SDM PH 741 Behavioral Sciences
Focuses on developing a framework for delivering total health care. Examines the meaning and impact of effective communication skills, managing transitions, enhancing patient relations, and managing stress and pain. Dr. Farsai. 1 cr, 1st sem.

SDM PH 763 Bioethics and Law
Introduces models of applied ethics used within the field of dentistry. With lectures, case studies, and class discussion, students engage in identification and analysis of ethical dilemmas. Topics include professional responsibility and ethical principles, the doctor-patient relationship, the dentist and the community, and ethical conduct in science. Ms. Sarkis. 1 cr, 2nd sem.

SDM PH 766 Issues in Providing Oral Health Services to Populations
Familiarizes students with issues that must be addressed when planning for or providing dental services to communities. Through lectures and class discussions, the course will provide students with a framework of how to apply dental public health and behavioral science principles necessary to improve the oral health of populations. Dr. Mascarenhas. 2 cr, 2nd sem.

SDM PH 780 Geriatrics and Gerontology Seminar
An in-depth analysis of current issues in our aging population, including demographic profiles, long term care, financial considerations, and case discussion. Articles from current literature will compliment the information discussed in the seminar. Dr. Friedman. 1 cr, 2nd sem.

SDM PH 800 Introduction to Biostatistics/Epidemiology
Designed to provide students in a clinical specialty program (CAGS) with skills in basic concepts of clinical research methods and statistical analysis. Acquaints the student with basic data types and summary statistics for the study of disease in human populations. For students who have not had prior experience with statistics and epidemiology. Dr. Boffa. 1 cr, 2nd sem.

SDM PH 803 Biostatistics
Designed for master's and doctoral students. Introduces the concepts and techniques of biostatistics used in dental research and referred to in dental literature. 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. Dr. Christianson r. 2 cr, 1st and 2nd sem

SDM PH 804 Advanced Topics in Statistical Analysis
Prerequisite: SDM PH 803. In-depth coverage of concepts taught in Biostatistics (PH 803). Includes a more detailed discussion of estimation techniques, central limit theorem, analysis of variance, regression and correlation, and analysis of covariance. Multivariate techniques are covered in conjunction with SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) facilities at the Boston University Office of Information Technology. Dr. Mascarenhas and faculty. 2 cr, 2nd sem.

SDM PH 808 Health Care Management and Finance
Topics include accounting principles, budgetary processes, accounting documentation, and cash flow analysis, with an emphasis on dental care delivery using computer simulation. Dr. Boffa. 2 cr, 1st sem.

SDM PH 810 Introduction to Dental Public Health
This course presents an overview of dental public health. Through lectures, class discussions, and projects, students will learn to apply the principles of dental public health, dental epidemiology, community-based oral health promotion, disease prevention strategies, and outcome assessment. Dr. Henshaw. 2 cr, 1st sem.

SDM PH 812 Oral Epidemiology
This course will provide the student with 1) the principles of epidemiology, relating these principles to the diseases of the oral cavity and 2) demonstrate the designs for clinical and community-based studies. Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to understand the strengths and limitations in the design of such studies. Dr. Mascarenhas. 4 cr, 1st sem.

SDM PH 821, 822 Dental Public Health Literature Review
This course will provide the students with the tools to critically evaluate the literature. Students will become familiar with the classical dental literature. Dr. Mascarenhas. 2 cr, 1st & 2nd sem

SDM PH 831 Presentation Skills
Develops and fine-tunes teaching and presentation abilities. Focuses on instructional design, presentation graphics, and presentation skills. Hands-on learning experience. Mr. Byrne and Mr. Spector. 2 cr, 2nd sem.

SDM PH 840 Advanced Topics in Health Care Management and Finance
Includes cost accounting and financial planning in the implementation and management of public health programs and dental care. Finance tools such as net present value and various measures of return on investment are developed by looking at the costs and benefits of public health policies. Discusses aspects of program management such as loans, financing, leasing, and investments. Emphasizes computer spreadsheet software use. Dr. Jacobs. 2 cr, 2nd sem.

SDM PH 872 Current Issues in Dental Public Health
This course provides the student with an overview of current concepts and programs in dental public health and their relationship to the four major dental public health competency areas: health policy and administration, health promotion and disease prevention, delivery systems, and research. The course will familiarize students with various approaches to meeting the oral health needs of high risk populations on the local, national, and international levels. Dr. Allukian. 2 cr, 2nd sem.

SDM PH 880 Program Planning and Management
This course is intended to familiarize students with issues that must be addressed in planning and implementing dental public health programs. Through lectures, case presentations, and class discussion, the focus will be on systematic approaches to defining dental problems, setting priorities, developing specific goals and objectives, and determining alternative strategies and methods of implementing oral health services. Emphasis will be placed on issues in designing oral health programs for vulnerable populations. Drs. Mascarenhas, Boffa and Henshaw. 2 cr, Yr 3, 1st sem.

SDM PH 890 Seminars in Dental Public Health
This course gives the student the opportunity to interact with invited speakers who are leaders in the field of Dental Public Health, Dentistry or affiliated disciplines. The amount of credit awarded will vary depending on the duration of study. Dr. Mascarenhas and faculty, 1-2 cr., 1st and 2nd sem.

SDM PH 892, 893, 894 Dental Public Health Grand Rounds
Monthly research seminars by faculty in Dental Public Health, Dentistry or affiliated disciplines. This course exposes the student to ongoing research and the opportunity to collaborate with faculty. Students and faculty discuss issues and research methodology. The amount of credit awarded for will vary depending on the duration of study. Dr. Mascarenhas and faculty, 1-6 cr., years 1, 2 and 3, 1st and 2nd sem.

SDM PH 911 Public Health Project (MS, MSD only)
Students attain public health, primary care, or public health policy and administration experience through placement at one of several extramural sites. Experience may be correlated with the student's research topic. Selected preceptor. 4 cr, 2nd sem.

SDM PH 920 Dental Public Health Practicum
This course gives the student the opportunity to receive real-world experience. A practicum provides the opportunity to integrate and apply classroom learning in a public health work environment, enabling students to observe and learn from professionals in the field. The student contributes to a community's resources and to the solution of public health problems while developing practical skills and personal confidence as a public health professional. The city's health department, other community dental programs, and dental insurance companies are suitable sites for practicum. Students also gain experience in areas such as quality assurance, needs assessment, prevention programs, and policy development. Approval of the program director is required. The amount of credit awarded for directed study will vary dependant on the duration of study. Dr. Mascarenhas and faculty, 1-6 cr, 1st or 2nd sem.

SDM PH 930 Residency Field Experience
Dental Public Health students who wish to become Board-eligible are required to enroll in a Residency Field Experience. Students are encouraged to choose sites for the Residency Field Experience which are compatible with, and can serve best, their particular interests. The primary site for this activity is at the Boston Public Health Commission. The Residency Field Experience is designed so that Dental Public Health students enrolled at the Boston University School of Dental Medicine receive real world experience in the city's health department and other community dental programs. Students also gain experience in areas such as needs assessment, prevention programs, and policy development. Students are required to spend at least two days a week on this aspect of the program. Dr. Allukian or selected preceptors. 4 cr, 3rd and 4th sem.

SDM PH 991 Research in Dental Public Health
Investigation necessary to satisfy requirements for the MSD and DScD degrees. May include any aspect of public health dentistry including needs assessment, program planning, public policy, and administration and finance. In most instances, an epidemiologic or biostatistical analysis is required. Selected preceptor. 4 c, 1st and 2nd sem.

The following courses are offered through the Boston University School of Public Health

SPH EP 711 Introduction to Epidemiology
The purpose of this course is to introduce the basic principles and methods of Epidemiology and demonstrate their applicability in the field of public health. A further objective is to provide an introduction to the basic skills needed to critically interpret the epidemiologic literature relevant to public health professionals. 3 cr, Yr 1, 1st sem.

SPH EP 721 Survey Methods for Public Health
This course stresses the theory and practice of conducting survey research in health fields. Classes are a mixture of lectures and skill exercises. Topics include research design, sampling, data collection methods, interviewing, coding, and data analysis. The course is appropriate for those who will do research as well as those who will be research consumers. 4 cr, Yr 2, 1st sem.

SPH EB 813 Intermediate Epidemiology
The aim of this course is to provide students with the skills needed to design, participate in, and interpret observational epidemiologic studies. Threats to the validity of studies such as confounding and bias are discussed, as are design options that might compromise the efficiency of any study. Concepts are illustrated with detailed studies from the literature. 4cr, Yr 1, 2nd sem.

SPH SB 815 Program Evaluation Research
This course provides an introduction to program evaluation research in public health. It focuses on designing, conducting and using the results of research that evaluates the impact of public health programs, whether aimed at the public, patients, or professionals. Through a series of case studies, students acquire an understanding of the strengths and limits of different kinds of evaluation research. Attention is given to special problems in evaluating health programs: for example, when they use multiple providers and settings or target a variety of goals. Additional focus is on the challenge of drawing causal inferences from quasi-experimental research. Practical issues are also addressed, such as how to obtain informed consent and approval of institutional review boards, and how to get the most out of limited resources. 4 cr, yr 2 2nd sem.

SPH SB 820 Health Behavior/ Health Education
This course is devoted to the development of skills in the assessment of health education needs and program outcomes in clinical, community and school settings. Selected diagnostic models for examining factors that predispose, enable, and reinforce health-related behavior are used to assist participants in setting priorities in their own health education programs. Case studies representing the application of selected theories of individual and group behavior change are presented in an effort to derive principles for the design of effective health education programs. The course examines several issues related to the theory and practice of health education. Behavior change strategies, ethical considerations, professional preparation, and the role of the health educator with regard to social change, advocacy, and environmental protection are discussed. The course addresses population-based planning and the complexities of a more holistic approach to health promotion planning. 4 cr, yr 2, 1st sem.

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