DHYG 329 General Pathology

2 credits

This course builds on the scientific foundation established in DHYG 246 and 325. The focus along the health-disease continuum shifts toward basic concepts of disease. Students identify the general mechanisms of disease and health problems in each of the body systems. Basic concepts of immunity, infection, and inflammation as they affect total body wellness or illness are discussed. Terminology is explained as it pertains to body systems and to diseases and health problems. Students learn the definition and description of the basic features of a disease, the etiology, the predisposing factors that may influence the development process, and the signs and symptoms of various diseases. Greater emphasis is placed on specific disease entities as related to the settings and practices of dental hygiene.

Prerequisites: DHYG 248, DHYG 252, DHYG 253, DHYG 254, and DHYG 258

Corequisites: DHYG 321, DHYG 322, DHYG 323, DHYG 324, DHYG 325, and DHYG 326

Quarters Offered: Winter

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

Explain pathological processes that underlie diseases that affect the human body, including the process of inflammation, infection, immunity and tissue repair and healing
Identify etiologies and other characteristics of systemic diseases which are encountered by dental hygienists and which may affect the care and treatment of the dental patient
Explain pathological processes in the body that may affect the dental hygienists’ ability to provide dental care and treatment to the patient and/or that may necessitate possible adjustment in the treatment planning and execution of care due to the patient’s specific medical history
Explain specific characteristic signs and symptoms and the possible etiology or causative factors in the development of diseases
Identify various methods of diagnosing and treating diseases
Explain the prognosis of various disease entities and the factors to prevent disease from occurring
Apply terminology relating to the disease process and abnormal disease entities

Total Hours: 20 Lecture Hours: 20