DH 230 - Pathology

Credit Hours: 3

This course will examine the nature of disease, its causes, development and consequences. Three main themes will be covered: a study of the basic principles of pathology; a survey of disorders affecting the oral and para-oral tissues and a review of systemic diseases of importance in dental hygiene practice. Emphasis focus on the recognition and understanding of common local and systemic disorders affecting the oral tissues and the impact of these findings on the treatment provided by the dental hygienist. Minimum passing grade is “C-.”

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

recognize basic tissue alterations occurring in the oral cavity;
describe the clinical and pathophysiologic changes in inflammation, immunology, wound healing and neoplasia;
describe and compare soft and hard tissue oral lesions according to predisposition, (including the age, sex and race of the patient), cause, clinical an/or radiographic appearance, symptoms and treatment;
recognize the effects of relevant systemic conditions on the oral tissues and the dental hygiene implications of these diseases;
communicate pathologic findings to the patient and other health professionals; and
describe the need for and importance of oral inspections, data collection, documentation and referral of patients with oral lesions.

Prerequisites: All first-year courses in the Dental Hygiene curriculum and DH 175 must be passed.
Corequisites: All fall semester, second-year courses in the Dental Hygiene curriculum.
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