Courses

The listing of a course description here does not guarantee a course’s being offered in a particular term. Please refer to the published schedule of classes on the MyBU Student Portal for confirmation a class is actually being taught and for specific course meeting dates and times.

• SDM GD 810: Case Presentation and Treatment Planning Seminar
  Comprehensive patient care conference exploring diagnosis, treatment planning and management of ongoing clinical cases.
• SDM GD 820: Literature Review in General Dentistry
  A weekly seminar and review of current and classic articles of different disciplines in general dentistry.
• SDM GD 901: Medically Compromised Adults and Older Adults in a Clinical Setting
  Course to address common changes in the oral cavity encountered in older adults with disabilities. Recommendations for appropriate oral hygiene for adults with disabilities and their caretakers. Treatment Considerations Specific to the aging population with disabilities.
• SDM GD 918: Student Teaching
  This course will give the graduate students the opportunity to teach dental students in both the pre-clinical and clinical arena. This experience will allow the graduate students to grow in a different dimension by learning not just how to perfect their skills but also to learn how to communicate their thoughts and ideas and transfer that knowledge to other colleagues. The ability to successfully communicate ones knowledge adds a dimension of advanced understanding beyond the level of learning and performing the fundamental tasks needed to be a competent clinician.
• SDM MB 652: Intensive Research Elective Course 2
  Intensive Research Elective Course (IREC) IREC provides intensive and structured research experiences throughout the dental school curriculum for predoctoral dental students interested in careers in oral health research. The objectives are: 1) to carry out well-defined research projects under the guidance of research mentors; 2) to enhance critical thinking skills; 3) to participate in the full range of research-related activities, including scientific meetings and journal clubs; 4) to train in the design and execution of scientific studies, gain better understanding of innovative dental techniques, materials and tools, and develop analytical thinking abilities; and 5) to contribute to the discovery of new knowledge and dissemination through the scientific literature. There are three IREC options: * IREC1 - Intensive Research DMD year 1 (as part of the APEX program) (3 credits); * IREC2 - Intensive Research DMD year 2 (2 credits); * IREC3 - Intensive Research DMD year 3 (2 credits). The long-range goals of IREC are to produce better informed dental clinicians with improved eligibility for academic appointments.
• SDM MB 653: Intensive Research Elective Course (IREC) 3
  Intensive Research Elective Course (IREC) IREC provides intensive and structured research experiences throughout the dental school curriculum for predoctoral dental students interested in careers in oral health research. The objectives are: 1) to carry out well-defined research projects under the guidance of research mentors; 2) to enhance critical thinking skills; 3) to participate in the full range of research-related activities, including scientific meetings and journal clubs; 4) to train in the design and execution of scientific studies, gain better understanding of innovative dental techniques, materials and tools, and develop analytical thinking abilities; and 5) to contribute to the discovery of new knowledge and dissemination through the scientific literature. There are three IREC options: * IREC1 - Intensive Research DMD year 1 (as part of the APEX program) (3 credits); * IREC2 - Intensive Research DMD year 2 (2 credits); * IREC3 - Intensive Research DMD year 3 (2 credits). The long-range goals of IREC are to produce better informed dental clinicians with improved eligibility for academic appointments.
• SDM MD 510: Anatomical Sciences 1
  Anatomical Sciences I is the first in a series of two courses designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy. Anatomical Sciences I covers the topics of human microscopic anatomy (histology) and neuroanatomy. In the microscopic anatomy portion of Anatomical Sciences I, students will be introduced to various histological methods and the impact these methods have on the appearance of histological preparations. Students will also be exposed to a systematic analytical approach to tissue and organ identification, with an emphasis on structure and function relationship. In the neuroanatomy portion of Anatomical Sciences I, the structure and function of both the peripheral and central nervous systems will be emphasized. Students will engage in a detailed exploration of the various sensory and motor systems, including a comprehensive study of cranial nerves and their clinical relevance to the field of dentistry. Critical thinking and clinical problem solving are emphasized throughout the course using clinical case studies from the literature.
• SDM MD 511: Anatomical Sciences 2
  This course covers a wide range of topics in human gross anatomy that are relevant to the practice of dentistry. Specifically, lectures will provide in- depth details of the embryology of major organ systems, anatomy of the thorax, abdomen, upper extremity, neck, head and oral and nasal cavities. In addition, the structure, function and details of bones and joints of the body will be covered. In the lab portion of this course, we have the invaluable opportunity to use cadavers to directly observe the anatomical structures discussed in lecture.
• SDM MD 512: Biochemistry
  This course is designed to acquaint the student with the basic principles of modern biochemistry. The topics to be covered include an introduction to biochemistry and its importance to understanding oral health as well as proteins, enzymes, DNA, RNA and protein synthesis, sugar and lipid metabolism, hormones and second messengers and connective tissue biochemistry. In addition to the traditional lecture format, students participate in case-based presentations designed to integrate clinical cases with the material presented in class.
• SDM MD 514: Physiology
  This course presents the physiology of cells, tissues, organs, and integrated body functions, including student led discussion of the physiological basis of clinical conditions. An integrated approach is also taken to the endocrine system including extensive discussion of fuel metabolism and reproductive physiology. Hormonal aberrations and their end results are presented in clinical correlations by students.
• SDM MD 515: Microbiology & Immunology
  The overall goals of this course are to provide students with: (1) a foundation in medical microbiology, including the nomenclature, structure, physiology, genetics, mechanisms of pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations associated with microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites) that cause disease, and the role of the microbiome in health and disease; (2) an understanding of how the basic principles of microbiology are applied in the effective diagnosis, treatment and prevention of infectious diseases, and (3) a basic background in immunology including the functions and disorders of the immune system.
• SDM MD 520: General Pathology
  This course covers the fundamental concepts of modern pathology and explains how to apply the process of differential diagnosis in the major human diseases. Pathologic mechanisms and principles of most organs and systems of the body are discussed, with emphasis on those most relevant to oral health and care of dental patients. The course includes lectures by the School of Medicine Pathology faculty and Integrated Problem Sessions presented by students.
• SDM MD 530: Pharmacology
  This course addresses the pharmacological principles that underlie the appropriate clinical use of therapeutic agents. The efficacy and toxicity of major classes of drugs are covered with emphasis on implications in dentistry, including side effects in the oral cavity and drug interactions.
• SDM MD 531: Pharmacology
  This course addresses the pharmacologic principles that underlie the appropriate clinical use of therapeutic agents. The efficacy and toxicity of major classes of drugs are covered with emphasis on implications in dentistry, including side effects in the oral cavity and drug interactions.
• SDM OB 511: Oral Biology 1
  This course is a comprehensive consideration of the embryology, microscopic and macroscopic structure, and functions of the orofacial complex. Material from the other basic sciences is expanded and related to the oral cavity. Emphasis is on the normal state of oral health.
• SDM OB 520: Oral Biology 2
  The second-year course in oral biology expands on concepts introduced in the first year. Emphasizes specific oral structures and functions and introduces the biology of oral disease states. Includes a section on clinical nutrition as it relates to systemic diseases and oral health.
• SDM OB 763: Basic Processes in Oral Biology
  This introductory Oral Biology course explores fundamental biological processes at the cellular and molecular levels as they relate to oral and craniofacial health. Topics include gene expression, extracellular matrix dynamics, molecular signaling in craniofacial diseases, tooth development, bone biology, oral stem cells, and the molecular basis of inherited and acquired conditions. The course provides a scientific foundation for understanding the pathogenesis and potential treatment strategies for oral diseases. 1st and 2nd sem.
• SDM OB 766: Oral Immunology & Microbiology
  Immunology section: The purpose of this course is to present material relative to the subject of oral immunobiology. The course will deal with the basics of the immune reaction from a subcellular level to an entire host reaction as they pertain to the etiology and pathogenesis of the disease processes in oral cavity. This course will relate basic science findings to the clinical situations with an emphasis on treatment modalities for delivering clinical care. It is also the purpose of the course to provide an understanding of disease pathogenesis so that an informed basis of therapy can be recommended. Microbiology section: The purpose of this course is to examine the complex microbial ecology of the mouth, with focus on the key microbes involved in dental diseases. The course will include the basic aspects of oral biofilm formation and microbial pathogenicity, with focus on the microbial diversity involved in caries, periodontal and periapical infections. There will be a short analysis of diagnostic microbial identification, as well as treatment modalities. This course will attempt to link microbial clinical problems with basic infectious disease concepts, for a well informed approach to treatment.
• SDM OB 830: Research Writing
  The course introduces the essential elements of scientific writing and describes the fundamental concepts and components of scientific reports and proposals. It provides practical instruction in developing such components, with emphasis on literature searches, data management and journal article summarization. The course also identifies ethical issues in research writing and in the responsible conduct of research, with emphasis on research involving human subjects and vertebrate animals. Through practical exercises, students gain skills in scientific communication and responsible research practices.
• SDM OB 850: Oral Biology Journal Club
  Weekly review and discussion of current pertinent literature in oral biology and related fields. 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th sem.