Clinical Experience

Intensive clinical experience is a hallmark of Temple’s DMD program. Patients seen in Temple’s clinics generally have a high need for dental care and limited access to quality care, resulting in unmatched opportunities for hands-on experience treating patients. Because there is a high volume of patients, predoctoral students work closely with their own patients, building long-term doctor-patient relationships. 

During your two clinical education years, you’ll be assigned to one of four group practices, called clusters. Each cluster functions like a traditional dental practice and is assigned a director, deputy director, clinical coordinator, business manager, receptionist and three to four dental assistants. This learning style enhances the patient-centered approach to care and provides opportunities for small-group learning. The cluster model also ensures you gain skills in collaboration and cooperation; demonstrating mutual respect; and building harmonious relationships among your peers, faculty, staff and administrators.

Clinics at the Kornberg School of Dentistry

GPHA Inc. Medical Suite at Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry offers a full array of health services, including chronic disease management, immunizations, physicals, preventive care and sick visits. Dental students are able to rotate in the medical clinic and can refer patients to the clinic who experience medical issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, which may affect their dental care. 

Henry Schein Digital Center of Excellence is a state-of-the-art facility that offers students the opportunity to learn how digital technology enhances dental education, patient care and health outcomes as an alternative to traditional restorative care.

The Kornberg Sedation Center is a modern facility where students can learn to tailor plans for and perform dental treatments on patients who need or want to be asleep for their procedures. The center is one of the largest of its kind in Philadelphia. 

Our Pediatric Clinic provides a wide range of services using the most up-to-date technology for treating younger patients. Students learn how to provide services such as

• cleaning fluoride treatments,
• dental exams,
• digital X-rays,
• extractions,
• oral hygiene instructions,
• prevention/early detection for infants,
• pulp therapy (baby root canals),
• sealants,
• silver and tooth-colored fillings, and
• silver and white crowns.