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 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. The minimum passing grade is a “C-” (80%).

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

apply the eight diagnostic areas contributing to the diagnostic process and utilize proper terminology to describe and compare soft and hard tissue oral lesions;
identify the clinical and cellular mechanisms in inflammation, immunology, wound healing, and neoplasia;
identify the effects of relevant systemic conditions on the oral tissues and the dental hygiene implications of these diseases;
analyze the importance and ethical responsibility for oral inspections, data collection, documentation, and referral of patients with oral lesions;
identify the role of adjunctive screening technologies in the early detection of oral cancer; and
apply problem-solving skills to develop a differential diagnosis.

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.