Mar 28, 2024  
Spring 2020 Catalog 
    
Spring 2020 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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 paraoral tissues, and a review of systemic diseases of importance in dental hygiene practice.  Emphasis is placed 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
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • describe and recognize basic tissue alterations occurring in the oral cavity;
  • describe the clinical and cellular mechanisms 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 and/or radiographic appearance using proper terminology, symptoms and treatment;
  • describe the effects of relevant systemic conditions on the oral tissues and the dental hygiene implications of these diseases;
  • explain pathologic findings to the dentist, patient and other health professionals;
  • analyze the importance and ethical responsibility for oral inspections, data collection, documentation and referral of patients with oral lesions;
  • discuss the procedures for using adjunctive screening technologies for early detection of oral cancer;
  • identify the eight diagnostic areas contributing to the diagnostic process; and
  • successfully complete a differential diagnosis project.


Prerequisites: All required first year courses in the Dental Hygiene curriculum and DH175 must be passed.
Corequisites: All required fall semester, second year courses in the Dental Hygiene curriculum.
F (N)

Withdrawal from or failure of a required course prevents further progression in the curriculum. General education courses may be taken earlier than indicated but may not be taken later than the prescribed schedule.