Doctor of Dental Medicine, DMD

Introduction

Mission

1. Foster a humanistic environment where each individual in our diverse community is valued, respected and empowered.
2. Treat our patients with compassion and respect, and provide exceptional evidence-based care.
3. Honor PDM’s legacy through transformative initiatives to solve the complex problems of today and tomorrow.
4. Shape the global dental profession by teaching evidence-based knowledge and providing opportunities to pursue individualized development for life-long learning.
5. Promote interdisciplinary collaborations that accelerate innovation and scientific discovery to address unmet needs in health.
6. Mentor exceptional leaders in education, research and oral health.

Overview

The four-year DMD program and curriculum at Penn Dental Medicine not only reflects a strong commitment to developing knowledge and skills in both oral science and oral health care, but also offers the flexibility for students to tailor their education to their interests. As one of 12 schools within the larger urban campus of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Dental Medicine is uniquely positioned to provide a depth of opportunities for interdisciplinary study across other professional disciplines. Here, students find an education that builds excellence in dental medicine by encouraging individual interests and strengths to flourish and grow.

For more information: https://www.dental.upenn.edu/academic_programs_admissions/dmd_program

This degree requires a minimum of 200 Credit Hours.

Curriculum

First Year

The first year of the curriculum introduces students to the concepts of human biology as they pertain to medicine in general and to dental medicine in particular. The curriculum reflects an emphasis on integration of scientific information by grouping courses into integrative course streams rather than discipline specific courses. This includes studies relating to the principles of oral disease prevention, patient management, and physical examination. A major segment of the curriculum focuses on the structure and function of oral tissues and contiguous structures. During this time, students will also begin an integrated preclinical course in restorative dentistry combining several disciplines (e.g., dental anatomy and occlusion, operative dentistry and dental materials). Clinical experiences begin upon entry into the DMD program and increase with each succeeding year. In the first year, students begin clinical rotations in oral medicine, periodontics, health promotion, radiology, and hospital dentistry. Additionally, students will assist upperclassmen on the clinic floor as part of the DAU first year course.

Second Year

The second-year curriculum is applied to understanding the pathology of the oral cavity and the principles of diagnosis and treatment. The curriculum includes fundamental courses in pathology (an integration of general and oral pathology), pharmacology, and principles of medicine. The preclinical restorative dentistry course is a continuation of the program offered in the first year and focuses on prosthetic therapy; it also includes additional rotations in the Virtual Reality Laboratory. Other didactic, laboratory, and clinical experiences are initiated in anesthesia and pain control, community health, endodontics, orthodontics, and periodontics. A course entitled “Clinical Practice” is offered in the second year; the purpose is to facilitate the transition from the classroom to the clinic by allowing students to observe and practice the provision of services in various clinical departments. Beginning in October, afternoons are set aside for courses in the Lifelong Learning Program.

Third Year

Students begin to function as dental practitioners during their third year. Didactic courses provide a deeper and more sophisticated foundation of knowledge in the clinical disciplines. However, the bulk of the third year is spent providing general patient care in a variety of settings. This includes assignments to Primary Care Units in the general clinic and rotations in various specialty clinics. In addition, students provide patient screenings and education in community-based dental health programs at schools, health fairs, geriatric centers, and homes for disabled persons. Third-year students also participate in the Lifelong Learning Program.

Fourth Year

The fourth-year curriculum continues to expand the intellectual and clinical experiences of students, including a two-week hospital externship. Students continue to attend PCU clinical seminars in which they present clinical cases where the integration of knowledge, skills, and values is emphasized. Coursework is designed to augment the basic knowledge in the first three years. By graduation, students will have demonstrated the competence, confidence, and maturity to qualify as safe, beginning independent general dental practitioners.

Lifelong Learning

The Penn Dental Medicine’s Lifelong Learning Program enhances the predoctoral curriculum by allowing students to individualize their education to reflect their own professional interests. Lifelong Learning courses are offered from October to June each year, and includes didactic, clinical, community dental health service, and research opportunities. Many Lifelong Learning courses occur in small group seminars or individualized settings that promote close student-faculty interactions.

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.