Academic Calendar - 2026
Western University Academic Calendar. - 2026
Dentistry
This elective offers preclinical students with experiential learning in research and/or clinical settings. They collaborate and engage with local or global dental practitioners, researchers, or community organizations to meet personalized learning goals and address unmet oral health needs of at-risk populations, while fostering individual growth in a real-world setting.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of the Year 1 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program, with no preclinical, clinical or professionalism remediation and no didactic or practical supplemental examinations.
Extra Information: Hybrid (online asynchronous and in-person). 185 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This course covers key concepts in pharmacology with a focus on drug classes commonly used and encountered in dental practice. Topics will be presented emphasizing the mechanism(s) underlying the actions of various drug classes, their adverse effects, and clinically relevant drug interactions.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 1 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: In-person. 31 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This course covers growth and development from embryology to adulthood, including skeletal changes, nutrition, craniofacial development, and psychosocial and cognitive development. Students learn treatment planning for pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, guided by biological milestones to determine optimal timing for interventions. Emphasis is placed on timelines and developmental influences on care.
Antirequisite(s): The former Dentistry 5223.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 1 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: In-person. 24 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This course introduces students to operative dentistry, focusing on instrumentation, tooth preparation, and restorative techniques. Students perform simulated procedures involving less complex cavity preparations, restorations and preventive procedures across dental quadrants. Emphasis is placed on developing technical knowledge and skills, understanding dental materials, and preparing for more advanced procedures/patient care.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 1 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: Hybrid (online asynchronous and in-person). 123.5 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This course introduces students to basic concepts of occlusion, including jaw relationships, centric/eccentric contacts, and articulator use. Students perform waxing and grinding exercises to enhance their understanding and conceptual knowledge. Emphasis is placed on understanding occlusal form, tooth contacts across various jaw positions, and physiological tooth relationships.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 1 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: Hybrid (online asynchronous and in-person). 68 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This course teaches dental anatomy, terminology, and tooth morphology essential for diagnosis and treatment across dental disciplines. Students study the permanent dentition, root and pulpal morphology, and tooth positioning in the arches. Emphasis is placed on anatomical relationships, functional contours, and basic restorative dental concepts, enhanced through practical exercises.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 1 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: Hybrid (online asynchronous and in-person). 53.5 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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Introduction to the composition, function and development of the various tissues and structures of the oral cavity and related structures. This course will prepare students to become competent in understanding the normal histological structures and functions of the oral cavity and interpretation of histological tissues.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 1 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: Hybrid (online asynchronous and in-person). 27 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This course provides first year dentistry students with foundational knowledge associated with dental materials science. The goal of the course is to enable students to understand biomaterial concepts presented in other clinical courses such as Operative Dentistry, Clinical Procedures I, and Prosthodontics.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 1 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: In-person. 17 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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Dental Public Health will introduce students to basic concepts in oral epidemiology, oral health care policy, evidence-based dentistry, and preventive dentistry. The course is integrated in nature (i.e., clinical sciences, behavioural sciences, policy sciences, and population health sciences), lecture- and discussion-based, and encourages open debate.
Extra Information: 52 total hours, 2 hours per week. In person.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This course offers an overview of major body systems through integrated anatomy and histology lectures and experiential laboratories. Accompanying lectures, students explore anatomical structures using prosected (pre-dissected) specimens, electronic models, and clinical discussions. Lessons focus on spatial relationships, orientation, and function, preparing students to apply systemic anatomy in clinical courses.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 1 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: In-person. 22 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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Using a systems-based approach, the focus of this course will be on the normal function of various organs and organ systems, and how they contribute to homeostasis. Common pathophysiological processes and diseases that dental clinicians will encounter in their practice will also be emphasized.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 1 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: In-person. 31 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This course teaches disease mechanisms with emphasis on systemic pathology relevant to dental care. Students study cellular injury, inflammation, neoplasia, and organ-specific conditions. Clinical correlations highlight oral implications, diagnostic reasoning, and pathology terminology. The course prepares students for safe treatment of medically complex patients and supports clinical decision-making.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 1 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: Hybrid (online asynchronous and in-person). 31 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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Dentistry 5165 introduces general medicine in dentistry, focusing on medical condition management. Integrated with anatomy, pathology, pharmacology, and physiology, it uses systems and case-based learning. The course includes 40 hours of lectures, emphasizing clinical relevance and preparing students to apply medical knowledge in dental practice and patient care.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 1 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program
or Advanced Standing Program for International Dental Graduates.
Extra Information: Hybrid (online asynchronous and in-person). 36 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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An integrated course covering common diseases of teeth, periodontal and periapical tissues; specifically, caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, pulp disease, periapical inflammation, regressive dental conditions, and dental anomalies.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 1 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: In-person. 22.5 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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The Core Biology course is a series of modules introducing the dental student to fundamental concepts related to the structure and function of the oral cavity.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 1 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: In-person. 38 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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A comprehensive gross anatomy course designed for students to learn anatomical structure, function, and spatial relationships specifically of the neurocranium, viscerocranium, and neck using prosected specimens, electronic models, and clinical examples. Weekly lectures and accompanying laboratories support practical understanding essential for clinical application in dentistry and related health sciences.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 1 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: In-person. 44 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This course will provide the students with the ability to assess patients and develop a systematic diagnostic approach towards diagnosis and management. This course has didactic and clinical components. This course expands into second and third year.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 1 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: In-person. 47 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This is an introductory course to basic dental procedures including impressions and models, basic periodontal procedures and intraoral radiography.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 1 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: In-person. 50.5 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This course builds on introductory clinic training, emphasizing infection control and clinic protocols. Students rotate through dental disciplines, observe and assist in fall, and perform procedures in winter, including Periodontics. They complete an OCA recall patient with senior student guidance, gaining hands-on experience and credit for clinical participation.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 2 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: In-person. 69.5 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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The goal of the Diagnosis and Treatment Planning is to present the concepts and fundamentals of formulating diagnoses, and prognoses as well as developing a generalized approach to treatment planning.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 2 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: Hybrid (online asynchronous and in-person). 61.5 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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Utilizing patient simulation, the art and science of Fixed Prosthodontics will be introduced with emphasis on the fundamental principles and techniques required to rehabilitate oral function and form with single unit fixed prostheses, followed by the multiple-unit fixed prostheses and implant supported fixed prosthodontics restorations.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 2 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: Hybrid (online asynchronous and in-person). 127.25 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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The course will address the definition of the orthodontic problem in contemporary society, etiology and epidemiology of malocclusion and required elements and analysis for diagnosing and treatment planning. It will introduce the students to tooth movement and biomechanics. Diagnosis and treatment planning modules will provide preclinical experience for clinical activities.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 2 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: In-person. 14 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This second-year course advances operative skills through complex direct and indirect restorations. Students integrate biological, mechanical, and clinical principles in managing hard tissue lesions and deep caries. Aligned with 5228, it emphasizes the interface between endodontics and operative dentistry for comprehensive dentin–pulp complex management in cavity preparation.
Prerequisite(s): Dentistry 5125 and registration in Year 2 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: Hybrid (online asynchronous and in-person). 124.75 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This preclinical course introduces complete removable prosthodontics, emphasizing denture fabrication for edentulous patients. Students practice impression making, jaw relations, teeth arrangement, and waxing. Clinical simulations and implant-supported overdenture exercises strengthen understanding of anatomy, biomechanics, and treatment planning, providing essential foundations for future clinical Prosthodontic practice.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 2 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: Hybrid (online asynchronous and in-person). 78.5 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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The didactic portion presents the principles for treatment of partially edentulous patients with primarily cast removable partial dentures. The procedures and techniques founded on the basic principles make up the laboratory exposure: surveying, designing cast RPDs, completing laboratory prescriptions, drawing designs, and practicing mouth preparations. Learning through self-evaluation is emphasized.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 2 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: Hybrid (online asynchronous and in-person). 57.5 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This course introduces endodontic principles, focusing on pulpal disease biology and root canal treatment. Students learn clinical techniques for molars, emergency management, anesthesia, intracanal medications, and temporary restorations. Emphasis is placed on healing and maintaining periradicular tissue health, with integration of endodontics and operative dentistry for comprehensive care.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 2 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: Hybrid (online asynchronous and in-person). 112.5 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This course explores the stomatognathic system, focusing on mandibular movement, masticatory function, and introduces related clinical topics. Students gain practical experience in impressions and jaw relation records. Understanding occlusion is essential for diagnosis and treatment planning across dental disciplines, forming a critical foundation for clinical decision-making.
Prerequisite(s): Dentistry 5130 and registration in Year 2 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: Hybrid (online asynchronous and in-person). 25 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This course teaches radiologic interpretation of bitewing, periapical, occlusal, and panoramic images. Students practice diagnosing hard tissue and osseous abnormalities through real-world cases. Topics include pediatric imaging, radiologic prescriptions, and cone beam CT. Emphasis is placed on writing clear radiologic reports and understanding clinical relevance in dental diagnostics.
Prerequisite(s): Dentistry 5187 and registration in Year 2 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: In-person. 17 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This course prepares students to examine and treat young patients, emphasizing prevention, therapy, and understanding oral disease. Through epidemiology, clinical practice, and mannequin exercises, students explore disease impact, etiology, and early detection. They gain experience in the Children’s Clinic and learn the dental team’s role in pediatric oral health.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 2 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: Hybrid (online asynchronous and in-person). 47 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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Oral Diseases II integrates oral pathology, medicine, and radiology, focusing on diseases of the head and neck, especially the oral and maxillofacial region. It builds on Oral Diseases I and precedes Oral Diseases in third year, providing essential diagnostic knowledge for clinical practice across multiple dental disciplines.
Prerequisite(s): Dentistry 5170 and registration in Year 2 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: Hybrid (online asynchronous and in-person). 37 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This course introduces pain control using local anesthetics, a core skill in dental practice. Students learn physical, chemical, and psychological methods to manage patient pain pre-, intra-, and post-operatively. Emphasis is placed on safe, effective administration, preparing students to become proficient in local anesthesia by graduation.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 2 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: Hybrid (online asynchronous and in-person). 20 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This course builds on Oral Diseases I, covering anatomy, epidemiology, microbiology, diagnosis, and treatment planning in periodontology. Students gain hands-on experience with periodontal instruments in simulation. Five modules explore disease pathogenesis, classification, and prognosis, providing essential knowledge for clinical practice and advancing skills in periodontal examination and management.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 2 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: In-person. 43.5 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This course emphasizes ethics, communication, collaboration, and public health in dental practice. Students explore laws, policies, and standards to promote safe, compliant care. Interprofessional workshops with Fanshawe College and Schulich enhance teamwork and understanding of dentistry’s role in individual and population health through real-world, patient-centered learning experiences.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 2 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: Hybrid (online asynchronous and in-person). 27 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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Students are assigned patients for comprehensive care and rotate through Out-of-Clinic Assignments for specific treatments. Supervised by faculty, learners work in designated cubicles, booking appointments, and managing cases. The course emphasizes hands-on experience, continuity of care, and clinical responsibility in preparation for real-world dental practice.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 3 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: No supplemental examinations will be permitted in the clinical component of the course. If by the end of the academic year, a student has a failing grade in a clinical discipline within the course, that student shall be given a grade of “Fail” in the course. In-person. 867 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This course provides dental students the knowledge and skills for diagnoses and
treatment planning of patients through information gathering, examinations and effective communication. Lectures, videos, supplied readings, clinical cases and reciprocal teaching will be utilized to illustrate the pathway for predictable and successful patient-centered care.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 3 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: Hybrid (online asynchronous and in-person). 23 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This course focuses on diagnosing and planning orthodontic treatment for skeletal and non-skeletal issues in mixed and permanent dentition. Students explore comprehensive therapy, retention, and adult care. Preclinical online modules offer hands-on experience with complex cases, preparing learners for clinical orthodontic procedures and patient management.
Prerequisite(s): Dentistry 5224 and registration in Year 3 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: In-person. 19 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This course integrates foundational knowledge from prosthodontics, operative dentistry, endodontics, occlusion, and biomaterials through case-based and problem-based learning. It includes three modules: (1) Cariology and direct restorations, (2) Removable prosthodontics, and (3) Advanced restorative topics. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based practice, clinical guidelines, reflection, and lifelong learning.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 3 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: Hybrid (online asynchronous and in-person). 34 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This course provides dental students with the required knowledge and skills for the management of patients, using an understanding of various patient factors and influences, including social determinants of health, patient-centered care, cultural sensitivity and mental health, using lectures, videos, supplied readings and reciprocal teaching of clinical cases.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 3 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: In-person. 10 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This course trains students to identify clinical and radiographic abnormalities, develop diagnostic approaches, and manage soft and hard tissue lesions. Using case-based learning and peer collaboration, students analyze real-world scenarios, apply evidence-based decision-making, and enhance diagnostic skills through discussions, readings, and practical assignments focused on clinical relevance.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 3 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: In-person. 26 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This course in Pediatric Dentistry builds on prior knowledge, focusing on treatment, prevention, and behavior guidance. Students explore intervention strategies, oral health in children with special needs, and apply interdisciplinary learning. Clinical skills are developed through lectures, case discussions, simulations, and recall sessions with real pediatric patients.
Prerequisite(s): Dentistry 5233 and registration in Year 3 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: In-person. 16 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This integrated course combines oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology to cover a variety of diseases that affect the hard and soft tissues of the mouth, head and neck.
Prerequisite(s): Dentistry 5235 and registration in Year 3 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: In-person. 30 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This course introduces oral and maxillofacial surgery, emphasizing patient assessment, surgical planning, and pain control. Students integrate medical histories, anatomy, and radiographic data to develop treatment plans. Through 42 lecture hours, they explore foundational sciences, anesthesia, sedation, and techniques essential for safe, effective surgical care and complication prevention.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 3 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: In-person. 42 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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To provide a didactic and clinical foundation for the practice of periodontology for the general practitioner. An introduction to the biology of dental implants and impact on treatment planning will be explored.
Prerequisite(s): Dentistry 5252 and registration in Year 3 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: In-person. 26 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This course includes videos and slides in the management of maxillofacial and dental trauma. It is intended to expose students to the terminology, instruments and techniques of clinical maxillofacial traumatology before actual clinical experience on patients.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 3 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: In-person. 10 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This elective offers hands-on clinical dentistry and/or research settings affiliated or patterned with Schulich Dentistry, where students provide dental care under licensed dentist supervision in local or global health community settings. It also fosters individual growth through experience in the context of evolving oral health needs of diverse patient populations.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of Year 3 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: Hybrid (online asynchronous and in-person). 185 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This clinical course prepares students for comprehensive patient care in Canadian dental practice. Learners manage assigned patient portfolios, continue care from Year 3, and rotate through Out-of-Clinic Assignments. Supervised by faculty, students provide treatment in designated cubicles, gaining experience across disciplines, and developing clinical competence and responsibility.
Prerequisite(s): Dentistry 5320 and Registration in Year 4 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: No supplemental examinations will be permitted in the clinical component of the course. If by the end of the academic year, a student has a failing grade in a clinical discipline within the course, that student shall be given a grade of “Fail” in the course. In-person. 726.5 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This course integrates three years of foundational knowledge in prosthodontics, operative dentistry, endodontics, occlusion, and biomaterials. Through case-based and team-based learning, students develop clinical reasoning to manage complications, explore advanced esthetic and conservative treatments, analyze current trends, and prepare for the virtual OSCE in restorative dentistry.
Prerequisite(s): Dentistry 5329 and registration in Year 4 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: In-person. 25 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This course explores complex dental health conditions through four modules, emphasizing management strategies across diverse patient populations. Topics include oro-facial pain, temporomandibular disorders, oncology care, forensic dentistry, and evidence-based oral medicine. Case-based learning and critical appraisal are integrated into post-module assessments to enhance clinical decision-making.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 4 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: In-person. 18 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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These Case-based lectures develop practical skills in interpreting dental radiographs. Students analyze inflammatory, benign, and malignant conditions using a systematic, algorithmic approach to form differential diagnoses. The course emphasizes clinical reasoning, diagnostic accuracy, and integration of radiologic findings into patient care.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 4 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: In-person. 12 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This course builds on prior oral surgery training, emphasizing complex case management through integrated clinical and didactic learning. Using a case-based approach, students progress as clinical needs arise. Active participation in lectures and clinics is essential for mastering the art and science of oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Prerequisite(s): Dentistry 5348 and registration in Year 4 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: In-person. 13 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This course reviews new classifications of periodontal and peri-implant diseases, explores restorative-periodontic interactions, and introduces evidence-based treatment guidelines for periodontitis from the 2021 EFP publication. Emphasis is placed on clinical application and integration of current standards into dental practice.
Prerequisite(s): Dentistry 5352 and registration in Year 4 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: In-person. 12 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This course prepares students for dental practice by exploring administration, management, ethics, leadership, and wellness. Topics include regulatory issues, oral health policies, finance, insurance, communication, and career development. Emphasis is placed on transitioning from student to licensed dentist through understanding professional complexities and responsibilities.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 4 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: Hybrid (online asynchronous and in-person). 15 total hours.
Course Weight: 1.00
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This course in Orthodontics and Paediatric Dentistry builds on prior knowledge and clinical skills. Students are expected to recall past coursework and integrate relevant concepts from other disciplines, such as Oral Surgery, Radiology, and Pathology, to support comprehensive understanding and clinical application.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 4 of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Extra Information: In-person. 8.0 total hours.