DH 170 - Dental Nutrition

Credit Hours: 2

Students will gain knowledge in the basic principles of nutrition and relationship to overall health. Physiological roles, requirements, and sources of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals are examined as well as systemic effects of deficiencies and excesses of these nutrients. The impact of nutrition throughout the lifespan and impact on oral health is emphasized. Students will evaluate their personal diets by utilization of food guidance systems. Students will utilize foundational knowledge in nutrition principals to assess the overall adequacy of patient’s diet and provide dietary education and intervention. Minimum passing grade is “C-.”

Course Outcomes
At the completion of the course the student should be able to:

list reasons why nutrition is important in dentistry;
interpret the different food grouping systems and identify the recommendations for obtaining these goals;
name the classes of nutrients, their general functions and food sources of each nutrient;
explain the role of nutrition in the synthesis and maintenance of oral tissues;
describe the disorders that may be related to vitamin and mineral deficiencies and excess, with emphasis on dental considerations; and
discuss diet education strategies appropriate for various age groups, populations, and cultures throughout the lifecycle.

Prerequisites: All required first-semester courses in the Dental Hygiene curriculum must be passed.
Corequisites: All required second-semester courses in the Dental Hygiene curriculum.
S (N)