PROGRAM FEATURES
RESPONSIBLE PRACTICE IS A REQUIREMENTThe University of Michigan School of Dentistry considers the unique combination of enhanced academic learning, community service exposure and education for citizenship experience important enough to make the Community Outreach rotation a requirement for graduation. Maximizing this investment in a student's time demands a program carefully designed to combine the challenges of putting on-campus, student-centered classroom and clinical training into practice in a patient-centered, primary health care environment.
IMMERSION, NOT JUST OBSERVATIONAt any one time over the course of the academic year, each health care partner facility may host two fourth-year dental students and one fourth-year dental hygiene student on a rotating basis. As temporary full-time staff members, students practice and live in the community for the length of their rotation, providing an opportunity to understand and appreciate the socioeconomic circumstances that can affect an individual's health decisions and the overall quality of life in underserved communities.
In general, the Community Outreach dental rotation consists of three weeks total assignment time over the course of a six-week span (one week on, one week off, etc.). Dental hygiene students complete a one-week rotation at their assigned site.
The structure of the rotation is devised to provide each student with maximum exposure to the variety of dental procedures, and to provide the opportunity to complete multiple-session patient treatments. Additionally, the rotation structure permits faculty to assess student progress over a significant stretch of time.
OFF CAMPUS BUT IN TOUCHWhile on assignment, notebook computers and high-speed internet access are provided so that students can keep up with their general coursework and email via UMSD's advanced distance-learning program. Students can "e-ttend" lectures live via the web, or access a recording for later observation. They can also "speak" live with professors during interactive chat room-type webcasts.