University of Maryland School of Dentistry: A Legacy of Innovation and Excellence

The University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD), located in Baltimore, stands as a beacon of oral health education, research, and service. As the world's first dental college, UMSOD has played a seminal role in the development of science-based dental education. It remains dedicated to upholding its traditions and improving the quality of life through state-of-the-art education, research, and service with particular emphasis on improving dental, oral, and craniofacial health.

A Historical Perspective

The University of Maryland Dental School is the direct descendant of the worldâs first dental college, the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery (BCDS), which was chartered by an act of the Maryland General Assembly on February 1, 1840. This represented the culmination of the efforts and vision of Dr. Horace H. Hayden and Dr. Chapin A. Harris. The pioneering physicians recognized the need for systematic, formal education as the foundation for a scientific and serviceable dental profession. Together, the two men played a major role in establishing and promoting formal dental education and in the development of dentistry as a profession. Dr. Harris was the school's first dean and a professor of practical dentistry. Following the death of Dr. Hayden on January 25, 1844, he became the school's second president. The BCDS soon became a model for other schools throughout America. This was due in no small part to BCDSâs emphasis on sound knowledge of general medicine and the development of the skills needed in dentistry.

The present dental school evolved through a series of consolidations involving the BCDS, founded in 1840; the Maryland Dental College, founded in 1873; the Dental Department of the University of Maryland, founded in 1882; and the Dental Department of the Baltimore Medical College, founded in 1895. The final consolidation took place formally in 1924, when the state legislature approved the combination of the BCDS and the Dental Department of the University of Maryland as a distinct college of the university under state supervision and control. As part of the University of Maryland, the School of Dentistry was incorporated into the University System of Maryland (USM), formed by Marylandâs General Assembly in 1988. Hayden-Harris Hall, the school building erected in 1970 and renovated in 1990, was replaced by an entirely new facility that opened in October 2006. This new 12-story building on West Fayette Street on the westside of downtown Baltimore enjoys one of the most advanced dental education facilities in the world. The structure replaced a previous building on the site that was only three decades old.

Academic Programs

The dental school today strives to offer the finest programs of dental education in the world. Five hundred nineteen students are enrolled in the predoctoral dental education program in the 2022-2023 academic year. A total enrollment of 602 includes 27 dental hygiene, and 56 advanced dental education students. The School of Dentistry offers a wide array of programs, including:

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS): The cornerstone program, preparing students for careers as general dentists.
Baccalaureate Program in Dental Hygiene: Designed to prepare students for careers in dental hygiene practice, education, management, and research in private and public settings.
Dual BS/MS Program: For students who have already earned their bachelor's degree in another field and wish to obtain their BS and MS in dental hygiene.
Combined Programs: Offered for DDS/PhD, DDS/MS degrees, and DDS/MPH.
Graduate Programs: Designed to prepare students for careers in academic dentistry or to supplement clinical training with knowledge of research methods or public health practice.
Advanced Dental Education Programs: Offered in the specialty areas of endodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral and maxillofacial pathology, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and prosthodontics.
Advanced General Dentistry Programs: 12- and 24-month programs.

These programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and have been granted the accreditation status of approval by the U.S. Department of Education.

The Arts-Dentistry Program

For highly motivated and academically talented students, the University of Maryland, College Park and University of Maryland School of Dentistry offer the three-year Arts-Dentistry Program. This program gives students the opportunity to apply to the University of Maryland School of Dentistry one year early. This accelerated program requires students to complete their dental school admission requirements in three years, as they apply to dental school at the end of the second year and the beginning of their third year. Competitive students must apply and be accepted by the University of Maryland Dental School. Students accepted into the combined arts-dentistry program receive the B.S. degree (Arts-Dentistry) after satisfactory completion of the first year at the dental school and upon the recommendation of the Dean of the School of Dentistry and approval of the University of Maryland, College Park.

Curriculum and Preparation for the Arts-Dentistry Program:

Begin general education requirements along with dental school course requirements.
It is better to focus on the science and math pre-dental requirements in the freshman and sophomore year rather than the university general education requirements in the humanities and social sciences. Be mindful that the math/science courses will count for the math/science general education and prepare the student for the DAT.
Students need to be efficient in completing these pre-dental courses because they will prepare you for the DAT which is taken a year earlier than if you were typically applying to dental school as a traditional student. Students will have their junior year to focus on completing some of the general education courses.
Begin building relationships with your professors. Go to their office hours and participate in class lectures and discussions.
Students should begin to think about a possible major in case they are not accepted to UMD Dental School for their senior year.
Students must begin to prepare to take the DAT. Preparation courses are often utilized by pre-dental students. Do realize though, that there are other options for DAT preparation.
Students must begin the application process to UMD Dental school late spring/early summer (June) of the sophomore year through AADSAS. This process will require the student to utilize the credentials application services of the HPAO.
During your first semester sophomore year, begin attending the application workshops provided by the HPAO.
Students must continue completing pre/dental courses, if any and general education requirements.
Students will continue to complete the dental school application process that they started at the end of their sophomore year.
If accepted, students will matriculate to UMB, having completed a minimum of 90 credits at UMD and having completed all general education requirements.
In order for the student to receive a Bachelor's degree from UMD in Arts/Dentistry, the student is responsible to inform the Undergradute Studies Coordinator, as well as the HPAO after they complete their first full year at UMD, Baltimore. HPAO and the Office of Undergraduate Studies are not responsible for tracking a student's progress through the first year of dental school or for filing the paperwork for the student to be confered the B.S.

Departments and Research

The School of Dentistry is organized into various departments, each contributing to the school's mission of education, research, and service. These departments include:

Department of Dental Public Health: Focuses on the history of dentistry, oral healthcare delivery, evidence-based practice, and practice administration. The Department is also responsible for coordinating the dental externship program and teaching evidence-based practice for the dental hygiene program. The Department conducts research in a variety of areas that relate to dental public health, health services administration, and health policy and is also responsible for all operations of the National Museum of Dentistry (NMD). The NMD is a Smithsonian Affiliate Organization, has one of the most comprehensive dental collections in the world, is the national collection for the social, cultural, economic, scientific and technological history of dentistry and represents the origins and development of dentistry in the United States as well as a significant portion of its development in the rest of the world.
Department of Endodontics, Periodontics & Prosthodontics: Responsible for major segments of the predoctoral dental curriculum encompassing endodontics, dental biomaterials, geriatric dentistry and fixed and removable prosthodontics and periodontics. The department also includes a dental hygiene program and offers a degree completion and Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene. Three-year certificate programs in postgraduate endodontics, post-graduate periodontics and postgraduate prosthodontics are offered as well as specialty observerships (6 months or 1 year) for foreign-trained dentists in Periodontics and Prosthodontics. Further training for certified periodontists and prosthodontists is offered in an Implant Periodontal â Prosthetic Fellowship for management and treatment of complex implant prosthodontic patients. The department has an active research program in all aspects of advanced dental care and includes: regenerative biology and therapy, microbial genetics, chemotherapeutic agents, periodontal pathogens, implantology, and biostatistics of endodontic infections and their relationship to systemic disease, digital dentistry, dental materials, nanocomposites, calcium phosphates, novel methods of controlling tooth sensitivity, evaluation of physical properties of numerous dental materials, and bioactive ceramics.
Department of Microbial Pathogenesis: Committed to improving oral health and the quality of life for the people of Maryland. The department conducts multidisciplinary research in microbial pathogenesis, educates students in the biology of oral and other microbial pathogens, and provides service to the School of Dentistry, the University, and the community. Continued development of the department emphasizes integration of its research activities into the graduate and postgraduate programs of the School of Dentistry through a faculty-driven curriculum in interactive classroom settings as well as department-supported research projects.
Department of Neuroscience: This is a research-intensive department focused in the area of neuroscience, with a strong emphasis on the neurobiology of pain. Research initiatives encompass basic, translational, and clinical science programs. Educational missions involve instruction in the School of Dentistry and Graduate School curricula and mentored research training for both predoctoral students and post-doctoral fellows.
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology: In addition to providing instruction in radiology, oral medicine, and diagnostic sciences for the predoctoral program, the department presents courses for graduate and postgraduate students and offers programs leading to a certificate in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and/or a doctoral degree. Also, graduate training programs are offered in surgical, clinical, and experimental pathology. Research and graduate training are conducted in the pathobiology of cancer, connective tissues, stress proteins, developmental biology, dental management of medically compromised patients, prevention of infection in immunocompromised patients, evaluation of drugs to treat bacterial and fungal infections of the oral cavity and the role of viruses in cancer and its treatment.
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: The department provides instruction in the second, third and fourth years of the predoctoral program. The third year dental students rotate for one week at the University of Maryland Medical Center, participating in the OR and the outpatient clinic. A fourth year clerkship elective in Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery provides students an opportunity to perform more advanced dentoalveolar surgery and participate more fully in surgical care at the University of Maryland Medical Center. The postgraduate program in oral-maxillofacial surgery includes training at the University of Maryland Medical System and University of Maryland School of Dentistry. Research is conducted in chemoprevention of oral carcinoma and pain management techniques. The department is also involved in evaluation of analgesics for postsurgical pain control and tumor immunology.
Department of Orthodontics: Predoctoral instruction in orthodontics provides a strong foundation for delivery of limited orthodontic treatment as part of an adult and child patientâs comprehensive dental care. Clerkship and other elective opportunities are available for those who wish to pursue additional course work and clinical experience. The postgraduate program prepares students for specialty certification by the American Board of Orthodontics. The department conducts research in growth and development, experimental and diagnostic imaging, the biology of tooth movement, properties and biocompatibility of orthodontic materials, and the physiology of the tongue and facial musculature, and the pathophysiology and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in children and adults.

The University of Maryland Dental School is rapidly developing its research programs. The Dental School currently ranks 4th among the nationâs dental schools in NIH funding. The Dental School is the home of the University of Marylandâs Organized Research Center on Persistent Pain, devoted to multidisciplinary approaches to the mechanisms and management of chronic pain. In early 1999, the School celebrated the opening of the Center for Clinical Studies and the Brotman Facial Pain Clinic.

Commitment to Service

The School of Dentistry is Marylandâs predominant provider of comprehensive and emergency oral health services for individuals of all ages, including the underserved and disadvantaged. Each year, nearly 35,000 persons are served through more than 122,000 patient visits. It is the largest provider of oral health care to persons living with HIV disease and Medicaid-eligible children in Maryland.

UMSOD offers exceptional educational programs for prospective members of the oral health professions. We were the first school in the world to offer a science-based curriculum in dentistry and are committed to maintaining its position as a leader in oral health education.

Read also: History of the Block 'M'

From local to global, the Dental School has a long history of service to the world community. The School currently has collaborative agreements with a number of academic and public health institutions throughout the world. In Maryland and elsewhere in the United States, dental students participate in a wide range of externship opportunities as a required part of the curriculum, and a number volunteer for non-academic community service throughout the country and the world. In collaboration with our partners at Access Carroll in Westminster, Md., and with Monocacy Health Partners Dental Clinic in Frederick, Md., we work to enhance access to oral health care. In addition, through new academic programs and services offered at the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, Md., UMSOD is expanding its ability to reach patients, serve as a resource for our alumni, and add enduring value to our studentsâ educations through hands-on experience.

Through our public service programs and initiatives, such as Mission of Mercy, Maryland Day, Maryland Special Olympics, and Sealant Saturdays, we have offered increased access to oral health care, as well as invaluable clinical experiences for our students.

Alumni Association

The Alumni Association of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry represents more than 8,000 graduates. Alumni representatives from the Doctor of Dental Surgery, Dental Hygiene, Advanced Dental Education, and graduate programs are recruited to serve on the Alumni Association Board of Directors and committees. The Alumni Association fosters and promotes the dental school and its programs. Maintain the high standards and traditions of the worldâs first dental college. The annual meeting of the Alumni Association is held during Alumni Weekend. At this gathering, officers and members are elected to the Board of Directors. The Alumni Association works closely with the schoolâs Office of Institutional Advancement to plan activities across the country for alumni and friends. Local events allow alumni and friends the opportunity to interact with students and faculty.

Continuing Education

The School of Dentistry is committed to the lifelong learning of oral health professionals in Maryland and neighboring states of the Mid-Atlantic Region. Continuing Dental Education for dentists and dental hygienists is among the missions of the dental school, for todayâs many and frequent advances in science and technology impose a greater and sustaining need for timely accession of new information. In order to fulfill its commitment to lifelong learning, the School of Dentistry provides courses designed to meet the needs of dental and dental hygiene practitioners. Based upon research in the basic and clinical sciences, the Continuing Dental Education Program offers participants educational courses which reflect contemporary professional knowledge of direct benefit to the practice community. These courses are conducted in clinics, laboratories, and simulation facilities of the dental school as well as other regional settings of convenience to course participants.

Preparing for Dental School: Advice from a UMSOD Student

Connor Lu, a UMD graduate with a B.S. in Biological Sciences and a minor in General Business, shares his insights on preparing for dental school. He knew from a young age that he was interested in dentistry, influenced by his uncle who is a dentist in Boston and his own experiences with orthodontic work. Connor emphasizes the importance of extracurricular activities, such as cultural organizations like VSA [Vietnamese Student Association], a pre-health fraternity called DEM [Delta Epsilon Mu], working as a dental assistant, and being part of student dental organizations.

Read also: Legacy of Fordham University

He also highlights the significance of time management in dental school due to the frequent exams. Connor chose UMSOD for its reputation for state-of-the-art facilities, top-notch faculty and researchers, and the financial advantage of in-state tuition. Reflecting on his undergraduate years, Connor advises students to enjoy their college experience more and not be too hyper-focused on their dental school application. He stresses that while GPA, DAT score, and volunteer/clinical experience are important, learning how to talk to people is crucial. The ability to have a conversation and build relationships with patients is essential for future success in the field.

tags: #university #of #maryland #dental #school #overview