Policies and Guidelines

A. DEFINITION

A complaint is defined by the Commission on Dental Accreditation as one alleging that a Commission- accredited educational program, a program which has an application for initial accreditation pending, or the Commission may not be in substantial compliance with Commission standards or required accreditation procedures.

B. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES

NOTICE OF OPPORTUNITY TO FILE COMPLAINTS: In accord with the U.S. Department of Education’s Criteria and Procedures for Recognition of Accrediting Agencies, the Commission requires accredited programs to notify students of an opportunity to file complaints with the Commission. 

Each program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation must develop and implement a procedure to inform students of the mailing address and telephone number of the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The notice, to be distributed at regular intervals, but at least annually, must include but is not necessarily limited to the following language:

The Commission on Dental Accreditation will review complaints that relate to a program's compliance with the accreditation standards. The Commission is interested in the sustained quality and continued improvement of dental and dental-related education programs but does not intervene on behalf of individuals or act as a court of appeal for treatment received by patients or individuals in matters of admission, appointment, promotion or dismissal of faculty, staff or students.

A copy of the appropriate accreditation standards and/or the Commission's policy and procedure for submission of complaints may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678 or by calling 1-800-621-8099 extension 4653.

New York University College of Dentistry is committed to addressing issues related to bloodborne pathogens, such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), in a spirit of cooperation, compassion, flexibility, and sensitivity to individual needs as well as to community welfare. The purpose of this policy is to minimize the risk of transmission of a bloodborne pathogen from an infected health care worker or student to a patient. Under New York State regulations, a licensed health care institution is responsible for ensuring that its health care workers do not have any physical impairments resulting from infection by bloodborne pathogens that would interfere with the performance of their clinical responsibilities or create a health risk for patients.

The College of Dentistry recognizes that knowledge and information about bloodborne pathogens continues to change. Therefore, this policy will be reviewed annually and changes will be recommended as appropriate.

Admissions and Employment:

Discrimination against employees, students, and applicants for admission or employment based solely on health status is unlawful.

Infection Control Procedures:

All health care workers and students are required to follow ‘Standard Precautions’, which is the basis of the practices and procedures set forth in the College of Dentistry’s Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Program (available on file).

HBV Immunization:

Immunization for HBV is available and is recommended for all College of Dentistry employees and is mandatory for all students.

HIV Testing:

Testing of health care workers and students for HIV is not required by the College of Dentistry. However, health care workers and students who perform invasive or exposure-prone procedures on patients are encouraged to be tested voluntarily in order to know their HIV status.

Obligation to Report:

A health care worker or student, who is infected with HIV, HBV, HCV or another bloodborne pathogen, is encouraged to report his/her status to the College of Dentistry’s Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs or his/her designee. A health care worker or a student, who is infected with HIV, HBV, HCV or another bloodborne pathogen, is not required to inform patients.

Confidentiality:

All information concerning the health status of a health care worker or student infected by a bloodborne pathogen shall be disclosed only in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, including Article 27-f of the New York State Public Health Law and its regulations concerning HIV and AIDS-related Information.

Limitation of Activity:

Each health care worker or student infected with HIV or another bloodborne pathogen shall have his/her clinical practices evaluated by a panel established by the College of Dentistry. The evaluation shall be confidential. At the request of the student or health care worker, the evaluation will be completed anonymously based on information presented to the panel by the Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs or his/her designee. The panel will provide timely advice and consultation concerning the student or health care worker’s clinical practices. The panel may recommend practice limitations or modifications where evidence suggests that there is a significant risk to the health of a patient or to the health of the infected health care worker or student. The panel’s determinations may take into account the nature of the clinical activity, the technical expertise of the infected individual, the risk of transmission, and the infected individual’s impairments.

Recommendations by the panel shall be based on criteria established by the New York State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The panel will continue to periodically review the practices of any health care worker or student who has been evaluated by the panel.

In completing its evaluation of an infected health care worker or student, the panel shall include or consult with the following:

• a public health professional
  
• an infectious disease expert
• an infection control expert
• the individual’s private physician
• a dentist with expertise in the procedures (to be) engaged in by the infected student or employee
  
• a dental student (if a student is the subject of evaluation)
  
• a New York University or College of Dentistry administrator
  

Enforcement of Practice Limitations or Modifications:

Any student or health care worker who engages in unsafe and/or careless clinical practices, which create risks to the health of patients, employees, or students at the College of Dentistry, shall be subject to disciplinary action under the rules of the University and the College of Dentistry. When such actions are brought to the attention of the College of Dentistry administration, the student or health care worker may be suspended immediately from all patient care activities pending a full investigation of the matter. Other sanctions may be imposed by state licensing agencies.

Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens:

Health care workers or students who are exposed to a bloodborne pathogen in the course of their work at the College of Dentistry are expected to follow the procedures set forth in the College of Dentistry’s Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Program.

Patients who have been exposed to bloodborne pathogens while being treated at the clinic shall be offered free counseling and testing. Results from such testing shall be disclosed only in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

Updated: Approved by EMC, May 4, 2016
New York University College of Dentistry

MEDICAL RECORDS

The College of Dentistry compiles medical information for each student at the College.This includes (1) a medical history completed by a physician and submitted by each entering student; (2) a record of required immunizations; and (3) a health self-assessment questionnaire and tuberculin test for returning students. If the student’s record is incomplete, the student is encouraged to contact the Health Screening Unit office.

MANDATORY HEALTH AND IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

The Health Screening Unit (HSU) is located in room 1162 (Weissman building). Entering students must provide proof of the following:

• PHYSICAL
  Entering students must have a physical examination within six months prior to the start of classes performed to the specifications of the physical examination form included in this packet. You MUST submit OUR NYU Dentistry Forms. No other forms will be accepted. A complete immunization history is required. The physical form must have a physician’s, physician assistant’s or nurse practitioner’s validation stamp and signature. Physicals cannot be done by family members.
• TUBERCULOSIS SCREENING
  All entering students must have proof of tuberculosis testing within six months prior to the start of classes. A Mantoux tuberculin test (ppd test) OR a Quantiferon gold (IGRA test) is required. The tuberculin skin test must be read within 72 hours of administration. A copy of the lab report must be submitted for Quantiferon Gold. Quantiferon Gold is the preferred tuberculosis testing for recipients of BCG (Bacillus Calmette—Guerin) vaccine. Non-BCG recipients are required to have a Mantoux tuberculin test (ppd). Students with proof of a positive reaction to the skin test or Quantiferon Gold test should not be retested, but it is mandatory to provide the exact date of their positive test and the date of a chest x-ray taken thereafter. If the Mantoux test or Quantiferon Gold (IGRA) test is positive, a chest X-ray must be done and there needs to be a chest x-ray within six months prior to the start of classes. A copy of the radiology report is required. Please note, the Mantoux test must be administered before an MMR vaccine; and, a Mantoux test can be taken at the same time as Hepatitis B or Tetanus vaccines.
• MEASLES, MUMPS and RUBELLA (TITERS MANDATORY)
  NYU College of Dentistry requires students to demonstrate blood titers for measles, mumps, and rubella that were obtained within 5 years prior to the start of classes. A copy of the lab reports must be submitted. If the blood titers are positive no further action is required. If the blood titers are negative, the student is required to submit proof of two MMR vaccines in their lifetime in order to obtain health clearance. Vaccines must have been administered at least 30 days apart and after the student’s first birthday. If no documentation is available, vaccines may be administered to meet the requirement of two MMR in a lifetime. Vaccines administered must be at least 30 days apart. No repeat titer is warranted.
• VARICELLA (TITER MANDATORY)
  Please note: whether or not you have had Chicken Pox, a Varicella titer is required and a copy of the lab report must be submitted. Vaccines are not acceptable in lieu of a titer. If you are not immune to Varicella, you must provide documentation that you have received two Varicella vaccines in your lifetime. The vaccines must have been administered at least 30 days apart. The two vaccines must be completed prior to orientation.
• HEPATITIS B (TITER MANDATORY)
  NYU College of Dentistry requests that students demonstrate immunity to the Hepatitis B virus. All students must present proof of a laboratory test for Hepatitis B antigen and Hepatitis B surface antibody. Students with a positive Hepatitis B antigen will be referred to NYU Student Health Services for follow up care. Students who demonstrate immunity to hepatitis B do not need additional vaccinations. Students with a negative Hepatitis B surface antibody must start the vaccination series for Hepatitis B and provide documentation of the vaccine series. Students ideally should complete the hepatitis B vaccination series prior to the start of classes. You are required to have at least the first two doses of the hepatitis B vaccine series prior to new student orientation. The series of three vaccines is generally completed over a six-month period. An accelerated schedule can be utilized. The accelerated schedule calls for vaccine doses administered at days 0, 7 and 21-30; a booster should be administered at 12 months to promote long-term immunity. A combination New York University College of Dentistry MANDATORY HEALTH AND IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS Hepatitis A and B vaccine can also be used on the same 3-dose schedule (0, 7and 21-30 days), with a booster at 12 months.
  
  It is a mandatory requirement by NYU Dentistry, that when you have completed the three vaccines, a Hepatitis B Surface Antibody titer must be taken and a copy of the lab report submitted. Hepatitis B vaccine is not contraindicated during pregnancy, but the decision to vaccinate should be made in consultation with your physician. Females who are pregnant and who elect not to take the vaccine during pregnancy must provide a physician’s confirmation letter including expected delivery date, and the lab result for Hepatitis B antigen and Hepatitis B surface antibody.
• TETANUS/DIPHTHERIA/PERTUSSIS VACCINE
  Entering students must present evidence of having received Tetanus and Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine within ten years of their first day at the College of Dentistry. The exact date of vaccine must be indicated on the enclosed form. MENINGOCOCCAL RESPONSE FORM New York State Public Health Law 2167 requires institutions, including colleges and universities, to distribute information about Meningococcal disease and vaccine. All students, whether they live on or off campus, are required to decide whether or not to be immunized against Meningitis and to provide formal confirmation of their decision. In addition, students under the age of 21 and all students living on campus are required to be vaccinated.
• INFLUENZA VACCINE
  In 2013, the New York State Public Health and Health Planning Council adopted a regulation that requires all healthcare workers (of which students are included) to protect themselves from contracting and exposing patients to the influenza virus. Students are asked to take an influenza vaccine annually at the Health Screening Unit or to provide documentation that they have received it elsewhere. Students who do not wish to be immunized must sign a Health Screening Unit "Flu Declination" form and must wear a mask at all times while in patient care areas when the Commissioner of Health makes the determination that influenza is prevalent in New York State and until such time that the Commissioner declares that influenza is no longer prevalent. Note: Exact dates are required for all immunizations. Incomplete documents will be returned. Documents in foreign languages must be accompanied by English translation and certified for accuracy.

NYU Dentistry Technical Standards
To successfully complete any dental degree program at NYU College of Dentistry, students must be able to meet the following technical standards on their own without the use of an intermediary trained in dental care and with or without a reasonable accommodation. The use of a trained intermediary is not acceptable in clinical situations. A student may not rely on someone else's power of selection and observation or clinical ability to successfully complete this program.

• Motor Skills
  A student must have ample motor function to perform movements essential to providing all necessary patient treatment. This includes the use of motor skills for:
  • Performing palpation, percussion, auscultation and other diagnostic exercises
  • Performing hard and soft tissue surgical procedures
  • Coordination of gross and fine muscular movements
  • Maintaining self-equilibrium
  • Functional uses of the senses during dental procedures such as touch and vision
  • The ability to operate controls for the of use high-speed or low-speed dental handpieces
  • The ability to use hand instrumentation for such procedures as scaling, root planning, and surgical interventions
• Sensory Function
  A student must be able to acquire information through demonstration and participation in the basic science and clinical science courses, laboratories, and the clinical and patient care experiences. The student must be able to:
  • Perform dental examinations and treatments that require the use of sight and touch
  • See fine detail, focus at a variety of distances, and distinguish the differences and variations in color, shape, and texture of soft and hard tissues, including discerning accurate depth of field
  • Employ tactile senses to diagnose directly by palpation or indirectly by sensations transmitted through instruments
  • Use visual acuity to read charts, radiographs, computers, videos
  • Acquire information from written documents and to evaluate information presented as images from paper, films, slides, or video
  • Interpret radiographs and other graphic images
  • Observe a patient accurately from near or far distances and be able to interpret patient non-verbal communications
• Communication Skills
  A student must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients in an effort to:
  • Convey or exchange information at a sufficient level that produces an accurate health history
  • Identify health and treatment problems and to provide alternative solutions and treatment options
  • Provide patient directions during treatment and post-treatment
  • Provide and understand effective and efficient instructions with all members of the health care team
• Behavioral and Social Interactions
  A student must possess the physiological, psychological, and emotional health competencies essential for full utilization of his or her intellectual abilities. This includes:
  • Exercising good judgment, especially during ambiguous and/or emergency situations
  • Development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients and colleagues
  • Enduring physically challenging workloads and functioning effectively under stress
  • Managing apprehensive patients with a range of behaviors in a respectful and congenial manner
  • Accepting criticism and responding with appropriate modification of behavior
• Ethics and Professionalism
  A student must maintain the standards of conduct for ethics and professionalism as set forth in: the American Dental Association's Principles of Ethics, and its Code of Professional Conduct; and the New York University Code of Ethical Conduct. This includes:
  • Responding in the best interest of the patient and society even when there is a conflict with the student's own personal interest, or if the circumstances warrant, recusing oneself from a conflicting situation
  • Conducting oneself as a trustworthy and responsible citizen and act with impeccable integrity in interactions with other students, faculty, staff and the public.
    

  Students in the Dental Hygiene Programs must maintain the standards of conduct for ethics and professionalism as set forth in: Dental Hygiene Programs Council on Ethics and Professionalism >>>
  

These technical standards are not all inclusive and may be updated, revised, or withdrawn at the discretion of NYU Dentistry without notice.

MEDICAL SERVICES

The Student Health Center was designed specifically to meet the healthcare needs of NYU students. We offer a variety of medical services in our state-of-the-art medical facility. Our goal is to provide the highest quality healthcare in one convenient location, at the most affordable price. We are staffed with board-certified internists and specialists, and certified nurse practitioners to care for your diverse needs. Our providers are able to treat a wide range of medical problems on site and, if appropriate, may refer you off-site for specific treatment or testing that is not available onsite. In addition to comprehensive primary care, women's health and specialty care, we also provide preventive healthcare and health education services.

To learn more about the services NYU Student Health Center can offer you, please see their web page at:

NYU MEDICAL & HEALTH SERVICES
http://www.nyu.edu/shc/

University Counseling Service: Counseling and Wellness Services (CWS) at NYU offers students short-term individual counseling, group counseling, self-improvement classes, referrals, and psychiatric medication services. All services except psychiatric medication services are free of charge.

To learn more about the services NYU Health and Wellness Center can offer you, please see their web page at:

UNIVERSITY COUNSELING
https://www.nyu.edu/life/safety-health-wellness/student-health-center/services/mental-health.html

Infirmary and Hospital Care: The University does not maintain an in-patient infirmary unit, nor does it provide either hospital care or medical services for illnesses requiring treatment in a hospital. Although all hospitals charge a fee for visits to their clinics and emergency facilities (for which students are responsible), the Office of Student Affairs facilitates the process of referral and the procedures for student discounts, when applicable. A student can complete these procedures after treatment. The Office of Student Affairs can be contacted for the emergency room visit.

REQUIREMENT FOR HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE

All students are required to enroll in a health insurance plan. In order to assist students in obtaining affordable, comprehensive health insurance, the University offers several student plans. College of Dentistry students enrolled in a degree-granting or Advanced Education Program for six or more credits during the fall or spring, or one or more credits during summer, are automatically enrolled in, and charged for, the University’s Comprehensive Plan. All other students enrolled in a degree-granting or Advanced Education Program are eligible for insurance but are not automatically enrolled. Students may change from the Comprehensive to either the Basic or UHC Only Plan. In addition, students who maintain their own health insurance coverage and do not wish to participate in the University-sponsored plans may waive the coverage and the charge.To select or to waive insurance, the student must submit the Student Health Insurance Selection/ Waiver form (with acceptable proof of his or her health insurance if enrolling in the UHC Only Plan or waiving all plans).

To learn more NYU Health Insurance and services or how to waive the insurance, please see their Student Health Insurance web page:
https://www.nyu.edu/life/safety-health-wellness/student-health-center/insurance-patient-accounts/student-health-insurance.html

STU-DENT PLAN

NYU students enrolled in the Stu-Dent Plan will be treated by experienced DDS and dental hygiene students, overseen by licensed dental faculty members, in the state-of-the-art NYU Dental Faculty Practice located at 418 Lafayette Street, Suite 350, between Astor Place and East Fourth Street.

For more information and eligibility, please call the NYU Dental Faculty Practice weekdays between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. at (212) 443-1313, or visit the Stu-Dent web site.

New York University is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its relations with its faculty and staff members, without regard to age, citizenship status, color, disability, marital or parental status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. This includes, but is not limited to, recruitment, hiring or appointment, selection for training, transfer, layoff, promotion, granting of tenure, rates of pay and other forms of compensation, and participation in University-sponsored educational, social, and recreational programs.

It is New York University’s firm policy, in accordance with the requirements of Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and implementing federal regulations, not to discriminate on the basis of sex in the operation of the University’s educational programs and activities. Federal requirements of nondiscrimination on the basis of sex include employment by the University and admission to the professional and graduate schools of the University. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is similar in its prohibition of discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin.

Federal regulations require that affirmative action be taken to employ and advance in employment people with disabilities, veterans with disabilities, and veterans of the Vietnam era.

Inquiries regarding the application of the federal laws and regulations concerning affirmative action and antidiscrimination policies and procedures at New York University may be referred to Dr. Sharon Weinberg, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, New York University, Elmer Holmes Bobst Library, 70 Washington Square South, New York, NY 10012-1091; telephone: 212-998-2370. Inquiries may also be referred to the director of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance, U.S. Department of Labor.

New York University is a member of the Association of American Universities and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; 215-662-5606). Individual undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs and schools are accredited by the appropriate specialized accrediting agencies.

All Dental Hygiene students involved in providing school-based dental care must be fingerprinted. This is mandated by the New York City Department of Education. The fee for this process is included with school fees.