Standards

Candidates must be able to observe demonstrations and participate in experiments of science, including but not limited to such things as dissection of cadavers; examination of specimens in anatomy, pathology, and neuroanatomy laboratories; and microscopic study of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathologic states. Candidates must be able to accurately observe patients and assess findings. They must be able to obtain a medical history and perform a physical evaluation and comprehensive oral evaluation in order to integrate findings based on these observations and to develop an appropriate diagnostic and treatment plan. These skills require the use of vision, hearing, and touch or the functional equivalent.

Candidates must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with patients, their families, and members of the health care team. They must be able to obtain a medical history in a culturally competent manner, interpret non-verbal aspects of communication, and establish therapeutic relationships with patients. Candidates must be able to record information accurately and clearly; and communicate effectively in English with other health care professionals in a variety of patient settings.

Candidates must possess the capacity to perform procedures requiring the use of fine motor skills. They must be able to respond to clinical situations in a timely manner and provide general and emergency dental care. Such activities require functional physical mobility and coordination of both gross and fine motor skills. They must adhere to universal infection protocols and meet established safety standards applicable to inpatient and outpatient settings and other clinical activities.

Candidates must demonstrate the maturity and emotional stability required for full use of their intellectual abilities. They must be able to demonstrate high emotional intelligence (i.e. self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, social skills). They must accept responsibility for learning, exercising good judgment, and promptly completing all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients. They must understand the legal and ethical aspects of the practice of dentistry and function within both the law and ethical standards of the dental profession. Candidates must be able to interact with patients, their families, and health care personnel in a courteous, professional, and respectful manner. They must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads to function effectively under stress, and to display flexibility and adaptability to changing environments. Candidates must be able to contribute to collaborative, constructive learning environments; accept constructive feedback from others; and take personal responsibility for making appropriate positive changes.

Students must be of the highest ethical and moral behavior. As such, candidates and current students must meet the legal standards to be licensed to practice dentistry in the State of California as well as the standards of the UCSF School of Dentistry. As a California public institution, our mission is to educate the dental workforce for the State of California, understanding students may choose to practice in other locations. Candidates for admission must acknowledge and provide written explanation to the School of Dentistry of any felony offense(s), misdemeanor offense(s), and institutional action(s) taken against them prior to matriculation or while enrolled at UCSF School of Dentistry. This disclosure is required of all charges and convictions, including expunged and diverted offenses. This includes, but is not limited to, violent misdemeanors and substance use violations. Institutional actions include, but are not limited to, Title IX or Title VII violations. In addition, after matriculation, students who are enrolled in the UCSF School of Dentistry must immediately notify the Associate Dean of Education and Student Affairs of any arrest, charge, conviction, or institutional investigation or action occurring thereafter. Felony conviction or failure to disclose prior or new offenses can lead to disciplinary action by the school that may include dismissal.