University of Southern Nevada to launch DMD program

The University of Southern Nevada (USN) plans to expand its College of Dental Medicine by implementing a doctor of dental medicine (DMD) program at the university’s campus in South Jordan, UT.

The university expects to admit its first class in fall 2011.

"Currently no pre-doctoral dental program exists in Utah," said USN President Harry Rosenberg, Ph.D. "The university is fully committed to filling the void by establishing a DMD program to provide an unparalleled learning experience while also offering excellent and affordable, high-quality dental care to citizens of the Salt Lake area, including the underserved population."

According to Rosenberg, USN will develop an innovative DMD program with a unique curriculum based on the university’s student-centered educational philosophies of mastery learning and outcomes-based education. This is accomplished with the application of the block system, a method of curricular delivery within USN's existing health education programs.

"Rather than multiple courses and clinical experiences spread out through semesters or quarters, the curriculum is organized into blocks that allow students to focus on one subject at a time," said Rosenberg. "Additionally, utilization of the block system allows for the students to be taught by some of the world's most renowned experts in respective areas of dentistry, another unique aspect of the educational experience at USN College of Dental Medicine."

The university is currently recruiting a dean for the College of Dental Medicine who will help lead the development and implementation of the program, including approval by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, said Rosenberg.