Medical College of Georgia

Medical College of Georgia - School of Dentistry

HISTORY

The Department of General Dentistry found its origin in 2006 with the development of the "Comprehensive Care Clinic" for senior dental students. It was created to bring patient care into an all encompasing full care dental atmosphere. Whatever the patients needs, they were to be met much like a private practice setting. Periodontic, emergency, minor endodontic, minor oral surgery, operative dentistry, fixed and removable prosthodontic care are all dealt with in the same clinical setting. Specialty care, too difficult for the senior students is referred to the department best suited for that patients' care, much like most dental practices. The purpose of this department is to bring the whole spectrum of patient care together to fully treat a patient; from treatment planning to completion regardless of needs.

The General Dentistry Department represents the heart and soul of Dentistry. It is our job to complete the mission of the school in preparing the senior student to provide the people of Georgia with excellent oral health care. The general dentist must act as the gateway to oral health. We challenge our seniors to become the best graduate possible by providing guidance in all phases of dentistry, while striving for efficient, timely and quality oral treatment in a caring environment.

MISSION STATEMENT

The General Dentistry Mission is to teach students to apply their diagnostic and therapeutic skills; provide comprehensive care for the patients; advance the science of dentistry; and provide professional development opportunities for the faculty and staff.

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of the Comprehensive Care Dental Practice Group Clinical Education Program is to provide a group practice environment for the delivery of comprehensive oral health care in the predoctoral clinics, which will:
1. Provide educational experiences through the delivery of quality patient-centered care.
2. Allow for progress toward and fulfilling competency in skills utilized by general dentists as defined by the Dental School's competency statements.
3. Develop clinical and behavioral skills utilized by the successful general dentist in patient-centered practices.
In addition, this Program will encourage students to deliver oral health care for each assigned patient in an appropriate and timely manner, to perform a wide variety of clinical procedures, to be continuously active in patient care, and to contribute to the operations of the Practice Group.

The Comprehensive Care Clinic is designed to provide senior dental students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become competent in all aspects of general dentistry by performing a wide variety of clinical procedures in an environment that simulates dental practice and enables them to make independent clinical decisions.

The educational experience will be provided in an open and supportive environment emphasizing a humanistic approach (respect, tolerance, understanding, and concern for others fostered by mentoring, advising and small group interaction)

At the same time, we will provide the best dental care possible using a patient-centered approach which considers the patient’s social, economic, and emotional circumstances in making treatment decisions.

We emphasize efficiency and teamwork, utilizing dental auxiliaries in a cost-effective manner with the general dentist serving as a role model for students in making treatment and referral decisions.

STRUCTURE: