Human Health and Disease (DHHD)

DHHD 5001. Foundations of Tooth Development, Oral Health and Dental Disease. 3.5 Credit Hours.

HHD 1 (Foundations of Tooth Development, Oral Health and Dental Disease) provides dental students with foundational knowledge in tooth development, cariology, and oral health. Students learn about fundamental biology and the growth and development of the oral cavity and explore genetic and other abnormalities in tooth development, structure, and pathology by combining key concepts from histology, cell and molecular biology, microbiology, and cariology. The histology of connective tissues, bone, epithelium, enamel, dentin, and cementum, and the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive odontogenesis are discussed. The epidemiology, microbiology, and evidence-based treatment of dental caries are presented. Finally, risk-assessment and risk-based prevention for oral diseases are introduced including the importance of good oral hygiene, a healthy diet, use of topical fluorides, and appropriate usage of silver diamine fluoride. Registration for this course requires enrollment as a DS1 student.

DHHD 5002. Craniofacial Complex. 6.5 Credit Hours.

The overall goal of HHD 2 (Craniofacial Complex) is to insure that the student develops a solid foundation and fundamental understanding of the basic sciences related to the head and neck regions of the body. This course integrates basic concepts of human macroscopic and microscopic anatomy, neuroscience, embryology, physiology, growth and development, pharmacology and radiology of the head and neck as they relate to the clinical practice of dentistry. Registration for this course requires to be enrolled as a DS1 student. Course Fees: Human Materials: $1,246 Gross Anatomy Lab: $30.

DHHD 5003. Periodontium and Pulp. 4.5 Credit Hours.

HHD 3 (Periodontium and Pulp) provides a comprehensive foundation in the biology, pathology, and clinical management of the periodontium and dental pulp by integrating principles from periodontics, immunology, microbiology, pharmacology, and endodontics. The appearance and functions of clinically normal tissues is contrasted to tissues affected by disease. Students learn basic therapies for periodontal and endodontic conditions and management of patients typically treated in a general practice. Students learn periodontal and pulpal diagnostic methods and diagnoses, non-surgical treatment of disease, and assessment of treatment outcomes. Pharmacologic foundations in analgesics, local anesthetics, and management of medically compromised patients support clinical decision-making. Case-based learning further reinforces diagnosis, treatment planning, and comprehensive management of periodontal and endodontic conditions, and appropriate referrals. Registration for this course requires enrollment as a DS1 student.

DHHD 5004. Biological Foundations. 4.5 Credit Hours.

HHD 4 (Biological Foundations) introduces first year dental students to the fundamental biologic principles and processes that influence wellness and how and why people get sick. These principles provide a platform for exploration of normal and abnormal functions of human organ systems during the second year of the curriculum. This course offers an integrated overview of the cellular, molecular, genetic, immunologic, and infectious mechanisms underlying human disease, with a strong emphasis on oral manifestations and clinical relevance. Students study cell injury and repair, neoplasia, genetic disorders, and foundational immunology. Topics include immune deficiencies, hypersensitivity reactions, autoimmune disease, and transplant biology. The pharmacology of cancer therapies, immunosuppressants, analgesics, and antifungals/antivirals are discussed. The curriculum also covers key bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens and their oral presentations, including HIV-related disease. Throughout the course, clinical correlations and case-based discussions reinforce the application of basic science concepts to diagnosis and management of complex oral and systemic conditions. Registration for this course requires enrollment as a DS1 student.

DHHD 6005. Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Systems. 3.5 Credit Hours.

During DHHD 6005 (Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Systems), second year dental students learn the cardiovascular and pulmonary problems spanning anatomical prosection, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and clinical management with direct relevance to dental practice. Emphasis is placed on the normal physiological functions of the heart and the lung, the pathophysiological basis of concurrent cardiac and/or respiratory diseases, and the usual medical management, including pharmacological therapies, for these conditions. Students learn the implications of pathophysiological changes and associated medical managements for dental care, and the appropriate dental management considerations for patients with cardiac and/or respiratory diseases. Diagnosis and management of obstructive sleep apnea is discussed with emphasis on dental sleep appliances in appropriate cases. Case studies reinforce application of physiologic, pathologic, and pharmacologic concepts to patient care. Successful completion of all DS I courses is required to enroll in this course.

DHHD 6006. Renal, Gastrointestinal & Liver. 2.5 Credit Hours.

During DHHD 6006 (Renal, Gastrointestinal and Liver), second year dental students learn the disorders in these systems that are related and relevant to dental care. Emphasis is placed on the normal physiological functions of the kidneys, components of the gastrointestinal system and the liver and gall bladder, the pathophysiological basis of diseases and abnormalities that occur in these systems, and contemporary medical management, including pharmacological therapies, for these conditions. Students learn the implications of pathophysiological changes and associated medical management for dental care, and the appropriate dental management considerations for patients with renal, gastrointestinal, liver and gall bladder diseases. Anatomical prosection labs reinforce system-level understanding, while case studies integrate physiologic principles with evidence-based management of patients with these conditions. Successful Completion of all DS I courses is required to enroll in this course.

DHHD 6007. Hematopoietic / Lymphoid and Musculoskeletal Systems; Orofacial Pain. 3 Credit Hours.

During DHHD 6007 (Hematopoietic / Lymphoid and Musculoskeletal Systems), second year dental students learn the disorders in these systems that are related and relevant to dental care. Emphasis is placed on the normal physiological functions of these systems, the pathophysiological basis of diseases and abnormalities that occur in these systems, and contemporary medical management, including pharmacological therapies, for these conditions. Students learn the implications of pathophysiological changes and associated medical management for dental care, and the appropriate dental management considerations for patients with hematopoietic / lymphoid and musculoskeletal diseases and disorders. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on recognizing oral manifestations and applying safe, evidence-based dental management strategies. Case-based learning reinforces clinical decision-making for patients with hematologic, lymphoid, coagulation, and musculoskeletal diseases. The diagnosis and management of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw is also emphasized in this course. Successful Completion of all DS I courses is required to enroll in this course.

DHHD 6008. Endocrine, Reproductive, Nervous System and Mental Health. 4 Credit Hours.

This course provides students with an integrated exploration of the endocrine, reproductive, and nervous systems, emphasizing physiology, common disorders, pharmacology, and dental management. Students examine endocrine function and aging, diabetes mellitus, reproductive system physiology, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases, along with pharmacologic interventions and related dental considerations. Nervous system physiology, nervous system disorders, mental health disorders, and respective pharmacologic management are also covered, highlighting safe and effective dental care for patients with these conditions. This course also includes the pathophysiology of pain and comprehensive discussion of orofacial pain disorders of neuropathic and neurovascular origin, emphasizing principles of diagnosis and management including pharmacotherapy and appropriate referrals. Case studies reinforce the application of foundational science and pharmacology to clinical decision-making and individualized patient management. Successful completion of all DS I courses is required to enroll in this course. Successful completion of all DS1 courses is required.

DHHD 6009. Advanced Head & Neck/Oral. 3.5 Credit Hours.

DHHD 6009 (Advanced Head & Neck/Oral) provides students with an overview of the basic structure and function of salivary glands, mucosa, and skin. The clinical appearance of common diseases and tumors, along with the medical management of disorders seen in these tissues, will be reviewed. A discussion of common odontogenic cysts and tumors will be discussed. Case exercises will be used to present dental management considerations for salivary gland diseases, soft tissue tumors, mucosa and skin disorders, and odontogenic cysts and tumors. Successful completion of all DS I courses is required to enroll in this course.

DHHD 6010. Patient-Centered Oral Health Care: Behavioral and Evidence-Based Dentistry. 3 Credit Hours.

DHHD 6010 (Patient-Centered Oral Health Care) provides dental students with learning experiences in important components of professional practice that support students' capacity to deliver evidence-based and patient-centered oral health care. Specifically, dental students learn and apply foundational principles of evidence-based clinical decision-making and strategies that promote patient-centered and respectful, individualized health care. In addition, students examine key topics in dental public health, including population-based strategies for promoting oral health. Successful Completion of all DS I courses is required to enroll in this course.