The Biomedical Sciences course is divided into five subgroups:

1. Head and Neck Anatomy

2. Oral Medicine / Oral Pathology

3. Pharmacology

4. Microbiology

5. Basic Molecular Biology

A fundamental competency of the specialist dentist is to understand all the biological processes occurring within the oral cavity and their potential impact on the surrounding structures. Furthermore, the specialist dentist must be able to provide appropriate solutions to these processes in order to restore physiological balance.

This course integrates concepts related to head and neck anatomy while providing an in-depth understanding of molecular and cellular biology to explain the origin of oral diseases. Through the acquisition of laboratory skills, students will develop the competencies required to establish diagnoses, understand the role of other healthcare disciplines, and propose appropriate solutions to clinical problems.

Students will also learn how to consult the most relevant scientific literature and critically review research articles in order to understand the latest advances in biomedical sciences.

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify and describe the main anatomical structures of the head and neck.

• Recognize macroscopic and microscopic alterations associated with pathological conditions.

• Apply laboratory techniques required to identify different pathogenic microorganisms.

• Interpret and discuss laboratory findings in order to establish an accurate diagnosis.

• Analyze and interpret results to determine the involvement of other complex biological systems.

• Evaluate and discuss the most appropriate therapeutic approaches and pharmacological treatments for diagnosed diseases.

A thorough understanding of the anatomy of the head and neck, together with the functions associated with these structures, is essential for the practice of Dentistry, particularly in specialized fields such as Implant Dentistry, Periodontology, and related disciplines.

One of the principal responsibilities of the specialist dentist is to possess an in-depth knowledge of the normal morphology of the osseous, vascular, and neural structures, as well as their functional significance and anatomical relationships within the region where dental treatment is performed.

It should be emphasized that dental structures are highly complex, closely associated with sophisticated neuromuscular systems, and dependent upon appropriate central nervous system regulation.

Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine, understood as Oral Medicine, is a multidisciplinary field within Dentistry. It requires continuous interaction with other dental specialties and with Medicine in general for the diagnosis and management of a wide range of clinical conditions.

The concept of Oral Medicine highlights the close relationship between Dentistry and General Medicine, emphasizing the shared theoretical and clinical knowledge required by both dentists and physicians. It also underlines the importance of understanding the medical basis and systemic implications of diseases and genetic syndromes before initiating dental treatment, with particular attention to their manifestations within the stomatognathic system.

Pharmacology represents a fundamental pillar of both clinical dental practice and the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. A comprehensive understanding of therapeutic targets, pharmacokinetic principles, novel drug delivery systems, pharmaceutical formulations, therapeutic windows, drug toxicity, adverse reactions, and drug interactions is essential for conducting high-quality research and delivering evidence-based patient care in Dentistry.

Microbiology applied to Dentistry and Periodontology is a core discipline in the education of oral healthcare professionals, focusing on the study of microorganisms inhabiting the oral cavity and their relationship with oral diseases.

The oral cavity functions as a dynamic ecosystem that hosts a diverse microbial community living in a balanced state. This oral microbiota plays a crucial role in digestion and protection against pathogenic microorganisms. However, disruption of this ecological balance may contribute to the development of oral diseases such as dental caries and periodontitis.

Nevertheless, oral microbiology extends beyond oral diseases. Scientific evidence has demonstrated strong associations between the oral microbiome and several systemic disorders, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and respiratory diseases. In addition, recent research has highlighted the close relationship between oral health and the intestinal microbiome, reinforcing the importance of the emerging oral-gut axis.

Understanding these complex interactions will enable future oral healthcare professionals to adopt a comprehensive approach to patient care, recognizing that the oral cavity is far more than the gateway to the digestive system and that the oral microbiome plays a key role in maintaining overall health.

Molecular Biology is the scientific discipline that investigates biological processes at the molecular level, with particular emphasis on the interactions among DNA, RNA, protein synthesis, and the regulatory mechanisms governing these processes.

This course introduces the theoretical foundations of DNA and protein structure, protein synthesis, gene regulation, and the principal techniques used for DNA, RNA, and protein detection through self-learning materials that include concise theoretical content, educational videos, and self-assessment exercises.

The methodological component is based on the analysis of short questions derived from published research articles in Dentistry in which the different molecular techniques are applied. To foster independent learning and critical thinking, students will critically evaluate the most relevant aspects of current scientific publications.

Finally, laboratory sessions constitute the core component of the course, enabling students to apply the scientific method, integrate theoretical knowledge with practical skills in molecular biology techniques, critically analyze experimental findings, and formulate scientifically sound conclusions.