No abstract

Connective tissue diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), and Sjögren syndrome (SS) have presented many difficulties both in their diagnosis and treatment. Known causes for this difficulty include uncertainty of disease etiology, the multitude of clinical presentations, the unpredictable disease course, and the variable cell types, soluble mediators, and tissue factors that are believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of connective tissue diseases. The characteristic oral findings seen with these specific connective tissue diseases may assist with more swift diagnostic capability. Additionally, the recent use of biologics may redefine the success rate in the treatment and management of the disease. In this review we describe the oral manifestations associated with SLE, SSc, and SS and review the novel biologic drugs used to treat these conditions.

The Military Health System is one of America's largest and most complex healthcare institutions offering myriad opportunities for medical training, research, clinical care, and operational experiences as uniformed physicians, dentists, and other allied health professionals serving as commissioned officers within the Unites States Armed Forces. This chapter provides an overview of the Military Health System to include training, research, and career opportunities; the day-to-day work of a military medical officer both in a traditional hospital setting and while on deployment; and the most common pathways to becoming a military healthcare professional through the Health Professions Scholarship Program or at the Uniformed Services University. Frequently asked questions about military medicine are addressed, and other unique pathways to a debt-free education are briefly described.