Patient-centered systems curriculum
ATSU-ASDOH’s curriculum begins with foundations of dental medicine, which is a semester of orientation to all of the sciences supporting clinical dental medicine. The curriculum transitions to a patient-centered systems model in which all student learning is clinically contextualized. For instance, human sciences and treatment planning are taught alongside the principles of evidence-based dentistry and the exam and diagnosis of patients.
In the first two years, courses prepare students for the curriculum expected during the clinical rotation experience. During the third and fourth years onsite and local clinical rotations are the focus. The clinical curriculum is comprised of labs, didactics, workshops, and advanced care procedures, then the students choose regional rotation sites.