Beginning with a chapter on general microbiology, the first section on general principles details the oral environment, describes the immune system and its response to oral microorganisms, and addresses genetics and applied molecular biology of oral microorganisms. The second section examines specific oral diseases, from caries and fungal infections to periodontal and systemic disease. The final section of the book discusses disease treatment and infection control.

Key points from the material are summarized at the end of each chapter, and the text is complemented throughout by four-color illustrations. Many chapters offer a listing of core reading titles and/or suggested titles for further reading.