DOCTOR OF DENTAL SURGERY (D.D.S.)
School of Dentistry
The West Virginia University School of Dentistry
In the WVU School of Dentistry, a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree is
offered for students who wish to become dentists. High school students who are
interested in pursuing a D.D.S. should enroll in a college preparatory program
that includes courses in biology, chemistry, higher mathematics, and physics.
West Virginia University does not offer a
pre-dentistry program. Any course of study is fine as long as the prerequisite
courses are completed. A minimum of 90
semester credit hours is required at the time of application. While some
applicants apply after three years of undergraduate study, others decide to earn
an undergraduate degree before entering dental school. To provide students in
Dentistry with the necessary clinical experience, the School of Dentistry
maintains and operates dental clinics in the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences
Center of West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia.
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The WVU School of Dentistry is the state's only dental school. Over 80% of West
Virginia dentists are graduates of our program. Many of the faculty and
graduates are recognized leaders in dental education and organized dentistry.
It is the mission of the West Virginia University School of Dentistry to
promote a learning environment that addresses the present and future oral health
needs
of the citizens of West Virginia and beyond by providing
an oral health center committed to excellence and innovation in
education, patient care, community service, research and technology
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Curriculum
The predoctoral curriculum consists of eight semesters and three summer
sessions. Dental students are enrolled in courses designed primarily to prepare
them for the general practice of dentistry. Student progress is monitored
regularly by the Committee on Academic and Professional Standards and a team
leader program to ensure that students have the appropriate learning experiences
to achieve clinical competency. The predoctoral curriculum provides
comprehensive and current course content that is sequenced in a logical manner
by addressing how each discipline can contribute to the attainment of
competencies that build upon one another. The predoctoral curriculum prepares
students to:
• Integrate course theory with practice to enhance learning
• Perform appropriate clinical care/community service as early as possible in
the curriculum
• Do dentistry commensurate with your knowledge and training
• Manage the comprehensive needs of a family of patients through the team
approach
In addition, a community-based rural practice rotation is required during the
senior year of the curriculum.
Career Opportunities
Following completion of the D.D.S. program, the dental graduate has various
career options ranging from general practice of dentistry to post-doctoral
education specialization in one of nine American Dental Association recognized
specialties; graduate studies in the basic sciences that lead to additional
degrees (M.S., Ph.D.); a career in teaching and research; and postgraduate study
that provides graduates with advanced training for the practice of general
dentistry. A relatively large portion of dentists are self-employed.
Accreditation
West Virginia University is fully accredited by the North Central Association of
Colleges and Schools. In 2009, underwent
successful review by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and extended another
seven years of accreditation.
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Majors in the School of Dentistry
- Dental Hygiene: B, M
- Dentistry: D
- Endodontics: M
- Orthodontics: M
- Prosthodontics: M
- General Practice Residency
- Oral Surgery
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B = Bachelor's
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M = Master's
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D = Doctorate
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