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Acquisition of knowledge related to the cellular and molecular characteristics of the oral cavity.

Development of theoretical skills on the biochemical mechanisms associated with some physiological and pathological changes of the oral cavity.

Understanding of the molecular events involved in the aging of the oral cavity.

Integration of knowledge of biology and oral biochemistry in the areas of clinical intervention of dental medicine.

The syllabus of the course allows students to gain a global perspective of the main cellular and molecular characteristics of the oral cavity, under physiological conditions and in pathological conditions. It is valued the importance of biochemical and molecular knowledge associated with various pathological changes in different structures of the oral cavity, to allow a better understanding of them, as well as a greater ability to act in clinical practice is valued. It also seeks to encourage scientific research among students in order to highlight the need for constant updating of knowledge as an asset for the performance of the dentist profession.
The analysis of scientific articles and the discussion of clinical cases fosters in students a need for search and understanding the mechanisms and the details associated with different contents of the course. It values the integration of concepts from different courses, in order to allow a comprehensive and detailed understanding of various relevant aspects of the oral cavity. Also the relationship between theory and its practical application gives the student the achievement of learning objectives.

Cell biology of the oral cavity: main cell types.

Cellular communications in the oral cavity: cell-cell contacts, paracrinic communications and exosomes.

Biochemistry of saliva.

Molecular mechanisms of saliva production.

Biochemical basis of some disease of the oral cavity: xerostomia, halitosis, oral cancer, dental fluorosis and dentinogenesis imperfecta.

Dental aging.

Salivary aging.

Interactive and participated lectures, with analysis of scientific papers and discussion of some clinical cases.

Preparation of a written work on a topic related to the syllabus of the course.

Students will have to make a written work, where they should apply and develop contents related to the study plan. The final work will be evaluated and the assigned rating will correspond to the final grade in the course.