Instructor(s): Yogalakshmi Rajendran

This course presents a comprehensive introduction to the development and structure of the major components of the oral cavity. Basic concepts of the gross structure, histology, ultrastructure and physiology of teeth, periodontium, and soft and hard tissue structures will be presented from a descriptive developmental perspective and from the underlying cell and molecular biological perspective. It is taught by a team of clinicians and scientists.

Instructor(s): Yogalakshmi Rajendran

In this introductory course, the basic clinical, pathological, microbiological, and immunological features of three major dental diseases/conditions are presented: caries, periodontal diseases, and pulpal diseases. These basic concepts are presented with clinical applications that are expanded upon in subsequent didactic and clinical courses.

Instructor(s): Yogalakshmi Rajendran

In this course, the concepts for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of dental diseases and conditions are presented with emphasis on their clinical applications to management of caries and periodontal diseases. The student learns the benefits, applications, and limitations of a variety of diagnostic and treatment approaches including microbial diagnosis and treatment, local and systemic application of antimicrobials, host modulation, and genetics.

Instructor(s): Yogalakshmi Rajendran

In this course, students will learn about the role of specific risk factors in the initiation and progression of dental diseases and the concepts of repair, remodeling, and regeneration of oral tissues and their clinical application in the treatment of periodontal diseases and tooth movement. Disease prevention strategies including plaque control, smoking cessation, and control of systemic factors that influence oral diseases and conditions will be reviewed.

Instructor(s): Ricardo Lugo, Jennifer Perkins

This didactic course presents a comprehensive introduction to the major categories of orofacial pain and how it impacts daily clinical practice of general dentistry. The course reviews the anatomical, physiological, pathological and pharmacological basis for pain perception and pain control, expanding upon foundational science knowledge, and translating the information to the safe and effective use of intraoral local anesthesia in dentistry.

Instructor(s): Jennifer Buchanan

A contemporary dentist must have the background knowledge regarding the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and orofacial pain (OFP). Tooth pain is one of many conditions that may masquerade as orofacial pain. Proper diagnosis is critical, as incorrect or omitted diagnosis is a common cause of treatment failure. This discipline has evolved from traditional mechanistic dental concepts of the past to more current, evidence-based biopsychosocial model.

Instructor(s): Jennifer Perkins

This introduction to dentistry course is designed to provide new students with a comprehensive overview of the SOD Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. The curriculum, including its various streams, opportunities for research, and philosophy of patient-centered care are all discussed. The goal is to familiarize students with the requirements necessary and the resources available to be successful students.

Instructor(s): Dawn Stock

This course introduces dental pre-doctoral students to ethical dilemmas they may encounter in professional practice and provides a framework for understanding how to navigate these scenarios. Students will be encouraged to think critically and discuss real examples that dental health professionals have experienced during their career. Topics are developed and prepared according to faculty-student interests.

Instructor(s): Lisa Berens

Students will practice communicating their research to non-specialized audiences and prepare to embark on their summer research projects. Participants present the background, aims, and methods of their summer projects or discuss a published article relevant to their research. Presenters receive feedback and suggestions on how to optimize the clarity of their communication. Students are encouraged to invite mentors/experts in their respective fields to moderate the discussion.