Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

DH 170 - Dental Nutrition


Credit Hours: 2

Students will gain knowledge in the basic principles of nutrition and relationship to overall health.  Fundamentals in biochemistry, physiological roles, dietary requirements, and sources of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals are examined including systemic effects of nutritional deficiencies and excesses of these nutrients.  The impact of nutrition throughout the lifespan, cultural perspectives, and effects on oral health is emphasized.  Students will evaluate their personal diets utilizing food guidance systems.  Students will apply foundational knowledge in nutrition principles to assess the overall adequacy of patient’s diet and implement nutritional counseling and intervention in oral health care settings.  Minimum passing grade is “C-.”

 

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

  • explain why nutrition is important in dentistry and overall health;
  • describe the different food grouping systems and discuss recommendations for obtaining nutritional goals;
  • recognize the classes of nutrients: describe general functions, physiological roles, dietary sources and dental considerations;
  • apply the role of nutrition in the synthesis and maintenance of oral tissues and discuss clinical applications;
  • distinguish the disorders that may be related to vitamin and mineral deficiencies and excesses, with emphasis on dental considerations;
  • analyze and evaluate nutritional considerations and dietary applications appropriate for various age groups, populations, and cultures throughout the lifecycle; and
  • demonstrate knowledge in nutritional assessment, dietary evaluation, nutritional counseling and referrals for nutrition related dental diseases.


Prerequisites: All required first semester courses in the Dental Hygiene curriculum must be passed.
Corequisites: All required spring semester, first year courses in the Dental Hygiene curriculum.
S (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.