University of British Columbia Faculty of Dentistry Fast Facts

School Info

As the central link between the community, dental professional bodies, our 1600 alumni, and the dental industry, the UBC Faculty of Dentistry has a critical role to play in improving the oral health of the population. As the only dental school in British Columbia, we understand that the significance and reputation of our Faculty within the province is inextricably linked to the quality of our educational programs. We also understand that the highest level of educational programs requires a vibrant and growing research culture and a commitment to serve the best interests of the public.

Curriculum

The DMD curriculum at UBC is an innovative hybrid of problem-based learning (PBL) and more traditional lectures and clinical experiences, with an emphasis on self-directed student learning and problem solving in small group settings. Lectures occupy a smaller amount of curriculum time than in traditional curricula. The first two years are taken with students in the Faculty of Medicine and include a course exclusively for dental students which correlates biomedical sciences to clinical practice. Although there is an early exposure to the clinical setting, surgical psychomotor skills are not introduced until the end of the second year of study in order to ensure a foundation of medical disease management before surgical intervention occurs. Students learn basic psychomotor skills in simulation and then put them into supervised practice with patients while they continue to develop more complex skills in simulation. Clinical and patient management skills are developed through participation in integrated group practices of 3rd and 4th year students managed by a faculty member.

Facilities