Graduation Requirements
Updated on Wednesday 13th of March 2024, 02:45:39 PM
Completion of the DDS program signifies that a student has acquired the knowledge, skills, and
professional demeanor necessary to contribute positively to the oral health community. The
following outlines the requirements that must be met for graduation from the DDS program.
Table of Content:
Academic and Clinical Requirements
- Coursework Completion:
Students must successfully complete all required
coursework within the DDS curriculum. This includes foundational courses in the
biomedical sciences, as well as specialized courses in dental theory and practice.
- Clinical Competencies:
Proficiency in a wide range of clinical skills is mandatory.
Students must complete all clinical rotations and demonstrate competence in various
dental procedures and patient care techniques as evaluated by faculty and through
Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs).
- Cumulative GPA:
A minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 on a 4.0
scale is required to ensure that students have achieved satisfactory academic performance
throughout their studies.
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Professionalism and Ethical Conduct
- Code of Conduct Adherence:
Students must consistently demonstrate adherence to
the NUSOD Code of Conduct and the ethical standards of the dental profession. This
includes maintaining integrity, respect, and confidentiality in all interactions with
patients, peers, faculty, and staff.
- Professional Development:
Active participation in professional development
activities, including but not limited to workshops, seminars, and community service, is
encouraged to foster a commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement.
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Research and Scholarly Activity
- Research Project:
Depending on the curriculum requirements, completion of a research
project or thesis may be required. This scholarly activity should contribute to the body of
dental knowledge and demonstrate the student's ability to conduct independent research.
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Licensure Preparation
- National Board Dental Examination (NBDE):
While not a graduation requirement,
students are strongly encouraged to prepare for and pass Parts I and II of the NBDE.
Successful completion of this examination is necessary for licensure and practice in the
United States and many other jurisdictions.
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Fiduciary Clearance
- Financial Obligations:
Prior to graduation, students must be cleared of all fiduciary
indebtedness to the university. This includes the settlement of any outstanding tuition,
fees, or other financial obligations. Clearance must be obtained from the university’s
Bursar or Finance Office, ensuring that students have fulfilled all financial responsibilities
to NUSOD.
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Application for Graduation
Students must formally apply for graduation by submitting an application to the Registrar’s
Office. The application should be submitted according to the deadlines published in the academic
calendar, and must include verification of completed coursework, clinical rotations, and other
program requirements.
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Review and Approval
The Promotions and Grievances Committee is responsible for reviewing each student’s academic
record and clinical performance to verify that all graduation requirements have been met. Upon
approval, the student will be eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony and will be
awarded the DDS degree.
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