Dental Linker Program
If you've graduated from college and have many of the outstanding traits that would make you a great dentist, but your academic record isn't yet strong enough to make you a competitive candidate when applying to dental school, then this program may be for you.
If the Touro College of Dental Medicine (TCDM) admissions committee recommends that you enroll in our DLP, then they’re confident that you would benefit from this unique “enhancer program.” Through our coursework, you’ll be able to identify learning strategies that best fit your unique learning approach, and develop critical thinking skills that will allow you to excel in a dental curriculum. By the end of the program, you will have a strong academic foundation in areas like dental anatomy and biochemistry.
An Accelerated Master’s for a Promising Dental School Applicant
The GSBMS has partnered with TCDM to create a one-year accelerated Master’s linkage program for a limited number of candidates. The TCDM admissions committee identifies certain candidates as having strong potential to become future dentists and encourages them to strengthen their academics in science.
The program allows you to develop your scientific knowledge, academics and learning skills as you prepare to enter dental school. The hybrid curriculum is designed to introduce you to dental school coursework, expose you to several basic science dental courses and enroll you in graduate-level courses that will enhance both your critical thinking skills and self-directed learning skills. Students who achieve pre-established academic benchmarks in the master’s program are offered linkage acceptance to TCDM.
“During my time in the Dental Linker Program, I delved deep into the intricacies of science, honing my skills and expanding my knowledge under the guidance of esteemed professors. Armed with this comprehensive education, I entered dental school with confidence, building upon the strong foundation laid during my master's studies.”
Sean Trzaska, D.D.S., '24,
TCDM Clinical Excellence and Professionalism Award Recipient
Program Curriculum
Curriculum Overview
Chart Description
“Critical Analysis” begins in July and runs through the first half of August. “Scientific Writing” begins in July and runs through the first part of August. “General Biochemistry I” begins in the first part of August and runs through the first half of December. “Lectures in Histology” begins in the first part of August and runs through the first half of December. “Laboratory in Histology” begins in the first part of August and runs through the first half of December. “Dental Physiology” begins in the first part of September and runs through the first half of December. Break occurs for the second half of December. “Dental Physiology” begins again in January and runs for two-thirds of the month. “Dental Microbiology & Immunology” begins in the first part of January and runs until the end of May. “Cell Biology” begins in the first part of January and runs until three-quarters through May. “Interdisciplinary Seminar” begins in the first part of January and runs until three-quarters through May. “Research for Master’s Literature Review” begins in the first part of January and runs through mid-June. “Selected Topics in Dental and Biomedical Sciences” begins in the first part of January and runs through mid-June.
Fall (July - December)
Critical Analysis (BMSM 8041)
Credits: 1
This course introduces students to the process for reviewing literature and critiquing published scientific articles and their related data. A theme that reinforces biochemical, cell biological, or physiological principles taught earlier in the curriculum will be chosen as the foundational topic area.
Strategies for Effective Scientific Writing (BMSM 8030)
Credits: 1
Writing is an essential part of any scientist’s professional life. This activity ranges from the writing of letters to preparation of sophisticated technical reports. The aim of this course is to impart strategies to enable effective writing for the biological sciences.
Dental Physiology (PHYM 1310)
Credits: 7
This course explores how the major organ systems function and how they are interrelated. There is a strong emphasis on integrating the basic physiology with dentistry.
Lectures in Histology (CBAM 1320)
Credits: 3
Histology is the study at the microscopic level of the organization of cells in tissues and organs. This organization sets up the foundational principles underlying normal physiology and, from a clinical perspective, why alterations may lead to known pathologies. One goal is for students to appreciate why the spatial arrangement of tissues with organs elaborates physiologic function. During the course, the focus will be on the arrangement of tissues within various physiological systems, including cardiovascular, respiratory, gastroenterology, urinary, reproductive, endocrine, and sensory. Throughout students will be introduced to a variety of microscopic techniques, including light and electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence microscopy.
Laboratory in Histology (CBAM 1330)
Credits: 2
Laboratory sessions involve microscopic analysis of slides consisting of human and animal tissues and organs. Students will study tissue sections using microscopes and slides and will lead overview discussions prior to each laboratory session. Laboratory practical exams test knowledge of structural features of tissues and organs, and integrate functional and ultrastructural characteristics that are introduced in CBAM 1320.
General Biochemistry I (BCHM 1010)
Credits: 4
These courses are designed to present a thorough background of structural biochemistry, molecular biology and metabolism. Topics introduced include, not limited to, foundational principles of biochemistry, protein, lipid, carbohydrate, and nucleotide structure, enzyme kinetics, membranes and signaling, DNA repair and gene expression, carbohydrate, lipid, protein, and purine/pyrimidine metabolism, and the diverse biochemical functions of vitamins.
Spring (January - June)
Cell Biology (CBAM 1360)
Credits: 3
This course focuses primarily on eukaryotic cells. Lectures are devoted to structural details and the molecular functions of the different parts of the cell. Lectures will introduce topics such as endocytosis, intra-membrane transport, protein targeting, organelle biosynthesis, protein sorting, exocytosis, cell shape, motility, and cell-to-cell interaction. Lectures also deal with signal transduction processes and cellular functions that are required for cell growth and programmed cell death. By its completion, students should have a comprehensive understanding of the architecture and function of living cells. In addition, emphasis is placed on experimental approaches taken to elucidate certain biology principles, including “paper sessions” with active participation by students.
Interdisciplinary Seminar (BMSM 8042)
Credits: 1
Attending seminars beyond a student’s area of expertise is a wonderful approach to learn topics peripheral to one’s interests. Each department (Basic Sciences and Clinical Sciences) offers a seminar series that often blends together an overview of a topic to a general audience with specific focuses. Students enrolled in this course will be required to attend up to 6 departmental seminars (hosted by basic or clinical departments) or plenary keynote addresses at various student research forums and submit a synopsis and commentary of the talk, highlighting specific aspects identified in the course guidelines. The commentary should be in a format similar to those found in major peer-reviewed journals that publish commentaries or editorial essays and should help a reader understand the topics that were discussed in the seminar. The student will be encouraged to include background information from the literature, allowing them to be familiar with the field and to include their own critiques or editorial comments. The synopsis should include alternative explanations to those presented at the seminar.
Research for Master's Lit Review (BMSM 9701)
Credits: 1
This course reflects the library research that students undertake, under the supervision of a faculty advisor, in preparation for their Master’s Literature Review. Students enrolled in BMSM 9701 must provide their faculty advisor with frequent and regular evidence of their progress, and with progressive drafts of the literature review itself according to a pre-arranged schedule.
Dental Microbiology & Immunology (MCRM 1310)
Credits: 4
This course will present a substantial core of information essential for understanding the functioning of the human immune system and an acquaintance with the many microbial diseases encountered by dental professionals. The course will include an overview of the immune system, general microbiology, the molecular genetics of oral microbes, the pathogenesis of human microbial diseases, the appropriate use of antibiotics and antiviral agents, and current utilization of diagnostic microbiology and various laboratory methods.
Master's Literature Review (BMSM 9750)
Credits: 0
This course is entered on the student’s transcript when the Master’s Literature Review is approved by the faculty review committee and submitted in final form to the Graduate School.
Selected Topics in Dental and Biomedical Sciences (BMSM 7104)
Credits: 3
Proficiency in interpretation of primary literature and effective communication skills are necessary skills for individuals engaged in the scientific and health professions. Aligned with the format of other 7100-series courses, the present course affords DLP students the opportunity to cultivate expertise in comprehending reading scientific articles and honing their communication skills, both oral and written among their peers. More notably, this course distinguishes itself within the 7100-series by encompassing three distinct mini-topic areas.
Admission into the Program
Referral Only: Eligible candidates are identified by the TCDM Admissions Committee during the dental school admissions process as applicants who demonstrate strong potential to be successful dentists, but who would benefit from the additional upper-level science academic preparation.
Although admission to this program is based on referral by the admissions office of TCDM, limited spots may be available for applicants who are referred by an admissions committee of other dental schools.
Contact
Austin M. Guo, Ph.D.
- austin_guo@nymc.edu
- (914) 594-4625
