Explains how memories are formed by identifying the four main processes of memory and the three stages of long-term memory. Describes the important differences between declarative/explicit memory and procedural/implicit memory. Lists the current concerns and controversies surrounding eyewitness testimony and repressed memories. Identifies the principal processes and causes of psychogenic and organic amnesias. Discusses the nature of “flashbulb” emotional memories. Identifies the difference among normal forgetting, age-associated memory impairment, and mild cognitive impairment. Lists the major memory disorders that can result in amnesia and dementia. Describes methods for improving memory.

Explains the current state of pain management in the United States. Describes the multidisciplinary approach to pain management. Reviews the 23 different pain management modalities currently available. Describes steps to create a comprehensive pain management plan. Lists the five key coping skills for helping chronic pain patients. Discusses treatment options for chronic dental and facial pain. Describes how the information in this course can be utilized to improve patient care and patient outcomes. Describes the implications for dentistry, mental health, and other health professions.

Explains the concept of the gut-brain axis, and its implications for health and disease. Describes how microbes and their metabolites communicate with the body and the brain. Explains how the microbiome-gut-brain axis influences the development of neurodegenerative, neuropsychiatric, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Describes how microbial metabolites regulate immune and metabolic pathways in the body, and how this may impact risk of allergies, autoimmune diseases, obesity and diabetes. Explains how the ecology of the oral microbiome impacts both gut and systemic health; discusses implications for modern-day oral healthcare. Lists potential microbial and gut health disruptors, as well as therapeutic strategies to improve gut and brain health (to become “ecosystem engineers”). Describes ways in which the highly complex gut-brain scientific research has been oversold and misinterpreted by the lay press. Identifies red flags of “pseudoscience” to become a healthy skeptic. Describes how the information in this course can be utilized to improve patient care and patient outcomes.