Introduction to Clinical Practice in Dentistry: Transitioning from Pre-clinical to Clinical Student Doctors at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry.

Matriculation from the pre-clinical setting to the clinical environment is a tremendous accomplishment and exemplifies the student's perseverance in learning the fundamental concepts necessary for success in the clinical application of dentistry. In an effort to maximize its educational philosophy for the teaching program, the University of Tennessee's College of Dentistry has implemented Introduction to Clinical Practice I and II within the dental curriculum. Introduction to Clinical Practice I and II are designed to help the dental students effectively and smoothly transition to the clinical setting from the classroom and pre-clinical setting. This article describes the university's efforts and continuous improvements within the pre-clinical dental curriculum for advancing students to the clinics. The purpose of this article is to provide helpful information to other dental educational institutions on how to assist their pre-clinical dental students in transitioning to clinical student-doctors.