2008/10/10 Its In The Spit : UBD

Friday, October 10, 2008
Its In The Spit…

This course provides an overview of recent research findings in oral biology, much of it from the faculty and students of the Department of Oral Biology at the University at Buffalo.

Metagenomics of Oral Disease

The oral cavity is home to over 800 species of bacteria that directly impact oral health and disease. This oral microbial community, or oral microbiome, can be viewed as a single dynamic entity, with variation in its behavior and composition across space, time and composition. Shifts in the population of oral microbiome accompany oral disease states, including periodontal disease and Sjögren’s syndrome. Members of the oral microbiome have also been associated with systemic diseases, such as endocarditis. This presentation will review current data on the oral microbiome and molecular techniques used to study its members and their interactions with the human host. All dental professionals will benefit from knowledge of the oral microbiome and how it can be used in diagnostic tools for identification and control of oral infectious diseases.
Steven R. Gill, Ph.D., Associate Professor, UB Department of Oral Biology; Infectious Disease and Genomics, Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences

The Diagnostic Potential of Saliva

Learn about the broad diagnostic applications of saliva - ranging from forensic medicine to metabolic diseases or even cancer – and will inform about the great expectations for its future use, particularly for diagnosing or predicting dental disease. All dental professionals will gain a better appreciation of this fascinating body fluid and will be prepared to judge new salivary diagnostic kits soon expected to enter the market.
Ruhl, Stefan DDS, PhD Assistant Professor, UB Department of Oral Biology

Diagnosis & Management of Salivary Dysfunction

Review a summary of the function of saliva, the basic elements in diagnosis of salivary dysfunction, and methods to treat and prevent salivary disorders. Efforts to restore the function of damaged salivary glands by tissue engineering and gene transfer will also be briefly discussed.
Health care professionals can play a vital role in identifying patients at risk and/or with salivary dysfunction. Because of the oral-systemic connection, there is a need for dentists and physicians to work collaboratively to provide appropriate preventive and interventive techniques to maintain the health and well-being of these patients.
Libuse Anna Bobek, MA, PhD, Professor of Oral Biology UB Department of Oral Biology

Latest Developments in Periodontal Medicine

Over the past decade a growing body of evidence suggests that poor oral health may influence overall health and well being. An increasing number of systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, pregnancy complications, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory disease and Alzheimer’s disease have all been associated with poor oral health, especially periodontal inflammation and infection. This presentation will review the most recent evidence on this subject and will point out the limits to our knowledge. All dentists and hygienists need to be familiar with this topic to educate their patients and to render appropriate care when indicated.
Frank A. Scannapieco, D.M.D., Ph.D. Professor and Chair, UB Department of Oral Biology

COURSE DETAILS
9am ~ 4pm
Friday, October 10, 2008
UB Dental School
South Campus Main St & Bailey Ave

CE Course Tuition
UB Dental Alumni Member $195
Nonmember Dentist $225
Dental Office Team Member $95

UB Dental School Faculty:

Ruhl, Stefan DDS, PhD Assistant Professor, Department of Oral Biology

Bobek, Libuse M.A., Ph.D. Professor, Department of Oral Biology

Scannapieco, Frank DMD, Ph.D. Professor and Chair, Department of Oral Biology

Gill, Steven R. Ph.D. Associate Professor, Department of Oral Biology