Dental Medicine, DMD (MOSDOH)

Doctor of Dental Medicine (MOSDOH)

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ATSU-MOSDOH School Information and Policies   Length of Program Tuition and Fees Admissions Minimal Technical Standards for Admission and Matriculation Grading Academic Progress Committee Class Rank Graduation Requirements Degree Completion Academic Standards, Guidelines, and Requirements ATSU-MOSDOH Chain of Communication

Academic Standards, Guidelines, and Requirements (cont.) Attendance Exam Protocols Exam Viewing Absences Immunizations Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program CPR Certification HIPAA Training Student Dress Code Curriculum Courses: Descriptions and Credit Values

Length of Program

The ATSU-MOSDOH Doctor of Dental Medicine program is comprised of 258.25 credit hours.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition is due twice a year at ATSU. It is due at the beginning of the first and second semesters. Each payment is half the cost for the entire year. Tuition may be paid any time during the week that it is due. Delinquent tuition penalties accrue at 1.5% per month, which is 18% per year.

Class/Year	Tuition	Student Technology Fee	Medical Equipment Fee
Class of 2025, year 1	$79,942	$1,150	$9,546
Class of 2024, year 2	$79,942	$1,150	$10,112
Class of 2023, year 3	$79,942	$1,150	$5,272
Class of 2022, year 4	$79,942	$1,150	$6,232

Admissions

ATSU-MOSDOH is dedicated to recruiting and selecting students interested in enhancing their knowledge and professional practice skills, and academic status by obtaining a doctoral degree. Selection is based on several criteria, cumulative and science grade point average, recommendations, community service benefiting underserved populations, volunteerism, shadowing in dentistry, dental admissions test (DAT) scores, and personal interviews.

Application Process

ATSU-MOSDOH participates in the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS). Applications may be completed at http://aadsas.adea.org. Questions regarding completing the applications should be directed to customer services representatives at 800.353.2237 or via email at csraadsas@adea.org. The application deadline is December 1.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for admission to the first-year DMD class must meet the following requirements prior to matriculation:

1. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative and science grade point average of 2.50 on a four-point scale. The overall and science GPA, the school(s) attended, and the rigor of the academic course load are all assessed on an individual basis.
2. A formal minimum of three years college or university coursework from a regionally accredited school (90 semester hours or 135 quarter hours); a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution is preferred.
3. All prerequisite coursework must have been completed prior to matriculation and from a regionally accredited institution.
   1. General Biology – One year of lecture and lab, minimum of 8 semester hours/12 quarter hours.
   2. General Chemistry – One year of lecture and lab, minimum of 8 semester hours/12 quarter hours.
   3. Organic Chemistry – One year of lecture and lab, minimum of 8 semester hours/12 quarter hours.
   4. Human Physiology - Three semester hours/4 quarter hours.
   5. Biochemistry –Three semester hours/4 quarter hours – upper division.
   6. Physics (algebra-based) – One year of lecture and lab, minimum of 8 semester hours/12 quarter hours.
   7. Human Anatomy - Three semester hours/4 quarter hours.
   8. English Composition/Technical Writing – Minimum of 3 semester hours/4 quarter hours.
4. Matriculants are required to submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended by the date of matriculation. The final transcript confirming the required amount of coursework is completed or a undergraduate degree must be submitted by the date of matriculation. Individuals who have a reason acceptable to the University for submitting transcripts after the due date must submit a letter from their professor stating satisfactory completion of the course with a passing grade to ATSU-MOSDOH admissions and their official transcripts to Enrollment Services by the first day of the second week of classes.
5. All applicants are required to take and submit the US Dental Admissions Test (DAT) scores via the AADSAS site on or before December 1 or the application year. No scores older than three years will be accepted.
6. Applicants must provide a minimum of two letters of recommendation. They must be from a science faculty or committee letter and a dentist.
7. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents.
8. All residential students are required to have an iPad and a laptop computer, which meets ATSU-MOSDOH’s specifications. Specifications are determined each year based on technological advances and may be found at: http://its.atsu.edu/knowledgebase/mosdoh-technology-requirements/. Students will be notified and must secure all equipment prior to matriculation and maintain throughout the program.

Transfer Student Admission

ATSU-MOSDOH may consider transfer students on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Admissions for more information at admissions@atsu.edu or 866.626.2878 ext. 2237.

Transfer Credit

For students who matriculate as first year dental students, ATSU-MOSDOH does not accept previous course credit. Transfer credit may be considered for transfer students on a case-by-case basis.

Advanced Standing Admission

ATSU-MOSDOH may consider advanced standing on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Admissions for more information at admissions@atsu.edu or 866.626.2878 ext. 2237. 

Applicants who have graduated from a foreign college or university must submit acceptable evidence of U.S. degree/course equivalency. Applicants must have foreign transcripts evaluated by a foreign evaluation service identified by ATSU-MOSDOH Admissions.

International Student Admission

Students who are non-citizens or not permanent residents of the United States are not eligible to apply for the DMD program at this time.

Selection of Applicants

The Admissions Committee seeks those individuals capable of meeting the academic standards of ATSU-MOSDOH and its program. Completed applications in compliance with the minimum admission requirements are reviewed on the quality of academic performance, clinical exposure, community service to underserved populations, extracurricular activities, work and life experiences, interest in dentistry and oral health, and recommendations.

Personal interviews may be offered to those applicants who rank among the highest in evaluation of all admission requirements. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to accept, reject, or defer any application. Applicants are notified following the Committee’s decision on their status. Successful applicants are granted a specified time period to notify the Admissions Processing Center of their intention to enroll. A non-refundable acceptance fee must accompany the letter of intent. Complete official transcripts from each postsecondary school and a degree granting transcript must be on file with Enrollment Services prior to matriculation.

Students sent a letter of acceptance are granted a specified time period to notify ATSU-MOSDOH of their intention to enroll. Accepted students must submit the following to Admissions prior to matriculation.

1. Signed admission agreement
2. Non-refundable deposits
3. Copies of official transcripts from every institution attended
4. Immunization record
5. Criminal background check through the University approved vendor
6. Proof of health insurance form

After acceptance, matriculation is subject to the satisfactory completion and verification of all academic and admission requirements.

Minimal Technical Standards for Admission and Matriculation

Statement of Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion encompass an authentic understanding and appreciation of difference and, at their core, are based upon the value each human being brings to our society and each person’s access and opportunities to contribute to our University’s cultural proficiency.

A.T. Still University of Health Sciences is committed to equal access for all qualified applicants and students. Minimal Technical Standards for Matriculation (the “Standards”) state expectations of ATSU students. The Standards provide sufficient information to allow the candidate to make an informed decision for application. Minimal Technical Standards for Matriculation are a guide to accommodation of students with disabilities. Academic adjustments can be made for disabilities in some instances, but a student must be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner. Applicants and current students who have questions regarding the technical standards, or who believe they may need to request academic adjustment(s) in order to meet the standards, are encouraged to contact Learning and Disability Resources. Procedures to apply for academic adjustments are found at the conclusion of this policy.

A.T. Still University’s Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-MOSDOH) is committed to admitting and matriculating qualified students in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American with Disabilities Act. ATSU-MOSDOH endeavors to select candidates who have the ability to become highly competent dentists who are well prepared to enter dental practice and/or enter graduate and residency training programs.

Categories of Technical Standards

Candidates must possess the skills and ability that will allow them to successfully complete the course of study and receive the full benefit of the education. With this in mind, students must be able to meet the following technical standards with or without reasonable accommodations. ATSU-MOSDOH’s technical standards are required to successfully complete the school’s competencies needed for graduation.

1. Motor Skills:
   1. General: A candidate must possess gross motor strength, balance and a sufficient level of manual dexterity to execute the fine movements required to provide general care and treatment to patients.
   2. Specific: It is required that a candidate possess the motor skills to directly perform palpation, percussion, auscultation and other diagnostic maneuvers, basic laboratory test and diagnostic procedures. A candidate must be able to perform basic life support (including CPR), transfer and position disabled patients, physically restrain adults who lack motor control, and position and reposition self around patient and chair in a sitting or standing position. The candidate must be able to operate dental equipment controls utilizing fine hand movements, operate high or low speed handpieces, requiring controlled dental movements of less than 0.5 millimeter, and utilize hand instrumentation. These actions require the ability to use both hands and the coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements and functional uses of the senses of both touch and vision.
2. Sensory/Observation:
   1. General: A candidate must be able to acquire and process a defined level of required information as presented through demonstrations, lectures, and experiences in the biomedical and dental sciences.
   2. Specific: This includes, but is not limited to, information conveyed through lab demonstrations and through microscopic images of microorganisms and human or animal tissues in normal and pathologic states. A candidate must be able to acquire information from written documents and to visualize information presented in images from paper, films, slides, video or computer. A candidate must be able to interpret x-ray and other graphic images, with or without the use of assistive devices. A candidate must have functional use of visual, auditory, and somatic sensation.
   3. General: A candidate must be able to observe a patient accurately, at a distance and close at hand, and observe non-verbal communications when performing general dental treatment or administering medications.
   4. Specific: A candidate must be able to perform visual and tactile dental examinations and treatment including visual acuity, ability to discern slight differences and variations in color, shape and general appearance between normal and abnormal, soft and hard tissues. Use of tactile senses may be either direct, by palpation or indirect, through instrumentation. A candidate must also possess the visual acuity, with or without correction to read charts, records, small print and handwritten notation and distinguish small variations in colors intra- and extra-orally.
3. Communication:
   1. General: A candidate must be able to communicate clearly, effectively and be sensitive with patients, parents and/or guardians; convey or exchange information at a level allowing development of a health history; identify problems presented; explain alternative solutions; and answer questions and give directions during treatment and post-treatment. For effective treatment, the candidate must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with patients, parents, guardians, interpreters and all members of the dental and medical health care team and must be culturally appropriate. Communication includes oral and written modes.
   2. Specific: A candidate must be able to speak and write, and have sufficient fluency with English to retrieve information from texts, lectures, computerized databases, and to communicate concepts on written exams, in patient charts and on prescriptions. Patients, faculty, students, and staff must be able to easily understand the candidate’s oral and written communication in order to effectively evaluate performance and to work collaboratively in the care of patients.
4. Cognitive:
   1. General: A candidate must be able to measure, calculate, memorize, reason, analyze, integrate, and synthesize information.
   2. Specific: A candidate must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structures. Problem solving, clinical and decision-making skills are critical skills demanded of dentists and require all of these intellectual abilities. A candidate must be able to perform these critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a timely fashion.
5. Behavioral:
   1. General: A candidate must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his or her intellectual abilities, maintenance of confidentiality, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities in the diagnosis and care of patients, and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with other students, faculty, staff and patients.
   2. Specific: A candidate must recognize that the dental school curriculum is physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging and must be able to adapt to changing course and patient schedules. Students must be able to tolerate physically and emotionally demanding workloads of school and in the clinic, function effectively under stress, adapt to changing environments, display flexibility and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of patients. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation are all personal qualities that will be assessed during the admission and educational processes. Further, a candidate must be able to manage apprehensive patients with a range of moods and behaviors in a tactful, culturally accepted, congenial, personal manner. A candidate must reasonably be expected to accept criticism and respond by appropriate modification of behavior. Rev. 9/14

Additional Information

Records and communications regarding disabilities and academic adjustments with the Director of Learning and Disability Resources have no bearing on the application process. You may contact the director at Learning and Disability Resources, A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, 800 W. Jefferson Street, Kirksville, MO 63501, disabilityresources@atsu.edu, or by phone at 660.626.2774.

Applying for Academic Adjustments

The institution remains open to possibilities of human potential and achievement, providing support for students with disabilities. The Vice President for Student Affairs is responsible for the administration of and compliance with the Technical Standards and Academic Adjustments Policy (ATSU Policy #20-110) through the Director of Learning and Disability Resources. Please see the University Student Handbook for information on how to apply for academic adjustments, or email disabilityresources@atsu.edu.

Grading

Assessment and Grading Protocol

Faculty are encouraged to use assessments that are based on multiple methods such as examinations, quizzes, papers, projects, presentations, critically appraised topics. objective structured clinical examinations (OSCE), case studies, preclinical experiences, clinical experiences, community-based experiences, and/or a final examination. In addition, integrated block examinations will be used to assess students. Faculty members are encouraged to strive and implement both formative and summative evaluation methods. The following are standardized grading criteria:

• A single examination should not constitute more than 50% of the grading assessment.
• If a student fails a critical assessment, they fail the course. Pending approval by the Academic Progress Committee, students may be given the opportunity remediate the course.
• Except for examinations and quizzes, each assessment method must have a grading criteria matrix (e.g., a grading rubric) established at the time the students are notified of the assignment.
• Scores from each of the assessments shall be recorded as raw scores (e.g., not adjusted or graded on a bell curve).
• Course grades shall be recorded as raw scores with corresponding letter scores.
• ATSU-MOSDOH DMD students earn a letter grade or pass/fail grade, which will count towards the overall course grade. Each course is linked to the nine ATSU-MOSDOH competencies that must be attained prior to graduation.

Grading Criteria: Letter Grades

ATSU-MOSDOH adheres to the University grading scale . 

Students earning less than 70% must remediate course content and will receive an “F” for the course if approved by the Academic Progress Committee (APC). When students successfully complete the remediation process with a 70% or higher, the grade of “F” will be changed to a “RC”.

If the student does not successfully complete remediation of a course, the grade of “F” will remain on the transcript and the student must retake and successfully pass the course at their own expense prior to graduation if approved by the Academic Progress Committee (APC). The fee is determined by the Finance Office and is based upon a per credit equation. The “F” will be changed to an F* upon successful completion of the retake. The F*as well as the retake grade will remain on the transcript.

*Students who have questions regarding an assigned grade of “W” should arrange a meeting with the Vice Dean, Academic Affairs.

Grading Criteria: Pass/Fail Courses

ATSU-MOSDOH adheres to the University grading scale .

Faculty have the option to determine the percentage score to be considered for passing prior to the start of the course (at least 70%). Students earning less than the stated minimum percentage point value will be required to remediate course content and will receive an “F” for the course if approved by the Academic Progress Committee (APC). When students successfully complete the remediation process with at least the minimum percentage point value, the grade of “F” will be changed to a “RP”.

If the student does not successfully complete remediation, the grade of “F” will remain on the transcript and the student must retake and successfully pass the course at their own expense prior to graduation if approved by the APC. The fee is determined by the Finance Office and is based upon a per credit equation. The “F” will be changed to an F* upon successful completion of the retake. The F* as well as the retake grade will remain on the transcript.

If a student needs to remediate a course he/she is required to do so during dates designated for remediation/retake. If a student fails a course at the end of a semester, they are required to remediate/retake the course at the beginning of the next semester on the dates designated for remediation/retake.

Incomplete Grades

ATSU-MOSDOH adheres to the University Incomplete Grade Policy .

Students whose work at the end of a course is incomplete due to illness or other extenuating circumstances may be given, at the course director’s discretion, a grade of Incomplete (I). It is the responsibility of the student to contact the course director to receive a grade of “I”. A student must be passing the course to be eligible for an incomplete. When an instructor issues an incomplete grade, the student will have a maximum of 4 weeks post-course to complete all course requirements. If additional time is necessary, the Extended Incomplete Agreement Form (pdf)  must be completed and submitted to Enrollment Services. Courses that are not assigned a grade within 4 weeks, and do not have an Extended Incomplete Form on file, will be assigned an ‘F’ for the course.

The Course Director will complete the ATSU-MOSDOH “Agreement Form” outlining requirements for course completion and completion date. After the course director and student have signed the agreement, the agreement shall be filed with the ATSU-MOSDOH Office of Academic Affairs. When the student has successfully completed the coursework, the Course Director will file a Grade Change Form with the Vice Dean, Academic Affairs who will forward it to Enrollment Services.

Remediation Process

Non-Clinical Courses

All students earning below 70% (unless requesting a grade of incomplete due to unforeseen or extenuating circumstances) will be required to participate in course remediation with the grade of “F” granted as well as receiving Academic Warning when approved by the APC. To successfully complete the remediation process and remove the “F” grade, students must receive an equivalent of a 70% or higher on remediation assessment(s) and will earn a grade of RC or RP, as appropriate. Students, who do not successfully complete the remediation process, will have the “F” remain on their transcripts, and the APC will review the student’s progress to determine if the student will be placed on Academic Probation, repeat the year or be dismissed from the ATSU-MOSDOH DMD program.

Students will not be allowed to remediate a course or multiple courses or modules totaling 12 credit hours or greater per academic year even when the course(s) associated with the 12 hours have been previously remediated. The student will be subjected to dismissal from the DMD Program. A student failing multiple courses or modules in a semester or academic year may be dismissed from the DMD program subject to review by the APC.

Clinical Courses

Students who fail a clinical course will need to remediate the failure or will repeat part or all of an academic year or may be recommended for dismissal from the DMD program subject to review by the APC.

Elective Courses

Students who fail an elective course will need to remediate or repeat the course as stipulated in the course syllabus. If an elective is only offered in one semester, the student will repeat the elective the next time it is offered.

National Board Examination Retakes

Students are required to take the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) at a time designated by the Vice Dean, Academic Affairs. Students who fail the INBDE will be required to submit a study plan and their graduation may be delayed. The Academic Progress Committee will review and approve the final plan.  

Academic Appeals

The individual professional and graduate programs of ATSU, through their faculty and established school procedures, retain principal responsibility for assessing student performance. Disputes concerning unsatisfactory progress evaluations should be reconciled through the processes and procedures described under the DMD program. Additional guidelines regarding academic appeals, including grade appeals, promotion, and/or dismissal appeals will be found within the ATSU Policies section, Academic Appeals policy .

Appeal of Academic Progress Committee Decisions

ATSU-MOSDOH follows the University Academic Appeals policy. The details of this process may be found within the ATSU Policies section, Academic Appeals .

Once the student is informed in writing of the APC’s decision, the student may appeal the APC’s decision to the Dean only if:

• new and significant information has been discovered or, 
• the student believes that the APC process was not followed as presented.

A written appeal detailing the new and significant information or detailing the APC process that was not followed to the Dean must occur within five calendar days (excluding holidays and/or University closure dates) of the APC’s decision and must contain a signature of the student (emails are acceptable). The Dean will review the appeal and issue a decision within seven calendar days (excluding holidays and/or University closure dates) of receipt of the student’s appeal. The Dean may meet with the Chair of the APC to discuss the appeal and determine if the APC process was followed. The Dean has the authority to overturn or uphold the APC decision. The highest level of appeal within the school is the Dean or Dean’s designee. Students who wish to appeal a Dean’s decision regarding promotion or dismissal should review the Academic Appeals Policy: Promotion and/or Dismissal Decisions

Academic Standing

The APC is responsible for monitoring students’ academic progress. The intent is for the APC to be proactive as well as reactive in responding to concerns regarding student academic progress and professional and behavioral conduct. The Committee’s charge is to offer resources and assistance to students as well as imposing academic discipline which may include academic warning, academic probation, repetition of the year, other appropriate actions and dismissal from the program.

In addition, the APC functions as the program’s student promotion board. The APC is responsible for promoting students from one academic year to the next as well as certifying students for graduation. Academic standing in the ATSU-MOSDOH is designated as Satisfactory Progress, Academic Warning, or Academic Probation.

Academic Standing Policy

The Academic Standing Policy provides guidelines for conducting reviews of students’ progress and identifying students experiencing difficulty in navigating and/or successfully completing the ATSU-MOSDOH DMD program. The APC will review the performance of individual student progress monthly and as needed.

Procedure for determining Academic Standing: Students may be designated as Satisfactory Progress, Academic Warning or Academic Probation.  

To view the complete policy, see the Academic Standing Policy (#001).

Class Rank

Enrollment Services will notify students when the ranking is available for viewing on the CampusNexus Student Portal.

Student Academic Promotion

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.

First-Year Promotion

Prior to being promoted from the first year to the second year of ATSU-MOSDOH’s predoctoral dental education program, the student must successfully pass (“RC”, “RP”, or 70% and above) the D1 courses and integrated block examinations and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.

Second-Year Promotion

Prior to being promoted from the second year to the third year of ATSU-MOSDOH’s predoctoral dental education program, the student must successfully pass (“RC”, “RP” or 70% and above) the D2 courses, and integrated block examinations, maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0, as well as 2.0 in the preclinical courses, preclinical and clinical faculty assessment of defined skills to assure safety of the patient, faculty, staff and peers, and pass all parts of the D2 exit exam.

Third-Year Promotion

Prior to being promoted from the third year to the fourth year of ATSU-MOSDOH’s predoctoral dental education program, the student must successfully pass (“RC”, “RP” or 70% and above) the D3 courses, all D3 competencies, clinical simulation exercises and clinical faculty assessment of defined skills to assure safety of the patient, faculty, staff and peers, and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0. Students must successfully complete all necessary prerequisite courses, assessments, and D3 competencies prior to being approved for commencing external clinical rotations. The Class must challenge INBDE within the time period determined by the Vice Dean, Academic Affairs.

Certificate in Public Health - Dental Emphasis

All students will be required to obtain the Certificate in Public Health with Dental Emphasis through the College of Graduate Health Studies (ATSU-CGHS) at A.T. Still University unless a Master’s in Public Health or Dental Public Health has been previously awarded. These classes are offered online beginning in the fall of the D2 year. The additional courses are included in the ATSU-MOSDOH tuition fee. There will not be any tuition reimbursements if you have already been awarded a MPH degree. The ATSU-MOSDOH Office of Academic Affairs reserve the rights to withdraw students who are not progressing satisfactorily from the certificate in public health program until they demonstrate satisfactory progress. 

Any student requesting deferral of the Certificate in Public Health with Dental Emphasis Program must follow the ATSU-MOSDOH Policy “Protocol for Requesting Deferral of Master’s of Public Health Certificate in Public Health with Dental Emphasis.” To view the complete policy, see the Protocol for Requesting Deferral of Master’s in Public Health Certificate in Public Health with Dental Emphasis Policy (#016).

Program Caveat: ATSU-MOSDOH reserves the right to require students with a Master’s in Public Health or Dental Public Health to complete courses in the Certificate in Public Health with Dental Emphasis Program to fulfill the predoctoral DMD curriculum requirements.

DMD and MPH Dual Degree Program

ATSU and ATSU-MOSDOH are proud of the highly successful dual degree program available to dental school students. ATSU-MOSDOH and ATSU-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 when a student has completed at least 80% of the Public Health Certificate.

Graduation Requirements

To earn a DMD degree from ATSU-MOSDOH, all students must:

1. Successfully complete all prescribed didactic, preclinical, and clinical courses (“RC”, “RP”, or 70% and above) with a minimum GPA of 2.0;
2. Pass MOSDOH semester Integrated Block Examinations;
3. Challenge the Integrated National Board Dental Examination;
4. Demonstrate attainment of all ATSU-MOSDOH program competencies;
5. Successfully complete at least 2 Integrated Community Service Partnership rotations;
6. Have completed or earned a Master’s Degree in Public Health, a Master’s Degree in Dental Public Health, or have earned the Certificate in Public Health with Dental Emphasis;
7. Close all patient encounters and appropriately transfer all patients;
8. Complete and file all necessary graduation forms; and
9. Attend the commencement ceremony and commencement activities.

Degree Completion

It is imperative that the four-year academic program be completed within a timeframe that fosters the successful attainment of skills that lead to minimum competency for initial entry into the clinical practice of dentistry. Students are expected to complete their degree within four years in accordance with the program’s standard plan of study as indicated in this catalog. We acknowledge that circumstances may arise that require an extension of the academic program time. This policy is designed to articulate a specific timeframe in which all students must complete the four-year Doctor of Dental Medicine curriculum program, irrespective of leave of absences for medical, mental health, or parental, repeating years for academic or behavioral infractions, including accrued excused absences.

It is the expectation that a student will complete the ATSU-MOSDOH four-year curriculum in no more than six years. In addition, the first two years of the DMD curriculum must be completed within no more than three years and last two years of the curriculum must be completed in no more than three years for a total of six years. The Academic Progress Committee must approve the extension of a student’s time from four years to six years with final approval from the Dean. If a student fails to meet this timeline it will result in dismissal from the ATSU-MOSDOH Doctor of Dental Medicine program.

Academic Standards, Guidelines, and Requirements

ATSU-MOSDOH Chain of Communication

To ensure open communication among faculty, staff and students, please adhere to the following chain of communication regarding course work, grades, letters of recommendation, dispute resolutions, etc.

Address the concern with the:

1. Faculty Member
2. Course Director
3. Director, Student Success
4. Vice Dean, Academic Affairs or Vice Dean, Clinical Education, Operations, & Community Partnerships
5. Dean

Attendance

It is imperative for students to follow the guidelines and expectations for attendance and excused absences. As a professional school, ATSU-MOSDOH requires attendance and active participation in all components of the curriculum, which includes but not limited to lectures, laboratories, seminars, clinics, rotations and other course/clinic activities to obtain a passing grade. As a reminder, some classes may only be one or two days in length. Should a student miss a required learning activity, they are responsible for the material, any consequences, and for arranging make-up, if available.

An excused absence is defined as a period of administratively approved absence from any required learning activities or clinic participation, without penalty. Excused absences may not be possible for required learning/laboratories or clinical activities that cannot be made up or for which the student’s attendance is required for group work. Students seeking an excused absence should review the policy and processes. To view the complete policy, see the Attendance Policy (#005).

Please refer to the Absence Policies  section of the ATSU University Catalog for details regarding the Extended Absence (6-15 consecutive days) and the Student Leave Policy (15+ consecutive days).

Immunizations

ATSU-MOSDOH requires all students to provide proof of their immunizations in order to matriculate. This is necessary for the students’ protection, as well as the protection of any individuals with whom they come in contact. It is the responsibility of the student to maintain up-to-date immunization protection. Failure to maintain year-to-date immunizations may prevent a student from entering the clinical phase of his/her education. All testing is at the expense of the student. Students should be aware that prior planning is needed to maintain compliance in the immunization program. 

1. Tuberculosis Skin Test: Students must have a two-step tuberculosis skin test within the year prior to matriculation. If the test is positive, the student must have a chest X-ray within the year. (Students documenting with chest X-ray must do so every 2 years). Students must update one-step TB Skin Testing annually.
2. Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis: Students are required to receive either the primary series of Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis or booster dose within ten (10) years prior to the beginning of the academic year and must ensure it is up to date while at ATSU-MOSDOH.
3. Polio: Students are required to provide documentation that they have received the primary series of polio vaccine. If documentation cannot be produced, the student must receive a booster dose or provide a positive titer.
4. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella: Students born after 1956 are required to provide documentation of the MMR vaccine prior to matriculation. If the vaccination was given prior to 1975, evidence of a re-booster is recommended. (We require 2 MMR and a titer showing positive result)
5. Hepatitis B: Students are required to complete a series of three Hepatitis B vaccinations prior to matriculation and provide a positive titer.
6. Varicella (Chicken Pox): Students must receive two vaccinations four weeks apart, and a positive titer.
7. Meningitis Vaccine: Students are required to have one(1) dose.
8. Influenza Vaccine: Students are required to complete annually.
9. COVID-19 Vaccine: Students are required to have the vaccine and the booster prior to matriculation. For more information, please reference The COVID-19 Vaccine Policy for Students  found within ATSU Policies section of this catalog.

All required titer screenings must have a positive(or immune) result to be accepted by MOSDOH. Any results that come back as non-reactive, negative, or equivocal will not be accepted. These results will require the student to begin the re-vaccination process and a new titer will be need to be completed.

Immunizations must be verified before matriculation by submitting copies of immunization records from a licensed Physician (DO or MD), Physician Assistant (PA), and/or Nurse Practitioner (NP), or State Health Department, and/or pharmacy.

Immunization Exemptions 

For medical conditions or religious beliefs, a request for exemption from Risk Management requirements will be considered. However, ATSU cannot guarantee the ability to participate in patient encounters and placement in clinical rotations if this exemption is granted. Consequently, students receiving an exemption from vaccine requirements may take longer to complete the curriculum and graduate, or the student may not be able to complete the curriculum and graduate. Students seeking exemptions should submit the Request for Exemption from ATSU Vaccination Requirement form. If students are granted immunization exemptions, they must acknowledge the above risks by signing and submitting to the dean an Immunization Exemption Risk Acknowledgement and Additional Disclosures and Requirements form.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program

Please refer to the ATSU Student Drug and Alcohol Abuse and Prevention Policy and the ATSU-MOSDOH Drug and Alcohol Abuse Policy (#017). Students who are found in violation of the policy are subject to but not limited to loss of clinical privileges and/or dismissal from the ATSU-MOSDOH DMD program. 

CPR Certification

ATSU-MOSDOH requires all residential students maintain Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Healthcare Provider certification. Certification will be provided during orientation in Kirksville and again prior to transitioning to D3 year. All students must complete any scheduled ATSU sponsored certification, even if you are currently CPR certified, so all students will be on the same renewal schedule. Student records will be audited annually to confirm continuous coverage.

HIPAA Training

All ATSU-MOSDOH students must complete Health Information Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA) training yearly. Training is offered online by ATSU and Affinia Healthcare.

Student Dress Code

The image presented through interactions with your patients will be a major influence in the acceptance of treatment by the patient. A professional practitioner’s appearance is often equated by the patient with the practitioner’s level of skill. Therefore, students are expected to dress in a manner befitting the profession of dentistry and thus are expected to maintain high standards of personal hygiene and professional appearance when in class, lab and clinic. Professional, business casual or scrubs (class specific colors) are required during business hours. The Dress Code guidelines can be viewed on the ATSU-MOSDOH Student Portal.

Curriculum

The ATSU-MOSDOH Curriculum Committee coordinates, integrates and evaluates all courses across the four-year curriculum. The Curriculum Committee is responsible for directing all aspects of the curriculum including modification of course and content, establishing courses and goals and/or objectives, establishing course sequencing, coordinating student assessment in each course, establishing mechanisms to assure student attainment of competency (DMD), and maintaining a quality improvement and monitoring system for the curriculum.

Courses