COURSE DESCRIPTION

Introduces the theoretical and practical study of various concepts and methods used in describing, preventing, and controlling periodontal disease. Presents etiology, microbiology, diaagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of diseases. Lecture 2 hours per week.

GENERAL COURSE PURPOSE

Introduction of periodontics for the dental hygiene student including anatomy and physiology, periodontal pathology, clinical determination of cases, prognosis and treatment of periodontal diseases, occlusal, and temporomandibular joint problems and would healing.

ENTRY LEVEL COMPETENCIES

Successful completion of one semester of the dental hygiene program.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Specific objectives for each classroom presentation and seminar will be distributed prior to each class session. Upon completion of the course through reading, lecture, class discussion, student presentation and clinical experience with a minimal competency level of 75%, the student will be able to:

1. define periodontology and list reasons why this is an important area of study for the dental hygiene student and practicing hygienist
2. quote incidence of periodontal diseases and role of the hygienist
3. discuss what is the role and the responsibility of the dental hygienist in informing the public/patients about periodontal disease
4. list a minimum of five ways the hygienist can help their patients achieve good oral health
5. name the parts of the periodontium from a diagram provided by the instructor
6. diagram and name the gingival fiber unit and attachment apparatus
7. explain the significance of the gingival fiber unit and attachment apparatus to periodontal health
8. discuss the initial stages and progression of the disease (Periodontitis) including tissue changes, pathways of inflammation and migration of the epithelial attachment
9. classify and differentiate inflammatory and degenerative periodontal diseases according to etiology, clinical appearance, histologic characteristics, prognosis, treatment and maintenance
10. discuss the role of plaque as the primary etiologic agent of the inflammatory diseases of the periodontium and list at least five contributory factors to periodontitis
11. explain the relationship of host resistance/host susceptibility to periodontal disease
12. explain the modifying influences of systemic disease to the periodontal disease
2. differentiate between acute and chronic periodontal disease according to clinical appearance, histologic characteristics, therapy and long term care
2. discuss the inflammatory nature of necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis and periodontal abscess
2. describe the occurrence of periodontal disease in children and compare its nature, clinical and histologic features with that of the adult
2. help patients understand the disease process that is occurring in their own mouth
2. discuss the role of the oral physiotherapy in the prevention and control of periodontal disease and its influence in periodontal therapy
2. describe treatment of the periodontal patient within the guidelines of care provided by the dental hygienist including:

1. periodontal assessment and workup
2. plaque control
3. scaling and root planning
4. reevaluation of treatment
5. maintenance/recall/referral of periodontal patients

1. define and describe primary and secondary occlusal trauma and the implications of occlusal trauma on periodontal treatment
2. describe and discuss treatment modalities for the periodontal patient by the dentist or periodontist including initial treatment phase, surgical and nonsurgical treatment, prognosis and reevaluation of treatment and maintenance phases of periodontal treatment