Community-focused dental health education

The Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-MOSDOH) offers an educational model that relies on an exceptional cadre of motivated, experienced learning guides (mentors) for students in both the preclinical and clinical phases of the degree program. In addition to the issues of oral health and the skills of dentistry, students learn from and are encouraged to become caring, community-minded healthcare providers. Graduates will be leaders in their community and managers of public, not-for- profit and private sector oral health organizations.

The dental program features:

  • Innovative Curriculum – Integrating science, human systems and clinical care.
  • Simulation Technology – Accelerating skill development for clinical excellence.
  • State-of-the-art Facilities – Utilizing new facilities and digital resources for the faculty and students of tomorrow.
  • Needs Focused – Educating competent, compassionate dentists for underserved communities.
  • Service Education – Coordinating student partnerships with communities of need.
  • Leadership Training – Educating dentists to be community health leaders.

ATSU-MOSDOH students spend the first and second year studying basic and clinical sciences. Students complete dental simulation exercises at the Kirksville campus simulation clinic and receive introduction to clinical dentistry in the classroom as well as early clinical experiences in community settings. Third and fourth-year students are proctored by licensed dentists at the St. Louis Dental Center. Fourth-year external rotations may include experiences at a community health center, and/or Indian Health Service clinics. The program culminates with a DMD degree as well as a certificate in Public Health with Dental Emphasis. Students have the option of earning a Master’s Degree in Public Health.

First-year promotion

Prior to being promoted from the first year to the second year of ATSU-MOSDOH's predoctoral dental education program, the student must successfully pass ("RC", "RP", or 70% and above) the D1 courses, integrated block examinations, and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.

Second-year promotion

Prior to being promoted from the second year to the third year of ATSU-MOSDOH's predoctoral dental education program, the student must successfully pass ("RC", "RP" or 70% and above) the D2 courses, integrated block examinations, maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0, as well as 2.0 in the preclinical courses, preclinical and clinical faculty assessment of defined skills to assure safety of the patient, faculty, staff and peers, and pass all parts of the D2 exit exam.

Third-year promotion

Prior to being promoted from the third year to the fourth year of ATSU-MOSDOH's predoctoral dental education program, the student must successfully pass ("RC", "RP" or 70% and above) the D3 courses, all D3 competencies, clinical simulation exercises and clinical faculty assessment of defined skills to assure safety of the patient, faculty, staff and peers, and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0. Students must successfully complete all necessary prerequisite courses, assessments, and D3 competencies prior to being approved for commencing external clinical rotations. The Class must challenge INBDE within the time period determined by the Senior Associate Dean, Academic Affairs.