UK College of Dentistry starts Oral Medicine Externship

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 10, 2016) – The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry now provides students the opportunity to participate in an oral medicine externship. The unique opportunity blends clinical clerkships within the fully accredited Orofacial Pain Program, the dynamic activities of UKCD's Division of Oral Diagnosis, Oral Medicine and Oral Radiology.

The externship provides graduate level training in biological sciences, oral medicine, clinical and pathologic correlations as well as experiences unavailable to privately practicing dentists or typical Academy of General Dentistry residents. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and observe intravenous and conscious sedation, oral mucosal disease, orofacial pain management, general dentistry, and management of complex dental patients.

“The UK College of Dentistry Oral Medicine Externship is an outstanding opportunity for practicing dentists and young faculty members to learn about oral medicine through direct access to world renown leaders in a vibrant, state-of-the art clinical setting," said Dr. Craig Miller, externship director and chief of Division of Oral Diagnosis, Oral Medicine and Maxillofacial Radiology.

Throughout the externship, emphasis is placed on evidence-based diagnostic processes, dental management of medically complex patients, diagnosis and management of acute and chronic orofacial pain conditions, conscious and intravenous sedation techniques and the development of advanced diagnostic skills.

A significant portion of externs’ time will be devoted to observing comprehensive dental care with emphasis on diagnostic techniques and therapeutic skills in elderly populations. This patient pool is uniquely challenging as many patients have complex levels of medical compromise, diverse oral disease and already sought care from several practitioners without finding adequate relief. Here the benefits of having multidisciplinary a diagnostic approach is seen on a daily basis.

Completion of the program results in a Certificate of Clinical Externship in Oral Medicine awarded by the University of Kentucky. For more information on UKCD’s Oral Medicine Externship, visit our website or contact Dr. Craig Miller.

UK is the University for Kentucky. At UK, we are educating more students, treating more patients with complex illnesses and conducting more research and service than at any time in our 150-year history. To read more about the UK story and how you can support continued investment in your university and the Commonwealth, go to: uky.edu/uk4ky. #uk4ky #seeblue

MEDIA CONTACT: Olivia McCoy, olivia.mccoy1@uky.edu, (859)257-1076