Program Overview

Program Overview

The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Geriatric Dental Medicine is designed to train students in the treatment of geriatric patients and adult patients with special needs. This program utilizes a combination of classroom education, clinical teaching, and clinical education, offering experiences with diverse patient populations in various settings.

Program Description

The CAGS in Geriatric Dental Medicine is designed for qualified dentists who have completed an accredited Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD), General Practice Residency (GPR) program, or have at least two years of clinical experience after graduation from dental school. Students will practice on an interprofessional team, interacting with dental specialists and other clinicians from across a variety of health care disciplines.

Curriculum

The certificate program of study includes didactic, educational, and comprehensive patient care experiences preparing students to effectively treat adult and geriatric patients living with complex medical conditions and/or special needs.

Didactic Requirements

• SDM GD 801 Geriatrics and Gerontology Seminar
• SDM GD 810 Case Presentation and Treatment Planning Seminar
• SDM GD 820 Literature Review in General Dentistry
• SDM OS 761 Medical Concerns of the Dental Patient
• SDM PH 763 Bioethics and Law

Preclinical/Clinical Requirements

• SDM GD 901 Medically Compromised Adults and Older Adults in a Clinical Setting: The Geriatric Dental Medicine Patient and Adults Living Longer with Special Needs
• SDM GD 918 Student Teaching

Completion Requirements

Completion is not tracked by unit accumulation but by successful completion of individual courses and duration requirements. The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Geriatric Dental Medicine requires a minimum of 12 months of full-time enrollment.

Proficiencies

Graduates will be proficient in all aspects of oral health care for the older adult patient and adults living with special needs. This includes, but is not limited to:

• The assessment of the patient and delivery of comprehensive multidisciplinary oral health care
• Clear communication of treatment plans to patients, families, and caregivers
• The replacement of teeth using fixed and removable appliances
• Periodontal therapy
• Endodontic therapy
• Treatment of medical and dental emergencies
• Medical risk management
• The application of ethical reasoning, decision-making, and professional responsibility as they pertain to the academic environment, research, patient care, and practice management
• Effectively teaching dental students in several oral health subjects
• Gaining an understanding of end of life care that includes palliative care, hospice care, and the ethical decision of when it is best to treat or not to treat the issues presented.

Accreditation

Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).