Dalhousie University - Faculty of Dentistry - Nova Scotia

The Faculty of Dentistry offers a four year degree program leading to a Doctor in Dental Surgery degree. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to complete the National Dental Examining board of Canada examinations for licensure to practise general dentistry in Canada. Graduates are also eligible to apply for license as a general practice dentist in the United States by writing American and State Board examinations, which are the same examinations that are written by graduates of US dental schools.
Most graduates enter associateship practice upon graduation; many further their education and clinical experience by enrolling in post-graduate year/internship programs and some continue their education in specialty programs in dentistry. Opportunities exist in the general practice setting, in research, dental public health programs, or in teaching.
The course extends over a period of four years. The academic year for years one and two commence in early September and continue until the latter part of May. The academic year for year three commences in early September and continues to late June. Fourth year classes begin in July, with four weeks vacation in August, and terminates in the early part of May.
The program provides instruction in medical sciences, dental diagnostic sciences, preventive dentistry, communications and clinical dentistry. The curriculum emphasizes the integration of the biological, behavioral and dental sciences with the introduction to patient treatment in the first year of the program. There is a major emphasis on the biological and behavioral sciences as applied to clinical dentistry, with basic foundation sciences continuing in third and fourth years at an advanced level. Clinical patient treatment receives greater emphasis in the second year, with continued emphasis on integration of the biological and behavioral sciences. Students practice a total patient care philosophy in the third and fourth year clinic, within clinical oriented disciplines. Third and fourth year dental students and second year dental hygiene students work together in the clinical program to provide a team approach to total patient care. Dental assistants are provided, and students are given experience in four-handed dentistry and auxillary utilization.