Please log into your account to update your profile, resume your course progress, complete a course test, or to manage your certificates and assignments.

Terms And Conditions

Privacy

About Us

FAQs

Contact Us

Site Map

Join Our dental<span>care</span> Community

View all Courses

Courses

Continuing Education

Student Resources

Faculty Resources

Practice Management

Professional Resources

Patient education

Children's Dental Health

For Your Patients

Dental Research Database 

Featured products

Why Stannous Fluoride

Products & Research

Frequently Asked Questions

Create New Course Assignment

Review Course Assignments

Your Course and Assignments

Enter Assignment Number

My Profile

Profile

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

Amid I. Ismail

Beth Jordan

Chris Hope

David G. Dunning

David R. Cagna

Debra A. Dixon

Donald J. White

Edward Lo

Elizabeth McClure

Ellen Karlin

Gail F. Williamson

Harold A. Henson

Hassem Geha

Hui Liang

Istvan A. Hargitai

James L. Harrison

Jane L. Forrest

Jayakumar Jayaraman

Jeanette MacLean

Joan G. Ellison

Joseph J. Massad

Larry LoPresti

Lesley McGovern Kupiec

Liran Levin

Maggie A. Misch-Haring

Maria Goldie

Maria L. Geisinger

Pam Hughes

Pamela R. Overman

Patricia A. Frese

Phil Smith

Phyllis Beemsterboer

Regina Casian Ruiz Velasco

Richard C. Jordan

Richie Kohli

Robert V. Faller

Sabeel Valappil

Salme E. Lavigne

Sara Karlin

Shelly L. Campbell

Sherri M. Lukes

Spencer L. Fried

Stephanie Botts

Steven Schwartz

Susan Higham

Vickie Parrish Foster

This course is part 8 of a 10-part series entitled *Caries Process and Prevention Strategies*. This course introduces the dental professional to the concept of oral health promotion and education as a means of preventing caries. The topics discussed include understanding patient behavior, the barriers to change a patient may experience, why it is important for a dental professional to provide continuous support even when a patient is slow to change, and helping a patient to set goals that promote caries-reducing habits.


Caries Process and Prevention Strategies: Prevention

This course is part 10 of a 10-part series entitled *Caries Process and Prevention Strategies*. This course introduces the dental professional to risk terminology, and methods for identifying caries-causing factors and assessing a patient's risk for developing dental caries. It also outlines a risk protocol that can be used with patients.


Caries Process and Prevention Strategies: Risk Assessment

This course is part 9 of a 10-part series entitled *Caries Process and Prevention Strategies*. This course introduces the dental professional to the important role of fluoride in the prevention and control of dental caries. Systemic and topical forms of fluoride delivery are discussed as options for the majority of patients, and professional forms of fluoride delivery are discussed as sometimes-necessary measures for high-risk patients with severe caries.


Caries Process and Prevention Strategies: Intervention

This course is part 7 of a 10-part series entitled *Caries Process and Prevention Strategies*. This course establishes the concept of dental erosion as a condition that is distinct from caries, and as an emerging public health issue with increasing prevalence in people of all ages. Although often generalized under the heading of “tooth wear,” there are actually two distinct tooth surface loss processes that must be taken into account. Tooth surface loss can be the result of physical mechanisms, such as attrition and abrasion, or chemical mechanisms triggered by acid. Both of these mechanisms are discussed, as well as the chemical, biological, and behavioral factors that increase or reduce risk of tooth surface loss. For the purpose of this discussion, the impact of physical processes on tooth surface loss, such as attrition and abrasion, will be referred to as tooth wear. The process related to chemical acid attack resulting in tooth surface loss will be referred to as dental erosion.In addition, diagnosis and prevention measures related to dental erosion are introduced.


This course is part 7 of a 10-part series entitled *Caries Process and Prevention Strategies*. This course establishes the concept of dental erosion as a condition that is distinct from caries, and as an emerging public health issue with increasing prevalence in people of all ages. Although often generalized under the heading of “tooth wear,” there are actually two distinct tooth surface loss processes that must be taken into account. Tooth surface loss can be the result of physical mechanisms, such as attrition and abrasion, or chemical mechanisms triggered by acid. Both of these mechanisms are discussed, as well as the chemical, biological, and behavioral factors that increase or reduce risk of tooth surface loss. In addition, diagnosis and prevention measures related to dental erosion are introduced.

Caries Process and Prevention Strategies: Erosion

This course is part 4 of a 10-part series entitled *Caries Process and Prevention Strategies*. It has been established that the oral environment is one of the primary factors in the caries process. Only when acidity increases in the oral environment does demineralization of enamel, and subsequently caries, occur. In this course, the role of fermentable carbohydrates is discussed, paying particular attention to how caries can be influenced by the cariogenic potential of ingested sugars and starches, the physical traits of ingested carbohydrates (such as their adhesiveness), and the frequency of intake and exposure to sugars. The Stephan curve, which illustrates the dental pH changes over time in response to a carbohydrate challenge, is also introduced, with a discussion of how factors such as the type of carbohydrate, the buffering capacity of saliva, and the type and amount of bacteria present in plaque affect dental plaque pH responses.


This course is part 4 of a 10-part series entitled *Caries Process and Prevention Strategies*. In this course, the role of fermentable carbohydrates is discussed, paying particular attention to how caries can be influenced by the cariogenic potential of ingested sugars and starches, the physical traits of ingested carbohydrates (such as their adhesiveness), and the frequency of intake and exposure to sugars.

Caries Process and Prevention Strategies:  The Environment

This course is part 5 of a 10-part series entitled *Caries Process and Prevention Strategies*. In this course, the dynamic process of demineralization and remineralization is discussed, paying particular attention to tooth hard tissue structure, the role of acid production by cariogenic bacteria, and the critical pH at which tooth enamel begins to dissolve. The role of acid-reducing bacteria, saliva, and fluoride in tooth hard tissue remineralization will also be explained.

Caries is the chemical dissolution of the hard tooth structures - enamel and dentin - by the acid created as the bacteria in dental plaque ferment carbohydrates. The development of caries is dependent on the interplay between processes that cause demineralization of tooth enamel, and those which cause remineralization: Only when factors favor the high acidity that leads to demineralization does caries occur. 

This course is part 5 of a 10-part series entitled *Caries Process and Prevention Strategies*. In this course, the dynamic process of demineralization and remineralization is discussed, paying particular attention to tooth hard tissue structure, the role of acid production by cariogenic bacteria, and the critical pH at which tooth enamel begins to dissolve. The role of acid-reducing bacteria, saliva, and fluoride in tooth hard tissue remineralization will also be explained.

Caries Process and Prevention Strategies:  Demineralization/ Remineralization

This course is part 6 of a 10-part series entitled *Caries Process and Prevention Strategies*. This course introduces the dental professional to the importance of caries diagnosis in prevention of the disease, as well as the intricate link between caries diagnosis and treatment. The two main methods of lesion diagnosis used today—the visual–tactile or visual methods and bitewing radiography—are discussed; particularly with regard to their application in the ICDAS system, including recent advancements that improve their sensitivity, as well as their limitations. Topics also include newer approaches to caries diagnosis and management, a brief discussion of why too-early caries lesion diagnosis can be counterproductive and the benefits of enlisting the help of pediatricians in diagnosing caries in children.


This course is part 6 of a 10-part series entitled *Caries Process and Prevention Strategies*. This course introduces the dental professional to the importance of caries diagnosis in prevention of the disease, as well as the intricate link between caries diagnosis and treatment.


Caries Process and Prevention Strategies: Diagnosis (ce373) - Introduction

Caries Process and Prevention Strategies: Diagnosis

This course is part 1 of a 10-part series entitled *Caries Process and Prevention Strategies.* Oral epidemiology is the area of public health that deals with the distribution and the impact of oral disease on the human population. In this course, emphasis is placed on the relevance of epidemiology to clinical practice and information about the prevalence, incidence and trends of dental caries in the United States is presented. The term DMF (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) is introduced, along with variations and limitations of the DMF index, and an explanation of how to calculate DMF scores.


This is part 1 of a 10-part series entitled *Caries Process and Prevention Strategies*. In this course, emphasis is placed on the relevance of epidemiology to clinical practice and information about the prevalence, incidence and trends of dental caries in the United States is presented.

Caries Process and Prevention Strategies: Epidemiology

This continuing education course will review epidemiologic data on the growing older adult population and its impact on the need for complete denture therapy today and in the future. The challenges faced by the profession with respect to managing edentulism in this older adult population will also be considered. Finally, the therapeutic utility of denture adhesives, appropriate adhesive application to denture bases, and recommendations for denture and oral hygiene will be discussed and illustrated.

With an ever-increasing elderly edentulous population, the dental profession is tasked to become more proficient in providing complete denture therapy, even in the face of significant residual ridge resorption. Once optimal complete denture fabrication has been achieved, the prescription of conservative and appropriate denture adhesive application can substantially aid prosthesis retention and stability, as well as facilitate patient psychological well-being. This course presents epidemiologic information detailing this needy patient population, the biomechanical phenomena of complete denture stability and retention, and the prescription and management of denture adhesive to supplement stability and retention in well-fabricated complete dentures.

This course presents epidemiologic information detailing this needy patient population, the biomechanical phenomena of complete denture stability and retention, and the prescription and management of denture adhesive to supplement stability and retention in well-fabricated complete dentures.

Introduction - Prosthesis Retention and Effective Use of Denture Adhesive in Complete Denture Therapy (ce360)

Prosthesis Retention and Effective Use of Denture Adhesive in Complete Denture Therapy

This course is designed to introduce dental assisting and hygiene students and serve as a review to practicing assistants and hygienists, to the professional dental terminology that is utilized in dentistry. Case scenarios are used that represent various members of the dental team speaking with patients and other team members. The dialogue in these scenarios include the use of professional and lay terminology as applicable. At the completion of each case scenario, there is a question posed to the learner allowing the use of critical thinking skills. This course is an excellent resource for the classroom.

This course is designed to introduce dental assisting and hygiene students and serve as a review to practicing assistants and hygienists, to the professional dental terminology that is utilized in dentistry. Case scenarios are used that represent various members of the dental team speaking with patients and other team members.

Professional Dental Terminology for the Dental Assistant and Hygienist

Oral and perioral piercings are increasingly popular. Patients will present with such body modifications and dental professionals need certain skills and knowledge to adequately treat them. This course will explore types of oral piercings, oral jewelry selection, post piercing healing and care and dental management. Other topics include educating the patient considering a piercing and choosing a professional piercer.

The goal of this course is to provide dental team members with the knowledge and skills necessary to appropriately treat the patient with oral piercings.

Oral Piercings: Implications for Dental Professionals (ce423) - Introduction

Oral Piercings: Implications for Dental Professionals 

The primary learning objectives for this course are to: 1) increase your knowledge of evidence-based concepts, principles and skills, and 2) specifically how to formulate a good clinical question in order to find relevant evidence to answer that question.

The Evidence-based Decision Making (EBDM) process provides a mechanism for staying current in practice by addressing gaps in knowledge so that the clinician can provide the best care possible. To accomplish this, EBDM requires understanding new concepts and skills, the first and often the most difficult is how to ask an answerable question. This question provides the basis for identifying the key terms for conducting an efficient search, the second step of the EBDM process. These two steps provide the basis for the three that follow: critically appraising the evidence, applying the results in clinical practice, and evaluating the outcome. The EBDM approach recognizes that clinicians can never be completely current with all conditions, medications, materials, or available products, and provides a structured approach to keeping current.

The primary learning objectives for this course are to: 1) increase your knowledge of evidence-based concepts, principles and skills, and 2) specifically how to formulate a good clinical question in order to find relevant evidence to answer that question.

Evidence-based Decision Making: Introduction and Formulating Good Clinical Questions

This course will review the various signs, symptoms, and other aspects that substance use disorders can have on our patients. We will limit our scope to the effects on the oral cavity and we will cover more commonly abused substances. Information will be provided for the clinician to make distinctions, begin safe dialogues, document patient comments and oral findings, and provide resources and follow-up support to patients with substance use disorders.

Substance use disorders (SUD) remain a significant epidemic in present day society. According to the 2022  National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) , 48.7 million people aged 12 and older in the United States (17.8%) have  a substance use disorder.<sup>[61](/en-au/ce-courses/ce545/references#61)</sup> As contemporary dental professionals, it is important that we are educated on the current effects of commonly used and abused drugs or medications including alcohol and nicotine.

There are several reasons why today’s dental clinician needs to be observant when treating patients who may be using drugs, alcohol and/or nicotine. Medical emergencies during dental treatments spurred by health or drug interactions would be cause for concern. Long-term health of the oral cavity is another, but perhaps the most important consideration would be the quality of life and health that could be restored after abuse or addiction.

Focused chairside observation is essential considering that 50% of patients will reveal less about their lifestyles than they should. Unsubstantiated observations should not cause the clinician to assume the patient has a substance use disorder. Instead, careful questioning of the patient may reveal a substance use disorder. At the end of each section, we will review various approaches and acceptable means of guidance that a dental professional might employ with a patient regarding that particular substance. While this course is intended to encourage observation and detection of the signs and symptoms of various substance use disorders, sensitivity for the patient’s right to privacy should be respected. Providing gentle educational explanations about a particular oral condition and posing either straightforward or benign questions to the patient about how or why a particular condition might be arising is the best professional action. If dental professionals develop a dialog that promotes trust, we ensure the patient feels safe in our care. Approximately 50% of general dentists provide their patients with nicotine cessation information, but fewer provide information about alcohol or other substances. It is important for the dental professional to have broad-based knowledge regarding substance use disorders because a patient suspected of this disorder can be a challenge. Clinically, it is important to avoid drug treatment interactions or behavioral outbursts in the dental office and further support the patient as they attempt to become drug-free. Many times, the dental office can serve as a safe and non-threatening source of cessation assistance. Creating referral protocols may help our patients find appropriate professional treatment.

Most scientists consider addiction to be a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences. Prevention efforts and treatment approaches for addiction are generally as successful as those for other chronic diseases.<sup>[3](/en-au/ce-courses/ce545/references#3)</sup> There are implications for oral health professionals in identifying and managing the patient who is abusing substances. Management issues relevant to delivery of oral care include:

1. Identifying potential drug interactions, during oral care, with substances used.
2. Offering drug abuse cessation information.
3. Dealing with the erratic behavior of a patient who arrives at the oral care appointment while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.<sup>[24](/en-au/ce-courses/ce545/references#24)</sup>

An Introduction to Substance Use Disorders for Dental Professionals is a free dental continuing education course that covers a wide range of topics relevant to the oral healthcare professional community.

A History and Update of Fluoride Dentifrices

An Introduction to Substance Use Disorders for Dental Professionals

The purpose of this course is to review the role of plaque in the initiation of periodontal disease, share novel insights on the mechanism by which stannous fluoride reduces plaque-induced gingivitis, and discuss practical implications for dental professionals.


Re-examining the Plaque-Gingivitis Connection and the Role of Stannous Fluoride

This course will focus on the most common dentifrice ingredients and the oral health benefits they provide. Upon completion of the course, participants will understand not only the fundamentals of dentifrice ingredients, but also key regulatory aspects of the dentifrice market and the role of the ADA Seal program in credentialing consumer dentifrices.

A-Z Fundamentals of Dentifrice: Oral Health Benefits in a Tube

The primary learning objective for this course is to increase your general knowledge of the evolution of various plaque hypotheses throughout the years, highlighting the current view of plaque biofilm as an integral part of the oral microbiome; its role in health and disease; and the ramifications for periodontal therapy.

The Oral Microbiome: A New View of Plaque Biofilm

Motivation plays a crucial role in driving the performance and success of teams in various organizational settings.  While traditional approaches to motivation focus on extrinsic factors such as rewards and punishments, a humanistic approach emphasizes team members' intrinsic motivation and psychological well-being.  This course explores the fundamental principles of a humanistic approach to team member motivation and real-world examples highlighting its effectiveness. Its institution by the employer contributes to more harmonious and productive team members and plays a vital role in providing excellent customer service to patients.


Motivation plays a crucial role in driving the performance and success of teams in various organizational settings.  While traditional approaches to motivation focus on extrinsic factors such as rewards and punishments, a humanistic approach emphasizes team members' intrinsic motivation and psychological well-being.  This course explores the fundamental principles of a humanistic approach to team member motivation and real-world examples highlighting its effectiveness.

A Humanistic Approach to Team Member Motivation

This course will focus on three common conditions women may potentially experience as they age: stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, and depression. It will discuss risk factors and research-based approaches to treatment protocols and prevention. Oral health care treatment guidelines, and home care products specifically tailored to promote oral health, will be addressed.

This is Part 2 of a 2-part series on women, aging and oral health. Part I is available [here](https://www.dentalcare.com/en-us/ce-courses/ce302).


This course will focus on three common conditions women may potentially experience as they age: stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, and depression. It will discuss risk factors and research-based approaches to treatment protocols and prevention. Oral health care treatment guidelines, and home care products specifically tailored to promote oral health, will be addressed.

Aging, System Disease and Oral Health: Implications for Women Worldwide (ce330) - introduction

Aging, Systemic Disease and Oral Health: Implications for Women Worldwide (Part II)

The purpose of this course is to review proper ergonomic techniques used in the operatory.  The course will review neutral and unsafe postures, operator and patient positioning, and equipment choices to practice pain-free.

The dental profession is at high risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), with up to 96% of practitioners reporting pain due to clinical work habits.<sup>4</sup> This is due to repetitive movements, bending, twisting, reaching, incorrect operator and patient positioning and performing repetitive movements in a static posture. Ergonomics is the science of fitting the working environment to the practitioner, instead of forcing one’s body to acclimate to the environment. Practicing proper ergonomics can increase productivity, decrease pain and lengthen one’s career. Allowing the individual to practice pain-free, ergonomics can increase the quality of one’s life and work satisfaction.  

This is the second course in the 2-part Perfect Posture Mechanics series.  Perfect Posture Mechanics: [Part 1 - Dentistry and Your Body](https://www.dentalcare-aus.com.au/en-au/ce-courses/ce667) addresses risk factors for MDS's and movements that cause injury.  It also demonstrates microbreaks and the importance of daily stretching to reduce pain and fatigue. 


The purpose of this course is to review proper ergonomic techniques used in the operatory.  The course will review neutral and unsafe postures, operator and patient positioning, and equipment choices to practice pain-free.

Perfect Posture Mechanics: Part II - Into the Operatory

Practicing dentistry is both unique and challenging from an ergonomics perspective. The practice of dentistry puts clinicians at risk for certain musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and injury due to multiple risk factors. The purpose of this course is to alert clinicians to each of these risk factors and the injuries each can cause. Participants will also learn about the most common MSDs in dentistry and the movements that contribute to each.

Additionally, this course will demonstrate the importance of microbreaks and examples of chairside microbreaks and stretches the clinician can implement to reduce pain and fatigue.

This course is part 1 of a 2 part series.  Part 2 which will address strategies to maintain proper ergonomics in the operatory.


Perfect Posture Mechanics: Part I - Dentistry and Your Body

The purpose of this course is to provide practical ‘hands-on’ information to students and clinicians for successful intraoral imaging with digital sensors.  In addition, this course will briefly review the basics of intraoral imaging, but most importantly will go beyond those basics by highlighting common difficulties with sensors and providing solutions to help the dental professional produce high-quality diagnostic images. Numerous photographs and radiographic images are embedded in the text to enhance the mastery of the material.

There are numerous textbooks that thoroughly teach intraoral technique, it is anticipated that the learner will have a working knowledge as they begin this course, which will include basic imaging in discussions of modifications of techniques.  The clinician will learn to assess the instrument system setup __before__ pressing the exposure button with a critical evaluation of the horizontal and vertical angulations as dictated by the rod-and-ring alignment system used.  There are multiple textbook resources available for intraoral technique instruction.<sup>1, 2</sup> There are also many short videos available on electronic media, but ‘buyer beware’, as all videos are not accurate or complete.

This course will briefly review the basics of intraoral imaging, but most importantly will go beyond those basics by highlighting common difficulties with sensors and providing solutions to help the dental professional produce high-quality diagnostic images.

Intraoral Imaging Techniques: Beyond the Textbook

This course is an overview of the skeletal muscles of the head and neck. This course can be used as a reference for the locations and functions of the muscles of the head and neck that are important in dentistry. This is the second part of a three-part series including the bony structures of the head and neck and the cranial nerves.

The course is not intended to replace in-depth studying of anatomy but is a guide to review the basics of anatomy as it relates to the dental field. It is essential for all dental professionals to recognize the normal appearance and functions of the structures found in the head and neck. Beyond the teeth, muscles and neurological factors can play a role in symptoms that exist. Various medical conditions first present in the head and neck as deviations of normal. Understanding important landmarks and anatomy are key to providing proper care and diagnosis.

This course is an overview of the skeletal muscles of the head and neck. This course can be used as a reference for the locations and functions of the muscles of the head and neck that are important in dentistry. This is the second part of a three-part series including the bony structures of the head and neck and the cranial nerves.

Head and Neck Anatomy: Part II – Musculature (ce597) - Introduction

Head and Neck Anatomy: Part II – Musculature

This course presents foundational facts and concepts regarding bony structures of the head and neck including the cranial bones (neurocranium) facial bones (viscerocranial bones) and their related openings, features and muscle attachments. It is essential for the dental professional to understand normal appearance and function as well as important landmarks during clinical examinations, when administering local anesthesia or for recognition of deviations of normal in identifying various medical conditions. This course will also cover the types of joints in the head and neck and the significance of their structure to normal function.

Please note this is Part I of a three-part series. To gain the full benefit of the concepts covered in this course, be sure to read Head and Neck Anatomy: Part II – Musculature (CE597) and Part III - Cranial Nerves (CE598)

While this course presents basic facts and concepts of head and neck anatomy it is not intended to replace an in-depth study of anatomy but is a guide to review the basics of anatomy as it relates to the dental field and assist the dental professional to recognize the normal anatomy of the head and neck.  Muscles and nerves play a key role in many pathological conditions. As muscles are attached to the bones and the nerves pass through passages in the bones, the skeletal system provides fixed landmarks to describe symptoms even if not a source of the pathology. Various medical conditions first present in the head and neck as deviations of normal. Understanding important landmarks and anatomy are key to providing proper care and diagnosis. Part 1 of this 3-part series reviews the bony structures of the skull.

This course is an overview of the bony structures of head and neck anatomy. This course can be used as a reference for the bony structures as well as anatomical landmarks. This is the first part of a three-part series including the cranial nerves and the musculature of the face.

Head and Neck Anatomy: Part I – Bony Structures (ce591) - Introduction

Head and Neck Anatomy: Part I – Bony Structures

As clinicians, we are responsible for implementing current evidence-based treatments. Therefore, it becomes critical that we understand what evidence-based practice really means. Not all evidence is created equal and not every conclusion of an article should be implemented. Critically interpreting evidence becomes a valuable part of the clinician’s responsibilities. This lecture will introduce the principles of evidence-based dentistry, how to develop, critically evaluate and implement scientific evidence into day-to-day practice and apply these principles to making the right decisions when advising patients on effective self-care in caries and periodontal disease prevention.

This course will introduce the principles of evidence-based dentistry, how to develop, critically evaluate and implement scientific evidence into day-to-day practice and apply these principles to making the right decisions when advising patients on effective self-care in caries and periodontal disease prevention.

Evidence-based Dentistry (ce625) - Introduction

Evidence-based Dentistry – Why Do I Need That?

The purpose of this course is to discuss popular diet trends your patients may be following, arming you with what you need to know as a dental healthcare professional. Evidence-based research shows us how diet trends and dietary patterns impact the health of the oral cavity. Understand the low FODMAP, Mediterranean, gluten-free, dairy-free, and plant-based diets and how they affect oral health status.

Popular Diet Trends - Lean in on Dental Health

This course is an overview of the cranial nerves with special emphasis on the branches that are important to the dental professional.  This course can be used as a reference for the location and function of the nerves of the head and neck. This is the last part of a three-part series including the bony structures of the head and neck and the muscles of the head and neck.

Head and Neck Anatomy: Part III – Cranial Nerves

The growing array of tooth whitening product options with varying efficacy, safety, cost, and differences in application methods and settings elicit patient queries.  Understanding tooth color etiology, the relative strengths and limitations of treatment options, and patient goals is important for effective guidance.  This course discusses mechanisms that influence efficacy and tolerability of whitening products including concentration, dose and contact time as well as strengths and limitations of different whitening delivery systems.

This course discusses mechanisms that influence efficacy and tolerability of whitening products including concentration, dose and contact time as well as strengths and limitations of different whitening delivery systems.

How Whitening Works

This course presents an overview of dental pit and fissure sealants as a safe and effective way to prevent dental caries. The course starts with a brief look at the history of dental sealants followed by the current rationale for their use. Frequently asked questions about sealants are addressed along with the presentation of guidelines for sealant use. Information about materials currently used for sealants is presented along with general instructions for the successful placement of sealants. The use of sealants in public health programs is also addressed.


Sealants: The Added Link in Prevention

This course will explore a code of ethics as one of the essential characteristics of a true professional. Dentistry is granted privileges when providing care to the public and in return the profession should adhere to high ethical standards of conduct. This course is a guideline for the attainment of goals and aspirations of the profession as a tool for awareness, reflection and self-regulation. The role of codes and their effectiveness will be explored in the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene.

Please note this is Part II of a three-part series. To gain the full benefit of the concepts covered in this course, be sure to read [Ethics in Dentistry: Part I - Principles and Values](/en-us/ce-courses/ce510) and [Part III - Ethical Decision-making](/en-us/ce-courses/ce546).


This course will explore a code of ethics as one of the essential characteristics of a true professional. Dentistry is granted privileges when providing care to the public and in return the profession should adhere to high ethical standards of conduct. This course is a guideline for the attainment of goals and aspirations of the profession as a tool for awareness, reflection and self-regulation.

Ethics in Dentistry: Part II - Codes of Ethics

Intraoral radiography is part of the daily practice of dentistry. Radiographs provide important information to supplement the clinical examination, enabling the dentist to render a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan. Guidance regarding the prescription of radiographs can be found in course, <a href="https://www.dentalcare.com/en-us/ce-courses/ce584">Radiographic Selection Criteria (CE584)</a>.

This course will focus on the anatomical structures that are recorded on intraoral radiographic images. The clinician must be familiar with the anatomical structures to ensure accurate orientation and/or arrangement prior to interpretation. Recognition of anatomical structures serves as a baseline to differentiate normal structures from abnormalities.

It should be understood that not every structure presented will be seen on every radiographic survey. However, enough structures will be recorded to provide the necessary guidance for arrangement and interpretation.

<div class="bg-aliceBlue" style="padding:10px;"><strong>Syllabus: Dental Radiology</strong>

The information in this 12-module syllabus is intended (1) to meet elements of initial educational/training requirements for Dental Students, Dental Hygiene Students, and Dental Assistant Students related to dental radiography; (2) to provide a framework for an in-service training program in oral healthcare settings to meet annual educational/training requirements as mandated by federal, state, local and professional organizations; and (3) to serve as a resource for oral healthcare personnel wishing to review evidence-based information on specific topics related to dental radiography. A PDF is available for each module that may serve as a convenient resource.

[Learn More](https://assets.ctfassets.net/u2qv1tdtdbbu/4my3SSlCZiOqnskD9YwNYn/318a0bbe2f1d54e7c03e6506b25d2e83/radiology-syllabus.pdf "Dental Radiology Syllabus")</div>

Intraoral radiography is part of the daily practice of dentistry. Radiographs provide important information to supplement the clinical examination, enabling the dentist to render a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.

Intraoral Radiographic Anatomy

This course seeks to improve the dental care provider’s understanding of the interaction between periodontal disease, dental caries, and dementia. It will also serve as an aid in the clinical decision-making process to optimize dental health for patients with dementia and periodontal disease.


Dental Health and Dementia: More than Forgetfulness

Clinical feedback and evaluation is paramount in the process of clinical teaching.  Students need one-on-one feedback and evaluation in guiding them to be competent and autonomous practitioners. This faculty module will discuss and describe the various factors in providing effective feedback and evaluation throughout the clinical learning environment. 

Clinical feedback and evaluation is paramount in the process of clinical teaching. This faculty module will discuss and describe the various factors in providing effective feedback and evaluation throughout the clinical learning environment.

Clinical Teaching: Feedback and Evaluation

This course provides information to assist clinicians in promoting the goals of oral health by first understanding periodontal health, recognizing disease states and providing choices in treatment strategies. The course reviews basic periodontal anatomy (to include connective tissue, bone, periodontal ligament and cementum) and physiology, periodontal disease classification, as well as the challenges, manifestations and implications of attachment loss. Evaluation of periodontal therapeutic strategies is best accomplished through a review of the scientific evidence on the topic. The objective of the therapeutic strategies reviewed is to improve the health and function of all periodontal attachment structures rather than only bone in isolation.

Periodontal health depends on several factors, such as the periodontal microflora, oral hygiene, host response and other periodontal risk factors. Currently, we have yet to consistently and predictably restore periodontal attachment lost due to periodontal disease. The most frequently occurring periodontal disease is chronic periodontitis (formerly termed adult periodontitis). As the name implies, chronic periodontitis is often a slowly progressing disease which responds favorably to treatment and can be managed adequately; however, disease sequellae may not always be predictably restored.

Before one can recognize disease, one must understand periodontal health. The healthy periodontium is a strong yet flexible structure which attaches the teeth to the bones of the maxilla and mandible. In health, the periodontal attachment includes cementum, periodontal ligament, connective tissue and alveolar bone. The attachment bone plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and survival of the dentition.


This course provides information to assist clinicians in promoting the goals of oral health by first understanding periodontal health, recognizing disease states and providing choices in treatment strategies. The course reviews basic periodontal anatomy (to include connective tissue, bone, periodontal ligament and cementum) and physiology, periodontal disease classification, as well as the challenges, manifestations and implications of attachment loss. Evaluation of periodontal therapeutic strategies is best accomplished through a review of the scientific evidence on the topic. The objective of the therapeutic strategies reviewed is to improve the health and function of all periodontal attachment structures rather than only bone in isolation.

Periodontics: Oral Health and Wellness I. Understanding Periodontal Health, Recognizing Disease States and Choices in Treatment Strategies

The course will review the pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The screening of patients in whom OSA is suspected will be reviewed. Finally, the management of OSA will be discussed with the focus on use of mandibular advancement devices in its treatment.


Sleep Apnea Management for the Dentist

This course seeks to discuss the interrelationship of oral health and mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression and to provide dental healthcare providers with tools to intervene and help improve overall health for individuals with both oral and mental health disorders.

This course seeks to identify risk screening tools to assess anxiety and depression in the patient population seeking dental care and to evaluate the link between these common mental health disorders and oral health.

ce573 - Anxiety, Depression, Stress, and Oral Health - intro

Anxiety, Depression, Stress, and Oral Health

This course serves to broaden the horizons of the general practice dental hygienist in utilizing advanced instrumentation and /or instruments that are not typically in the general practice set up for initial or periodontal recall patient treatment. In addition, alternative fulcrums, patient and clinician positioning that can be utilized to better access certain areas of the mouth and address special dental needs.  

In pre-pandemic times, the use of combination therapy, consisting of both hand and power instruments, was considered the norm.  Yet, as the concern over aerosol transmitted viruses has drastically come into play, the recommendation for the reduction of the use of power instrumentation, such as the use of ultrasonic scaling and air polishing, must be considered.<sup>[1,](/en-au/ce-courses/ce569/references#1)[8](/en-au/ce-courses/ce569/references#8)</sup>  Although a combination of manual and ultrasonic therapies is very efficient and recommended when treating moderate to deep periodontal pockets, manual scaling cannot be replaced.  When dealing with initial PPD greater than 4 mm (medium to deep pockets), manual instrumentation was shown to be the superior in reducing PPD.<sup>[2,](/en-au/ce-courses/ce569/references#2)</sup><sup>[9](/en-au/ce-courses/ce569/references#9)</sup>

The purpose of this course is to broaden the horizons of the general practice dental hygienist in treating some of the special needs of patients by utilizing advanced manual instrumentation and /or instruments that are not typically in the general practice set up for initial or periodontal recall patient treatment.

__Acknowledgement__

Instrument photos, illustrations, tables and instrument descriptions were graciously provided by Hu-Friedy Mfg Co. (except where noted).

The author wishes to thank Ginny Sudyk and Leanna Stuhlmiller at Steinbicker Family Dentistry for helping create the alternative fulcrum photos.

This course serves to review different types of instruments, their application and alternative fulcrums, and patient and clinician positioning that can be utilized to better access certain areas of the mouth and address special dental needs that some patients may have.

Advanced Instrumentation for the General Practice Dental Hygienist

This course explains the principle of image formation on any x-ray receptor, starting from the interaction between the x-ray and the radiographed object. This course will also explain the image quality factors such as the kVp, mAs, spatial resolution, contrast resolution, and image sharpness.

This course aims to explain the basic concepts of image formation and the factors that affect image brightness, contrast, sharpness, and overall quality.

The Radiographic Image

As an oral health care professional, it is important to understand what it means to whiten teeth. This course will review the differences between whitening and bleaching and how to identify types of stains or causes of tooth discoloration, how to properly include whitening in individual treatment plans, and how to discuss the options, benefits and potential adverse effects.


This course will review the differences between whitening and bleaching and how to identify types of stains or causes of tooth discoloration, how to properly include whitening in individual treatment plans, and how to discuss the options, benefits and potential adverse effects.

What to Know About Whitening

The topics reviewed in this continuing education course include:  normal oral structures; common oral conditions; eruption patterns; dental caries and prevention; nonsurgical caries management options and orofacial trauma.  Upon completion of this course the user will better understand appropriate evaluation, treatment, and preventive measures that should be instituted during infancy and continued on a regular basis to maintain optimal oral health.

A child's oral health is an integral part of overall health. Appropriate evaluation, treatment, and preventive measures should be instituted during infancy and continued on a regular basis to maintain optimal health. This presentation is designed to offer practical pediatric oral health information and has been developed in cooperation with the *American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry*.

Topics in this presentation include:

- Normal Oral Structures
- Common Oral Conditions
- Eruption Patterns
- Dental Caries and Prevention
- Orofacial Trauma

These topics were selected to provide the background necessary to offer advice on a variety of conditions and to encourage early referral to the pediatric dentist.


The topics reviewed in this continuing education course include:  normal oral structures; common oral conditions; eruption patterns; dental caries and prevention; nonsurgical caries management options and orofacial trauma.  Upon completion of this course the user will better understand appropriate evaluation, treatment, and preventive measures that should be instituted during infancy and continued on a regular basis to maintain optimal oral health.

Smiles For Tomorrow

This course will review Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and its applications in clinical dentistry. The technology and how it differs from other types of dental imaging, keys for optimal imaging based on the desired outcomes, radiation dose to patients, interpretation, and medico-legal considerations will be discussed.

<div class="bg-aliceBlue" style="padding:10px;"><strong>Syllabus: Dental Radiology</strong>

The information in this 12-module syllabus is intended (1) to meet elements of initial educational/training requirements for Dental Students, Dental Hygiene Students, and Dental Assistant Students related to dental radiography; (2) to provide a framework for an in-service training program in oral healthcare settings to meet annual educational/training requirements as mandated by federal, state, local and professional organizations; and (3) to serve as a resource for oral healthcare personnel wishing to review evidence-based information on specific topics related to dental radiography. A PDF is available for each module that may serve as a convenient resource.

[Learn More](https://assets.ctfassets.net/u2qv1tdtdbbu/4my3SSlCZiOqnskD9YwNYn/318a0bbe2f1d54e7c03e6506b25d2e83/radiology-syllabus.pdf)</div>

This course will review Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and its applications in clinical dentistry. The technology and how it differs from other types of dental imaging, keys for optimal imaging based on the desired outcomes, radiation dose to patients, interpretation, and medico-legal considerations will be discussed.

Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Applications in Dentistry

The purpose of the Radiographic Techniques for the Pediatric Patient course is to provide information on the guidelines for radiographic exposure with emphasis on the reduction of ionizing radiation and innovative techniques that are helpful in conducting radiographic examinations for the pediatric patient. Furthermore, this topic will provide suggestions for communicating with patients and parents about radiation safety and the importance of radiographs in diagnosis and treatment planning.

<div class="bg-aliceBlue" style="padding:10px;"><strong>Syllabus: Dental Radiology</strong>

The information in this 12-module syllabus is intended (1) to meet elements of initial educational/training requirements for Dental Students, Dental Hygiene Students, and Dental Assistant Students related to dental radiography; (2) to provide a framework for an in-service training program in oral healthcare settings to meet annual educational/training requirements as mandated by federal, state, local and professional organizations; and (3) to serve as a resource for oral healthcare personnel wishing to review evidence-based information on specific topics related to dental radiography. A PDF is available for each module that may serve as a convenient resource.

[Learn More](https://assets.ctfassets.net/u2qv1tdtdbbu/4my3SSlCZiOqnskD9YwNYn/318a0bbe2f1d54e7c03e6506b25d2e83/radiology-syllabus.pdf)</div>


The purpose of this course is to provide information on guidelines for radiographic exposure with emphasis on reduction of ionizing radiation and innovative techniques that are helpful in conducting radiographic examinations for the pediatric patient. Furthermore, this topic will provide suggestions for communicating with patients and parents about radiation safety and the importance of radiographs in diagnosis and treatment planning.

Dental Continuing Education Courses

Find Your Course