Lincoln Memorial University, College of Dental Medicine (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:
Observation
Students must be able to:
- Utilize vision and other sensory modalities to observe demonstrations, laboratory activities, and clinical procedures
- Accurately assess patient conditions through visual and clinical examination
- Recognize verbal and non-verbal patient cues in both simulated and clinical settings
Communication
Students must demonstrate the ability to:
- Communicate effectively in spoken and written English
- Interact professionally with patients, faculty, staff, and peers
- Obtain and document patient information accurately
- Respond appropriately to verbal, non-verbal, and written communication in academic and clinical environments
Sensory and Motor Skills
Students must possess sufficient motor and sensory function to:
- Perform dental procedures requiring fine motor coordination and manual dexterity
- Conduct physical examinations and diagnostic procedures
- Utilize clinical instruments, simulation equipment, and digital technologies
- Provide basic emergency care, including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Intellectual and Cognitive Abilities
Students must be able to:
- Measure, calculate, analyze, and interpret data
- Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in clinical decision-making
- Integrate and synthesize information from multiple sources
- Evaluate their own performance and implement strategies for improvement
Professionalism and Ethical Conduct
Students must demonstrate:
- Respect for individuals of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and values
- Adherence to ethical principles, patient confidentiality, and professional standards
- Emotional stability and maturity to function effectively in academic and clinical environments
- The ability to respond appropriately to stressful and challenging situations
- Complicity with all institutional policies, professional standards, and codes of conduct established by LMU-CDM and the dental profession