Chapter 1 School of Dentistry

1-1. Philosophy

The clinic practice teaching program is subject to the rules of the Medical College and the laws of the State of Georgia. It is incumbent upon the students and residents to be thoroughly familiar with the contents of the Clinical Policies and Procedures Manual.

It is desirable from both a learning standpoint and the welfare of the patient that an approach to oral health recognizes the patient as the vital member of the health team. This places a significant responsibility on the School and the student to educate the patient as to the value of oral health and to the means by which its improvement can be achieved.

The School of Dentistry is committed to a teaching program placing primary emphasis on prevention of oral disease and a comprehensive approach to oral health care. 

1-2. Types of Patient Care. 

Comprehensive care is a system of care to meet the total oral health needs of a patient.  Patients are not accepted for comprehensive care if their needs are beyond the scope of the school's system of care or if they do not have the time, the financial resources or interest.

1. A comprehensive approach to oral health care is most desirable, not all patients accepted in the clinic who demonstrates a willingness and ability to control oral disease processes qualify for the Comprehensive Care Program.
   
    
2. Patients may be accepted for Limited Care. Limited care will include primary disease control and emergency services when the patient's or the school's resources are restricted.
    
3. Patients who require Emergency Care will be treated to alleviate pain, infection or hemorrhage within the limitation of the School's capabilities.

1-3. Staff Organization and Responsibility. 

The faculty and Staff of Patient Services have diverse responsibilities:

Patient Screening of the School of Dentistry.  (SCR Patients)

Patient Service Coordinator Activities. (Class Coordinators)

Patient Support Activity (Business Office)

Three staff members are the Patient Services Coordinators: Drs. A. Braselton and A. Bouffard and Ms. J. McNeill. These three faculty members have responsibility for all patient assignments, monitoring students' progress, monitoring patients' progress, responding to patient questions and complaints, teaching clinical policies and procedures, and evaluating the students’ clinical performance through the Practice Management (PM) Program.

1-4. Students' Responsibilities. 

Students must comply with the policies and procedures of the clinical operating system in the School of Dentistry or be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from school.

Each student is responsible for comprehensive care and management of assigned patients. Patient Services faculty in the Clinical Practice Management (PM) Program evaluate Expectations of the students.  Expectations for success in practice include regular treatment and timely completion of procedures at a high quality level, time management (appointment systems and non-clinical activities) and risk management (patient communication, record maintenance, consultations, and professionalism).

A clear understanding of the academic policies outlined in the Clinical Policies and Procedures Manual will establish this foundation and result in a successful and satisfying practice in the School of Dentistry