Oral Biology
List of Courses

GMS OB 700 Biostatistics
Introduces the concepts and techniques of biostatistics used in dental research. Emphasizes the fundamentals of statistical logic and presents the basic principles of experimental design, statistical inference, and probability. Examples from current basic sciences research, survey research, and clinical trials augment the presentation of statistical theory. Rose. 2 cr, on demand

GMS OB 761 Oral Microbiology
Distribution, ecology, and pathogenic potential of oral microbiota. Pathogenicity of com-ponents of bacterial plaque and their role in the development of oral diseases. Mechanisms of local and systematic resistance to pathogenic oral microbiota. Hughes. 2 cr, 2nd sem.

GMS OB 763, 764 Basic Processes in Oral Biology
An introductory survey course that examines biological processes at the cellular and molecular levels. Provides a basis to understand the events that regulate inflammation; wound healing; bone formation and resorption; salivary proteins and physiology; tooth development, eruption, and movement; and fluoride action. Graves. 2 cr each, 1st and 2nd sem.

GMS OB 800 Advanced Oral Biology
Prereq: GMS OB 763 and 764; GMS BI 755 and 756. This advanced course will explore in-depth current topics in oral biology research. The format of the course consists primarily of formal didactic lectures, but students will also be challenged to analyze experimental approaches and meth-ods from current literature in a group discussion "journal" club format in which papers from current literature are assigned and discussed. This course is designed to provide students with basic knowledge and to develop critical thinking abilities. Topics will include host molecular, cellular, and genetic bases of periodontal diseases; microbiology of periodontal diseases; molecular events in inflammation, wound healing, and periodontal tissue regeneration; molecular components and function of the periodontal ligament, cementum, and attachment structures; extracellular matrix accumulation and turnover in mineralized and nonmineralized tissues; the etiology and complications of diabetes, with emphasis on oral tissue pathology and mechanisms, biosynthesis and functions of oral mucins, endocrine-dependent periodontal changes, effects of growth factors on periodontal tissues and cells, biosynthesis and structure of salivary proteins, and mechanisms of non-immune antibacterial processes in the oral cavity. Trackman. 4 cr, 1st sem.

GMS OB 805, 806 Oral Biology Seminar
All PhD candidates will attend a weekly seminar series organized by the Ddepartment of Oral Biology. Faculty and invited speakers will give seminars, as will students nearing completion of their thesis research projects. Students will be encouraged to suggest invited speakers. Enrollment in this course will be required for two years (2 credits per semes-ter, for a total of eight credits). All PhD candidates are required to attend all seminars for their entire period of study. Oppenheim. 2 cr each, 1st and 2nd sem.