Diagnostic Sciences (DS)

DS 101. Integrated Clinical Sciences I: Orientation to the Clinical Practice of General Dentistry. 13 Units.

This course is the didactic component of a multi-disciplinary, year-long course designed to prepare students to treat patients and engage in community oral health events and programs. Together DS 101 and DS 106 focus on diagnostic sciences, behavioral sciences, periodontology, and prevention and community health care services and systems. Case-based simulations are supported by clinical exercises and practical exams. In addition whole patient health, medical implications of dental disease, professionalism, and odontogenesis are discussed.

DS 102. Integrated Clinical Sciences I Concepts: Orientation to the Clinical Practice of General Dentistry. 9 Units.

This is a didactic course designed to prepare students to treat patients in Pacific's Main Dental Clinic and engage in community oral health events and programs. The course focuses on Diagnostic Sciences, Behavior Sciences, Periodontology, Prevention and Community Health Care Services and Systems. Case-based simulations are supported by clinical exercises and practical exams. (IDS Quarters 1-2).

DS 106. Integrated Clinical Sciences I: Orientation to Clinical Practice Lab. 4.5 Units.

This course is a clinically-focused, multi-disciplinary course designed to prepare students to treat patients in Pacific's Main Dental Clinic and in community-based settings. This lab course is comprised of supervised case-based simulations, workshops, clinical exercises and visits to community sites. The focus is on the development of a comprehensive medical and dental database risk assessment; disease prevention strategies; diagnostic tests; oral pathology; electronic chart management; ergonomics; infection control; basic periodontal instrumentation; professional deportment; cultural sensitivity and communication with patients in the clinic and in community settings. Activities include a module on community health/social determinants of health and small group, case based discussions.

DS 107. Intergrated Clinical Sciences I Lab: Orientation to Clinical Practice in General Dentistry. 4 Units.

The Orientation to the Clinical Practice of General Dentistry Practicum is a clinically-focused, multi-disciplinary, one-quarter course designed to prepare students to treat patients in Pacific's Main Dental Clinic and in community-based settings. This lab/clinic course is comprised of supervised case-based simulations, workshops, clinical exercises and community sites. The focus is on the development of a comprehensive medical and dental database risk assessment; disease prevention strategies; diagnostic tests; oral pathology; electronic chart management; ergonomics; infection control; basic periodontal instrumentation; professional deportment; cultural sensitivity and communication with patients in the clinic and in community settings. (IDS Quarter 1).

DS 160. Dental Radiology. 1 or 2 Unit.

The application of radiation physics and biology, the assessment of image quality, the practice of radiation safety and prescribing protocols, and the study of radiographic techniques, anatomic landmarks, and the principles of radiographic interpretations for both two- and three-dimensional imaging. (Quarters 2-3).

DS 166. Dental Radiographic Technique. 1-2 Units.

Instruction and practice using the extension cone paralleling radiographic technique including patient management, radiation safety, use of equipment, film placement, exposure, identification and mounting, and correction of technical error. (20 hours lab/clinic. Quarter 4.).

DS 200. Practice Management I. 1 Unit.

Introduces students to the study of fundamental concepts and terminology of the art and science of practice management as a basis for leadership and decisions in dental practice. Students will learn to track and evaluate key practice indicators, read financial reports, understand the importance of leading a team for efficient delivery of patient care, track and control overhead expenses, and set goals. (10 hours. Quarter 5.).

DS 201. Integrated Clinical Sciences II: Application of Foundational Knowledge. 6 Units.

This course continues the horizontal and vertical integration of content within the ICS strand and across other clinical disciplines. Seminars include assignments tailored to prepare students to treat patients with a wide variety of conditions including medical and developmental disabilties, psychological problems, and phobias. (Quarters 5-6.).

DS 202. Integrated Clinical Sciences II: Application of Foundational Knowledge. 4 Units.

This course builds on foundational clinical and biomedical material presented in first-year studies and in DS 201 through a multidisciplinary approach to basic science principles and clinical application. Topics will be presented in a lecture format as well as smaller seminar sessions, many of which are focused on case scenarios. There is also independent study time to prepare for these activities. Emphasis is placed on the integration of dental concepts, evidence, and critical thinking to deliver accurate diagnoses, prepare customized treatment plans and consider the need for inter-professional collaboration in the delivery of oral health care. Topics include advanced endodontic content, orofacial pain, ethics, patient management, community oral health and various clinical topics. (Quarter 7.).

DS 203. Integrated Clinical Sciences II: Application of Foundational Knowledge. 3 or 4 Units.

This course continues the multidisciplinary and active learning approach used in DS 201 and DS 202. Topics include advanced content in oral surgery and sedation, endodontics, regenerative dentistry, orofacial pain, ethics, and the management of complex cases. Students are also introduced to resume and professional electronic portfolio development as they ready themselves for professional careers. (Quarter 8).

DS 211. Ethics and Professionalism Interactive Seminar. 1 Unit.

The goal of this curriculum time is to provide students the opportunity to analyze, discuss, and manage real life ethical challenges. Students will learn a systematic approach to these dilemmas applying foundational ethical and professional principles presented in their first year of dental school. Students will be assessed as follows: cases will be assigned ahead of seminar time - students must turn in a written structured report of the assigned cases for which points will be assigned. Attendance at the seminars is mandatory (roll will be taken). Students will be called on during seminar to discuss their critical analysis and justify their management decisions with the class. Student participation and involvement will be an element of assessment as well.

DS 217. Clinical Oral Diagnosis and Treatment Planning. 3-4 Units.

The diagnosis and communication to the patient of the need for dental treatment; recognizing medical, oral, physical, emotional, and economic factors that modify or complicate dental treatment; and development of comprehensive dental treatment plans suitable for patients' needs in accordance with identified modifying and complicating factors. (Quarters 5-8).

DS 266. Clinical Dental Radiology. 2 Units.

Study of preparation, evaluation, and interpretation of diagnostically acceptable intraoral radiographic and panographic surveys for comprehensive care and emergency clinic patients. (Quarters 5-8.).

DS 300. Practice Management II. 3 Units.

Challenges students to apply knowledge of practice management concepts through utilization of a computerized business simulation. Includes preparation for career decisions in dentistry with a focus on practice transitions, associateships, dental benefit plan participation, marketing, debt management, retirement planning, patient billing and collections, scheduling for efficiency, basic accounting, tax planning, and development of business plans. (30 hours lecture. Quarter 11.).

DS 301. Jurisprudence. 1 Unit.

Prepares students for an understanding of the foundations of the law, its primary groupings and modes, and its application to the dentist and dental practice environment. Particular attention will be given to California dental law and risk management. (10 hours lecture. Quarter 12.).

DS 302. Clinical Care of Complex Needs. 4 Units.

Study of basic disease processes, epidemiology, demographics, treatment planning, principles of providing dental treatment for individuals with a wide variety of conditions including medical and developmental disabilities, problems associated with aging, psychological problems including dental phobia, hospital organization, joining a hospital staff, providing dental treatment and consultation in a hospital, and principles of general anesthesia. (20 hours lecture, 20 hours self-study and seminar. Quarters 9-11.).

DS 303. Integrated Clinical Sciences III: Multidisciplinary Case Based Seminars. 6 Units.

Multidisciplinary case based presentations of integrated material related to the practice of clinical dentistry. This three-quarter course builds on the foundational and clinical knowledge base of each student to evaluate and plan more complex treatment needs. (60 hours lecture/seminar. (Quarters 8-10).

DS 307. Extramural Patient Care. 4 Units.

Through a combination of didactic and clinical experiences, this course seeks to prepare the student for practice in community clinical settings where diverse patient populations may be encountered. Upon completion of the course, students will have developed the skills to: perform dental procedures in community-based practice settings, work with diverse patient populations, describe the social context of disease processes, develop social awareness and skills for treating underserved groups, describe dental delivery in a community clinic environment, and develop treatment alternative in clinics with limited resources (90 hours clinical rotations and 4 hours lecture/seminar. Quarters 9-12).

DS 320. Prep for State Licensure. 0 Units.

This course, available to students on an as-needed basis, includes a review of requirements and protocol as well as practical exercises in preparation for the Western Regional Examining Board and other licensing examinations.

DS 399. Enriched Clinical Experience. 16-64 Units.

This course provides students with an additional opportunity to enhance or enrich their skills in some or all clinical disciplines subsequent to the scheduled graduation date. These experiences are directed by the student’s Group Practice Leader, who also recommends certification for graduation.

DS 402. Statistical Methods I. 1 Unit.

Residents learn the importance of data organization and evaluation, and statistical methods used in research. They apply this knowledge to their own research and enhance skills in the interpretation of quality research data. (Quarter 3.).

DS 430. Advanced Oral Pathology I. 1 Unit.

Organized into lectures and clinical-pathologic conferences, this course provides residents a firm foundation in endodontic pathology and clinical entities that may occur in patients but are unrelated to root canal treatment. (Quarter 2.).

DS 499. Enriched Clinical Experience. 1-5 Units.

DS 502. Statistical Methods II. 1 Unit.

Residents learn the importance of data organization and evaluation, and statistical methods used in research. They apply this knowledge to their own research and enhance skills in the interpretation of quality research data. (Quarter 7.).

DS 530. Advanced Oral Pathology II. 1 Unit.

Organized into lectures and clinical-pathologic conferences, this course provides residents a firm foundation in endodontic pathology and clinical entities that may occur in patients but are unrelated to root canal treatment. (Quarter 5.).