Adult Restorative Dentistry

The Department of Adult Restorative Dentistry (ARD) at the UNMC College of Dentistry is at the forefront of dental education. With small class sizes, award-winning faculty and state-of-the-art technology, our unique learning environment promotes our students’ success.

Patient Care

Patient centered comprehensive care serves as the clinical management system for assessment and treatment planning and entry of patients into the college's clinics, as well as the assignment of patients to predoctoral dental students. Dental emergency services provides the educational background and clinical experiences for dental students to manage patient dental emergencies. 

Team members work primarily with D2, D3 and D4 students to ensure a broad range of comprehensive dental experiences and to assign optimum numbers of clinical patients to meet discipline-specific competency exams. Along with patient care coordinators and appointment clerks, faculty members help students manage their patients' needs through weekly seminars, case presentations, treatment planning conferences, clinical experiences in screening, and overall record management.

ARD Preclinical and Clinical Curriculum

Students are educated in operative dentistry, prosthodontics, implant dentistry and biomaterials. The curriculum is a competency based format and involves caries management, the complete spectrum of current, evidence-based restorative techniques, all ceramic restorations and tooth replacement options including complete prosthetics, and applied research. 

Biomaterials Research

A biomaterials research area supports both faculty and student research projects. ARD faculty participating in the biomaterials and biomechnics focus groups conduct research in collaboration with faculty from the Growth & Development and Oral Biology departments. 

What makes our educational experience extraordinary:

Small class sizes and teacher-to-student ratios With class sizes around 50 students, our students thrive in our close-knit, supportive environment. Students receive personalized guidance and mentoring from our award-winning faculty members who have expertise in all areas of dentistry, including general dentistry, operative dentistry, prosthodontics, implant dentistry, CAD/CAM and laser technology, biomaterials and others.

State-of-the-art learning technology  In our innovative clinical and virtual simulation clinic, students learn the latest clinical techniques through virtual dental trainers which use the most advanced simulation technology available today to achieve a high level of realism. This learner-centered environment and technology aligns with the cutting-edge UNMC iEXCEL initiative, placing the College of Dentistry at the forefront of dental education.

Leader in digital dentistry education In our new digital design studio, students have access to the latest CAD/CAM technology for designing dentures and restorations, and an equipment studio with milling machines, 3D printers and other technology. Digital implant and digital imaging training enhances our students’ preclinical and clinic work.

Hands-on learning in clinics The ARD department created a highly effective clinical model that closely resembles providing comprehensive care within a private practice. Dental and dental hygiene students are assigned to color-coded teams that are supported by a faculty group leader, associate leader, group practice coordinator and appointment clerk, as well as other faculty. Working together, color teams provide patients with all the care they need in one place at one time. This clinic model promotes a sense of teamwork, is efficient and helps students build relationships with their patients.

Hands-on learning through community outreach Our community outreach programs allow students to volunteer their time and talents to provide services to underserved populations that have little or no access to oral health care. Students have memorable, rewarding experiences helping those in need while they practice their clinical and communication skills.

Collaborative, interactive classroom learning Our faculty members utilize the latest interactive technology to support student learning. The ARD department is a leader in developing innovative e-modules that use an e-learning platform to teach important concepts. Our interactive iWall is used by faculty and students in a number of ways to enhance small group projects and discussions.

Student-lead research projects Our students lead cutting-edge, award-winning research projects with guidance from our faculty. Students have opportunities to present their research findings at national conventions, and many receive top honors for their work.

Extraordinary faculty ARD faculty members have a great impact on our students’ learning and success. They serve as group leaders during their clinical educational experience, providing important guidance and support. ARD faculty are involved with cutting-edge research; provide continuing education on the local, national and international levels; have significant involvement in community, state and national outreach activities to help underserved populations; and serve as representatives for the College of Dentistry for national organizations, including the American Dental Education Association.