Competency Statements

1. Evaluate and integrate emerging trends in health care

2. Utilize critical thinking to evaluate and integrate best research outcomes with clinical expertise and patient values for evidence-based practice.

3. Make professional decisions that satisfy legal, societal and ethical principles.

4. Use self-evaluative skills to assess individual knowledge and abilities, to practice within the scope of one’s competence and make appropriate professional referrals, and to identify areas of deficiency to correct through lifelong learning.

5. Collaborate effectively with other health professionals to facilitate the provision of overall health care.

6. Apply appropriate interpersonal and communication skills to create a humanistic environment.

7. Communicate effectively with diverse patients and other health care providers to ensure appropriate, patient-centered patient treatment.

8. Provide prevention, intervention and educational strategies.

9. Participate with dental team members and other health care professionals in the management and health promotion for all patients.

10. Recognize and appreciate the need to contribute to the improvement of oral health through service learning and/or community-based learning experiences.

11. Evaluate and apply regulatory agency requirements for dental practices such as infection control, HIPAA and environmental and office safety programs.

12. Apply principles of risk management including informed consent.

13. Demonstrate effective business practices.

Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

14. Perform an examination that collects information required to evaluate the health, oral conditions, needs and expectations of patients of all stages of life.

15. Recognize, diagnose and interpret normal and abnormal conditions of the orofacial complex to include oral cancer, occlusal and temporomandibular disease, craniofacial growth and development that require monitoring, treatment or management.

16. Develop, present and discuss individual sequenced treatment plans for patients of all ages consistent with patient’s condition, interest, goals and capabilities.

17. Anticipate, diagnose, and provide initial treatment and follow-up management for medical emergencies that may occur during dental treatment.

18. Recognize and manage dental emergencies to include acute pain, hemorrhage, trauma, and infection of the orofacial complex.

Control of Pain and Anxiety

19. Employ pharmacological agents and techniques to manage orofacial discomfort and psychological distress.

Endodontic Therapy

21. Diagnose and treat diseases of pulpal and periradicular origin in all stages of life.

25. Continually analyze the outcomes of patient treatment to improve patient care.