ASDO 5000 - Fundamentals of Patient Management 1A

Medical Microbiology and Immunology: This submodule introduces the dental student to the biology of microbes - viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and helminthes - with an emphasis on medical microbiology. Essential microbial physiology, genetics and immunology are presented with medically important microbial infections discussed from the standpoint of etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and prevention.

Oral Microbiology: This submodule introduces dental students to the fundamentals of oral microbiology, with a focus on oral microbial ecology, the dental plaque biofilm, the microbiology of dental caries and periodontal disease, and microbial approaches for preventing oral diseases. This submodule is designed to follow directly from Medical Microbiology and Immunology, and to build directly on the knowledge and concepts learned in those submodules. This submodule is designed to analyze major mechanisms of important oral infectious diseases and the resultant useful and harmful responses of the host. The focus is on understanding underlying processes using key example oral diseases to give depth for evaluating microbial virulence mechanisms. This basic material will help students connect with future basic science and clinical experiences, and locate and evaluate new information concerning past, present and future oral infectious diseases and their treatments. The submodule starts with an overview of oral immunology and microbiology. Then it progresses through an analysis of key oral viral and fungal diseases, followed by oral ecology and biofilms. This is followed by the microbiology of gingivitis, periodontal & endodontic diseases. The submodule ends with the microbiology of dental caries, starting with an examination of basic tooth structure (e.g., hydroxyapatite) as well as saliva composition, and their relationship to lesion development. Key aspects of the microbiology of dental caries, with emphasis on understanding oral biofilms are next addressed. Several important anti-caries therapies, both current and potential, are examined in detail. The submodule emphasizes oral bacterial biofilms and plaque-related microbial diseases.

Craniofacial Embryology: This submodule studies the structure, function and development of the craniofacial complex with emphasis microscopic anatomy of the epithelia, teeth, salivary glands, tongue and tonsils.

Craniofacial Histology: This submodule studies the histology and basic physiology of the integument, connective tissues bone and muscle of the craniofacial complex.

Physiology: This submodule covers the fundamental concepts related to normal physiology that will be covered in greater detail within each body system.

Clinical Pathology: This submodule covers more in depth first the clinical pathology associated with each of the systems discussed in previous submodules and later relates the pathology to their effect on the body systems, oral cavity and oral conditions.

Pharmacology: This submodule integrates and reinforces the basic science material by combining the clinical aspects of the pathology of a certain system, its oral manifestations and dental management with the pharmacological basis for its treatment. Using patient cases to illustrate these concepts, students analyze medical histories to discuss the dental implications of the specific pathology, while emphasizing its pharmacological management. This submodule will also introduce the dental student to the basic concepts and principles of pharmacology with emphasis on drug classes of significance to dentistry.

Metabolism: This submodule presents the biochemical concepts and metabolic pathways involved in basic human systems. It integrates metabolic pathways with concepts of cell biology and physiology by focusing on the function on the pathways, the cellular and organ localization of the pathways, and how they are regulated and coordinated with each other.

Genetics: Given the extensive developments regarding the genetic basis for oral disease, dental genetics is presented to develop a basic understanding of genetics and its link to oral conditions.

Body Systems - Musculoskeletal: This module examines the musculoskeletal and articular systems from a gross anatomical viewpoint focusing on the upper extremities, skull, and vertebral column. Additionally, the cranial nerves will be introduced along with the clinically-relevant gross anatomy of the thorax will be outlined and discussed. By necessity of the topic, some human physiology will also be discussed where necessary.

Body Systems - Hematology: The histology, function and clinical application of blood and its components are presented in this module. Immune functions of blood will be detailed in a subsequent module.

Body Systems - Endocrinology: The endocrine system presents the first organ-centric system. The basic anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and clinical applications of the endocrine systems are presented.

Body Systems - Cardiovascular: This module will cover core principles in the complexities of the cardiovascular system in its various roles (maintenance of cardiac output, mean arterial pressure, hemostasis; and the pathophysiology of cardiovascular system disease, etc.). A core knowledge base will be presented and problem solving skills, information retrieval skills, and teamwork will be encouraged.

Body Systems - Respiratory: This module will cover the principles of the respiratory system with its functions (blood gases and exchange of materials with tissues; pathophysiology of respiration and pulmonary disease, etc.).

Dental System - Dental Anatomy: Discussion of the morphology and nomenclature of individual teeth of the primary and permanent dentition, as well as eruption patterns. External and internal crown and root morphology of both the permanent and primary dentitions will be presented.

Dental System - Head & Neck Anatomy: This module is a comprehensive treatment of the clinical gross anatomy of the head and neck as well as a detailed discussion of the cranial nerves applicable to the practice of dentistry.