Preventive and Restorative Dentistry (PRD)

PRD 130. IPS I Concepts: Dental Anatomy. 2 Units.

This course will be an introduction to dental anatomy covering human dentition and providing dental students with basic knowledge and foundation required in practicing restorative dentistry. Dental anatomy will start with introduction to terminology and concepts related to teeth morphology, will cover anterior and posterior permanent dentition including incisors, canines, premolars and molars anatomy in comprehensive details, emphasizing set, arch, class and type traits. A comprehensive introduction to basic concepts of occlusion including temporomandibular joint anatomy, muscles of mastrication, angles classification and ideal occlusion in maximum intercuspation. Laboratory section is concentrated on hand skills and designed to guide students in application of knowledge and concepts through wax-ups. Students will be demonstrating their proficiency through regular assessments including but not limited to quizzes, final exams, class projects, tooth ID and practical examinations. (Quarters 1-2.).

PRD 131. IPS I: Operative Dentistry Concepts. 6 Units.

This course introduces students to the disease processes that lead to loss of tooth structure. Disease processes such as caries, trauma and erosive tooth wear will be introduced to students along with concepts on diagnosis, risk assessment and disease management. Direct restorative preparation designs will be taught in relation to dental materials used such as composite resins and dental amalgams. (Quarters 1-3.).

PRD 132. IPS I: Fixed Prosthodontics Concepts. 6 Units.

Students will learn the concepts and technique necessary for beginning clinical practice of Indirect Restorative (Fixed Prosthodontics). At the end of the course, the student should understand the diagnosis and treatment planning for patients requiring indirect restorative dentistry including the rationale and criteria for each restoration. Preparation design principles for crown and bridge, provisionalization and delivery of indirect restorations will be taught. Students will also have an initial exposure to digital dentistry. (Quarters 1-3.).

PRD 137. Local Anesthesia. 1-2 Units.

Students review basic anesthesia delivery techniques and apply them to a clinical situation. Students will learn new injection technique and how to overcome difficulties in mandibular anesthesia. In the self-study component, students will conduct independent research and summarize their findings in writing. (Quarter 4).

PRD 145. IPS I Technique: Dental Anatomy. 3 Units.

This course will be an introduction to dental anatomy covering human dentition and providing dental students with basic knowledge and foundation required in practicing restorative dentistry. Dental anatomy will start with introduction to terminology and concepts related to teeth morphology, will cover anterior and posterior permanent dentition including incisors, canines, premolars and molars anatomy in comprehensive details, emphasizing set, arch, class and type traits. A comprehensive introduction to basic concepts of occlusion including temporomandibular joint anatomy, muscles of mastrication, angles classification and ideal occlusion in maximum intercuspation. Laboratory section is concentrated on hand skills and designed to guide students in application of knowledge and concepts through wax-ups. Students will be demonstrating their proficiency through regular assessments including but not limited to quizzes, final exams, class projects, tooth ID and practical examinations. (Quarters 1-2.).

PRD 146. IPS I: Operative Dentistry Technique. 9 Units.

This course teaches students to prepare teeth for Class I, II, III, IV and V cavity preparations for filling with amalgam and composite restorative materials. Students are taught a range of techniques depending on the extent of caries, from minimally invasive to traditional amalgam preparations. Other subjects covered include the use of liners, matricing systems, and buildup materials. Students work in the simulation clinic on plastic typodont teeth in a mannequin and are evaluated with technique practical examinations.

PRD 147. IPS I: Fixed Prosthodontics Technique. 10 Units.

Students learn laboratory skills to simulate reconstructive dentistry procedures as they relate to a "family" of patient cases. Starting with dental anatomy wax ups and all-ceramic preparations and progressing through PFM and gold and partial coverage restorations, an emphasis is on conservation of tooth structure and maintaining or enhancing esthetics. Students learn single and multiple tooth rehabilitation as projects increase in complexity throughout the year and culminate in treatment planning in preparation for digital dentistry (CAD/CAM). Ample time is spent on the adhesive protocols for cementation. Related topics addressed are post and core replacement, laboratory skills, and general dental procedures such as impression taking and model work.

PRD 148. Clinical Translation of Preclinical Concepts I. 1 Unit.

This course is delivered in a small group hands-on format focusing on concepts and techniques that would prepare students to start patient care. Acquisition of digital impressions using intraoral scanners and creating patient models using 3D printers will be introduced in the course. Students will also gain hands-on experience using additional digital technology for patient care such as photography and intra-oral cameras. Foundational esthetic concepts such as shade selection and fabrication of whitening trays will also be introduced.

PRD 149. Clinical Translation of Preclinical Concepts II. 1 Unit.

This course is delivered in a small group hands-on format focusing on concepts and techniques that would prepare students to start patient care. This course focuses on the aspects of clinical care that deals with oral diagnosis and treatment planning. Students will apply treatment planning principles using case-based discussions relative to preventive and restorative treatment planning. Students will also obtain alginate impressions on each other and review principles of mounting the models on an articulator as a diagnostic record. Communication with the laboratory will be introduced. Students will also apply foundational concepts in restorative dentistry to a clinical situation through a simulated exercise.

PRD 151. Integrated Preclinical Concepts I: Capstone. 2 Units.

As a component of the Integrated Preclinical Preventive and Restorative Dentistry curriculum, students learn how to treat an integrated Posterior Restorative case and an Anterior Restorative case. Students are introduced to the concepts of a Smile Design, Esthetic wax-up, Core build-up, Lithium Disilicate crown prep, provisional and a final impression of each case. All-ceramic restorations are emphasized in later weeks with an emphasis on conservation of tooth structure and maintaining or enhancing esthetics is woven through all projects. Cases increase in complexity throughout the quarter and treatment planning accompanies all projects. Ample time is spent on the adhesive protocols for Restoration Cementation. Related topics included in this component are Post and Core placement, laboratory skills, general dental procedures such as Impression-taking and model work and shade selection in Restorative Dentistry. Lithium-Disilicate veneer preps and provisional restorations are also taught during this course. Finally, an integrated OSCE-type multiple-choice exam is given to help evaluate student competency in the concepts of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry. (Quarter 4).

PRD 155. Integrated Preclinical Technique I: Capstone. 2-3 Units.

As a component of the Integrated Preclinical Preventive and Restorative Dentistry curriculum, students will be evaluated on their mastery of laboratory skills and simulation of Restorative Procedures presented in this course. Cases increase in complexity throughout the quarter and treatment planning accompanies all projects. Students simulate the treatment of an integrated Posterior and Anterior case utilizing the principles and techniques taught in the Dental Anatomy, Direct and Indirect Restorative Dentistry courses in Quarter One through Three. Students perform a Smile Design on their simulated patient, prepare teeth #6-11 for Lithium Disilicate Porcelain Veneers and create Provisional (temporary) Restorations. An All-ceramic Onlay preparation and Provisional are also fabricated. A Restoration shade exercise is completed. During the last week of this course, the students remove the dental material Gutta-Percha, from an endodontically-treated tooth, create a post space and cement a Fiber Post utilizing the Prelude Bonding System and Rock-core build-up material. (Quarter 4).

PRD 172. Fundamentals and Application of Local Anesthesia. 2 Units.

In this course students will learn and apply basic techniques and fundamentals of local anesthesia, and discuss mandibular and maxillary difficulties in anesthesia and pain management. Knowledge gained in this course will help students appropriately apply current anesthesia concepts to general dentistry.

PRD 173. IPS I: Operative Dentistry and Fixed Prosthodontics Concepts. 8 Units.

This course introduces students to operative dentistry, dental anatomy, occlusion, and fixed prosthodontics in a comprehensive, integrated format with an emphasis on clinical applications. Foundational knowledge of direct and indirect restorative materials is presented. Indications and principles of preparations for restoring teeth with amalgam and composite resins, including techniques for placement of these direct restorations are introduced. Additionally, correct ergonomics for a dental practitioner, hand piece techniques, rubber dam application and tooth morphology are covered. Sequencing treatment is incorporated through the use of simulated clinical patient cases. Clinical photography with a hands-on training session is taught. The rationale and criteria for full cast gold and ceramic crowns, including the preparation designs for individual teeth and fixed partial dentures is introduced. Traditional and digital impression techniques and provisional fabrications are also taught. Emphasis is placed on the development of hand skills and self-evaluation of the student’s own work. Development of critical thinking skills is achieved through a literature review project. (IDS Quarters 1 & 2.).

PRD 174. IPS I: Advanced Restorative Dentistry Concepts. 2 Units.

The second course of the series continues with the integration of the disciplines of operative dentistry, fixed prosthodontics, and removable prosthodontics. Advanced restorative procedures, direct and indirect esthetic posterior restorations, and anterior esthetic reconstruction by creating a smile design and fabricating indirect porcelain veneers are covered. Advanced concepts in occlusion are introduced using wax up projects. Complex multi-disciplinary simulated cases are introduced where treatment planning and sequencing is reinforced. Digital dentistry advanced concepts such as CAD/CAM and Lasers are introduced to the students, which includes hands-on training sessions. Placement of fiber posts on an endodontically treated tooth is covered. Emphasis is placed on the student’s ability to apply principles taught in the first two quarters to simulated clinical situations. (IDS Quarter 3.).

PRD 175. IPS I: Operative Dentistry and Fixed Prosthodontics Technique. 11 Units.

This course introduces students to operative dentistry, dental anatomy, occlusion, and fixed prosthodontics in a comprehensive, integrated format with an emphasis on clinical applications. Foundational knowledge of direct and indirect restorative materials is presented. Indications and principles of preparations for restoring teeth with amalgam and composite resins, including techniques for placement of these direct restorations are introduced. Additionally, correct ergonomics for a dental practitioner, hand piece techniques, rubber dam application and tooth morphology are covered. Sequencing treatment is incorporated through the use of simulated clinical patient cases. Clinical photography with a hands-on training session is taught. The rationale and criteria for full cast gold and ceramic crowns, including the preparation designs for individual teeth and fixed partial dentures is introduced. Traditional and digital impression techniques and provisional fabrications are also taught. Emphasis is placed on the development of hand skills and self-evaluation of the student’s own work. (IDS Quarters 1 & 2.).

PRD 176. IPS I: Advanced Restorative Dentistry Technique. 6 Units.

The second course of the series continues with the integration of the disciplines of operative dentistry, fixed prosthodontics, and removable prosthodontics. Advanced restorative procedures, direct and indirect esthetic posterior restorations, and anterior esthetic reconstruction by creating a smile design and fabricating indirect porcelain veneers are covered. Advanced concepts in occlusion are introduced using wax up projects. Complex multi-disciplinary simulated cases are introduced where treatment planning and sequencing is reinforced. Digital dentistry advanced concepts such as CAD/CAM and Lasers are introduced to the students, which includes hands-on training sessions. Placement of fiber posts on an endodontically treated tooth is covered. Emphasis is placed on the student’s ability to apply principles taught in the first two quarters to simulated clinical situations. (IDS Quarter 3.).

PRD 230. Integrated Preclinical Concepts II: Removable Prosthodontics. 2 Units.

This didactic course provides students with the foundational knowledge in removable prosthodontics needed to build a strong foundation for critical assessment, evidence-based practice, and lifelong learning in the dental profession. Formative and summative assessment will be used frequently to appraise students’ grasp of principles related to the partially edentulous and fully edentulous patient. Course material includes the full scope of removable prosthodontic treatment for partially and completely edentulous patients, including patho-physiology of tooth loss; diagnosis and treatment planning for transitional and definitive removable dentures; fabrication of partial and complete dentures; follow-up, recall, and problem- solving for patients with removable dentures. (Quarters 5 & 6, IDS Quarters 1 & 2).

PRD 231. Integrated Preclinical Concepts II:: Occlusion. 1-2 Units.

This course is part of the Integrated Preclinical Transition for second year DDS students and provides a broad overview of occlusion combined with an occlusion philosophy for the students to utilize as “safe beginners” in the student clinic and upon graduation. The curriculum is designed to develop the students’ occlusal awareness and for students to know when to refer more complex occlusal problems. The concept of “optimal occlusion” is taught as a model to utilize when designing new restorations and larger restorative cases. Topics include temporomandibular joint and muscle anatomy, anterior guidance, occlusal exam and TMJ analysis, inter-occlusal records, centric relation and taking a centric relation record, VPS final impression, marking media, mandibular movements, red flags, parafunction and levers, splint types, esthetic and functional wax-up, posterior wax-up, the smile design process, custom incisal guide table and occlusal equilibration. (Quarter 5).

PRD 232. Integrated Preclinical Concepts II: Implant Dentistry. 1 Unit.

The concepts part of the pre-clinical Implant Dentistry course will focus on introducing implant dentistry in a streamlined fashion to the pre-doctoral students. Lecture topics will include Introduction to Implants, Diagnostic Regimen, Biomechanics of Loading, Virtual Imaging, Soft Tissue and Hard tissue grafting for esthetics, Restorative Armamentaria, Implant Delivery and Maintenance, Implant Complications and Implants for Edentulous patients. The OSCE will facilitate critical thinking and integrate content from Occlusion. (Quarter 6, IDS Quarter 2).

PRD 235. Integrated Preclinical Technique II: Removable Prosthodontics. 5 Units.

In this course, students develop laboratory and clinical skills as related to removable prosthodontics. In the partially edentulous patient, students will gain technical experience with tooth replacement with a removable prosthesis. Students will apply biomechanical principles and fundamentals of survey and prosthesis design, including base, clasp, rest, minor connector, and major connector designs. For edentulous patients and those patients with hopeless dentition, students will learn the basic clinical and laboratory phases of complete denture fabrication including diagnosis, pre-prosthetic surgery, tissue conditioning, impression, cast fabrication, record base/rim, occlusal records, chair-side esthetic arrangement, articulator mounting, anterior artificial tooth arrangement, trial denture try-in, denture processing and finishing, denture insertion, prosthetic home care patient education, and prosthetic follow-up and recall, including reline/repair and laboratory communication. Students will prescribe optimal clinical materials to be used in prosthesis fabrication and diagnose biomechanical problems from simulated case scenarios. (Quarters 5 & 6, IDS Quarters 1 & 2).

PRD 236. Integrated Preclinical Technique II: Occlusion. 2 Units.

This course is part of the Integrated Preclinical Transition for second year DDS students and provides the laboratory and clinic technique knowledge, supporting the concepts learned in PRD 231. This course focuses on treatment of the dentate patient. Students gain clinical experience working on a partner in occlusal exam and TMJ analysis, centric relation record, PVS final impression and the Kois Dento-Facial Analyzer record. The students will gain knowledge in centric relation vs maximum intercuspation theories. Other learned techniques include the rehearsal of a smile design, a custom incisive guide table, and an occlusal adjustment from CR to MI. Students gain clinical experience in occlusal principals working and record collection on student partners. During this course, each student will participate in the clinical delivery of an occlusal stabilization splint. (Quarters 5-6.).

PRD 237. Integrated Preclinical Technique II: Implant Dentistry. 1 Unit.

The technique part of the course will focus on lab exercises that will train the students to be competent in treating implant patients on the clinic floor. They will learn to surgically place an anterior and a posterior implant on a plastic model, learn the significance of a surgical stent and fabricate a surgical stent, learn to take closed and open tray impressions for implants, learn to fabricate a screw retained implant temporary crown and learn to convert a lower complete denture into an Overdenture. The students will learn the format for the Implant Seminar for single and multiple teeth. The quizzes are embedded in clinical videos to improve students’ understanding of application of implant concepts in patient care. (Quarter 6, IDS Quarter 2).

PRD 239. Integrated Preclinical Technique II: Clinical Occlusion. 2 Units.

This course is about the occlusion of the natural teeth. The course will also include comparisons between the Occlusion of the natural teeth with the occlusion of implant-supported teeth and the occlusion of removable dental prosthodontics. Lectures in concepts will cover principles of occlusion and describe clinical and laboratory technique. In the technique component, students will be evaluated on their mastery of clinical and laboratory skills. Technique will include two parts. The first is the occlusal aspects of treating a typodont patient needing anterior esthetic restorations. The second involves the records, fabrication and delivery of an occlusal stabilization splint to a class-mate “patient”. The course provides a broad overview of occlusion combined with an occlusion philosophy for students to utilize as “safe beginners”. The curriculum is designed to develop the students’ occlusal awareness and for students to know when to refer more complex occlusal problems. The concept of “optimal occlusion” is taught as a model to utilize when designing new restorations and larger restorative cases. (IDS Quarter 3).

PRD 240. IPS II: Advanced Preventive and Restorative Dentistry Concepts. 2 Units.

This is a second-year preclinical restorative concepts and technique course. The course continues to build on foundational concepts that have been introduced in the first-year restorative courses with respect to materials and techniques in operative dentistry and fixed prosthodontics. Restorative treatment planning concepts will be reviewed and reinforced using clinical cases and scenarios. Students will learn advanced concepts and techniques such as restoration of badly broken down teeth with fiber posts and core build ups. Students will also learn the differences in preparing vital and non-vital teeth for indirect restorations. Advanced direct and indirect procedures such as whitening, composite and porcelain veneers, inlays, onlays, survey crowns and erosive tooth wear treatment options will be discussed and performed using hands-on simulation laboratory exercises. Students will also be introduced to digital dentistry and the CAD/CAM process, including tooth preparation, intra-oral scanning, design, 3D printing and milling and post-mill processing and characterization. Students will also be taught the use of soft tissue lasers in restorative dentistry for gingival contouring or tissue management.

PRD 246. IPS II: Advanced Preventive and Restorative Dentistry Technique. 3 Units.

This is a second-year preclinical restorative concepts and technique course. The course continues to build on foundational concepts that have been introduced in the first-year restorative courses with respect to materials and techniques in operative dentistry and fixed prosthodontics. Restorative treatment planning concepts will be reviewed and reinforced using clinical cases and scenarios. Students will learn advanced concepts and techniques such as restoration of badly broken down teeth with fiber posts and core build ups. Students will also learn the differences in preparing vital and non-vital teeth for indirect restorations. Advanced direct and indirect procedures such as whitening, composite and porcelain veneers, inlays, onlays, survey crowns and erosive tooth wear treatment options will be discussed and performed using hands-on simulation laboratory exercises. Students will also be introduced to digital dentistry and the CAD/CAM process, including tooth preparation, intra-oral scanning, design, 3D printing and milling and post-mill processing and characterization. Students will also be taught the use of soft tissue lasers in restorative dentistry for gingival contouring or tissue management.

PRD 277. Local Anesthesia. 1 Unit.

Students review basic anesthesia delivery techniques and apply them to a clinical situation. Students will learn new injection technique and how to overcome difficulties in mandibular anesthesia. In the self-study component, students will conduct independent research and summarize their findings in writing. (2 hours lecture, 6 hours clinical rotation, 10 hours self-study. Quarters 5-7.).

PRD 279. Clinical Restorative Dentistry I. 4-6 Units.

Study of diagnosis, treatment planning, and intracoronal dental therapy, including preparation for and restoration of teeth with cast gold and porcelain inlays and onlays, composite resins, laminates, and amalgam in comprehensive clinical dental practice. Requirements include practice of operative dentistry procedures under simulated state board examination conditions. These courses also cover the diagnosis, treatment planning, and delivery of fixed prosthodontic treatment that addresses the patient's esthetic dental needs; stabilizes, improves, and protects the patients' gnathostomatic system in a comprehensive clinical dental practice. Students participate in quality assessment at clinical impression stage and at prosthesis delivery. Lab Services coordinates student dental laboratory prescriptions with private outsource laboratories. Test cases determine student competency by evaluating their ability to independently prepare a single tooth crown preparation in a specified time period. (Quarters 5-8.).

PRD 281. Dental Implants. 1 Unit.

The study of modern implant dentistry with emphasis on history, the physiology of osseous integration, treatment planning, implant surgery, fabrication of single and multiple tooth fixed implant restorations and implant-supported removable overdentures, laboratory steps, maintenance and implant problems. Hard and soft tissue augmentation procedures will be studied along with esthetic concerns. (10 hours lecture and laboratory. Quarter 8.).

PRD 379. Clinical Restorative Dentistry II. 23 Units.

This is the final course in Clinical Restorative Dentistry. This course is administered to third year DDS students and second year IDS students and spans the entire length of their third (DDS)/second (IDS) year clinical experience. This course allows students to apply what they have learned during their first (IDS)/second (DDS) year clinical restorative patient care. With direct supervision and feedback from faculty, students perform all required fixed prosthodontic, operative, implant and removable prosthodontic dentistry on their patients (Quarters 9-12). This course also includes all clinical competency assessments in restorative dentistry for graduation.

PRD 391. Preparation for State Licensure Lecture. 1.5 Unit.

This is a one quarter course offered to senior dental students to help them prepare for the simulated licensure examination which has to be passed successfully in order to obtain a license to practice dentistry. Students will be introduced to the manual and the grading rubrics used in the licensure examination. Principles of caries removal, cavity preparations for a Class II and Class III composite resin and modification requests to remove caries extending beyond an ideal preparation will be reviewed. Students will prepare and restore carious teeth using composite resin, including finishing and polishing of the composite. Principles of crown and bridge preparations will be reviewed. Students will participate in mock board and certification sessions and successful completion of the course will qualify them to take the licensure examination.

PRD 395. Preparation for State Licensure Lab. 3 Units.

This is a two quarter course offered to senior dental students to help them prepare for the simulated licensure examination which has to be passed successfully in order to obtain a license to practice dentistry. Students will be introduced to the manual and the grading rubrics used in the licensure examination. Principles of caries removal, cavity preparations for a Class II and Class III composite resin and modification requests to remove caries extending beyond an ideal preparation will be reviewed. Students will prepare and restore carious teeth using composite resin, including finishing and polishing of the composite. Principles of crown and bridge preparations will be reviewed. Students will participate in mock board and certification sessions and successful completion of the course will qualify them to take the licensure examination.

PRD 396. Clinical Removable Prosthodontics. 12 Units.

The study of diagnosis, treatment planning, and removable prosthodontic treatment that restores masticatory function and phonetics, preserves underlying structures, results in patient comfort, and is esthetically pleasing. Course includes practice for state board removable prosthodontic procedures and simulated examination conditions. (Quarters 9-12.).

PRD 484. Biomaterials I. 1 Unit.

This class focuses on restorative materials such as bonding systems, buildup composites and materials for crown and bridge fabrication. It also introduces new developments in biomaterial sciences. Basic material testing principles are discussed and the material properties for NiTi alloy used in endodontics are included. (Quarter 2.).

PRD 584. Biomaterials II. 1 Unit.

This class focuses on restorative materials such as bonding systems, buildup composites and materials for crown and bridge fabrication. It also introduces new developments in biomaterial sciences. Basic material testing principles are discussed and the material properties for NiTi alloy used in endodontics are included. (Quarter 6.).