GHSU College of Dental Medicine Competency Statements

In the care of the child, adolescent, adult, geriatric and medically compromised patient, graduates of the Georgia Health Sciences University School of Dentistry shall possess the knowledge, skills, and values to be competent to:

1. Apply advances in modern biology to clinical practice and to integrate new medical knowledge and therapies relevant to oral health care
2. Apply the principles of behavioral science that pertain to patient-centered oral health care
3. Provide care to a diverse patient population
4. Communicate with patients, staff and colleagues concerning oral health care matters
5. Evaluate different models of oral health care management and delivery
6. Understand the basic principles of practice management and have the skills to conduct a contemporary dental practice 
7. Recognize and apply the ADA’s Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct and the Laws of Georgia and the Georgia Board of Dentistry’s Rules
8. Recognize his/her level of skill and knowledge, take steps to improve areas of deficiency and to improve existing skills, and to refer patients when appropriate
9. Understand medical/dental literature, the application of scientific principles and evidenced-based documentation in order to provide comprehensive patient care
10. Use information technology for professional development and comprehensive patient care
11. Obtain and assess diagnostic information from clinical and radiographic procedures
12. Develop ideal sequenced treatment plans and alternatives based on etiologies, prognoses and patient circumstances
13. Educate and treat patients to improve and maintain their oral health
14. Obtain informed consent from a patient, parent, or guardian
15. Prescribe and administer pharmacological agents for anxiety, pain, infection and caries prevention
16. Manage diseases and conditions of the teeth
17. Manage replacement of teeth for the partially or completely edentulous patient
18. Manage periodontal diseases
19. Manage pulpal and periradicular disease
20. Diagnose and manage orofacial abnormalities and pathology
21. Perform uncomplicated oral surgical procedures
22. Diagnose and manage common orofacial problems that cause patients to seek urgent dental care
23. Assess the dentition to determine the need for orthodontic treatment
24. Evaluate the outcomes of treatment
25. Prevent and manage complications and emergencies arising during dental care and to provide basic cardiac life support if necessary