Nebraskans can rest assured that the new dentists who graduated in May
from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry have
passed muster when it comes not only to education, but also clinical dentistry
skills.
The college recently received notice that 100 percent of the dentistry
students who graduated last month, and took a test of clinical skills,
have passed. Thirty-eight students took the test, which was administered
by representatives from the Central Regional Dental Testing Service, Inc.,
an organization that measures the level of applied knowledge and skills.
Successful completion of the exam clears the way for the dentists to
apply for a license to practice dentistry.
This examination result is a fine demonstration of the talent and abilities
of the class of 2001, as well as the dedication of the faculty who taught
them, said John Reinhardt, D.D.S., dean of the UNMC College of Dentistry.
Nebraskans should be proud of the quality of these young dentists who
will provide outstanding care to their patients, throughout Nebraska and
beyond.
Other dental schools in the region that use the service, include Creighton
University, the University of Minnesota, Iowa, Colorado, the University
of Missouri in Kansas City, University of Illinois, Northwestern University
and Marquette University.
The UNMC College of Dentistry has always achieved high pass rates
typically 96 to 98 percent, said Myron Pudwill, D.D.S., associate professor
of dentistry, UNMC College of Dentistry. Faculty members say its satisfying
to see 100 percent of the class pass.
Even among their peer institutions, the other 54 dental colleges in
the United States, it is not common for all dentistry students to pass
the clinical skills test the first time around, Dr. Pudwill said.
For two days, student were evaluated on their ability to diagnose and
perform clinical procedures such as filling cavities, installing dental
crowns and performing root canals.
“I think it shows our graduates have done well in clinical and education
experience, Dr. Pudwill said. It points out they are well-prepared to
go into the community and practice general dentistry. By the time they
graduate, they can do all the tasks of a general dentist and practice independently.
Dr. Pudwill said although students are always apprehensive about being
evaluated, they shouldnt be.
Theres a lot on the line but they really shouldnt feel overwhelmed
because the tasks theyre expected to do, theyve done a lot during their
training. They begin doing clinical procedures in their sophomore year.
Below are the names and hometowns of the students.
CAMBRIDGE – Melanie Kay Jones-Wier
CENTRAL CITY – Shawn Anthony Eckstrom
ELMWOOD – Andrew Scott Miller
FALLS CITY – Molly Erin McInteer McNeely
FRIEND – Cory Edward Foster
FT. CALHOUN – Adam Michael Szlachetka
GOTHENBURG – Rebecca Hecox Hohl
GRAND ISLAND – John David Janulewicz and Bradley James Kelly
HASTINGS – Kory L. Bumgardner and Scott Michael Kleppinger
LINCOLN – Andrea JoLynn Bruck; Lucas William Burgher; Denise Dyan Claridge;
Tara Tamsen Colson; Rebecca Michelle Fricke; Thomas Louis Goddard; Ryan
Gordon Hamilton; Tanya W. Kroeger Korn; Cheryl Ann Kuckelman; Cheryl Marie
Spicka; Gregory Charles Weeder and Gregory Barry Wichmann
NORTH PLATTE – Joseph Zachary Hull
OMAHA – Jeffrey D. Dworak
OVERTON – Judd Robert Larson
SCOTTSBLUFF – Kevin T. Marr
SUPERIOR – Thomas Leonard Wilhelms
WILBER – Matthew John Becker
ANCHORAGE AK – Heather RaeAnn Sulte
PORTERVILLE CA – James Brant Darby
ARKANSAS CITY KS – Tyson Edgar Marrs
GREAT BEND KS – Tatum Lynn Marmie Dunekack
HOXIE KS – Mark Andrew Leiker
TOPEKA KS – Ryan Gerard Sanders
ANACONDA MT – Jere Patricia Bartoletti
SPEARFISH SD – Jesse M. Dana
SMITHFIELD UT – Wyatt T. Wood
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