Biological Foundations. 4.5 Credit Hours

Catalog description

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.