DEN 150 Dental Sciences

Lecture Hours: 3
Credits: 3

Focuses on a study of the sciences associated with the practice of dentistry. Includes oral microbiology, plaque formation, plaque-related diseases, oral pathology, sterilization and disinfection principles, OSHA bloodborne pathogen and hazard communication standards, anesthesia, and pharmacology.

Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Dental Assisting program.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Understand infection control, safety, and BBP concepts and procedures in the dental environment.
Identify and perform a variety of methods of sterilization and disinfection procedures.
Explain the types and characteristics of oral pathology.

Content Outline

Introduction to Infection Control
- Definition of terms
- Infectious diseases in the dental office
  - Microbiology
  - Transmission
  - Prevention
  - Universal (standard) precautions
  - Use of barriers
  - Personal barriers
- Methods of treatment of instruments and equipment in dental office
  - Heat sterilization
    - Operation
    - Maintenance
    - Biological monitoring
  - Chemical disinfectants
    - Glutaraldehyde preparations
    - Chlorine compounds
    - Phenolic compounds
    - Quartenary ammonium compound
    - Iodophor
  - Dental handpieces
  - Laboratory asepsis
- Categories of sterilization/disinfection
  - Critical
  - Semi-critical
  - Non-critical
- OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard
  - Exposure plan
  - Labeling
  - Waste management
- Hazard communication standard
  - MSDS
  - Labeling
  - Regulatory agencies
Oral Pathology
- Definition
- Reaction of tissue
  - Inflammation
  - Degeneration
  - Hyperplasia; hypoplasia
  - Hypertrophy
  - Neoplasis
- Development of dental plaque
  - Acquired pellicle
  - Primary, secondary bacterial colonizers
  - Calculus formation
- Developmental anomalies
- Dental disease
  - Pulpitis
  - Abscess
  - Cysts-granulomas
  - Caries
    - History
    - Theories-causes
    - Organisms
    - Stages
    - Control
  - Periodontal disease
    - Components of periodontium
    - Periodontitis vs. gingivitis
    - Progression of periodontitis
    - Causative factors
    - Erosion, attrition, trauma
- Oral manifestations of systemic diseases