Our Learning Experience | College of Dentistry | University of Nebraska Medical Center

Curriculum

We offer students the education, clinical and research experiences, and emphasis on professional values that they need to begin professionally practicing dentistry upon graduation. The dental program curriculum provides an orderly progression of knowledge and skills, reflecting the interdependence of biological, behavioral and clinical sciences. At the same time, the curriculum is flexible, permitting variations in background, encouraging diverse interests and allowing for the development of each student’s potential.

The basic programs of the college focus on five interwoven areas: 1.) scientific development, 2.) diagnostic skills and treatment planning, 3.) clinical treatment and technical performance, 4.) practical administration, and 5.) personal, professional and community responsibility.

View class descriptions.

Hands-On Learning

Students start building their dental knowledge and skills in our interactive, collaborative classrooms where faculty use the latest learning technology to make dentistry come to life.
Students start preparing to work with patients by building their skills in the clinical and virtual simulation laboratory using the most advanced simulation technology.
All students have opportunities to participate in community outreach programs.

Students continue building their dental knowledge and skills in our interactive, collaborative classrooms and clinical and virtual simulation laboratory.
Students are introduced to digital dentistry in the digital design studio.
During the second half of the year, students start working with patients in the college's patient care clinic. They are assigned to teams that provide patients with all the care they need.
All students have opportunities to participate in community outreach programs.

Students spend more time working with patients in the college's patient care clinic.
Students continue building their dental knowledge and skills in our interactive classrooms, clinical and virtual simulation laboratory, and digital design studio.
Students conduct their own research projects, and many go on to present at national conferences and meetings.
All students have opportunities to participate in community outreach programs.

Students spend the majority of their time serving their patients. They also complete extramural rotations where they visit established dental practices for firsthand experience in running a private practice. Students complete two three-week rotations: one rotation in a rural private practice and one rotation in a public health clinic.
All students have opportunities to participate in community outreach programs.

Accreditation

The University of Nebraska is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). UNMC has been continuously accredited since 1913. The dental education program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation [and has been granted the accreditation status of “approval without reporting requirements”]. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.

Licensure

Completion of our DDS program fulfills educational requirements for eligibility for licensure examinations and postgraduate training (i.e., a residency), which ultimately leads to licensure in all US states and territories.