The Program is structured to follow the guidelines set by the ADA and the ACP. All residents must comply with these guidelines. Appropriate action will be taken on any resident who does not comply with these guidelines and requirements.

These requirements were established to insure an eclectic prosthodontic experience. Each resident will be exposed to a number of treatment modalities. It is important that the resident be able to systematically develop and retain scholarly and clinical skills during the next three-year program.

Mandatory attendance

Each resident is required to attend all scheduled classes and clinic sessions. All absences must be excused by the program director. All scheduled absences must be authorized by the program director. A request for a scheduled absence must be submitted on the designated form. The program director will reply to the request in writing. Unauthorized absences will not be tolerated. The resident is expected to be present at every scheduled clinic session. All scheduled seminars and lectures must start on time with all residents present. Tardiness will not be tolerated.

Professional conduct

Each resident must conduct his/herself in a professional manner at all times. Whether it is administrative or clinical staff, faculty, patients or fellow colleagues, each resident must always be responsible, considerate and respectful. It makes the environment pleasant for everyone. A pleasant “bedside manner” is essential in successfully handling the many confrontations faced throughout the year.

Core Curriculum

(program specific, basic sciences, multidisciplinary). Residents are required to successfully complete all core courses.

Resident Diary

This requirement is designed to accomplish the following:

1. A method to organize all academic, didactic and clinical activities
2. A method of self-evaluation
3. A method to record the resident’s educational experience
4. A method of evaluation by the program director
5. It will prove to be of value for future reference
6. It will be of value for future educational or research pursuits

The diary should consist of the following:

1. The patient log

• photographs (ACP format, clinical and laboratory)
• completed data collection forms (patient interview, medical history, dental history, extraoral exam, soft tissue exam, dental exam, periodontal exam, occlusal exam, treatment plan, appointment work schedule, financial agreement)
• learning points and complications
• related literature
• laboratory involvement

1. Record of products and materials used
2. Daily patient log
3. Record of all core classes and program courses
4. Record of lectures and notes

Treatment Planning Board Presentations

Each resident will be assigned dates to present treatment plans to the faculty and fellow residents. These presentations will consist of the following:

1. The use of the Data Collection Form will systematically assist the resident in formulating a diagnosis.
2. The treatment plan can be completed only after a diagnosis is made
3. This presentation will be presented in a modified “Board” format (a generic template can be used)
4. Current radiographs must be available
5. Clinical and radiographic photographs must be available
6. Diagnostic (study) casts must be articulated and mounted on a semi-adjustable articulator. The articulator must be programmed with diagnostic settings.
7. Casts of a diagnostic wax-up must be mounted on a semi-adjustable articulator with therapeutic settings.
8. The presentation must be projected
9. Written handouts must be provided to all in attendance

The resident will be expected to defend his/her treatment plan. Faculty and fellow residents will challenge his/her treatment plan. It should be evidence based, supported by literature. The resident will demonstrate competency in formulating treatment plan. This is a core in the program. The resident should use this systematic approach in formulating treatment plans for all patients treated in the program.

Mock Board Presentation

All prosthodontic residents are required to defend a part 2, 3 or 4 board treatment case at the end of each academic year. The mock board presentation will consist of the following:

1. The resident can select the board part and follow the appropriate guidelines
2. A handout must be presented to examiner
3. Current radiographs must be available
4. A narrative must be available if indicated for that selected part
5. Appropriate slides must be projected
6. Diagnostic (study) cast must be articulated and mounted on a semi-adjustable articulator. The articulator must be programmed with diagnostic settings.
7. Casts of a diagnostic wax-up must be mounted on a semi-adjustable articulator with therapeutic settings
8. The resident must be prepared to defend his/her case
9. The resident must be able to demonstrate “case control”
10. The resident must be knowledgeable with prosthodontic principles, literature and other related specialties.

Third year resident are required to present a completed case, while first and second year residents can present cases in progress.

Thesis/Research Paper

All students in the program are required to perform an independent engagement in scholarship, which will make a contribution to the field of prosthodontics, contribute to the professional growth of the student and encourage a life long commitment to scholarly activities. The thesis paper may be in the form of one the following:

1. Library study (literature review)
2. Clinical study (evaluation of a procedure or survey of results)
3. Well-documented clinical report of an unusual case or technique
4. Advances in teaching methodology if they have been documented in well-controlled studies
5. Laboratory study (“tradition” laboratory research)

The faculty will serve as mentors and reviewers for the student’s thesis project. The initiative and choice of thesis project remains primarily the responsibility of the student. The program director will approve the topic selection.

The student must be aware that the thesis/research project is a requirement for a Master’s Degree of Science representing a three-year effort. This requirement must be presented and defended prior to graduation. It should also be worthy of publication.

Topic Presentations

Residents will be given prosthodontic topics that must researched and supported by classic and contemporary literature. The presentation must consist of the following:

1. A written comprehensive paper available to all the participants at the presentation.
2. The paper must be accompanied with bibliography of references.
3. The presentation must be projected (slide or digital).
4. The resident must be able to answer questions concerning the presented topic.

Written Evaluation by the Faculty

Each faculty will evaluate residents that they have personally taught and observed. A composite recommendation will be made and presented to the residents. Evaluations performed twice during the academic year will give adequate time to address the needs of the residents.

Written examinations

Three written examination will be given yearly. Examination material will consist of literature review, lectures, seminars, presentations and all other academic activities attended during the program. Residents are required to pass all examinations given.

Clinical Requirements

Each resident will be required to meet clinical requirements given yearly. Quarterly reviews will be held by the director to discuss the clinical status of each resident.

Clinical Rotations at Harlem Hospital

Residents will provide prosthodontic care (procedures) within a hospital dental service emphasizing prosthodontic care of selected patients, many of who are medically compromised.