Revised 05/2020

DNA 120 - Community Health (1 CR.)

Course Description

Studies topics related to community health issues including identification of specific diseases, symptoms, causes, and effects. An emphasis is placed on the promotion of oral health in the community through patient education in oral home care techniques, dietary counseling, plaque control procedures, and application of medicinal agents. Lecture: 1 hour per week.

General Course Purpose

This course exposes the student to the study of mechanisms employed to avert or intercept dental disease and the conditions which tend to destroy oral structures. Students are given the opportunity to study the utilization of food derivatives in the maintenance of repair of body and oral tissues. Emphasis is placed on dietary considerations for the dental patient.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

  • Prerequisites: DNA 100, DNA 108, DNA 110, DNA 113, DNA 134, and PSY 20
  • Corequisites: DNA 113, DNA 119, DNA 130, DNA 140, and CST 229

Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:

  • Describe bacterial plaque and its role in the etiology of periodontal disease and dental caries
  • Describe the role of the acquired pellicle in the formation of bacterial plaque
  • Describe the appearance of material alba and how to distinguish it from plaque and food debris
  • Describe calculus and discuss its formation and role in the progression of periodontal disease
  • Describe the types, etiological factors and occurrence of dental stains
  • Describe the principles of oral physiotherapy
  • Describe the importance and role of oral health education
  • Describe the type of oral health care products that are available
  • Describe the methods available for interdental care
  • Describe the etiological factors responsible for the progression of periodontal disease
  • Describe the forms of periodontal disease and discuss their clinical manifestations
  • Describe etiology of dental caries, as well as the clinical and radiographic appearance
  • Describe the effects and benefits of fluoride
  • Describe basic nutrients and discuss their role in the body
  • Describe dietary considerations for dental patients who have special needs
  • Describe the steps involved in providing nutritional counseling for dental patients

Major Topics to Be Included

  • Bacterial Plaque and Other Soft Deposits
  • Calculus and Dental Stains
  • Principles of Oral Physiotherapy
  • Interdental Care and Disclosing Agents
  • Oral Health Care Products and Chemotherapeutic Agents
  • Periodontal Disease and Dental Caries
  • Fluorides
  • Dental Hypersensitvity and Other Oral Conditions
  • Nutrition and Oral Health