects qualified applicants for admission based on the applicant’s academic performance, DAT scores, faculty recommendations, and the personal interview. A deposit of $1000, to be credited toward tuition, must accompany an applicant’s acceptance of an offer of admission. An additional $1,000 deposit is due by April 1st to confirm intent to enroll. Admission is contingent on completion of all prerequisite coursework and continued satisfactory academic performance and behavior during the period between acceptance and enrollment.

Admission with Advanced Standing

Students currently enrolled in dental schools within the United States, as well as graduates of non-United States/non-Canadian dental schools, may apply for admission with advanced standing. It should be noted, however, that such admissions occur infrequently because of limited space availability or incompatibility of curricula at different schools. Students admitted with advanced standing may be exempted from certain courses, based on skills assessment by the faculty.

Policy for Admission with Advanced Standing

The University of Maryland, School of Dentistry’s policy states that it may be possible for exceptionally talented graduates of a non-United States/non-Canadian dental school to gain admission to the University of Maryland’s Doctor of Dental Surgery Program with advanced standing. Candidates should be aware that the application process is complex since it is challenging to assess a candidate’s performance in different curricula at other institutions. Furthermore, all admissions considerations are contingent on space availability within the program. Our class size is approximately 130 students. A current student would have to withdraw or be dismissed in order for a space to become available for an advanced standing student.

Two categories of candidates for admission with advanced standing:

•      Transfer students 

•      Internationally trained dentists

Transfer Students

Eligibility

In order to be eligible for consideration for transfer, applicants must be currently enrolled in a U.S. or Canadian dental school, and in good academic and professional standing. First consideration will be given to applicants whose personal circumstances compel them to transfer.

Application Process

Application for admission with advanced standing should be requested from the Office of Admissions. Completed applications should be returned no later than March 1st, along with the following:

•      A detailed letter describing the reason for the transfer request 

•      The $350 application fee (payable to the University of Maryland School of Dentistry) 

•      A letter from the Dean of the dental school, verifying that the student is currently enrolled and is in good academic and professional standing 

•      Official undergraduate transcript(s) 

•      DAT score report(s)

•      Official dental school transcript 

•      Syllabi for dental courses already taken

Preliminary Review

After required materials have been submitted, faculty members and the Committee on Dental Recruitment and Admissions will review the documents and determine if a personal interview is warranted.  Only candidates being seriously considered will be asked to interview.

Review by Departments

If the candidate is recommended by the Committee on Dental Recruitment and Admissions, the candidate’s course syllabi will be forwarded to the Dental School Department Chairs (or their designees) who will review them and, if necessary, communicate directly with candidates for further clarification. The Department chairs/designees then provide the Office of Academic Affairs with their recommendations regarding placement within the curriculum.

Admissions and Placement Decisions

The Committee on Dental Recruitment and Admissions makes the final decision regarding admission.  The Progression Committee develops specific recommendations regarding placement or modification to the students’ curriculum or course requirements to accommodate individual strengths and weaknesses. The Assistant Dean of Admissions and Recruitment notifies applicants of admission decisions and, if indicated, placement decisions. Space must be available within the projected class in order for an offer of admission to be extended.

Internationally Trained Dentists

Eligibility

In order to be eligible for admission with advanced standing as an internationally trained dentist, applicants must have successfully completed the DDS degree (or its equivalent). Additionally, candidates must have passed Parts I and II of the National Dental Board Examination or the Integrated National Dental Board Examination or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination INBDE).  

Application Process

Applications for admission with advanced standing should be requested from the Office of Admissions. Requests for an application must be submitted no later than January 1st of the year of desired matriculation. The completed application should be returned to the Office of Admissions along with the following:

•      A detailed letter describing the reason for seeking admission with advanced standing 

•      The $350 application fee (payable to the University of Maryland School of Dentistry) 

•      Official reports of National Board Part I and Part II scores/INBDE score.

•      Results of a TOEFL, if English is not the native language

•      Clear, legible photocopies of the dental degree (DDS equivalent), course transcripts, and grades or examination scores, with certified English translations 

•      A course-by-course evaluation of academic credentials, performed by a recognized evaluation service

•      Three letters of recommendation from former faculty members or recent professional contacts

Preliminary Review

After required materials have been submitted and preliminarily reviewed, the Committee on Dental Recruitment and Admissions makes a determination regarding a personal interview. Candidates being seriously considered for admission are interviewed by members of the Committee on Dental Recruitment and Admissions. After the preliminary interview, the Committee determines whether the candidate should be invited to complete the comprehensive skills analysis, conducted by the departments. For candidates invited to continue with the application process, the fee for the skills assessment is $2,000, payable on or before the date of the first departmental assessment.

Review by Departments

Candidates receive a list of School of Dentistry department chairs (or designees) who meet with the candidates and conduct academic and preclinical skills assessments. The School of Dentistry reserves the right to modify or waive all or part of the skills assessment, based on the backgrounds of individual candidates. Candidates will contact the faculty directly to arrange for their evaluations.  Upon completion of the skills analysis, the department chairs/designees provide recommendations to the Office of Academic Affairs regarding admission and placement.

Admissions and Placement Decisions

The Committee on Dental Recruitment and Admissions makes the final decision regarding admission. The Progression Committees develop specific recommendations regarding placement or modification to the student’s curriculum or course requirements to accommodate individual strengths and weaknesses. The Assistant Dean of Admissions and Recruitment notifies applicants regarding admissions and placement decisions. Space must be available within the projected class in order for an offer of admission to be extended.

Accommodation Policy - School of Dentistry

School of Dentistry Accommodations Policy

It is the policy and practice of the University of Maryland, Baltimore to create inclusive learning environments. If you are a student with a disability and believe you will need accommodations to be successful in your dental education, it is your responsibility to register with the Office of Educational Support and Disability Services (ESDS). ESDS coordinates services to assist students with disabilities in obtaining reasonable accommodations through an interactive process involving the student and the School.

A student or applicant with a disability may request reasonable accommodations by completing the Disability Disclosure and Reasonable Accommodations Application. Students who qualify and receive accommodations, must reapply each semester if they would like to continue to receive services through ESDS.

While a student’s request for accommodations is always considered, ESDS engages in an interactive process to devise a plan that is acceptable to the University, the School, and the student. Determination of whether an accommodation is reasonable is made by ESDS in consultation with the School liaison and other appropriate campus personnel. In keeping with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, an accommodation will not be approved if it:

(1) Is incompatible with the technical standards for admission to and completion of the program

(2) Alters the fundamental nature of the academic program

(3) Would result in a risk to the health or safety of the student or another individual

(4) Or would result in undue hardship to the University

Please be aware students receiving accommodations will not be afforded the use of those accommodations on the following types of SOD assessments:

• Skill-based Laboratory Practical Exams
• Gross Anatomy Practical Exams
• Clinical Competency Examinations, including:
  • Clinical Patient-Based or Simulation-Based Competency Exams
  • Case Based Written Clinical Competency Exams (Questionmark)
  • Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE), including station-based and computer-based written OSCE assessments
  • Oral Presentation Clinical Competency Exams

To avoid any delay in the receipt of accommodations, students should contact ESDS as soon as possible. Please note that accommodations are not retroactive and that disability accommodations are not provided until an accommodation letter has been processed. Any students registered with ESDS are welcome to contact the Course Director as soon as possible for assistance in developing a plan to address your needs and to coordinate the approved accommodations for this course.

For more information, please visit the ESDS Website https://www.umaryland.edu/disabilityservices/ or call (410) 706-2865.

Approved by Faculty Assembly 8/8/2022

Additional Externship Policy

Advancement Process Policy

Advancement Process Policy

The Committees on Advancement and Graduation are comprised of the Preclinical and Clinical Progression Committees. Each respective committee reviews the performance of each student at the end of each semester. On the basis of progress and/or final grades, the committees determine one of the following actions for each student: unconditional advancement; summer remediation; conditional advancement; probationary advancement (repeat of a course, repeat or remediation of the year); or recommend academic dismissal to the Faculty Assembly, which approves all decisions pertaining to academic dismissal or graduation. Remediation or re-examination is not offered until the committees meet after the end of the academic year in May.

1. Students who do not meet published departmental/course standards for attendance may lose the opportunity for remediation. Students with a pattern of unexcused absences who receive one or more failing or deficient grades may be dismissed. Extenuating circumstances should be identified at the time the absence occurs, following procedures in the attendance policy, in order to be considered as a basis for appeal.
2. Missed clinical time resulting from late entry into clinic or excused absences must be rescheduled if the student is not progressing satisfactorily in clinic. In the case of an excused absence, the final grade will be determined at the end of the extended time. If an excused absence occurs during year four, the student may be required to register and pay tuition for the summer session with an opportunity for graduation in July or later. All other absences will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
3. The maximum number of years to complete Year I and Year II courses will be three academic years. A student who does not successfully complete Year I and Year II requirements in three academic years will be dismissed.
4. The maximum number of years to complete all Year III and Year IV clinical and didactic requirements will be three academic years. A student who does not successfully complete Year III and Year IV clinical and didactic requirements in three academic years will be dismissed.
5. Following completion of all Year III clinical and didactic requirements, a student will be eligible for the Integrated National Board Dental Examination. Students are encouraged to take the INBDE by January 15^th of their graduation year so that they do not compromise future employment or residency opportunities.  Students are required to challenge the INBDE prior to completion of the predoctoral educational program. However, successful completion of the INBDE is not a graduation requirement. (See Policy for National Board Examination and Limiting Enrollment Time)
6. A student may appeal any action of the progression committees or the Faculty Assembly by submission of a written request to the associate dean.

Unconditional Advancement

Students must achieve a 2.00 grade point average and passing grades in all courses to advance unconditionally to the next year.

Summer Remediation

1. A student may be permitted to resolve deficiencies during the summer session, as recommended by the progression committees. The student may be given one retake of a failed exam before a repeat of the course is required.

1. Depending on the type of deficiencies involved, students may be required to register and pay a fee for the summer session. The progression committee may also permit students in Years I and II to repeat a failed basic science course at another institution during the summer session. Students who repeat a failed course during the summer are placed on academic probation.

Conditional Advancement

This status is assigned to:

1. First- and second-year students with minor deficiencies who have not successfully completed remediation of deficient grades during the summer session.
2. Third-year students with minor clinical deficiencies who have not successfully completed all courses but who, in the judgment of the committee, should be afforded the opportunity to complete requirements from the third year while proceeding with fourth-year courses.

Probationary Advancement

Students with a final grade of F in one or more courses at the end of the academic year may be advanced on probation and must remediate or repeat all courses in which there was a deficiency to a passing grade of C, achieve a minimum grade point average of 2.00, and must pass all courses taken during the probationary academic year. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the dental program subject to discretionary review by the Faculty Assembly. In accordance with the Dental School Policy for Limiting Enrollment Time and National Board Examination Eligibility for Predoctoral Dental Students, the maximum number of years to complete Year I and II courses is three academic years and the maximum number of years to complete Year III and IV courses is three academic years.

1. Students who fail a year one course may be placed on probation and assigned to a special academic program where they complete first and second year courses in a maximum of three years.

1. Students who fail one Year III course may be advanced conditionally on probation to Year IV where the schedule and curriculum permit repeat of the failed course while taking Year IV courses. In these circumstances, the following guidelines will be applied: attendance at the repeated course must take precedence where there is a scheduling conflict; coursework that could not be completed due to scheduling conflicts in the fall semester must be completed during the following fall semester; courses not affected by a scheduling conflict must be successfully completed in accordance with the probation policy.
2. Students with deficiencies too severe to be absolved during the summer session may be afforded the opportunity to repeat or remediate a specific year of the dental program. Repeat of the year entails repeating the year's work in its entirety. Remediation of the year provides students with the opportunity for exemption from courses or portions of courses at the discretion of the department chairs. During the remedial year students repeat failed courses and may also be required to repeat courses previously passed to maintain or enhance skills and/or knowledge. The grade on the repeated course, whether higher or lower than the original grade, replaces the original grade in the grade point average calculation. Students who are repeating or remediating any year of the dental program are placed on probation and are subject to the probationary guidelines noted above.

Academic Dismissal

1. If it is determined that a student is progressing so poorly that remediation will not bring him/her to a passing level, dismissal will be recommended to the Faculty Assembly.
2. If a student does not successfully complete Year I and Year II requirements in three academic years, dismissal will be recommended to the Faculty Assembly.
3. If a student does not successfully complete Year III and Year IV clinical and didactic requirements in three academic years, dismissal will be recommended to the Faculty Assembly.

Advancement Process August 2009

Reviewed: August 1, 2016

Revised and Approved by Faculty Assembly: October 7, 2019

Revised and Approved by Faculty Assembly: July 18, 2022

Appeal of Advancement Process Policy

Appeals Process

The following guidelines have been established to review appeals of decisions made by the Progression Committees, or in cases of dismissal, decisions made by the Faculty Assembly. This mechanism will not be used to dispute the published advancement guidelines which have been approved by the Faculty Assembly. Students may seek guidance from the Director of Student Advocacy regarding the appeal process.

1. A student wishing to appeal an advancement or dismissal decision must initiate the appeal process within 5 working days of receiving written notification from the Office of Academic Affairs regarding Advancement Committee decisions, or from the Dean regarding dismissal decisions made by the Faculty Assembly. In this written appeal, the student must present evidence of compelling additional information or extenuating circumstances not previously considered and the reason why the information was not previously presented. The written appeal must include: the decision the student is appealing; the specific basis for the appeal, including appropriate supporting documentation; and the academic status that the student is requesting. The student may present and prioritize more than one alternative.
2. The appeal, which must be submitted in writing to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, will be reviewed by an ad hoc panel composed of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and two department chairs.
3. The review panel will determine whether the student's written appeal meets the criteria outlined above. Should the panel determine that an appeal lacks the required evidence, the appeal will be denied. In these circumstances, there is no further appeal.
4. Should the panel determine that an appeal meets the required criteria outlined above; the panel will forward the appeal to the Progression Committee for its consideration.
5. The Progression Committee will meet within ten working days, when possible, of receiving the initial appeal request from the review panel.
6. The Committee will issue a written decision within five days of its meeting, when possible. The Committee's decision is final and there is no further appeal. The Committee's decision shall be forwarded to the Faculty Assembly for information.

Reviewed: August 1, 2016

Updated:  July 1, 2022

Attendance Policy

Effective Date: July 1, 2014
Updated: October 26, 2015
Reviewed: August 22, 2016
Updated:   May 8, 2017

Updated:  February 21, 2020

Updated:  August 10, 2020

Updated:  July 12, 2022

Approved by Faculty Assembly:  August 8, 2022

Except in the event of illness or emergency, the faculty and administration of the School of Dentistry expect every student to attend all scheduled lectures, seminars, laboratory sessions and clinic assignments.

The Attendance Policy is as follows:

Clinic:

Students must attend 100% of all block assignments, clinical rotations, and externships.

Students must attend a minimum of 90% of clinic sessions* in the general practice clinics.  For example, if a student has 100 GP clinic sessions in a semester, that student must attend 90 sessions to pass.

* Please refer to clinic attendance guidelines as per the CCPM 538 and CCPM 548 syllabi.

Pre-Clinic:

Students must attend 100% of all pre-clinical laboratory sessions.

Lecture:

Students are expected to attend lectures as per the Academic Schedule or, if Mediasite is utilized, it should be viewed in real time or in a timely manner in relation to the lecture.

Specific course attendance guidelines will be determined by the course director and/or department. Course syllabi for each department and the Clinic Manual address specific departmental and clinical attendance policies and requirements, and delineate a policy for managing missed examinations, quizzes and other assignments. Students may lose the opportunity for remediation and/or re-examination if they do not meet published departmental/course standards for attendance.

Excused Absence:

The COVID-19 pandemic has created unique circumstances for considering excused absences. The School of Dentistry is committed to the health and safety of all students. If you have symptoms consistent with the SARS CoV-2 virus, please do not come to campus and complete the  COVID-19 Report Form for further instructions. Additional information can also be found at the UMB website:https://www.umaryland.edu/about-umb/offices/public-and-occupational-health/covid-19/. It is still the student’s responsibility to request an excused absence for all school related activities.

Excused absences include and are limited to:

1. Illness with doctor's note*

2. COVID-19 illness or quarantine*

3. Hospitalization*

4. Religious holidays with one month advanced notice to course directors or faculty instructors

5. Death within family

6. Family emergencies

7. Up to 10 interview days for D4 students

8. Presentation at approved professional and/or research meetings*

* With documentation

All other absences are unexcused.

Excessive excused absences may result in the need to make up missed clinic sessions and may delay progression in the curriculum and/or graduation.

Excused absences for the pre-clinical D1 and D2 curriculum, and D3 lecture/laboratory courses should be requested from the Office of Student Affairs. Please contact Ms. Kelly Powers at kpowers1@umaryland.edu as soon as possible so that she may notify your course directors. Students have up to 3 days to provide proper documentation to support their request for an excused absence.

To request an excused absence from the D3 and D4 clinical curriculum, students should complete the Clinical Absence Request form and have it approved by the D3 or D4 student’s GP Director and forwarded to Student Affairs, the CCPM 538 or 548 course director, and Ms. Martha Kreiner at mkreiner@umaryland.edu.  If the excused absence is “unplanned” (i.e., illness/family emergency, etc.), the D3 or D4 student should contact their patient(s) and the Patient Care Coordinator’s office at 410-706-8127. The PCCs must be made aware of any block assignment or patient appointments for that day.

Students who anticipate a long-term absence (longer than five days) should first review the Leave of Absence Policy and then contact the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to discuss strategies for managing the impact of the absence on the educational program. The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs will, as needed, consult with the Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs and the Associate Dean of Student Affairs.

Unexcused Absence:

Pre-Clinic:

Attendance is considered an important indicator of each student’s sense of personal and professional responsibility. Accordingly, D1 and D2 students are required to attend all (100%) of pre-clinical laboratory sessions. Attendance will be recorded in all pre-clinical sessions.

Clinic:

Attendance is considered an important indicator of each student’s sense of personal and professional responsibility. Therefore, all D3 and D4 students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of available GP clinic sessions*. Unexcused absences resulting in clinic attendance below the required 90% will be reflected in the 8 credit hour Comprehensive Care/Patient Management Course CCPM 538 for D3 students and the 12 credit hour Comprehensive Care/Patient Management CCPM 548 for D4 students. Clinic attendance of 90% is required to pass the course, as outlined in the CCPM syllabi. Additionally, excessive unexcused absences may delay progression in the curriculum and/or on-time graduation.

* Please refer to clinic attendance guidelines as per the CCPM 538 and CCPM 548 syllabi.

Unexcused absences include and are NOT limited to:

1. Doctor and/or dental appointments
2. Vacations
3. Attendance to a wedding
4. Attendance to a family/friend graduation
5. Veterinary appointments
6. Attendance to a conference if on block assignment or have a scheduled exam

Block Assignments:

Many of the block assignments such as Urgent Care, Oral Surgery and SPC are service oriented. Patients present to the School of Dentistry with the expectation that their dental needs will be addressed in a competent and timely manner. To provide these essential dental services, attendance is mandatory for all assigned block assignments. Students who are ill or have a family emergency must notify their block director of their absence and make every attempt to find coverage for their missed block assignment. In addition, students missing their block should complete the REQUEST FOR CHANGE IN BLOCK ASSIGNMENT.

Only students assigned to Hospital Block are excused from lectures and labs but must contact the course director in advance of the absence to arrange a time to make up missed activities. Hospital block rotation does not excuse students from attendance to exams or Translational Research Conferences (TRCs).

If a student fails to appear for an assignment or is more than 15 minutes late for the assignment, a make-up day of the specific missed block will be assigned; plus, one additional day will be assigned for the first incident. The second episode of absenteeism or tardiness to any block assignment will result in a make-up day of the specific missed block; plus 3 additional days. A third episode will be referred to the Judicial Board and can result in more serious consequences. All make up days will be assigned at the discretion of the director of the block and the Dean of Clinical Affairs and must be completed before advancement to the next year and/or graduation. If the whole/half day of assignment is missed, a whole/half day, plus whole/half penalty days will be assessed respectively.

Competency and Competency Examination Policy

As stated in its mission, the School of Dentistry seeks to graduate exceptional oral health care professionals. Competency, the ability to demonstrate skill, knowledge, and attitude derived from specialized training and experience, is at the core of exceptional professionals. It relates to the treatment of the child, adolescent, adult, geriatric, and medically-compromised patient. At this Dental School, pre-doctoral dental students must demonstrate competency prior to graduation and entry into dental practice.

UM SOD Competencies

Clinical Competencies by Academic Year_2024-2025_FINAL_v3

Clinical Competency Exams Type and Clinical Prerequisites_FINAL_v3

Clinical Competency Exams D3-D4 2024-2025_FINAL_v2

To access the Competency Exam Manual, please use the desktop icon (Clinical and Academic Support Documentation) or go to Blackboard.

Policy for Participation in Voluntary International Experiences

 
The School of Dentistry recognizes the value of student participation in global educational opportunities that introduce you to the challenges of global oral health.  Experiences are voluntary, and these experiences can only be accomplished during school closure or normally scheduled vacation time for a dental or dental hygiene class. Foreign sites are selected and preapproved by the School of Dentistry’s Office of Student Affairs.  A faculty member from the School of Dentistry must accompany each international experience.

The requirements of the undergraduate curriculum must be the first priority to ensure students achieve the highest level of competency prior to graduation, thereby ensuring they’re able to respond to the opportunities and challenges of the future.

Additional experiences (observations, exchanges, missions, etc.) are permissible and encouraged providing the experience does not conflict with assigned curricular responsibilities including lecture, lab, clinic, etc.  The University of Maryland, Baltimore, Center for Global Engagement focuses on global health education and training and sponsors annual interprofessional student summer programs that are ideal for students whose summer break aligns with the program’s time frame.

http://www.umaryland.edu/global/for-umb-students/cge-interprofessional-global-grant-program/

Originated:  August 1, 2008

Updated:  February 1, 2017

Approved by Faculty Council:  March 27, 2017

Updated:  January 15, 2020

Grading System Policy

The following numerical range for standardized grades is used in the evaluation of student performance.

A 90-100

B 80-89

C 70-79

F Below 70

A - Excellent: This grade signifies performance of the highest quality or exceptional achievement. It is recommended that this grade be awarded to those students with the highest degree of talent, skills, and knowledge, compared with the expected performance of students at that particular stage of development and training.

B - Good: This grade should be recorded for students who have demonstrated knowledge, talent, or skills significantly above the acceptable level, compared with the expected performance of students at that particular stage of development and training.

C - Satisfactory: This grade should be recorded for students who have demonstrated knowledge, talent, or skills at an acceptable level, compared with the expected performance of students at that particular stage of development and training.

E - Conditional Failure: This grade is used as a progress grade or as a temporary final grade to indicate that a student, who otherwise is progressing satisfactorily in a course, has failed to master limited segments of a course or some clinical procedures, but may achieve a satisfactory level of proficiency within a short time if allowed to do so based on overall academic performance. When the E grade is used as a temporary final grade, it counts in the grade point average calculation. If successful remediation occurs, the student will receive the final grade earned in the course, shown on the permanent record along with the original E. An unresolved grade of E will result in a permanent grade of F.

F - Failure: Students who receive this grade exhibited unsatisfactory performance. This grade indicates that they have not achieved an acceptable level in skills and knowledge. As a result, they are not considered ready to advance to more complex work or to perform independently. When the failure has been absolved, the F grade will remain on the student's permanent record, but only the new grade will be used in computing the grade point average.

H - Honors: Elective clerkship courses are graded as honors when the student demonstrates excellence and advanced knowledge, skills and attitudes that exceed dental curriculum requirements in the dental specialty or practice area.

I - Incomplete: A student whose work in completed assignments is of acceptable quality but who, because of circumstances beyond the student's control (such as illness or disability), has been unable to complete course requirements, will receive a grade of Incomplete. When all requirements have been satisfied, the student will receive the final grade earned in the course. Except under extraordinary circumstances, an Incomplete may not be carried into the next academic year.

P - Pass: This grade signifies acceptable performance and satisfactory completion of course requirements.

W - Withdraw: This grade indicates withdrawal during the first half of the course.

WP - Withdraw Pass or WF - Withdraw Fail: This grade denotes student performance to date when withdrawal occurs after the first half of the course.

Scholastic averages are computed on the basis of credits assigned to each course and the following numerical values for grades: A-4, B-3, C-2, E-0, F-0. The grade point average is the sum of the products of course credits and grade values, divided by the total number of course credits in that year of the curriculum.

Reviewed: August 1, 2016

Grade Appeal Policy

1. Assignment of Grades The academic standards for successful completion of a course and assignment of a grade are established by the department or unit under which the course is administered. The faculty bear the responsibility of assuring that written academic standards are provided to each student at the beginning of each course. The course director assigns final grades based upon these published academic standards.
2. Basis for Appeal
   1. This appeal mechanism is limited to possible errors in calculating or recording a final grade and to allegations of mistakes or arbitrary or capricious grading. “Arbitrary or capricious” grading means (1) the assignment of a course grade to a student on some basis other than performance in the course; (2) the assignment of a course grade to a student by unreasonable application of standards different from the standards that were applied to other students in that course; or (3) the assignment of a course grade by a substantial and unreasonable departure from the written academic standards for that course.
   2. This appeal mechanism is not to be used to dispute the published academic standards for a course which are the prerogative of the department and the course director under which the course is administered.
   3. It is the responsibility of the student to substantiate the assertion that an incorrect final grade has been assigned.
3. Appeals Process
   1. The student should first meet with the course director or instructor involved to discuss his or her concerns and to present any evidence that an erroneous or arbitrary or capricious final grade has been assigned. This meeting should occur, when possible, within 10 working days from the time that the student was notified of the grade in question.
   2. If the student's concerns are not resolved in meeting with the faculty or course director, the student may submit a written appeal to the appropriate department chairperson. This written appeal must be made, when possible, within five (5) working days of the student's meeting with the faculty or course director and must contain information to substantiate the student’s assertion. The department chairperson will consult with the student and the course director and make a written decision for or against the appeal, when possible, within five (5) working days of receipt of the appeal. If the decision is in favor of the student, the chairperson will change the grade as appropriate.
   3. If the matter is not resolved to the student’s satisfaction, the student may seek advice from the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. The student may continue the appeal process by initiating the formal procedure of the Student Grievance Policy within 10 working days of receiving the decision of the department chairperson. The Assistant Dean for Student Affairs will appoint the Chairperson of the Student Grievance Panel from among the faculty members on the Student Affairs Committee. For consideration of grade appeals, the Panel shall consist of at least five (5) faculty members of the Student Affairs Committee, plus two (2) student members of the Student Affairs Committee. Absent a conflict, the students should be the Class President of the grieving student’s class and the SDA President.

      The Grievance Panel will request information from the involved department to determine if the grade appeal should be considered further.

   4. The formal procedure and appeals process follow the same guidelines for student grievances as described in Sections II and III of the Student Grievance Policy.

Graduation Dates

Students who enter the DDS program at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry are required to complete a minimum of four academic years at the school. The length of the program has been established to provide the students a comprehensive professional education. Graduation for students who complete the program within this prescribed period is in May. Students who fail to complete all requirements in May will be considered for graduation the following July, December, or May, as they are judged ready to do so.

Reviewed:  August 1, 2016

National Board Examination Policies

Policy for National Board Examination and Limiting Enrollment Time

Policy for Limiting Enrollment Time and National Board Examination Eligibility for Predoctoral Dental Students‌

Beginning with the Class of 2023, students are eligible for and required to challenge the Integrated National Board Dental Examination.

The maximum number of years to complete all dental courses will be six academic years, and in accordance with respective Progression Committee decisions.

1.The maximum number of years to complete Year I and Year II courses will be three academic years. A student who does not successfully complete Year I and Year II requirements in three academic years will be dismissed.

2. The maximum number of years to complete all Year III and Year IV clinical and didactic requirements will be three academic years. A student who does not successfully complete Year III and Year IV clinical and didactic requirements in three academic years will be dismissed.

3. Requests for exceptions to the above timetables because of interruptions caused by illness or leave of absence may be appealed to the Faculty Council.

4. A student may appeal any decision reached pursuant to this policy under the School's established academic appeal process.

5. Following completion of all Year III clinical and didactic requirements, a student will be eligible for the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE). Students are encouraged to take the INBDE by January 15^th of their graduation year so that they do not compromise future employment or residency opportunities.  Students are required to challenge the INBDE prior to completion of the predoctoral educational program. However, successful completion of the INBDE is not a graduation requirement. 

6. This policy does not apply to students in combined degree programs.

Excerpt from Advancement Process Policy

Following completion of all Year III clinical and didactic requirements, a student will be eligible for the Integrated National Board Dental Examination. Students are encouraged to take the INBDE by January 15^th of their graduation year so that they do not compromise future employment or residency opportunities.  Successful completion of the INBDE is not a graduation requirement. However, students are required to challenge the INBDE prior to completion of the predoctoral educational program.

Approved by Faculty Assembly: October 7, 2019

Revised and approved by Faculty Assembly: July 18, 2022

Policy for Patient Management

Patient Centered Dental Care

Policy for Patient Management in the General Practice Clinics:

• Students must treat all patients assigned and may not refuse to accept a patient assignment.
• Treatment must be performed in a timely manner.
• It is expected that the assigned student will continue treatment of all assigned patients until the planned treatment is completed or the case is reassigned to another provider.
• All dental care transfer or reassignment of patients must have the approval of the GP Director/Assistant Director.
• Any treatment initiated by a student must be completed by that student unless a reassignment is approved by both the GP Director/Assistant Director and the discipline specific faculty covering the procedure.

Approved by the CSC 05/08/2014

Approved by the Faculty Assembly 05/12/2014

Procedures for Resolution of Complaints Alleging Discrimination

https://www.umaryland.edu/policies-and-procedures/library/administration/policies/vi-100e.php

Requests for Post-Graduate Residency Program Site Visits

Senior (D4) students must request permission to attend extramural post-graduate residency program’s week-long site visits (sometimes termed externships or rotations) and should adhere to the following guidance to obtain approval from the School of Dentistry. The School of Dentistry supports students in these endeavors, absent of conflict with other academic or clinical responsibilities, and when students make the necessary arrangements and receive approval in advance.  These arrangements and approvals require coordination with several different entities within the School of Dentistry and are the responsibility of the student seeking the opportunity.

The student should:

1. Submit a written request to Dr. Patricia Meehan, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. This request should include:

  a.  The dates that the student is proposing for the residency program site visit

                    i.  It is highly recommended to schedule these visits during the student’s off-summer session of their rising D4 year, or other SOD break (e.g. spring break).

b. The program that the student wishes to visit and any documentation requested by the residency program.

        c.  If the student will be missing any regularly scheduled academic assignments or clinical activities, those should be delineated, and the strategies for addressing those responsibilities should be outlined.

        d.  If clinical activities will be affected, the student will need the approval of their GP Director and Dr. DePaola, Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs. Both should be provided in writing with the request.

2.     The student is required to obtain professional liability insurance. Proof of insurance should be provided with the written request. The student should also consider obtaining personal liability insurance. Because these residency program site visit requests are extramural, non-dental school affiliated experiences, the student is not covered by the school’s professional liability carrier.

Drs. Meehan, Depaola and Noonan, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, will make the decision regarding whether the student’s request and excused absence can be approved.  Once approved, and if the student will miss scheduled academic activities, the extramural residency program site visit is considered an “excused personal absence,” and the dates of absence will be communicated to the Office of Student Affairs.

This protocol does not apply to Additional Externships Beyond the Fourth Year Service-Learning Experiences. See applicable policy, “Additional Externships Beyond Fourth Year Service-Learning Experiences.” 

NOTE: This policy applies to D4 students.  Requests by D3 students will be determined on a case by-case basis, and will only be considered during the off-summer session or other SOD break (e.g. spring break).  The student should first consult with Dr. Meehan.

Approved: August 1. 2021

Reviewed and Updated: August 1, 2024

Requirements for Graduation

The Doctor of Dental Surgery degree is conferred on a candidate who has met the conditions specified below:

• A candidate must have satisfied all requirements of the various departments.
• A candidate must have acquired and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and values articulated in the UM Competency Statements.
• A candidate must pass all fourth year courses and achieve a minimum 2.0 average in the fourth year.
• The candidate must have satisfied all university obligations before graduation.
• The candidate must be clear of all disciplinary matters.

Clinical Simulation

Interim Director of Simulation Facilities, Applications and Research:  Dr. Mohamed Shabayek

Clinical simulation realistically prepares students for the performance of patient care procedures and is employed in both the undergraduate dental and dental hygiene curricula.

As a basis for their performance of finite psychomotor skills, students are introduced to the principles of human-centered ergonomics early in their first year. They learn to derive a posture, position, and process for practice in ways that enable the attainment of occupational health and peak performance without compromise of task, patient, or self. Students learn to perform dental procedures to high standards of precision, quality, and accountability on lifelike manikins in simulated and real practice settings, before treating patients. This is accomplished in the School of Dentistry’s state-of-the-art clinical simulation unit that replicates the features of a dental practice operatory, and the general practice clinics in which patients receive care. Professional skills and habits acquired in realistic clinical simulation ensure student ease, confidence, and competence in their later application to patient care.

Predoctoral Clinical Education/Patient Care

The clinical education program is designed to fulfill competency-based criteria by providing each student with a broad background of clinical experience based on the philosophy of prevention and comprehensive patient care. Although the need for the treatment of existing disease is of paramount importance, the clinical program stresses long-term complete dental care founded on preventing the occurrence or recurrence of disease. Each student provides patient care with faculty supervision in the School of Dentistry’s clinics in a manner similar to practitioners in a general practice in the community.

Clinical areas for predoctoral instruction are designated primarily for general practice teams. Clinical instruction is accomplished using dentist-directors, general dentists and specialists providing interdepartmental instruction for the student, and the highest level of dental care for the patient. The clinical program functions year round to provide continuity of patient care.

Clerkship Program

Elective clerkships allow selected fourth year students to pursue further studies in departmental activities specially designed to meet their needs and interests. Students devote a portion of their clinic time to these specialized programs; the remaining clinic time is spent in the comprehensive treatment of patients in the regular program. Clerkships are available in basic science and clinical disciplines.

Predoctoral Electives Program

Third- and fourth-year dental students are provided the opportunity to register for elective courses which cover a wide range of topics. Electives are offered during the fall and spring semesters. Courses are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Each elective course consists of an 8-hour commitment for 0.50 credits or a 15-hour commitment for 1.00 credit.