Division of Oral Diagnosis and Radiology

Accurate diagnostic information forms the foundation of a treatment plan. Accurate diagnosis is critical to the success of dental treatment.

The Department of Oral Diagnosis and Radiology (ODR) is dedicated to support the mission of Howard University College Dentistry to “provide education to the dental practitioners and dental hygienist, service and research to the community.” The goal of the ODR Department is to train predoctoral dental students to become competent general dentist in the areas of Oral Diagnosis, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology and Emergency.

Although diagnostic skills will be developed and enhanced with experience, the ODR Department provides the foundational knowledge that is critical to this development through the didactic courses and clinical rotations. Whereas, the goal of the department has been consistent, new technologies, diagnostic test and evidenced based dentistry have greatly enhanced teaching and learning. Achieving the mission and the goal are accomplished through didactic courses and clinic rotation using methods that enhance and foster critical thinking. The didactic courses that are taught by ODR faculty include: Intro to Clinic; Oral Diagnosis; Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology; Radiology Techniques and Interpretations; Treatment Planning and Principles of Medicine.

Each clinic rotation begins with case-based discussions and Board Reviews Questions.  Clinic Rotation are supervised by the ODR faculty. Students are assigned to clinic rotations each semester for ODR and Emergency. Students diagnose and treat patients under close faculty supervision.  Students may work independently or in groups, depending on patient load. Students are closely supervised and are expected to show increasing skill as the academic year progresses.  Successful experiential learning requires the student to master new skills through active participation, coupled with reflection on what was attained.