In this course, dental students participate in preclinical seminars on dental treatment of mentally, medically, and physically disabled patients. Topics to be discussed include geriatrics, special needs adults with mental and physical disabilities, special needs pediatric patients, hospital-based patients, and those in recovery groups due to substance abuse. Discussion will include the etiology, prevalence, and modifications to treatment for these patients. Students will learn about organizations related to these patients and how to interact with personnel associated with the patients such as guardians, social workers, nursing home care staff, etc.

In this course, dental students participate in preclinical seminars and dental treatment of mentally, medically and physically handicapped patients. Several phases of dental treatment of the special patient, such as sedation and general anesthesia, pharmacological evaluation and preventive dentistry, are covered. The course is individually designed based on the student's interest in treated compromised patients. Note: Scheduling for this course will take place outside of regularly scheduled clinical/class time. Enrollment minimum is one and maximum enrollment is four.