First Year Course Description

First Quarter


1131 - Dental Biochemistry

A survey of human biochemistry with emphasis on areas of interest to dentists. General topics: structure-function relationships of macromolecules and cellular organelles, enzymology, the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, biochemical genetics, hormones and metabolic regulation, body fluids and acid-base balance, connective tissues and calcification. Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics

 

1132 - Dental Anatomy

Includes a detailed study of the morphological characteristics of the permanent and primary teeth. This study includes the intra-arch and inter-arch relationship of the teeth and the characteristics common in maintaining anatomical form that will promote health of the dental supporting structures. Includes a study of dynamic occlusion, eruption sequence for primary and permanent teeth as well as a study of internal morphology for each tooth. Didactic and laboratory components. Department of Restorative Dentistry

 

1133 - Dentistry I

This course is designed to introduce the student to the history of dentistry as well as many aspects of the profession as it exists today. Lectures introduce students to cariology, periodontology, the scientific method, ethics and professionalism, and behavioral aspects of patient care. Clinic sessions cover screening for oral diseases, preventive techniques, and prophylaxis. Department of Periodontics

 

1134 - Microscopic Anatomy

Structure of body tissues and organs as a basis for understanding function and as a background for studying abnormal structure. Includes detailed study of the microscopic anatomy of the teeth and supportive tissues and the embryologic development of the same structures. Laboratory exercises are used to develop the student's ability in independent observation of microscopic detail. Department of Cell Biology

 

1137 - Operative Dentistry

Operative dentistry, encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and restoration of the disease process of caries. The mechanisms for prevention of the disease process are studied along with diagnosis of caries, with an emphasis on operative technique, instrumentation and materials. Current methods and materials are used for the intracoronal restoration of teeth. Lectures, demonstrations, audiovisuals, and laboratory exercises are utilized to develop a broad base of knowledge and skills. Department of Restorative Dentistry

 

1157 - Preclinical Operative Dentistry

Laboratory component of Operative Dentistry #1137. Department of Restorative Dentistry

 

1167 - Introduction to Occlusion

Presented in the first, second, and third quarters of the freshman year, basic occlusal concepts and procedures are introduced by both laboratory and didactic components. In the fall, the student is familiarized with static and dynamic occlusion, the dental articulator, and functional waxing. Simultaneous with clinical activities in Dentistry II during the winter quarter, related laboratory activities of diagnostic articulator mounting with an arbitrary facebow are presented. Concluding in the spring quarter, static and dynamic concepts of occlusion are applied to occlusal equilibration. Department of Restorative Dentistry

 

Second Quarter

1233 - Dental Gross and Neuroanatomy

Primarily gross anatomy of the head and neck with consideration given to the identification, functions, spatial relationships and clinical significance of important anatomical structures. Subsequent treatment of the gross anatomy of the upper limb, thorax and abdomen. The neuroanatomy portion of the course treats the location and functional significance of the major nuclei and tracts within the central nervous system. Functional deficits resulting from injury/disease to the nervous system are considered. Lectures, laboratories and small group discussions. Department of Cell Biology

 

1234 - Dentistry II

Continuation of Dentistry I (Course #1133). Department of Periodontics

 

1237- Operative Dentistry

This course provides students with the basic knowledge and theory for tooth preparation and restoration using amalgam, resin composite, and cast gold. Current methods and materials for the intracoronal restoration of teeth are presented. Department of Restorative Dentistry

 

1257 - Preclinical Operative Dentistry

This course provides the student with the initial experience in the application of restorative procedures for managing the carious process. As a continuation of the didactic component (course #1237), the student performs a series of simulated clinical exercises utilizing current instrumentation, materials, and techniques. Special emphasis is placed on instrumentation, caries removal, recent advances in pulpal biology, and esthetic dentistry for anterior teeth. Department of Restorative Dentistry

 

1259 - Evidence Based Dental Care

This course provides students with the necessary foundation for literature based learning by introducing basic concepts in epidemiology and biostatistics. Students will be able to identify the various study designs used in dental research and recognize elements of a protocol. They will recognize widely used epidemiological and statistical measures in dental research, calculate and interpret selected measures and begin to identify a problem, collect the necessary literature, and critically evaluate the literature. Department of Oral Biology

 

Third Quarter

1331 - Cariology

This course will introduce students to current concepts of dental caries and their applications to clinical practice. The course presents updated information on prevention of the disease and provides a basis for its clinical management. Department of Pediatric Dentistry

 

1333 - Growth and Development Genetics

This course will provide students fundamental information on growth and development and genetics as it pertains to Clinical Dentistry. In addition, lectures will be provided on the basics of cephalometrics. This is a lecture course. Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry.

 

1335 - Operative Dentistry

Continuation of Operative Dentistry (Course #1137). Department of Restorative Dentistry

 

1337 - Physiology

Function of the major organs and the organ systems (circulatory, respiratory, digestive, nervous, reproductive, excretory) with emphasis on the critical investigative approach. Lectures and informal staff discussions. Department of Physiology and Biophysics

 

1338 - Partial Prosthodontics - Fixed

Introduces fundamental principles and utilizes lectures, demonstrations, and laboratory exercises. Techniques and methods are introduced for the restoration of individual teeth with cast metal, and combination cast metal and ceramic, extracoronal restorations. Replacement of missing teeth with fixed, tooth-supported prostheses is introduced. Current theoretical knowledge, methods, and materials are taught and demonstrated; and, through laboratory exercises, students develop necessary skills. Department of Restorative Dentistry

 

1339 - Preclinical Partial Prosthodontics-Fixed

This course provides the students with basic knowledge, theory, and technical proficiency in various types of single and multiple fixed partial restorations. Current methods and materials are taught and demonstrated; and, through laboratory exercises, students develop essential technical and clinical skills. Department of Restorative Dentistry

 

1350 - Introduction to Biomaterials

In this course, the chemical, physical, mechanical, and surface properties of metallic, ceramic, and polymeric materials are discussed in detail. In addition, the two materials of most interest in the freshman year, amalgams and composite resins, are discussed in regard to their composition, properties and clinical manipulation. Department of Biomaterials

 

1357- Preclinical Operative Dentistry

Laboratory component of Operative Dentistry. Department of Restorative Dentistry

 

1367 - Introduction to Occlusion

Continuation of Introduction to Occlusion (Course #1167). Department of Restorative Dentistry

 

1368 - Space Maintenance in Developing Dentition

This course teaches the fundamental aspects of maintaining space for the developing permanent dentition by carefully preserving dental arch integrity in the primary dentition. Department of Pediatric Dentistry