Biochemistry is designed for dental majors and clinically‐oriented, public health science majors. The course provides students with an in‐depth comprehension of the basic science and biochemical aspects of biological systems upon which clinical judgments will eventually be made and upon which additional life‐long learning of dental health can be achieved. 4.0 credits.

The overall objective of this course is to enable students to understand the basic principles of human physiology as it relates to the practice of dentistry. It will be taught to cover the functions of mammalian organisms on several levels including; organ system, organ, cellular and subcellular levels. Aside from biological content, students should begin to understand critical analysis of logical information as a gateway to clinical management of patients. Students should come away understanding not only the normal function of the organs in health but also as a gateway to understanding the impact of pathological conditions. Secondly, they should be able to begin to understand the effect of commonly used drugs on organ systems. 6.0 credits.

Histology is the study of microscopic anatomy and the interrelationship between structure and function. The integrated perspective that you will gain in Histology and Anatomy will reinforce foundational concepts (from a structural perspective) gained from courses taught previously in the curriculum (Biochemistry, Microbiology and Physiology). 3.0 credits.

A course of dissection of the human body identifying structure and function of the body. including lectures, labs and clinical correlations to relate the details of body systems in form and function. This course also includes neuroanatomy primarily of the cranial nerves and major ascending and descending pathways. 3.5 credits.

A course of dissection of the human body with special emphasis on head and neck anatomy including lectures, labs and clinical correlations to relate the details of head and neck anatomy to clinical dentistry. 2.5 credits.

This course will include the principles of physical (body) development with a particular focus on the mechanisms of pre‐ and post‐natal craniofacial development. Emphasis will be directed to the growth and development of the mandible, maxilla, temporomandibular joint, teeth and supporting structures. Cranial base, vault and soft tissue components of the maturational processes will be presented in terms of clinical relevance. This course will provide background information to first year students as preparation for later courses and mastery of topics for successful completion of the National Board Examination. 1.0 credit.

This course will present first year dental students with an introduction to the concepts and application of ethical thinking and decision‐making in all stages and aspects of their dental careers. After learning the basics of ethics, it is intended that students should develop their “ethical prisms” from which they can view any situation that they encounter and respond in the appropriate fashion. A progression will be developed as ethical issues in general will be covered, followed by ethical issues of students, followed by ethical issues specific to dental students, and finally, ethical issues related to dental practitioners. The ethical issues of the dental practitioners will be covered in all aspects, including those related to patients, staff, and society. Additionally, an introduction to professionalism and jurisprudence will be presented, giving the dental students a background that they can build upon as they develop their clinical experiences. A review of pertinent laws and regulations and the responsibilities of the dental provider to both individual patients and society will take place. 1.0 credit.

This course introduces the development and application of epidemiologic methods in understanding, addressing, and analyzing issues relevant to oral health. Students will become familiar with principles and concepts in epidemiology through lectures, discussions, assigned readings, and exercises. Students are given the opportunity to acquire an understanding of epidemiologic principles and concepts, the vocabulary of epidemiology, methods of epidemiologic investigation, basic research design, and interpretation and evaluation of epidemiologic research. 0.5 credit.

This course introduces the discipline of biostatistics and how to understand approaches to analyzing data and interpreting results. Students will become familiar with principles and concepts in basic biostatistics through lectures, discussions, assigned readings, and exercises. Students are given the opportunity to acquire an understanding of bio statistical principles and concepts, the vocabulary of biostatistics, methods of data analysis and interpretation and evaluation of presented evidence. 0.5 credit.

Dental Anatomy and Occlusion is a preclinical course comprised of a lecture series designed to familiarize the first-year student with anatomical characteristics of the human oral cavity. External and internal crown and root morphology of both the primary and permanent dentition are discussed. Emphasis is placed on form and function as well as occluding tooth surfaces. Proper Waxing technique to restore ideal occlusion and understand the range of motion in the oral cavity. 2.0 credits.

Dental Anatomy and Occlusion is a preclinical course comprised of a Laboratory series designed to familiarize the first-year student with anatomical characteristics of the human oral cavity. External and internal crown and root morphology of both the primary and permanent dentition are discussed. Emphasis is placed on form and function as well as occluding tooth surfaces. Proper Waxing technique to restore ideal occlusion and understand the range of motion in the oral cavity. 1.5 credits.

This is a lecture series that is designed to introduce the first-year student to the basic theory and techniques used in Operative Dentistry. The study of the physical properties, manipulation, and chemistry of the dental materials utilized is included. Emphasis is placed on preservation of tooth structure from further destruction by dental disease. Technical skills used in the placement of composite resin and amalgam restorations are developed. The lectures are coordinated with the lab session in Preclinic Operative Dentistry I, and as such, some dates in the schedule have no lectures (as shown in the Lecture Session schedule). 2.0 credits.

This is laboratory course. It is designed to introduce the first-year student to the basic theory and techniques used in Operative Dentistry. Emphasis is placed on preservation of tooth structure from further destruction by dental disease. Technical skills used in the placement of composite resin and amalgam restorations are developed. The lectures are coordinated with the lecture series in Preclinic Operative Dentistry I. 2.0 credits.

This didactic course covers radiation physics, radiation biology, radiation safety/protection, imaging theory, dental and maxillofacial radiographic techniques, interpretation of normal structures, and understanding common disease processes. 2.0 credits.

This laboratory course is a continuation of Preclinic Operative Dentistry I. The course is designed to continue the development of understanding the basic theory and techniques used in Operative Dentistry. Complex preparations used for the placement of composite resin and amalgam restorations are further developed. The course includes the tooth preparations for ceramic inlay, onlay and veneers, as well as gold onlay preparations, and the fabrication provisional restorations. The lectures are coordinated with the lecture series in Preclinic Operative Dentistry II. 2.0 credits.

Note: Successful completion of Preclinic Operative Dentistry I is a prerequisite for this course.

This is a lecture series is a continuation of Preclinic Operative Lecture I. The course is designed to continue the development of understanding the basic theory and techniques used in Operative Dentistry. The principles and theory of complex preparations used for the placement of composite resin and amalgam restorations are discussed. Additionally, the principles and rationale for the use of liners and bases for pulp protection are discussed. The principles and specifics of tooth preparations for ceramic inlay, onlay and veneers, as well as gold onlay preparations, and the fabrication of their provisional restorations are presented in coordination with the laboratory exercises in Preclinic Operative Dentistry II. 2.0 credits.

Note: Successful completion of Preclinic Operative Dentistry Lecture I is a prerequisite for this course.

This course is a general overview of dentistry. The history and evolution of modern dentistry will be discussed. The student will learn the structures and naming conventions of the teeth and the oral environment. There will be an overview of different areas of dental care. The scope and direction of each specialty will be discussed. Lecturers from each specialty will go through treatment goals for their respective specialties. 1.0 credit.

This course is a lecture course on the theory design and fabrication of removable dentures. The course will cover both partial and complete dentures. Design theory and occlusion will be a focus to ensure the students will be able to construct a restoration that is comfortable and functional for the patient. Implant overdentures will also be discussed to stabilize a prosthesis. 1.0 credit.

This course is a Laboratory course on the theory, design and fabrication of removable dentures. The course will cover both partial and complete dentures. Design theory and occlusion will be a focus to ensure the students will be able to construct a restoration that is comfortable and functional for the patient. Implant overdentures will also be discussed to stabilize a prosthesis. Student will learn custom tray techniques, Impression techniques and all processed need to fabricate the dentures. 1.0 credit.