DENT 115 Oral Science

3 credits

Students are introduced to basic dental sciences including Oral Anatomy, Tooth Morphology & Oral Microbiology. The course focuses on the healthy, normal end of the health/disease continuum & provides a foundation for further dental science study.

Prerequisites: Admission to the Dental Assistant program.

Quarters Offered: Fall, Spring

Global Outcome(s)
This course teaches to the global outcome of Communication.

This course teaches to the global outcome of Teamwork.

This course teaches to the global outcome of Information Literacy.

Student Outcomes/Competencies:
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Define key terms related to oral anatomy, tooth morphology, and microbiology
Identify the anatomic landmarks of the oral cavity
Identify the salivary glands and ducts
Identify the types of oral mucosa
Identify the four types of teeth, describe the design and specialized functions of each type, and classify them as anterior or posterior teeth
Describe the Universal numbering system, the Federation Dentaire International two-digit tooth-recording system, and the Palmer system
Define the terms related to tooth morphology including: the Curve of Spee, the names of the surfaces of the teeth, contours and contacts, overbite and overjet, embrasure and occlusal form and the physiology of occlusion
Identify the number and types of teeth in the primary dentition; state the specialized functions of the primary dentition
Compare the primary and permanent dentition in terms of: numbers and types of teeth; size and shape of similar types of teeth
Identify each of the permanent and primary teeth in terms of: number of cusps and roots, and unusual anatomic landmarks
Given an extracted tooth, or a typodont tooth, identify the following: the type of tooth; whether it is an anterior or posterior tooth; and if it has an incisal edge or an occlusal surface
Identify the following terms: aerobes, anaerobes, asepsis, epidemiology, microorganisms, pathogen and sepsis
Describe the main shapes of bacteria and differentiate between aerobes and anaerobes
Describe how some bacteria protect themselves against adverse conditions by forming capsules and spores and state the problems caused by this microbial defense system
State potential means of disease transmission in the dental office and list the microorganisms which are of particular concern
Describe the universal precautions used for every patient to prevent disease transmission
Describe the microbial etiology of oral disease