DT 131 - Oral Health Education I

Credits: 2
Variable Credit Course: No

Lecture Hours: 22
Lab Hours: 0
Worksite/Clinical Hours: 0
Other Hours (LIA/Internships): 0

Course Description: Introducing the art and science of preventing dental diseases within the context of cultural humility. Customize oral health instruction for patients in all stages of life and learn the relationship of western diet on dental caries, and the value of native, traditional foods. Focuses on evidence-based oral health practices and becoming culturally competent oral health providers utilizing motivational interviewing strategies. Self-care practices are included to develop resilient providers who are role models in their communities. Acceptance into the Dental Therapy Program required.

Prerequisite: Admission to Dental Therapy (DT) program and Dept. Chair permission.
Meets FQE Requirement: No
Integrative Experience Requirement: No

Student Learning Outcomes

Summarize the purpose and challenges of health behavior change in the dental practice.
Create culturally informed and evidence based OHI menus that are appropriate for patient’s oral conditions.
Describe the etiology and progression of dental diseases.
Explain the interaction of microorganisms and diet on the oral cavity.
Detect plaque.
Recommend appropriate oral health aids to remove plaque.
Complete Think Culture, a cultural competency CE course for oral health providers.
Apply motivational interviewing principles to connect and empower patients.
Prioritize self-care strategies to promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

Course Contents

Unit A: Purpose and Challenges of Oral Health Education and Oral Health Aides.
Unit B: Dental Diseases
Unit C: Cariology Unit D: Plaque
Unit E: Nutrition Unit F: Cultural Competency for Oral Health Providers
Unit G: Connecting with Patients Unit H: Self-Care Strategies

Instructional Units: 2