Competencies for the New General Dentist

Professionalism and ethics

• Professionalism - The new graduate must conduct himself/herself in a professional manner.
• Ethics - The new graduate must be able to understand the ethical duties and responsibilities to society, the patient and the dental profession.

Patient assessment

• Examination - The new graduate must be able to perform an examination that collects biological, psychological and social information needed to evaluate the medical and oral condition of patients of all ages.
• Diagnosis - The new graduate must be able to determine a differential, provisional or definitive diagnosis by interpreting and correlating findings from the history, clinical and radiographic examination and other diagnostic tests.
• Treatment planning - The new graduate must be able to develop, present and discuss individual treatment plans for patients of all ages which are appropriate, yet address every aspect of the patient's condition, interest and capabilities.

Patient management

• Patient behavior - The new graduate must be able to communicate with and manage patients effectively.
• Pain and anxiety control - The new graduate must be able to effectively control physical and psychological discomfort and distress.
• Acute care - The new graduate must be able to understand the etiology of dental emergencies to prevent and manage acute dental disease.

Establishment and maintenance of a healthy oral environment

• Prevention of disease - The new graduate must be able to provide care for patients of all ages that emphasizes prevention of oral disease and supports the maintenance of systemic and oral health.
• Elimination of caries - The new graduate must be able to diagnose and treat dental caries.
• Periodontal therapy - The new graduate must be able to diagnose, prevent, treat, manage, and evaluate treatment outcomes of all phases of periodontal disease.
• Endodontic therapy - The new graduate must be able to prevent, treat, and evaluate treatment outcomes of pulpal diseases and subsequent periradicular pathosis.
• Surgical therapy - The new graduate must be able to diagnose, treat, and manage oral and maxillofacial surgical problems.
• Orthodontic therapy - The new graduate must be able to recognize and manage orthodontic problems.

Restoration of form, function and aesthetics

• Materials science - The new graduate must be able to understand and manipulate biomaterials in the treatment of patients with dental and oro-facial disease.
• Dental caries - The new graduate must be able to design and provide restorations in the treatment of dental disease.
• Missing teeth - The new graduate must be able to diagnose and treat uncomplicated conditions of missing teeth to restore and maintain oral function, health, comfort and appearances.

Practice administration

• Beginning practice - The new graduate must be able to develop and assess a general practice.
• Managing the practice - The new graduate must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skill in business, office systems and personnel decisions.

Community involvement

• Community interaction - The new graduate must be able to assume a leadership role for the advancement of oral health in the community.
• Health care law - The new graduate must be able to understand and demonstrate knowledge of jurisprudence and risk management.

Critical thinking

• Critical thinking - The new graduate must be able to acquire and process information intellectually in a critical, scientific and effective manner.