School of Dental Medicine
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School of Dental Medicine
Mission
The mission of the UAGM-School of Dental Medicine (SDM) is to improve the oral health of the population by preparing skillful, culturally competent, and compassionate students with ethical values and critical thinking through education. This is accomplished through a curriculum designed to deliver patient-centered care for a diverse population, through the development of research; geared to improve patient care and service with the use of new technology.
Vision
By 2030, the UAGM-SDM will be a leader in dental education, services, and research at the local, national, and international levels and be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
Values
The commitment of the UAGM-SDM is:
- Freedom of thought and expression.
- Recognition, respect for diversity and for the freedom of the individual
- Excellence in teaching and the generation, dissemination, and application of knowledge.
- Integrity in all its actions as an educational entity and promotion of ethical, social, and cultural values.
- Equity recognition in the value of education to develop the individual’s potential and to provide access to better opportunities.
- Social Responsibility in the promotion of human sensitivity.
- Innovation to ensure the relevance of its programs and services.
- Excellence in planning, operation, and service.
- Promotion of human and aesthetic sensibility.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The UAGM-SDM is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that values diversity among faculty, staff, students, and patients. It prioritizes maintaining a respectful environment within the institution while serving the patient community. The Program aims to prepare students to provide patient-centered dental healthcare by embracing cultural competency and by respecting individual differences.
The UAGM-SDM will actively promote diversity within its academic community by recruiting prospective students through active participation in initiatives and programs such as orientations at public and private universities and schools (middle and high schools included), participation in pre-dental associations, summer camps, among others.
The four-year program will provide SDM students with opportunities to develop abilities to interact with individuals of diverse backgrounds and promote a professional, ethical, humanistic, supportive environment that enforces anti- discriminatory practices and policies.
About the UAGM School of Dental Medicine
Universidad Ana G. Méndez
The Universidad Ana G. Méndez is recognized as an institution focused on academic excellence, research, and service, with social responsibility and local and global projection. The Gurabo Campus is an accredited campus of the Universidad Ana G. Méndez, committed to academic excellence, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, internationalization, and the socio-humanist development of a diverse population. The Gurabo campus resources support the post-secondary, undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education academic offer, through various modalities, framed in the highest quality standards.
School of Dental Medicine
The School of Dental Medicine (SDM) offers a comprehensive four-year curriculum. Several unique academic features enhance its educational value. The curriculum includes extramural programs, small group instruction and comprehensive patient care experiences in several settings including the dental school clinics and community clinics.
Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, the UAGM-SDM is fully prepared to fulfill its mission in didactic teaching, pre-clinical training, and administrative support. In addition to clinics for students and faculty, the SDM will also have dedicated spaces for Diagnosis, Research, Surgery , emergency, and care for patients with special needs. Clinical support areas will feature cutting-edge digital design and prostheses fabrication centers and laboratories. The school will share spaces with the existing university campus infrastructure, to integrate additional student services, Biomedical Sciences, research laboratories, library resources, and amphitheaters for seminars and lectures.
Some of Our Strengths
- The UAGM School of Dental Medicine (SDM) stands out as the Mecca of Oral Health Education in Puerto Rico, uniting three programs: Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions, Dental Technologist now the Doctor in Dental Medicine. This integration not only facilitates collaboration among healthcare professionals but also underscores our commitment to technological innovation, a value ingrained in our institution since its inception.
- Within the UAGM School of Dental Medicine, students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and learning resources that are meticulously planned and designed to support its educational goals and activities. The centerpiece of these facilities is the cutting-edge dental clinics housed within the refurbished Navarro Health Sciences School Building. Spanning 41,000 square feet and equipped with the latest technology, these clinics offer students an optimal environment for hands-on clinical experiences essential for meeting program expectations and preparing for patient care. The design process prioritizes functionality and modernity, ensuring that students have access to the best resources for their education.
- Moreover, our commitment to excellence is further exemplified through the inclusion of high-quality simulation laboratories. These labs provide students with a controlled environment to practice various dental procedures, fostering confidence and skill development before they interact with actual patients. .By incorporating both clinical and simulated learning environments, the UAGM School of Dental Medicine ensures that its students receive a well-rounded education that equips them for the challenges of modern dentistry with confidence and proficiency.
- Aligned with the mission of Universidad Ana G. Méndez, the UAGM School of Dental Medicine places a strong emphasis on research, teaching, and community service, with a particular focus on addressing healthcare inequities. Our dedication to scholarly pursuits and educational initiatives resonates with the UAGM research trust area of "Health and Social Well-being," underscoring our commitment to advancing the field of dentistry while positively impacting the communities we serve.
Welcome
Dear students:
You are about to embark on what will be at once the most demanding and most fulfilling four years of your life. To this point, you have made two excellent and important choices. First, you elected dental medicine as a career. Second, you chose the Universidad Ana G. Méndez School of Dental Medicine (UAGM-SDM) as the place to receive your education. The UAGM is known for its excellent teaching and student learning environments, innovative research initiatives, and extensive community engagement.
It is the SDM Mission to provide the very best educational program to guide you through the process of becoming an excellent doctor in dental medicine and to provide you with the skills and knowledge to continue to advance your learning throughout your career. It should be your mission to apply yourself every day, to learn as much as you can, and to be the very best dentist throughout your whole career.
The UAGM-SDM faculty is composed of highly skilled oral medicine clinicians and advanced health science professionals who will help to prepare and develop leaders in the dental medicine profession to influence the delivery of healthcare to local and international communities. The SDM faculty has designed a rigorous curriculum with innovative classrooms, simulated/real life clinical settings, community based and research experiences to meet the healthcare needs of diverse healthcare systems. We welcome you to our Program and look forward to assisting you in achieving your goals. Best wishes as you begin your educational journey!
Sincerely,
Beverly Escalona, DMD
Localización
School's Programs
Doctor of Dental Medicine Program
The Doctor of Dental Medicine Program at the University Ana G. Méndez offers a comprehensive four-year education to aspiring Doctors of Dental Medicine (DMD). Spread across eleven academic terms, including three summer sessions.
The curriculum consists of seventy-one (71) courses, totaling two hundred and seventy-eight (278) academic credits, equivalent to a rigorous five thousand one hundred forty-eight (5,148) contact hours of education.
Click here to view the Doctor of Dental Medicine Program Curriculum
Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions Program
Click here to view the Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions Program
Dental Technologist Program
Click here to view the Dental Technology Program
School of Dental Medicine Departments
The UAGM-SDM is organized in three departments, each Department Director oversees leading the development of the education according to his specialty in coordination with the Academic Section Coordinators and faculty in his charge, guaranteeing the permanent updating of the courses and its content and the promotion of the culture of education, service, and research.
Surgical Science Department
- Academic Section Biomedical Science
- Academic Section Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine and Surgery
- Academic Section Endodontics, Periodontics, and Oral Biology
Restorative Sciences Department
- Academic Section Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics
- Academic Section Comprehensive Oral Health Clinic
- Academic Section Dental Material Sciences and Prosthodontics
Community Dentistry, Research and Behavioral Science Department
- Academic Section Community Dentistry and Knowledge Management
- Academic Section Professional Development
Admissions Dental UAGM-SDM
- The candidate must apply through ADEA AADSAS portal.
- Additional information please contact: dentalmedadm@uagm.edu
Minimum Admission Requirements
UAGM-SDM strongly recommend that applicants complete a bachelor’s degree from accredited institution by US organization. However, a candidate will be eligible for admission if he/she presents evidence of having completed 90 credits, in an accredited university.
The following specific courses will be required:
|
Course |
Credits |
|
1. Biology with Laboratory |
8 Credits |
|
2. Physics with Laboratory |
8 Credits |
|
3. General Chemistry with Laboratory |
8 Credits |
|
4. Organic Chemistry with Laboratory |
8 Credits |
|
5. Biological Sciences: Biochemistry or Molecular Cellular Biology, Histology, Physiology, Anatomy, Microbiology or Genetics. Behavioral Sciences: Sociology, Psychology or Ethics. Social Sciences: Humanities, Political Sciences, Economics or Anthropology |
30 Credits |
|
6. Elective courses Art, Math, Statistics, Languages (Spanish, English), Sports, Research, Nutrition |
28 Credits |
Applicants for admission to the School of Dental Medicine will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Official transcript from an accredited institution
2. Academic Performance/ GPA
a. Minimum GPA of 2.5
3. DAT Exam Scores
• The School of Dental Medicine of the UAGM Gurabo Campus requires that all candidates have the dental admission test (DAT) report. https://www.ada.org/education/testing/exams/dental-admission-test-dat
• If an applicant takes the DAT more than once, the admissions committee will consider the scores from the test date with the highest GPA
• The DAT will be valid for two (2) years from the application deadline
4. Letters of Recommendation (in English)
• Three (3) letters of recommendation from, for example: Science Teachers, Dentists, Health Professionals and/or Mentors
• Letters of recommendation must be submitted in the ADEA AADSA portal by the evaluator.
5. Digital Portfolio (in English)
• Experiences: Must include a list of professional experiences in the dental field and your responsibilities. The experiences must demonstrate a significant impact on your development as a potential dental professional.
• Achievements: List of academic and professional accomplishments that occurred during or after your College or University years.
• Certifications/Licenses: List relevant certifications if any.
• Personal statement: One page that describes your desire to pursue a career in Dental Medicine that do not exceed more than 4,500 characters
• The Digital Portfolio must be sent to dentalmedadm@uagm.edu
6. Effective communication
• Able to communicate in Spanish and English
7. Cost for the admission application is $100.00 (Non-refundable)
Interview
The School of Dental Medicine Admissions committee will evaluate completed applications and grant interviews to candidates who meet all requirements. No candidate will be accepted without an interview.
Background Check, Confirmation of Credit Transcript and Dental Admission Test (DAT)
An offer of admission will not be final until the Background Check verification is favorable and the following official documents are confirmed: Credit Transcript and Dental Admission Test (DAT). As part of the admission process after being notified of your acceptance to the School of Dental Medicine of the UAGM Gurabo, you will receive communication from the Background Check verification company. This process carries a cost, which will be the responsibility of the candidate. The company will request additional information and consent. Final acceptance will be sent once all information is confirmed.
Additional Information
ADEA/ASDA website: https://www.asdanet.org/index/get-into-dental-school
DAT Admission Test Information: https://www.ada.org/education/testing/exams/dental-admission-test-dat
Students interested in applying in August 2024, for the UAGM SDM, must complete the application process and documents submission through the School of Dental Medicine Admissions Portal.
Students interested in applying for the UAGM SDM, starting August 2025, must complete the application process and document submission through the ADEA Associated American Dental Schools Application (ADEA AADSAS) and UAGM SDM application form.
Since UAGM is a Title IV Program participant, the SDM eligible students will have access to federal financial aid. The Student Financing Advisor under the Associate Deanship of Student Affairs in collaboration with the Financial Aid Office, are the units responsible to provide orientation, support, and financial services to the SDM students.
UAGM-SDM Students
The UAGM library information and learning resources will provide the SDM program students, faculty, and staff the adequate access to library services and support for: e-books, electronic journals, databases, and dental collections retrieval, through individual orientation and workshops.
To be able to practice the following dental profession in Puerto Rico, refer to: Oficina de Reglamentación y Certificación de los Profesionales de la Salud (ORCPS).
Link : https://orcps.salud.pr.gov
- Doctor of Dental Medicine – Refer to: Junta Dental Examinadora
- Dental Assistant – Refer to: Junta Dental Examinadora de Asistentes Dentales
- Dental laboratory Technology – Refer to: Junta Examinadora de Tecnólogos Dentales
School of Dental Medicine Research
Research, alongside teaching and community service, stands as a cornerstone of Universidad Ana G. Méndez (UAGM) and is deeply ingrained in the Mission of UAGM School of Dental Medicine (SDM). Scientific inquiry serves as the bedrock for implementing evidence-based approaches aimed at enhancing the health and social well-being of the diverse populations that the SDM will serve.
The Doctor of Dental Medicine program will introduce students to the fundamental principles of epidemiological, translational, and clinical research. Students will learn how to conduct, evaluate, apply, and communicate research findings effectively to patients. The curriculum is tailored to foster patient-centered care underpinned by robust scientific evidence. Moreover, the SDM program will offer opportunities for students to engage in mentored elective research endeavors, creative endeavors, innovation, and other scholarly pursuits. Regardless of their level of involvement in research, all UAGM-SDM graduates will demonstrate competency in accessing, critically appraising, applying, and disseminating literature as it relates to provision of evidence-based comprehensive patient management and care.
At UAGM-SDM, we advocate for an active research environment wherein faculty and students contribute to generating and disseminating new knowledge, with a particular focus on its applicability to dentistry and/or public health policy. Insights from relevant scientific discoveries will inform ongoing refinements to our curriculum. Our research strategy will be aligned with the UAGM institutional research priorities as defined by the UAGM Strategic Development Guides for 2021- 2024. SDM is actively identifying and defining specific research focus areas to be pursued by its investigators, faculty, students, and strategic partners. Some early identified areas of focus include research in dental materials and technology, leveraging collaborations with the UAGM School of Engineering and external partners. The SDM will emphasize the importance of researching top trends and innovations in the digital era to optimize patient care delivery.
Additionally, the SDM will prioritize research into health disparities and other challenges facing individuals and communities in Puerto Rico. Our focus will lie on conducting research, scholarly activities, and educational projects aimed at addressing healthcare inequities and advancing interventions aligned with the UAGM research trust area of "Health and Social Well-being."
Further areas of research emphasis at UAGM-SDM will be shaped by the expertise and interests of our investigators, faculty, and students.
Contact the School of Dental Medicine
Juan Cotto Gonzalez
Treasury Officer
(787) 751-0178, Ext. 3599
jucotto@uagm.edu
Eugenio Quiñones Cancel
Associate Registrar
(787) 751-0178, Ext. 6833
euquinones@uagm.edu
José Caraballo
Financial Aid Advisor
(787) 751-0178, Ext. 3729
joscaraballo@uagm.edu
Vivian Rodríguez
Admissions Recruitment Advisor
(787) 751-0178, Ext. 3889
vrodriguez1@uagm.edu