LMU-CDM admits qualified applicants in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is committed to ensuring equal access to education. As a CODA-accredited institution, the College maintains full authority over admissions, curriculum design, student evaluation, and the awarding of degrees. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to meet essential program requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be admitted, retained, and graduate.
To earn the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree, students must possess the following core competencies:
Technical Standards
Candidates for admission and continuation in the dental program must possess abilities and skills in the following five areas:
Sensory/Observational Skills
Candidates for admission to the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program at Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine (LMU-CDM) must possess sufficient sensory and observational abilities to successfully engage in all aspects of the curriculum. This includes didactic instruction, pre-clinical techniques and laboratory exercises, as well as clinical procedures and patient care activities. At a minimum, candidates must be able to observe demonstrations and procedures, gather and interpret clinical data, and effectively interact with patients. Functional use of visual, auditory, and other sensory modalities is essential to accurately assess and respond to clinical situations.
Communication Skills
Candidates must possess effective communication skills to fully participate in all components of the curriculum, including didactic instruction, pre-clinical technique, laboratory exercises, and clinical care. At a minimum, candidates must be able to communicate clearly and professionally in both spoken and written English in academic, laboratory, and clinical environments. Effective communication is essential for working collaboratively with peers, faculty, staff, patients, and members of the healthcare team.
Motor Skills
Candidates must possess sufficient motor function to successfully perform and participate in all aspects of the curriculum. This includes didactic instruction, pre-clinical technique exercises, laboratory work, and clinical procedures at the level of competency expected by the College. Essential motor skills include coordination of gross and fine motor movements, balance, and tactile sensation. Candidates must demonstrate adequate manual dexterity, including full use and control of the wrists, hands, fingers, and arms to safely and effectively carry out dental procedures.
Intellectual/Conceptual, Integrative, and Qualitative Skills
Candidates must have sufficient intellectual/conceptual, integrative, and qualitative skills to perform didactic, pre-clinical technique, laboratory, and clinical procedures and exercises at a level of competency defined by the college. At a minimum, this includes the ability to manage data, solve problems, and make rational decisions regarding patient care in a timely manner.
Behavioral/Social Skills and Professionalism
Candidates must have sufficient behavioral/social skills and professionalism to perform didactic, preclinical technique, laboratory, and clinical procedures at a level of competency defined by the college. At a minimum, this includes the attributes of integrity, empathy, communication, and motivation, emotional maturity and stability, sound judgment, punctuality, and interpersonal skills. For this reason, candidates for admission to the DDS program must be able to: adapt to changing conditions, cope with stress, delegate responsibilities, meet deadlines and possess effective time management skills to function as part of a dental health care team.
Summary
The faculty of LMU College of Dental Medicine is committed to preparing students for the comprehensive and competent practice of dentistry. In alignment with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA, PL101-336), the DMD Admissions Committee has established essential functions required for participation in the DMD program.
Applicants to the DMD program will be considered for admission if they demonstrate the ability to perform, or learn to perform, the essential skills outlined in this document. In evaluating applicants, the College considers not only academic achievement but also the physical and emotional capacity to meet the rigorous demands of the curriculum and to ultimately practice dentistry safely and effectively.
To ensure patient safety and quality of care, the College must confirm that students or practitioners with significant intellectual, physical, or emotional impairments do not compromise patient well-being.
Admitted students who disclose a documented disability will be provided with reasonable accommodations, as appropriate. However, all students must be able to perform the essential functions of the program, with or without accommodation. Applicants must verify in writing their ability to meet these technical standards and are encouraged to contact Student Academic Support Services with any questions or accommodation requests.