Bradenton, FL- The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Dental Medicine second class of 100 students began their journey to becoming dentists on July 15.
“Members of the Class of 2017 have worked hard to get here and now over the next four years they will gain the knowledge and skill set to be practicing dentists upon graduation,” said Robert Hirsch, D.D.S., Dean of the LECOM School of Dental Medicine.
First-year students can lean-on the inaugural class for helpful advice. Just one year ago, LECOM welcomed its first class, which began classes in a new $52 million School of Dental Medicine building at 4800 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. in Bradenton, Fla.
“The inaugural class of 2016 at the LECOM School of Dental Medicine, would like to welcome the incoming class of 2017,” said Timothy Speer, Vice President of the Student Government Association. “It is with pride and honor that we extend our knowledge and a helping hand to the incoming class.”
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| First-year dental student Morgan Clay receives a set of LECOM scrubs from Robert Hirsch, D.D.S., Dean of the LECOM School of Dental Medicine. |
First-year students begin their education with an intensive course in general practice dentistry; leading to individual office visits evaluating private, corporate, public health and community outreach dental practices. Second-year students returned to the classroom on May 28 and are currently working in the LECOM School of Dental Medicine patient clinic, providing denture services to patients.
In March 2014, dental students will be providing comprehensive care to the community, including cleanings, periodontal (gum) treatments, single crowns and simple extractions and dental treatments.
Pre-clinical instruction will be delivered through the small-group problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum. Components of the dental curriculum also include faculty directed self-study of gross anatomy; direct comprehensive patient care in the first year; a patient-based simulation-clinic; and the entire fourth year devoted to community-based primary care clinics in DeFuniak Springs, Fla. and Erie, Pa.
The 100,000-square foot LECOM School of Dental Medicine features classroom space and a 115-chair dental clinic. Students and faculty will work with the Bradenton community to provide care to residents who face challenges in obtaining needed dental care by serving them at the on-campus patient clinic and at community-based, primary care dental clinics.