DSPR 136. Cariology. 1 Unit.

This course in cariology includes development, distribution and determinants, role of fluorides, clinical features, risk assessment, and prevention of caries. The course will enable students to understand the etiology, patho-physiology, and clinical aspects of caries, which will complement the Problem-Based-Learning module, Epidemiology for Clinical Dentistry. In addition, this course will prepare the first-year students for their sealant rotation where they will be observing clinical features of caries in children before placing sealants on appropriate teeth.

DSPR 139. Neoplasia and Genetics. 1 Unit.

Neoplasia and its sequelae are a major healthcare problem in the United States and across the world. I would like dental practitioners and students to have a thorough understanding of and to be articulate in describing the aspects of neoplastic disease, ranging from theory to clinical impact. This understanding rests on familiarity with basic principles of genetics which increasingly is recognized to be implicated in the pathophysiology, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of a variety of diseases not limited to neoplasia. Such knowledge is essential in being able to: confidently and compassionately manage patients; speak comfortably with colleagues in other medical specialties; entertain the possibility of neoplastic disease in the appropriate clinical scenario.

DSPR 232. Periodontics. 1 Unit.

The second-year course in periodontology focuses on the application of basic principles of periodontology in diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. Emphasis is placed on development of clinical skills and diagnosis of periodontal disease in the first half of the course, ending with informal discussion of actual cases. Pre-surgical treatment planning is introduced in the second half of the course to prepare for the third year.

DSPR 234. Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. 3 Units.

The practice of dentistry includes a routine 90-second head and neck exam on all new patients as well as the proper identification and management any and all abnormalities of the oral cavity, salivary glands and jaw bones. In order to confidently and compassionately provide comprehensive care to the dental patient, the dentist must be aware of and qualified in managing diseases native to the oral and maxillofacial regions and systemic or dermatologic diseases with oral and maxillofacial manifestations. Many systemic conditions with oral and maxillofacial manifestations have been taught in your general pathology lectures and will at most be mentioned in passing due to time constraints. You will be introduced to approximately 300 diseases in this course. I want all of you to succeed in this challenging course. Success entails recognizing that oral and maxillofacial pathology is best thought of as a foreign language, and must be learned, practiced and rehearsed as such to achieve mastery and confidence.

DSPR 333. Management of Medical Emergencies. .5 Unit.

The purpose of this course is to comprehensively review the recognition and management of common medical emergency situations that a dentist is likely to encounter in the dental office.

DSPR 341. Oral Diagnosis and Radiology. 2 Units.

The didactic curriculum is aimed at helping the beginning clinician (student) to develop and understand the diagnostic process. It is designed to present to the student a method, a process, by which the common oral problems facing the dental practitioner can be recognized, diagnosed, evaluated and managed.

DSPR 342. Oral Cancer Diagnosis. 1 Unit.

Cancer is a major health problem in the United States and accounts for a significant utilization of health care and research resources. Dentists have professional, ethical and legal responsibilities to recognize the signs and symptoms of oral cancer and render a prompt and accurate diagnosis. Patients with oral cancer have complex treatment needs and the dentist can have a positive impact on the quality of life of such patients. Students of dental medicine should understand the many facets of oral cancer so that they might be able to make a positive contribution to the well being of their patients, especially for those who will develop oral cancer.

DSPR 344. Principles of Medicine. .5 Unit.

The didactic curriculum provides a general background and discussion of the risk assessment of medical conditions in an ever-increasing aging population. Within the setting of out-patient care, as well as those that are hospitalized, patients often present for dental procedures with co-existing medical systemic illness that provide an added challenge to the dental provider. Management of these medical problems within the context of dentistry and medicine will be covered.