Overview

The Preceptorship in Prosthodontics Program (hereafter referred to as the "Program") provides progressive didactic and laboratory experience in fixed, removable, maxillofacial and implant prosthodontics. Interrelations with other medical and dental clinical specialties will also be emphasized. The curriculum integrates all facets of the biomedical sciences with comprehensive theoretical exposure and laboratory experience, culminating in the award of a non-academic certificate upon successful completion of the Program.

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, composed of the Dental School, Medical School, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, School of Nursing and School of Allied Health Sciences, is situated in the South Texas Medical Center. The Dental School enjoys close affiliation with many of the area's most modern public and private hospitals and the largest medical library in the state.

San Antonio has rich cultural and academic resources, including ten colleges and universities. The Alamo City is known for its Riverwalk, old Spanish missions, outstanding municipal zoo, symphony orchestra and museums. Also available are excellent galleries and extensive shopping malls. Other attractions include Sea World of Texas, the world's largest marine park; Fiesta Texas, a musical theme park; professional sports teams; and the nearby Texas Hill Country. A temperate climate allows year-round outdoor activity. San Antonio is approximately 150 miles from the Mexican border on Interstate Highway 35 and 150 miles from the Gulf of Mexico at Corpus Christi on Interstate Highway 37.

Objectives

Preceptee training encompasses all phases of fixed and removable prosthodontics, involving both conventional and implant treatment regimens. Programs of either 1 semester or 2 semesters (approximately 6 or 12 months) in length are offered. Training for one semester begins in either July or January, but a July starting date is recommended. Training for 2 semesters begins in July. Participants will attend both graduate and undergraduate lectures, seminars, literature reviews, laboratories, and case presentations to acquire the theoretical and biological basis for all aspects of prosthodontic treatment. The objective of the Program is to enable each participant to adequately diagnose edentulous, partially edentulous and dentate patient requiring prosthodontics therapy and to successfully plan and sequence appropriate treatment.

The nature of the curriculum in the Program leaves little flexibility in scheduling. The summer semester is focused on introducing the student to the laboratory and didactic environments of the Graduate Program in Prosthodontics. After the summer session, a monthly "Preceptorship in Prosthodontics" calendar will include all scheduled courses for the Program.

The curriculum established for the Program involves all aspects of the educational component of the Department of Prosthodontics: graduate-level courses, undergraduate-level courses, departmental seminars, interdepartmental seminars, hands-on laboratory courses, patient presentations, study clubs, journal clubs and guest lecture presentations. Each preceptee is expected to attend all scheduled courses and presentations unless special arrangements have been made with the Director of the Program.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees will depend on the length of study selected by the participant and are subject to change on an annual basis without prior notice. For exact tuition and fee amounts, please contact the School.

Additional expenses that will likely be incurred during the Program include, but are not limited to, textbooks, professional journal subscriptions, handouts, photocopy service, photography & graphic art service, slide processing and duplication service, and the cost for attendance at formal Continuing Education programs offered by the University of Texas Health Science Center. The student must also consider the cost of room, board, and other living expenses when budgeting finances for the Program.

Facilities and Resources

State-of-the-art equipment, a faculty with expertise in all of the dental disciplines as well as the basic sciences, and a well equipped and well staffed out-patient clinic contribute to the superior dental education programs at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Dental School. Although all of the required laboratory work will be completed by the students, the Dental School's laboratories are staffed by well-trained and experienced dental technicians who are usually available for consultation and to provide assistance. Conferences, seminars, and lectures are presented in spacious classrooms facilitated with modern audiovisual aids and equipment. The medical library at the Health Science Center permits access to books, scientific publications, audiovisual materials, computer resources, and photocopy services.

A private dental laboratory facility is available for the exclusive use of the students in the Preceptorship in Prosthodontics Program. The laboratory is owned and maintained by the Department of Prosthodontics. In addition to the equipment and instrumentation necessary to complete dental laboratory procedures and construct most dental prostheses, this facility is equipped with a fully functional computer work station and printer with internet and e-mail access. Students are encouraged to use this computer to complete any work required during their stay at the UTHSCSA.

Certificate of Completion

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio will award to the prosthodontic preceptee a non-academic certificate upon successful completion of the Preceptorship in Prosthodontics Program.

All preceptees are under the direct supervision and guidance of the Director of the Program (Dr. Mansueto) and the Chairperson of the Department of Prosthodontics (Dr. Garcia). Each preceptee is assigned a faculty advisor who will be available for counseling on matters concerning the Program. Students are urged to become well acquainted with their advisors.

Patient Treatment

When the curriculum schedule permits, the preceptee is encouraged to observe ongoing patient treatment in the Graduate Prosthodontics Clinic. At the permission of the graduate student and the patient involved, the preceptee may monitor the progression of fixed, removable and implant prosthodontic care, both clinical and laboratory aspects. The student will gain an appreciation for the complexities of restorative care for the advanced prosthodontic patient.

Dental Laboratory Technology

Prosthodontic laboratory technical support is an inherent part of the successful completion of advanced prosthodontic patient care. Dental laboratory knowledge and technical ability are imperative to be successful clinically and to successfully train and supervise laboratory technicians. It is necessary for all students to develop a high level of understanding in all laboratory aspects of prosthodontic treatment. Preceptees are required to complete all laboratory procedures for undergraduate courses, graduate courses, and patients they treat.

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