The College recognizes the unique cognitive, technical, and attitudinal aspects of the profession and its curricula. Students must possess the skills and abilities that will allow them to successfully complete the course of study and receive the full benefit of the educational program. The student is required to direct or perform treatment on the patients of the College as part of the curriculum. The College has responsibility for ensuring the safety of patients and student clinicians. This includes the completion of treatment safely and within a reasonable amount of time. The student must be able to meet or perform the following elements that are fundamental to the nature of the program.
Sensory and Observation
Students must be able to observe patients, in clinic or in simulations, in order to gain information to be used in diagnosis. Students must possess vision, hearing and physical abilities sufficient to obtain a patient history, perform a physical examination and provide patient care. Additionally, students must have sufficient dexterity to manipulate dental and dental hygiene equipment appropriately and to perform in class, clinic and laboratory settings for extended periods of time.
Cognitive
Students must be able to solve problems using the ability to understand and retain knowledge derived from readings, lectures and demonstrations. Students must be able to use reasoning to analyze and integrate learned material and apply principles to new problems.
Motor Skills
Students ordinarily should have motor function sufficient to enable them to execute movements required to provide general care for and treatment of patients in routine and emergency situations. It is required that a student possess the motor skills necessary to directly perform palpation, percussion, auscultation and other diagnostic maneuvers, basic laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures. Such actions require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium and functional uses of the senses of touch, vision and smell. Students must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress.
Communication
Students must be able to communicate effectively with patients; convey or exchange information at a level allowing development of a health history; identify problems presented; explain alternative solutions; and give directions during treatment and post treatment. Communication includes speech and writing. Students must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written form with all members of the health care team. Students must have sufficient facility with English in order to retrieve information from texts and lectures and communicate concepts on written exams and patient charts; elicit patient backgrounds; describe patient changes in moods, activity and posture; and coordinate patient care with all members of the health care team. In any case where a student’s ability to communicate through these sensory modalities is compromised, the student must demonstrate acceptable alternative means and/or ability to acquire and demonstrate the essential information conveyed in this fashion.
Behavioral Skills
Students must possess the emotional health required for all utilization of the intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients and the development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients.