Curriculum
The ASDOH Curriculum Committee is comprised of a variety of faculty members representing the 7 required courses: Introduction to Oral & Health Sciences, Integrated Human Systems, Pan System Sciences, Dental Tissues, Dental Disciplines, Integrated Dental Practice, and Clinical Experiences. The Curriculum Committee is responsible for coordination, integration, and evaluation of all courses and modules across the four-year curriculum. The Committee is responsible for directing course content and delivery methods.
The curriculum is designed in a linear form; that is, students must successfully complete the schedule of modules offered in sequence. Following is a summary of the modules and courses required at ASDOH. Note that the sequence and modules may change from year to year as the science of dentistry changes.
The following is a list of academic criteria necessary for student progression and promotion from one year to the next of the four-year dental school program, culminating in graduation from the program. This policy applies to all ASDOH DMD students. Exceptions are made for transfer students only, based on admission status and individualized education plans developed.
Courses: Descriptions and Credit Values
A typical course schedule consists of the following. Additional course options may be available and listed below under Other Courses.
Certificate in Dental Public Health
All ASDOH students receive a Certificate in Dental Public Health from the College of Graduate Health Studies (CGHS) as part of their dental school curriculum. The certificate consists of five classes from the Master of Public Health with Dental Emphasis degree program. These courses are included in the student’s ASDOH tuition.
DMD and MPH Dual Degree Program
ATSU and ASDOH are proud of the highly successful dual degree program available to dental school students. ASDOH and CGHS have joined together to offer dental students the unique opportunity to earn their DMD and MPH degrees during their four years in dental school.
The MPH with Dental Emphasis degree program is comprised of a total of fifteen courses. The opportunity to continue with the MPH with Dental Emphasis degree program begins at the start of the third year of dental school. All courses outside of the five required certificate courses (10 additional courses) are the financial responsibility of the student.
Dual degree program highlights:
- All class work is completed 100 percent online
- Instruction incorporates directed readings, chat room discussions, and scholarly papers
- Courses are offered on a quarterly basis
Professionals trained in dental public health are well equipped to work in community health centers, institutes of higher education, non-profit organizations, and local, state, and national government.
For more information, please contact the Academic Advisor for the MPH with Dental Emphasis degree program at CGHS at cghsacademicadvisors@atsu.edu.
Research Clerkships
In recognition of research as the foundation of practice advancement and health improvement, ASDOH has developed a research agenda that is tied with our mission and is innovative in format. The three main areas of research through ASDOH are:
- Educational Research
- Product and Techniques Research
- Public Health Research
The ASDOH Research Committee is responsible for oversight of all research conducted at ASDOH as well as in external sites. Application for research projects should be made to the ASDOH Research Committee.
The purpose of the ATSU-supported Research Clerkships is to enable students interested in research to be mentored by experienced researchers. As funds are made available for research clerkships, D2 and D3 students will be solicited to submit proposals. Students may elect to work with universities and other organizations affiliated with ASDOH to assist in well-defined research projects or students may propose to work with other organizations or universities not yet affiliated with ASDOH.
Students interested in a research clerkship are encouraged to meet with the Chair of the Research Committee or designee to discuss proposals. Research Clerkships are normally coordinated by students and external site mentors for the summer between the D2 and D3 year or between D3 and D4 years.
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