USC News

Ostrow School launches new online program

By Beth Dunham

October 4, 2012

The Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC has launched a new online program aimed at busy practicing dentists who want to enhance their competency in treating geriatric patients.

The Online Master of Science in Geriatric Dentistry, a three-year program, uses weekly videoconferences, online lectures and quizzes, a research project and short yearly visits to campus to give dentists a deeper understanding of the oral health needs of older adults — all while they continue their dental practices.

“This program is for the motivated general dentist who’d like to improve his or her skills in caring for older adults,” said Roseann Mulligan, program director and chair of the Division of Dental Public Health and Pediatric Dentistry at the Ostrow School. “It will focus on the most common medical and oral health conditions seen in older adults and their treatments, as well as cognitive changes, mental disorders and social factors that will impact and thus require adjustments to oral health care delivery.”

Mulligan emphasized that as the baby boomer generation continues to age, the need for health professionals to understand the unique medical, pharmaceutical and dental considerations of geriatric patients increases.

“If more dentists have knowledge about the various factors influencing and impacting aging, it will be of great benefit to older adults seeking dental care who frequently demonstrate a complex array of external and internal factors that could impact that care” she said.

Students must be able to commit 10 to 20 hours each week to the online program’s lectures and videoconferences and must visit campus for one week at the start of the program and for two weeks after each academic year. The program is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

For more information about the school’s online programs, visit dentistry.usc.edu/programs/online-programs