Program Overview
Special Care/Hospital Dentistry Internship Program
The Special Care/Hospital Dentistry Internship Program at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, is a one-year advanced training opportunity designed for dentists seeking additional education and experience in the management of medically, developmentally and psychosocially complex patients. This unique program bridges the gap between general dental education and residency programs, preparing participants for specialized practice or advanced training in Special Care and Hospital Dentistry.
Goals of the Program
- Equip dentists with advanced skills and knowledge to manage medically and developmentally compromised patients.
- Foster interdisciplinary collaboration and team-based care.
- Prepare interns for competitive post-graduate residency programs or specialized dental practice.
Program Structure and Rotations
University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
- Interns will assist in the outpatient Special Care Clinic, supervising dental students performing procedures and managing complex cases.
California Pacific Medical Center
- Interns will gain hands-on experience with hospital-based dentistry, including treating patients under general anesthesia.
Partner Institutions
- Rotations at affiliated hospitals and clinics to provide diverse clinical exposure.
Core Clinical Responsibilities
Interns will engage in a wide range of clinical activities, including:
- Supervising dental students in the outpatient Special Care Clinic.
- Managing patients with developmental disabilities, severe medical conditions, or behavioral challenges.
- Participating in hospital call and managing dental emergencies.
- Assisting in operating room cases under general anesthesia.
Procedures Covered
Interns will gain experience in:
- Restorative Dentistry
- Fixed Prosthodontics
- Simple and Surgical Extractions
- Endodontic Treatment
- Therapeutic Periodontal Treatment
- Periodontal Surgery
Program Benefits
Unique Training Environment
- Exposure to both outpatient and hospital-based care settings.
- Hands-on experience in treating medically and developmentally complex patients.
Comprehensive Skill Development
- Interns will develop clinical, surgical, and management skills critical for special care dentistry.
Interdisciplinary Expertise
- Training includes collaboration with medical professionals and specialists, ensuring a holistic understanding of patient care.
Research and Scholarly Growth
- Interns will gain research experience and contribute to academic publications, enhancing their academic credentials.
Career Advancement
- Graduates will be highly competitive for post-graduate residency programs and leadership roles in hospital or special care dentistry.
Core Learning Objectives
1. Advanced Knowledge
- Develop a deeper understanding of the dental implications of developmental disabilities and severe medical conditions.
2. Patient Management Skills
- Gain proficiency in managing compromised patients and tailoring treatment plans to their unique needs.
3. Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Enhance skills in working with medical teams, social workers, and other professionals to develop comprehensive care plans.
4. Surgical Competence
- Acquire advanced skills in dentoalveolar surgery, including management of impacted teeth and preprosthetic surgery.
5. Hospital Dentistry Competence
- Improve skills in preoperative evaluations, case preparation, and post-operative care for hospital dentistry patients.
Program Structure and Rotations
Primary Training Locations
University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
- Interns will assist in the outpatient Special Care Clinic, supervising dental students performing procedures and managing complex cases.
California Pacific Medical Center
- Interns will gain hands-on experience with hospital-based dentistry, including treating patients under general anesthesia.
Partner Institutions
- Rotations at affiliated hospitals and clinics to provide diverse clinical exposure.
Core Clinical Responsibilities
Interns will engage in a wide range of clinical activities, including:
- Supervising dental students in the outpatient Special Care Clinic.
- Managing patients with developmental disabilities, severe medical conditions, or behavioral challenges.
- Participating in hospital call and managing dental emergencies.
- Assisting in operating room cases under general anesthesia.
Procedures Covered
Interns will gain experience in:
- Restorative Dentistry
- Fixed Prosthodontics
- Simple and Surgical Extractions
- Endodontic Treatment
- Therapeutic Periodontal Treatment
- Periodontal Surgery
