DS 120 - Dental Sciences

Credit Hours: 2

The importance of proper diet and nutrition to overall health and its impact on the oral cavity is explored, with emphasis on the relationship of carbohydrates to the decay process. Students learn about the disease process and to differentiate and identify normal and pathologic conditions of the oral cavity. The role of pharmacology in dentistry is discussed along with the importance of the patient medical history. Includes the recognition and response to medical emergencies in the dental office.

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

name the components and recommendations of the Food Guide Pyramid;
discuss the U.S. Food Guidelines;
explain the effects of diet and nutrition on the oral cavity;
explain the relationship of cariogenic food to the decay process;
list the major nutrients, their functions, and sources;
recognize signs and symptoms of eating disorders and the effect on the oral cavity;
interpret information located on food labels;
adapt ethnic, religious and alternative diets into the framework of a balanced diet;
list the eight sources of information utilized to form a final diagnosis;
differentiate between normal and abnormal conditions of the oral cavity;
describe the signs, symptoms and steps of the inflammatory process;
describe the classifications of oral lesions;
identify lesions according to the placement, appearance and medical history;
describe the types and known causes of orofacial developmental disorders;
describe the oral implications of HIV/AIDS;
list the warning signs and appearances of oral cancer;
describe the guidelines of prescription writing and pharmacy calls;
utilize various drug reference materials to access information;
list and describe the drug schedules under Controlled Substances Act;
name the routes of drug administration and phases of drug activity in the body;
list the potential adverse effects of drug usage;
demonstrate an understanding of the drugs used in dentistry;
describe the classic signs and symptoms of a medical emergency;
discuss the methods of response to common medical emergencies in the dental office; and
list the basic items to include in an office emergency kit.

Corequisites: All first-semester Dental Assisting courses.
F (N)