Dental Medicine, DMD (MOSDOH)

Doctor of Dental Medicine Program (MOSDOH)

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MOSDOH School Information & 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 MOSDOH Chain of Communication

Academic Standards, Guidelines, and Requirements (cont.) Attendance Exam Protcols Exam Viewing Absences Immunizations 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 253.25 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	Educational Supply Fee	Equipment Lab Fee
Class of 2022, year 1	$73,910.00	$1,150.00	$9,561.00
Class of 2021, year 2	$73,910.00	$1,150.00	$9,461.00
Class of 2020, year 3	$73,910.00	$1,150.00	$4,609.00
Class of 2019, year 4	$71,838.00	$1,150.00	$5,353.00

Admissions

MOSDOH is dedicated to recruiting and selecting students interested in enhancing their professional practice skills, knowledge, and academic status by obtaining a graduate degree. Selection is based on several criteria, including grades, recommendations, experiences, dental admissions test (DAT) scores, and personal interviews.

Application Process

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.
   • General Biology – One year of lecture and lab, minimum of 8 semester hours/12 quarter hours.
   • General Chemistry – One year of lecture and lab, minimum of 8 semester hours/12 quarter hours.
   • Organic Chemistry – One year of lecture and lab, minimum of 8 semester hours/12 quarter hours.
   • Human Physiology - Three semester hours/4 quarter hours
   • Biochemistry –Three semester hours/4 quarter hours – upper division
   • Physics (algebra-based) – One year of lecture and lab, minimum of 8 semester hours/12 quarter hours.
   • English Composition/Technical Writing – Minimum of 3 semester hours/4 quarter hours.
4. 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.
5. Applicants must provide a minimum of two letters of recommendation. They must be from a science faculty or committee letter and a dentist.
6. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents.
7. All residential students are required to have an iPad and a laptop computer, which meets 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

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, MOSDOH does not accept previous course credit.  Transfer credit may be considered for transfer students on a case-by-case basis.

Advanced Standing Admission

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.

International Student Admission

International students applying for admission to the DMD program must be a U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident with a valid green card. All undergraduate courses, including prerequisites must have been completed at a regionally accredited institution within the United States.

Selection of Applicants

The Admissions Committee seeks those individuals capable of meeting the academic standards of MOSDOH and its program. Completed applications in compliance with the minimum admission requirements are reviewed on the quality of academic performance, clinical exposure, 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 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, with or without accommodation, 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 (CAT), objective structured clinical examinations (OSCE), case studies, preclinical experiences, clinical experiences, community-based experiences, and/or a final examination. 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 relevant, major assessments will be identified in each syllabus. Students must pass major exams or assessments with a 70% or above.  If a student fails the major assessment but passes the class, they will need to retake the assessment or another similar assessment until better than 70% is achieved.  If failing the critical assessment means failing the course, then the student must 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.

MOSDOH DMD students earn a letter grade or pass/fail grade for each course.  Each course is linked to the nine 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% will be required to remediate course content and will receive an “F” for the course.  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, 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.  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 .

Grade	Value
F	Fail - An average of below 70% on course assignments or assessments
I	Incomplete - Extenuating Circumstances
P	Pass - An average of 70%1 or better on course assignments or assessments.
RP	Remediated Pass2

¹ 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.  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”.

² 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.  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.

Incomplete Grades

Students whose work at the end of a course is incomplete due to illness or other extenuating circumstances beyond their control 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” otherwise students will be required to participate in remediation and follow the Remediation Grading Scale outlined in this policy.

The course director will complete an “Incomplete Agreement Form” outlining requirements for course completion and completion date. The completion date must be by the end of the following semester. The course director must complete this form prior to the end of the semester before a grade of Incomplete (I) can be issued. After the course director and student have signed the agreement, the agreement shall be filed with the MOSDOH Office of Academic Affairs and Enrollment Services. The course director may then record the Incomplete (I) as the interim grade for the course.

When the student has completed the coursework, the course director will file a Change of Grade Request Form with the Vice Dean, Academic Affairs who will forward it to Enrollment Services. All modifications to the Incomplete Agreement Form must be signed by the course director and student and filed with the MOSDOH Vice Dean, Academic Affairs and Enrollment Services in compliance with this section. If the work is not finished within the period of time specified in the agreement, the grade will become an “F” unless otherwise noted in section “a” of the “Incomplete Agreement Form.”

Remediation Process

Non-Clinical Courses:

All students earning below 70% (unless requesting a grade of incomplete due to unforeseen or extenuating circumstances) will automatically be required to participate in course remediation with the grade of “F” granted as well as receiving Academic Warning.  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 Academic Progress Committee (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 MOSDOH DMD program.

Students may not be allowed to remediate multiple courses totaling greater than 12 credit hours per academic year and students failing multiple course or modules in an academic year may be dismissed from the DMD program subject to review by the Academic Progress Committee.

Clinical Courses:

Students who fail a clinical course may need to remediate the failure or repeat part or all of an academic year, or they may be recommended for dismissal.

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 who fail the National Board Dental Examination Part I/II or the Integrated National Board, must work with the APC or designee to develop a remediation plan. The Academic Progress Committee will review and approve the final plan.  Failure on a national dental board examination may delay graduation.

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 .

Academic Standing

The Academic Progress Committee (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.  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 MOSDOH is designated as Satisfactory Progess, 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 MOSDOH DMD program. The Academic Progress Committee (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).

Appeal of Academic Progress Committee Decisions

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 in this catalog.

A written appeal 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.

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 MOSDOH’s predoctoral dental education program, the student must successfully pass (“RC-“, “RP, or 70% and above) the D1 courses, maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0, and challenge Part I NBDE within the time period determined by the Vice Dean, Academic Affairs or challenge the INBDE in the D3 year.

Second-Year Promotion

Prior to being promoted from the second year to the third year of MOSDOH’s predoctoral dental education program, the student must successfully pass (“RC-“, “RP” or 70% and above) the D2 courses, 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, D2 exit exam, and pass the Part I examination of the NBDE.

All students: In some circumstances, students may be privileged to provide patient care prior to passing NBDE Part I.

Third-Year Promotion

Prior to being promoted from the third year to the fourth year of MOSDOH’s predoctoral dental education program, the student must successfully pass (“RC-“, “RP” or 70% and above) the D3 courses, all 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 of 2020 and Class of 2021 must challenge Part II NBDE within the time period determined by the Vice Dean, Academic Affairs.  

Class of 2022:  Prior to being promoted from the third year to the fourth year of MOSDOH’s predoctoral dental education program, the student must successfully pass (“RC-“, “RP” or 70% and above) the D3 courses, all 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 of 2022 must challenge either Part II NBDE or INBDE.

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 (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 MOSDOH tuition fee. There will not be any tuition reimbursements if you have already been awarded a MPH degree.

Program Caveat: 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.

• PUBH 5050 - Introduction to Dental Public Health 3 credit hours
• HLTH 6400 - Behavior Sciences and Educational Concepts 3 credit hours
• EPID 6150 - Dental Epidemiology 3 credit hours
• PUBH 6550 - Dental Healthcare Policy and Management 3 credit hours
• PUBH 5500 - Financing Dental Care 3 credit hours

DMD and MPH Dual Degree Program

ATSU and MOSDOH are proud of the highly successful dual degree program available to dental school students. MOSDOH 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.

Graduation Requirements

To earn a DMD degree from 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 National Board Examinations Part I and II or the Integrated National Boards;
3. Demonstrate attainment of all MOSDOH program competencies;
4. Successfully complete at least 2 Integrated Community Service Partnership rotations;
5. 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.
6. Discharge all financial obligations to A.T. Still University and the Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health;
7. Complete and file all necessary graduation forms.

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 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 MOSDOH Doctor of Dental Medicine program.

Academic Standards, Guidelines, and Requirements

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, 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.

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

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.

1. Tuberculosis Skin Test: Students must have had 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 while in Kirksville.  Affinia Healthcare requires all students to have a two-step test yearly.
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 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 the primary series of inactivated polio vaccine.
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 or titer showing POS result.)
5. Hepatitis B: Students are required to complete a series of three Hepatitis B vaccinations prior to matriculation.  (We require Hep B series or titer showing POS result.)
6. Varicella (Chicken Pox): Students must receive two vaccinations four weeks apart, or conduct titer.
7. Meningitis Vaccine: Students are required to provide documentation that they have received the meningitis inoculation.
8. Influenza Vaccine: Students are required to complete annually.

Immunizations must be verified by one of the following ways before matriculation:

1. Submit copies of immunization records from a licensed Physician (DO or MD), Physician Assistant (PA), and/or Nurse Practitioner (NP) OR
2. Have your healthcare provider (DO, MD, NP, or PA) sign the document to verify the information listed on the document.

Exemptions:  Under certain religious or health circumstances, a request for exemption from preventive health requirements may be granted. MOSDOH cannot guarantee placement in clinical rotations, however, when this exemption is granted. Consequently, students receiving an exemption from preventive health requirements may take longer to complete the curriculum and graduate, or the student may not be able to complete the curriculum and graduate.

CPR Certification

MOSDOH requires all residential students maintain Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Healthcare Provider certification.  Certification will be provided during orientation in Kirksville and again during clinic orientation in St. Louis.  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 MOSDOH students must complete Health Information Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA) training. Training is offered online by ATSU.

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 (in specific colors) are required during business hours. The Dress Code guidelines can be viewed on the MOSDOH Student Portal.

Curriculum

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

Courses