Graduate Programs

Student Learning Outcomes

Master of Science in Dentistry in Preventive Dentistry (M.S.D.)


The graduates of the Preventive Dentistry program will be able to define terms and explain basic principles, concepts, and theories related to Cariology. They will be prepared to:

  1. describe the dental caries process in detail;
  2. describe and contrast the interaction of the etiological factors associated with dental caries;
  3. distinguish and assess the different presentations of dental caries;
  4. recognize the epidemiology of dental caries;
  5. discriminate populations at high risk for dental caries;
  6. analyze the external and internal risk determinants of dental caries;
  7. compare and contrast the different methodologies utilized for caries detection;
  8. demonstrate diagnosis of dental caries;
  9. assess caries risk status;
  10. assess salivary flow measurements, buffering capacity, and management approaches for patients with low salivary flow;
  11. compare and contrast some of the different strategies utilized for caries management;
  12. discriminate the therapeutics used in caries management;
  13. compare and contrast the use of sealants based on risk assessment, for individuals and populations;
  14. support the values of prevention, evaluation, and reevaluation;
  15. develop an Oral Health Plan to be incorporated by a health professional team;
  16. develop a community health plan;
  17. summarize the basic principles on developing patient education plans;
  18. critically review scientific methodology; and
  19. recognize the different methodologies and techniques related to caries research.