Dental Education Programs

An overview of the structure and function of the body, starting with the basic tissues, organs, and organic systems; followed by the mechanisms of disease with emphasis on the head and neck region. (Spring)

Recognition and clinical experience of systemic emergencies. Comprehensive study of the physiological, toxicological, and therapeutic effects of drugs on living organisms, with emphasis on their rational application in the treatment of disease. Content includes discussions of drugs that are widely prescribed by physicians and dentists. (Fall)

An overview of the diseases of the human body including basic cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems, with specific emphasis on diseases of the face and mouth. (Spring)

An overview of microbiological aspects of health and disease, with emphasis on current infection control protocol. (Fall)

These courses [Dental Materials I and II] are designed to acquaint the student with the basic mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of dental materials and the effect of manipulation procedures on those properties. The exact role of properties in the usage and behavior of materials is stressed. Also, biological considerations are covered. (Spring)

These courses [Dental Materials I and II] are designed to acquaint the student with the basic mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of dental materials and the effect of manipulation procedures on those properties. The exact role of properties in the usage and behavior of materials is stressed. Also, biological considerations are covered. (Summer I)

Etiology of prevalent oral diseases and their prevention, with particular emphasis on plaque, plaque control, and fluorides. The effects of major nutrients on the physiologic body processes; applied nutrition in dental caries and periodontal disease. (Spring)

Clinical experience in the placing, exposing, processing, evaluating, and mounting of intraoral and extraoral dental radiographs. Practical application of radiation safety measures is required in the clinical setting. (Spring/Summer I)

An introduction to psychology applicable in the dental office, emphasizing communication and personal relationships; the role of the dental assistant as seen by the dentist, office personnel, and patient. Attitude, personality, motivation, and habit formation are discussed from a dental perspective. (Summer I)

Instruction and practice in gathering and organizing material for written and oral presentation. Individual and group projects in communication, including table clinic posters and professional articles for presentation and/or publication. (Summer I)

A core course in dental nomenclature; historical developments in dentistry; role of assistant as member of the dental health team; dental specialties; charting the mouth; identification and utilization of instruments and equipment; principles of dental procedures and instrument transfer. (Fall)

Clinical chairside experience in extramural assignments with a seminar to provide opportunities for students to share experiences. (Spring/Summer I)

Study of legal and ethical aspects of dentistry. Dental practice management in reception procedures, appointment control, clinical and financial records, purchasing, and inventory control. Preparation of a resume, letter of application, and interviewing techniques. (Summer I)

A study of the morphology, structure, and function of deciduous and permanent teeth and their surrounding tissues, with laboratory procedures, including the identification and reproduction of tooth forms by viewing representative teeth. An introduction to the osteology of the maxilla and mandible, the nerve and vascular supply of teeth, the muscles of mastication, and the anatomy of the temporomandibular joint. (Fall)

A study of the histological aspects of the tooth and periodontium. Also a brief study of the embryologic development of the face and teeth. (Spring/Summer I)

An overview of the dental specialties with emphasis on the dental personnel's role within each of the dental specialties. (Fall/Spring)

Through didactic instruction, the student will learn the principles of radiation protection, theories of radiographic image formation, chemistry of film processing, radiation hygiene, and interpretation of processed radiographs. The laboratory portion of the course will include the practical application of exposure and processing techniques. (Fall)