OPTH 725 Caries

Credits: 2
This course is designed to acquaint the student with the scientific basis of caries development, diagnosis, and treatment. This basic material will help students connect with future Pathology, Restorative, and clinical courses, and help students locate and evaluate new information concerning past, present and future dental caries knowledge. The focus is on understanding underlying processes. The course starts with an examination of basic tooth structure (e.g., hydroxyapatite) as well as saliva composition & function, and their relationship to lesion development. Key aspects of the microbiology of dental caries, with emphasis on understanding oral biofilms are also addressed. Several important anti-caries therapies, both current and potential, are examined in detail. Special emphasis is given to fluoride and its effects on tooth structure, resistance to caries, and fluorosis. Finally, correlation of course material with current (and future) clinical and research practices is done.

Graded: Pass/No pass
May be taken only once for credit