In the Oral Health Sciences courses, students learn patient-centered oral health care and develop the clinical competencies required for entry to the general practice of dentistry. By providing patient care under the supervision, guidance, and support of the faculty, students enhance their diagnostic, technical, and interpersonal skills. The course emphasizes the importance of these skills in effective, efficient, and compassionate patient care and guides the students toward independent practice by evaluating competence in delivering specific services; providing high-quality comprehensive care to all patients; maintaining professionalism in the delivery of care and interactions with peers; evaluating accurately one's clinical performance; and practicing efficiently and profitably.