Dental students paired for DAU training

In summary, policy has been established at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry which pairs dental students for their clinical experiences during the first two years of their dental education--alternating the roles of dentist and assistant. A modified program for third-year dental students has been designed which includes assignment of trained dental assistants and some limited solo operations as well as a continuation of the pairing. It is anticipated that this approach will also be employed during the fourth year with more emphasis being placed upon utilization of trained assistants. The formal DAU course is given first semester of freshman year; and the principles are reinforced in each subsequent year. The advantages of this program seem to be (1) early integration of DAU principles into the curriculum, (2) increased efficiency while operating in pairs, (3) experience for training assistants for further private practice, (4) reduced appointment time for patients and (5) better use of clinical space. The application of the pairing concept will be continuously reevaluated to determine if such benefits are forthcoming.