Year 1: Semester 2 – Spring

DEN5010 – Interdisciplinary Service Learning I (1)

This course will provide student experience in an integrated service-learning framework.  Students will be expected to demonstrate the ability to: work with an interdisciplinary team, communicate effectively, understand social and cultural factors that influence patients, function as a health information resource and work effectively within community service organizations.

DEN5120C – Physiology (5)

This course provides foundation knowledge on the structure and normal function of the major body systems including the cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, gastro-intestinal, endocrine and neurological systems.  The relationship of structure to normal function is presented with emphasis on components important to a dentist as a dental patient’s case manager and to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases.  In addition, this course will provide the fundamental knowledge to support the understanding and appreciation of the interrelationships of systemic and oral health.

DEN5126C – Histology (2)

Basic microscopic anatomical structure and functions of the head, neck, teeth and various organ systems will be presented in lectures, microscope work, and discussion sessions.  This information serves as the foundation for understanding normal structure and functions provided in physiology as well as disorders related to those structures provided in pathology.

DEN5127 – Infectious Diseases (4)

Providing the foundation knowledge of etiologic agents responsible for infectious diseases important to the general practice of dentistry.  Oral infectious diseases are emphasized.  The course includes content on microbiology, virology, periodontology, and cariology, as well as systemic and oral diseases with both classical descriptive content and modern molecular biological aspects such as recombinant technology to create new vaccines.

DEN5221 – Oral Health Management and Psychosocial Issues over the Lifespan (2)

This course emphasizes the management of a patient’s oral health focusing on behavioral and sociological issues across the lifespan. It builds on previous biological and psychosocial foundation knowledge that directly impacts the practice of dentistry and the achievement and maintenance of oral health in patients. The course includes an overview of the principles of gerontology including the biological, sociological, and psychological aspects of aging; the changing demographics in the U.S. society; and their implications for the dental profession.

DEN5405C – Preclinical Operative Dentistry I/Biomaterials (4)

This course introduces fundamental concepts related to dental caries, its prevention, diagnosis and appropriate management.  Emphasis is also placed on the biomaterial science and clinical application of composite resin restorative materials.  Minimally invasive dentistry will be stressed, and principles of ergonomics and infection control as it relates to clinical dentistry will be introduced. The course is based on lectures and laboratory exercises in order to support the development of motor skills, self-evaluation and clinical judgment using a rational scientific basis.

DEN5502C – Cariology and Preventive Dentistry (2)

This course introduces fundamental concepts related to dental caries, its prevention, diagnosis and appropriate management. Emphasis is also placed on the preventive aspects of other oral diseases as well as on dental public health and nutritional sciences.

DEN6015 – Professionalism In Patient Care and Practice Management I (0)

This course is the third in a series of courses designed to provide instruction, coach and mentor students in professionalism as they attain competency in patient care.  This course spans semesters 2 – 5 and supports the student’s progressive development in appropriate patient management skills, professionalism and integrity in the delivery of dental care, and critical thinking necessary for life-long learning.