School of Dental Medicine
School of Dental Medicine
The LECOM School of Dental Medicine offers predoctoral students a unique, innovative, and patient-centered curriculum that integrates instructional methods, early patient care experience, and strong cllinical practice.
In addition to traditional lectures, students participate in a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) curriculum that encourages self-directed study and promotes collaboration through mentored, small-group, case-based learning. This approach reflects LECOM’s commitment to developing dentists as integral players in improving patients’ overall health. The focus on preventative care aligns with the osteopathic principles of holistic healthcare, which are foundational not only in the School of Dental Medicine but also in the College of Osteopathic Medicine and the School of Pharmacy.
The mission of the LECOM School of Dental Medicine is to prepare students to become dentists through programs of excellence in education, research, clinical care, and community service to enhance the quality of life through improved health for all humanity.
The Dental Specialties
The American Dental Association (ADA) reported as of 2023, there are 202,304 professionally active dentists in the U.S.. Most dentists practice general dentistry, providing comprehensive care to a wide variety of patients. Some dentists choose to limit their practice to one of the twelve recognized dental specialties. A specialty is an area of dentistry that has been formally recognized by the National Commission, an agency of the American Dental Association, as meeting the Requirements for Recognition of Dental Specialties. Specialties are recognized in those areas where advanced knowledge, skills, and training are greater than those taught in a predoctoral dental education program. Each specialty is separate and unique from the other specialties in the maintenance or restoration of oral health. The twelve recognized dental specialties are: Dental Anesthesiology, Dental Public Health, Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral Medicine, Orofacial Pain, Orthodontics, and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, and Prosthodontics.
LEARN MORE ABOUT DENTAL CAREERSDental Clinics
With our commitment to offer quality education at an affordable cost, LECOM is determined to prepare dentists who can deliver the best healthcare outcomes while keeping tuition and fees affordable. The LECOM School of Dental Medicine clinics are located on campus to provide dental treatments for the residents who face challenges in obtaining needed dental care. From the first through the third years, students gain clinical experience providing dental care services at the Bradenton clinics. In the senior year, students spend a full year at either the LECOM School of Dental Medicine campus in DeFuniak Springs, FL or Erie, PA, gaining rigorous hands-on clinical training while providing the much-needed care to these underserved communities.
The LECOM School of Dental Medicine will build a footbridge between the present and the future of dentistry throughout Southwest Florida and other parts of the country.
Patients interested in dental appointments should visit the dental practice page.
