Behavioral Science Education

These courses provide the student with an understanding of oral health, oral plaque biofilm, saliva, oral-systemic disease, and the fundamental epidemiology, etiology, pathology and risk-based prevention associated with the most common oral diseases: dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancer. The role of the dentist in identifying and managing anxious patients, patient-centered and culturally effective care, patient health education and compliance, and the role of nutrition in a patient's overall and oral health are discussed. Lectures are supplemented with case studies to prepare the student to develop preventive strategies for both preventive and restorative treatments.

Credits: 1 credit each

This course introduces dental students to communication and self-care skills. Topics include relationship and communication skills, rapport with patients and colleagues, stress and time management skills, and ethical considerations.

Credits: 1.0

Dental Ethics and Professionalism uses a case-based approach to clinical ethical reasoning and examination of ethical issues and dilemmas in the dental care setting. The course also addresses expectations for professional behavior among dental practitioners.

Credits: 0.5 credit each

Dental Ethics Grand Rounds involves a series of large case study analyses through self-study, small group discussion, and in-class discussion.

Credits: 0.5 credit each