Revised 05/2010

DNH 145 - General and Oral Pathology (2 CR.)

Course Description

This course introduces general pathology with consideration of the common diseases affecting the human body. Particular emphasis is given to the study of pathological conditions of the mouth, teeth, and their supporting structures. Lecture 2 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

This course is included in the Dental Hygiene curriculum to offer the student an understanding of normal conditions and abnormal disease conditions in the oral cavity as well as in the head and neck region. This information will be utilized in clinical practice both radiographically and clinically to heighten awareness of the student to abnormal pathologic conditions. 

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

None.

Course Objectives

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

  • Discuss the preliminary diagnosis of oral conditions and lesions.
  • Describe variants of normal and benign conditions of unknown cause.
  • Describe the “cardinal signs” of inflammation.
  • Discuss the events that occur during the repair of a wound.
  • Compare and contrast healing by primary intention, secondary intention, and tertiary intention.
  • Describe and identify oral manifestations related to injury and the inflammatory response.
  • Discuss the events that occur during the immune response.
  • Describe and identify oral diseases with immunologic pathogenesis.
  • Describe and identify developmental disorders of the oral cavity.
  • Discuss the causes, classifications, and treatments of tumors.
  • Describe and identify neoplasms of the oral cavity.
  • Describe and identify genetic disorders of the oral cavity.
  • Describe and identify oral manifestations of systemic diseases.

Major Topics to Be Included

  • Preliminary Diagnosis of Oral Lesions
  • Inflammation, Regeneration, and Repair
  • Physical and Chemical Injuries of the Oral Tissues
  • Oral Diseases with Immunologic Pathogenesis
  • Bacterial, Fungal, and Viral Infections
  • Etiology, Classification, Origin, and Treatment of Neoplasms
  • Tumors of Squamous Epithelium
  • Leukoplakia and Erythroplakia
  • Salivary Gland Tumors
  • Odontogenic Tumors
  • Tumors of Soft Tissue and Muscle
  • Vascular Tumors
  • Tumors of Melanin-Producing Cells
  • Tumors of Bone, Cartilage, Blood, and Blood-Forming Tissues
  • Metastatic Tumors of the Jaw
  • Developmental Disorders of the Oral Cavity
  • Inherited Disorders Affecting the Oral Cavity
  • Oral Manifestations of Systemic Diseases