What type of clinics does the university encourage student participation in?

The university encourages student participation in student-run clinics because these clinics provide an invaluable hands-on learning experience, allowing students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. In student-run clinics, aspiring dental professionals are not only able to practice their clinical skills but also develop important competencies such as patient management, teamwork, and leadership.

Participating in these clinics fosters a sense of community and engagement, as students take an active role in serving diverse populations often with limited access to dental care. Additionally, student-run clinics are typically designed to emphasize learning and mentorship, where students, guided by faculty or experienced professionals, can navigate complex cases while receiving immediate feedback. This environment is conducive to professional growth and helps students build confidence as they prepare to enter the dental profession.

In contrast, corporate-sponsored clinics might focus more on business models rather than student involvement in learning, while research-only clinics generally prioritize research activities over hands-on patient care. Entertainment-focused clinics could detract from the serious nature of dental education and patient care, which is not aligned with the core educational goals of dental schools.