During the delivery of dental care, both patients and dental healthcare workers can be exposed to a wide array of infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, influenza, and numerous other viral and bacterial infections. It is the dental professional’s responsibility to adhere to scientifically accepted principles and practices of infection control. This basic-level course reviews published guidelines and principles of infection control and outlines the methods that can be used to effectively break the chain of infection, including the use of work practice controls, barriers and/or personal protective equipment, and practices of effective cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilization. Relevant to all dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants, this course focuses on the core elements of infection control that are essential to prevent the spread of infectious disease in the dental office.

Dental professionals are exposed to potentially infectious materials in daily practice. This course is an overview of infection control procedures in the dental setting. The concept of standard precautions is reviewed along with the recommendations for personal protective equipment, appropriate hand hygiene, and the management of contaminated sharps. The requirements for safety equipment in both the clinical and laboratory setting are outlined. The management of occupational exposures is also discussed.

This course describes the difference between ethics and jurisprudence and discusses the ethical principles outlined by the ADA and the Indiana State Board of Dentistry. OSHA regulations for dental offices and the CDC recommendations for infection control in dentistry are discussed, including the most frequent OSHA violations committed within the dental setting. The latest changes in the Indiana Dental Practice Act are included in this updated state-required course.

This course presents the basics of incorporating the use of magnification into dental practice. The course describes the evolution of the use of magnification in the field of dentistry along with the magnification alternatives currently available, including surgical telescopic loupes and the dental operating microscope. The concept of the magnification continuum is explained and the challenges of incorporating magnification into the daily practice of dentistry are identified.

Disparities in oral health status and access to dental care are major and increasing problems for people with special healthcare needs. This course addresses current thinking about the challenges dental professionals face with providing oral healthcare services for people with special needs. It identifies the factors that hinder access to dental care and presents strategies to improve the provision of care for the special needs population. The course includes recommendations for the management and treatment of special needs patients.

Understanding exactly what is meant by domestic violence is sometimes complex. This course educates dental healthcare workers in Florida about the epidemic of domestic violence in that state. It includes the Florida Statutes dealing with domestic violence, adult protective services, emergency shelters, and counseling and outreach programs. The process for evaluating patients for suspected abuse and neglect is outlined including questioning, assessment of the signs and symptoms, and evidence collection (e.g., impressions, radiographs, and photographs). The populations at risk are discussed, using local and national statistics on domestic violence to emphasize the scope of this pernicious problem.

The number of adults age 65 and older in the U.S. is expected to swell to 72 million by 2030. The aging population will bring both opportunities and challenges to the practice of dentistry. Dentists need to be trained in meeting the oral health needs of older adults to help reduce their burden of chronic disease.

This basic-level course provides dental professionals with basic knowledge and information in gerontology and geriatric dentistry that will enhance their ability to diagnose and manage older patients, distinguish between normal aging-related changes in the tissues of the oral cavity and those resulting from pathological changes, implement appropriate strategies for dealing with patients with cognitive impairments who exhibit care resistance, and make clinical modifications in their dental practices to accommodate the biological changes in their patients that occur as a part of normal aging.

Course Objectives 

• Describe the demographic characteristics of older adults in the United States.
• Identify the normal biological changes associated with aging.
• Explain the normal oral changes associated with aging.
• Describe the incidence of xerostomia and dental caries in older adults.
• Identify the oral-systemic links in the older adult population.
• Describe oral health considerations for the institutionalized older adult.
• Describe access to care and utilization patterns of older adults.

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis ( also known as recurrent aphthous ulcerations, aphthous ulcerations, or canker sores) develops when the body has decreased levels of folic acid. Numerous medical conditions and medications that are taken over long periods can cause these ulcerations. Dental healthcare providers must have the necessary knowledge to identify such conditions or medication usage when a patient is experiencing these painful ulcerations. After reviewing the history, conditions, and signs and symptoms of RAS, this course outlines prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can cause these oral ulcerations to develop. The possible treatments of recurrent aphthous ulcers are also discussed.

Tooth preparation (removal of caries, cavity preparation, and margination) and the finishing and polishing of restorations require the use of abrasives and rotary cutting instruments (burs). Differences in the bur rotational speed/torque relationships of different types of handpieces affect clinical technique and selection of the cutting instrument. This course reviews the basics of bur and handpiece designs. It emphasizes the importance of cooling during cutting procedures and discusses the relationship between coolant flow rates and cutting speeds. The fact that chemo-mechanical effects can accelerate cutting rates is discussed.

Individuals of all age groups can be affected by family violence. Family violence includes child abuse and neglect, intimate partner violence, as well as abuse and neglect of disabled persons, vulnerable adults, and the elderly. Approximately 75% of physical abuse involves injuries to the head, neck, and mouth. Orofacial injuries resulting from family violence are often easy to identify in the dental setting. This basic-level course will enable all members of the dental team to recognize the physical and behavioral signs and symptoms of family violence, differentiate indicators of trauma from normal conditions or accidental injuries, and easily adapt clinical protocols to include identification and intervention for victims of family violence. By applying their knowledge of symptomology and providing appropriate intervention, every member of the dental team can help stem the epidemic of family violence. This course contains legislative information, statistics, and resources specific to the State of Maryland.

Individuals of all age groups can be affected by family violence. Family violence includes child abuse and neglect, intimate partner violence, as well as abuse and neglect of disabled persons, vulnerable adults, and the elderly. Approximately 75% of physical abuse involves injuries to the head, neck, and mouth. Orofacial injuries resulting from family violence are often easy to identify in the dental setting. This basic-level course will enable all members of the dental team to recognize the physical and behavioral signs and symptoms of family violence, differentiate indicators of trauma from normal conditions or accidental injuries, and easily adapt clinical protocols to include identification and intervention for victims of family violence. By applying their knowledge of symptomology and providing appropriate intervention, every member of the dental team can help stem the epidemic of family violence. This course contains legislative information, statistics, and resources specific to the State of Florida.

Individuals of all age groups can be affected by family violence. Family violence includes child abuse and neglect, intimate partner violence, as well as abuse and neglect of disabled persons, vulnerable adults, and the elderly. Approximately 75% of physical abuse involves injuries to the head, neck, and mouth. Orofacial injuries resulting from family violence are often easy to identify in the dental setting. This basic-level course will enable all members of the dental team to recognize the physical and behavioral signs and symptoms of family violence, differentiate indicators of trauma from normal conditions or accidental injuries, and easily adapt clinical protocols to include identification and intervention for victims of family violence. By applying their knowledge of symptomology and providing appropriate intervention, every member of the dental team can help stem the epidemic of family violence. This course contains legislative information, statistics, and resources specific to the State of Connecticut.

This course discusses the mechanisms by which teeth wear and differentiates between attrition, erosion, and abrasion. These mechanisms seldom operate singly, and the overlap of two or more of them, often at different times, adds to the complexity of diagnosis and the phenomenon of tooth wear. This course explains the pathogenic processes of erosion-related tooth wear, (including extrinsic and intrinsic causes), the value of early recognition, and the prevalence and typical signs of erosion. It describes what to include in the diagnostic protocol, gives important management options to prevent disease progression, and examines restorative treatment choices.

Musculoskeletal pain in dental healthcare providers is a real phenomenon. Often attributed to repetitive movements, the truth is that musculoskeletal pain may be attributed not only to microtrauma caused by repetitive movements and precision work in strenuous and static positions, but ergonomics and psychosocial aspects of the job as well. This course defines the concept of the ergonomic postural triad of loupes, head mounted lights, and ergonomic chair, and describes which of these components can help to reduce the pain experienced by dental healthcare providers, when they should be incorporated into clinical practice, and how they can affect the inflammation cascade.

Dental amalgam is one of the oldest dental materials used in the oral cavity. This course examines the difference in corrosion resistance between high and low copper amalgam. Also discussed are the effects of bonding agents on the corrosion resistance of dental amalgam and the importance of the marginal interface on corrosion resistance.

One of the most difficult space management problems occurs when a preschool child loses a primary molar before the eruption of the first permanent molar. This course explains the strategic importance of a second primary molar during the eruption of the first permanent first molar and discusses the effective treatment of premature loss of second primary molars. This course also describes three methods for treating ectopically erupting first permanent molars.

Early childhood caries is a severe form of dental caries disproportionately affecting infants and very young children from low socioeconomic backgrounds. This course reviews research on the etiology and prevention of early childhood caries and identifies the roles that dental health professionals can play in reducing its incidence. The use of fluorides, especially varnishes, is discussed and the importance of early identification and management of risks is emphasized.

Dental professionals need to understand and stress to their patients that effective denture cleansing is critical to maintaining oral health and possibly preventing systemic diseases. This course reviews the different denture cleansing modalities that remove dental plaque and microorganisms. The array of microorganisms found on dentures and their effect on both oral and systemic health, including denture malodor, are also discussed.

Dentin hypersensitivity is a relatively common but painful dental condition, characterized by an exaggerated response to tactile, chemical, thermal, or osmotic stimuli. This course describes the epidemiology, causes, and effects of dentin hypersensitivity. Different treatment modalities for treating dentin hypersensitivity are presented. 

The patient’s record is an essential part of the dental practice. Because it is a legal document, the dental record must be an accurate and chronological account of all dental care rendered and the reasons for providing such care. The purpose of this course is to heighten awareness of proper recordkeeping. This course supplies the dental team members with guidelines to aid in maintaining a comprehensive, uniform and organized records.

A quality clinician will take dental radiographs based on patient need and not based on routine. Clinicians who take radiographs based on need are providing total quality of care to their dental patients. This course outlines radiation risks, effects, and procedures to follow in order to reduce radiation exposure to the dental patient. The techniques used for taking dental radiographs with minimal radiation exposure to the patient are reviewed along with the different types of digital radiographic methods. 

The likelihood of a dental practitioner encountering a patient with latex allergy is increasing. This course explains how to screen a patient for latex allergy. It also identifies potential latex-containing products in the dental environment. Course participants will learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of latex allergy and how to organize a latex free treatment environment.

More than 100 different herpes viruses have been identified in a variety of animal species. However, to date, eight human herpes viruses have been isolated. This course provides an overview of all eight human herpes viruses with the two primary herpes viruses, namely Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Varicella zoster virus (VZV), discussed at length. The epidemiology and symptoms of both EBV and VZV are described along with common head and neck manifestations, modes of transmission, and treatment modalities.

Dental erosion is defined as the loss of dental hard tissue by a non-bacterial process. This course provides the dental professional with guidelines for diagnosing, treating, and preventing the progressive dissolution of dental enamel. The impact of dietary factors including the consumption of soft drinks, environmental exposure, drug use, and other chemical, behavioral and biological factors are discussed. Nutritional counseling, application of topical fluorides, home care, and patient education are all addressed.

One of the most common reasons for recurrent decay is the absence of sealing at the margin of a restoration. This results in microleakage, sensitivity, discoloration, recurrent caries and ultimately failure of the restoration. This course explores the importance of microleakage in determining recurrent caries. Course participants will become familiar with the properties of different restorative materials that affect microleakage and understand how in fact microleakage can be measured experimentally.

Dental professionals are in a unique position to serve young patients and to educate their parents about a variety of health risk behaviors associated with their children's teeth and oral health habits. This course discusses the etiology clinical manifestations treatment options and long -term effects associated with early childhood caries. It describes intervention strategies and treatment protocols and identifies prevention strategies to profile at-risk children. It reviews common oral habits including thumb/finger sucking pacifier use and nail biting and discusses effective treatment to prevent non-nutritive sucking habits.

As healthcare providers, we serve patients with a variety of chronic and acute diseases. Understanding the etiology of the disease, the pathophysiology or way in which the body functions under the influence of the disease, and the modalities designed to treat the condition, enable us to better care for these individuals. This course provides an overview of these concepts as well as the financial, social, emotional, and physical impact of chemical dependency. Understanding these issues will allow us to identify patients with these conditions, safely provide dental care, and act as advocates, occasionally referring them to treatment centers and support groups.

Chemical dependency and substance abuse are serious concerns for dental professionals – especially since drug habits and addiction are prevalent among young patients. This course reviews some common drugs used by young adults and other drugs that may be important to the dental professional. The recreational and medical uses for THC and the properties of cocaine are discussed. The course lists the different sources of caffeine and discusses the treatment of alcohol addiction. The recommended treatment for heroin addiction is described along with the dental analgesics that may become addictive. 

Due to their prevalence in today’s society, chemical dependency and substance abuse are very important issues to all medical professionals. This course identifies some common hallucinogens and their side effects. The recommended treatment of heroin addiction is outlined. This course lists several dental analgesics that may become addictive. The abuse potential of nitrous oxide and other inhalants is also discussed.

Chemical dependency and substance abuse are serious concerns for dental professionals especially since drug habits and addiction are prevalent among young patients. This course reviews various illegal drugs commonly abused by young adults and teenagers and their effects. The recreational and medical uses for THC and the sympathomimetic properties of cocaine are discussed. This course also lists different sources of caffeine and outlines the treatment of alcohol addiction.

The responsibilities of the dental hygienist are increasing and ever changing with broadening educational opportunities and advancements in technology. In addition to clinical care responsibilities, hygienists are primarily responsible for the infection control procedures in their operatory because most of their services are provided independently. The majority of a hygienist's clinical hours are spent semi-privately with patients who rely on the dental staff to ensure that proper infection control procedures are followed. Thus it is imperative that the dental hygienist is conscientious competent and current with guidelines and regulations regarding infection control in the dental healthcare setting. The purpose of this course is to familiarize the dental hygienist with the CDC’s most up-to-date Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings. 

This course identifies the factors necessary for caries development including microorganisms and dental plaque susceptible tooth surfaces diet and time/frequency. At-risk patients are identified through patient nutritional assessment and appropriate diet changes for caries prone patients are recommended. The course identifies the factors that influence patient diet choices including food availability and convenience parental influence habit cost and media. Personalized patient care and education to decrease incidence of caries is discussed. The American Dental Association's recommendations for oral hygiene are also included.

Burning mouth syndrome is a perplexing oral complaint. Due to the lack of clinical signs, burning mouth syndrome may be difficult to treat. This course identifies some common characteristics of burning mouth syndrome along with some potential causes. A variety of medications that can be used to treat this painful syndrome are discussed.

Adhesive dentistry is the use of ideal chemical compounds that will physically and/or mechanically bond to tooth structure, allowing restoration of a tooth to its original form and function. This course outlines the historical development of bonding systems and describes the necessary conditions for adhesive bonding. Differences in surface treatments for total etch and self-etch systems are discussed. Course participants will understand the relationship of cavity location, surface preparation, and bonding agents to leakage of restorations.

Dental injuries occur quite frequently during athletic activities. The maxillary central incisors are at the greatest risk of a traumatic injury and sometimes, after trauma, the pulp becomes non-vital and root canal therapy is needed. This course explains the importance of athletic mouth guards and the criteria for their selection. Indications and techniques for placing a bondable, fiber post are discussed.

This course differentiates the advantages and disadvantages of dental dam use, the material used in dental dam, including size, color, and thickness, the dental dam equipment, including frames, napkins, lubricants, and punches, and the dental dam forceps and clamps. It also discusses stabilization of the dam with clamp ligatures and cord application inversion, and removal of the dental dam placing and removing quickdam ligating the dam septum around a bridge, and placing and removing dam separators. 

Dental patients taking antidepressant drugs trigger certain concerns on the part of the dental practitioner. Foremost are the side effects of the medications that may be present during dental treatment. Another concern is the potential for interactions of the medications with the vasoconstrictors epinephrine and levonordefrin found in local anesthetic solutions. This course lists the six categories of antidepressant drugs and describes the mechanism of action of the Prozac family of antidepressants, the tricyclic antidepressants, and the monoamine oxidase inhibitors. The major side effects of the tricyclic antidepressants and the cardiovascular side effects of the monoamine oxidase inhibitors are explained. 

A wide variety of materials are used for the construction of dental restorations, prostheses, and dental implants including resins, cements, and metals. Due to the existence of allergies, dental clinicians need to exercise caution with regard to the selection of dental materials. This course describes the role of metals in health and disease. The course explains how metals commonly used in dentistry behave in the oral environment and the role of corrosion and galvanic reactions in allergic reactions.

Dental caries is a transmissible disease requiring the presence of a susceptible host, an adequate number of cariogenic bacteria, and a fermentable carbohydrate such as sucrose to allow the caries-producing oral bacteria to demineralize hard tooth structure. It is now understood that a topical or post-eruptive fluoride mechanism is more effective in caries control and reduction than the systemic or pre-eruptive process. This course explores the effectiveness of fluoride varnish in preventing dental caries. Application and reapplication frequency is discussed. Fluoride varnish is compared to other topical fluoride agents and the advantages of using it in routine dental practice are outlined. The safety, contraindications, and side effects are explained along with information on the various commercially available fluoride varnish products.

Lichen planus is an inflammatory keratotic disease of the skin and mucosa that is primarily observed in the oral cavity on the buccal mucosa, vestibular areas, and lateral regions of the tongue and gingiva. It is an autoimmune disorder that has both a gender and age predilection. This course lists the various forms of lichen planus and discusses their prevalence. The course describes the best treatment modalities for oral lichen planus and the major side effects associated with steroid therapy.

Caries is a multifactorial infectious disease process. This course will help clinicians better understand the disease process and make practical use of the modern paradigm for caries management. In dentistry, when attempting to formulate a treatment plan, a diagnosis is first obtained. Today there are many approaches to caries management other than surgical intervention and restorations. Choosing the best intervention requires a better diagnostic process. This course explains the difference between a diagnosis and a risk/prognosis assessment. The three diagnostic categories for caries disease are outlined along with the protocol for appropriately categorizing patients. 

The mixed dentition is a time in dental development when many potentially severe malocclusions may be intercepted. In order to minimize malformation, it is important that dentists recognize these developmental problems and institute timely treatment, either personally or by referral. This course identifies common malocclusions in the developing dentition and discusses their etiology, course of development, and prognosis. The specific malocclusions that should be referred to a specialist are listed and the importance of instituting corrective treatment at the appropriate time is emphasized.

Dental radiographic examinations are valuable tools that aid in the diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases.  A dental patient’s risk of radiation exposure is miniscule but nonetheless real, and dental professionals need to be current on the latest research and theories on radiation safety and protection. This basic-level course reviews the biologic effects of radiation, the terms associated with radiation measurement, and the potential sources of radiation exposure for both patients and dental professionals.  This course prepares dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants to accurately respond to patient questions and concerns regarding radiation safety in dentistry.

This course provides dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants with the latest revisions to the California Dental Practice Act. The course identifies the governmental agencies, laws, and regulations that govern dental practice in California, define the scope of practice and licensing requirements of dental professionals, and impose citations, fines, revocations, and suspensions for their violation. The course outlines the prescription privileges of dental professionals and specifies their obligations as mandatory reporters of abuse. Regulations affecting dental advertising and common malpractice claims are also identified.

Pain is a basic human response and a major trigger to seeking health care. Although all dentists are trained in managing acute pain, far fewer dentists are trained in treating chronic pain conditions. Yet, chronic orofacial pain is quite common and may occur after routine dental procedures. Thus dentists will likely encounter patients who need help to manage, cope with, or adapt to their chronic pain.

The surgical model of dentistry is being replaced with a medically-based model called minimally invasive dentistry, which seeks to identify the cause of a disease and treat its symptoms, thereby minimizing hard tissue damage. This course applies the concepts of minimally invasive dentistry to caries management. The multifactorial nature of caries, risk factors, and specific indicators are discussed.   Assessing diet, oral hygiene, bacterial load, and susceptibility to infection help create a "road map" for oral health professionals to follow as they treat patients using the medical model.   The importance of saliva testing is emphasized and specific treatment protocols are discussed.

Dental implants are an established treatment modality in dentistry with a high rate of success and few complications. However, untoward events do occur despite careful treatment planning and meticulous execution of clinical procedures. Surgical complications that can occur include infection, bleeding, wound dehiscence, primary instability of the implant, neurosensory changes, and tissue emphysema. Once the implant is osseointegrated, other complications may arise, including inflammatory peri-implant lesions. Such situations may be limited to inflammation of the peri-implant mucosa or more significantly involve the supporting bone. All these conditions increase the risk of poor outcomes, including implant loss. This intermediate-level course addresses complications associated with dental implants and reviews selective options for their management.

Oral health encompasses the craniofacial complex and includes the teeth, periodontium, mucosa, gingiva, oral pharynx, temporomandibular joints, and muscles used for mastication. While men and women face many common oral health issues, it is no longer acceptable to consider oral health to be gender neutral. Indeed, women differ from men in their oral health needs and concerns. This basic-level course explores the variables affecting women’s oral health and discusses the issues and concerns that dental professionals face in providing care to females across their lifespan.

Both periodontal disease and osteoporosis are serious public-health concerns in the United States. There is evidence that osteoporosis, and the characteristic loss of bone mass, is associated with periodontal disease and tooth loss. To optimize the oral health care of patients with osteoporosis and at risk for the condition, dentists and other members of the dental team should be aware of the clinical (and possibly pathophysiologic) link between these increasingly common conditions. 

This intermediate-level course addresses current concepts regarding links between oral health and osteoporosis, discusses the impact on oral health of pharmacotherapies used in the treatment of osteoporosis, and outlines steps to mitigate the impact on oral health of common drug treatments used to treat osteoporosis. Oral healthcare providers must recognize the oral health implications of common therapeutic options for osteoporosis, especially use of bisphosphonates and antiresorptive medications. In particular, patient exposure to bisphosphonate and antiresorptive drugs has led to increasing reports of osteonecrosis of the jaw. This serious and debilitating condition requires dental practitioners to be alert for signs and symptoms of this syndrome and to take steps to mitigate risk factors. Although the pharmacotherapy used to treat osteoporosis causes concerns for oral health providers, these drugs provide very significant healthcare advantages for the patients, and overall the reduction in osteoporotic fractures alone causes significant savings for the healthcare system. Therefore, care must be taken not to overestimate the oral health ramifications and concerns with these drugs.  

A variety of physiologic, anatomic, and hormonal changes accompany pregnancy and affect how oral health care is provided. In addition to changes in the oral cavity and altered susceptibility to periodontal disease and other oral conditions, there are changes in the cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems. There is considerable evidence that some oral conditions may have adverse health consequences. Some studies have demonstrated a link between periodontitis and preterm birth and low-birth weight. In addition, there is considerable evidence that high levels of cariogenic bacteria in mothers are associated with increased dental caries during early childhood.

Unfortunately, dentists, physicians, and patients often misunderstand and avoid oral health care issues during and after pregnancy. This situation exists despite the fact that routine dental procedures are safe in most pregnant patients. To enhance the provision of oral health care in pregnant patients, evidence-based practice guidelines have been developed. This basic-level course addresses current concepts regarding oral health in pregnant women, the impact of their oral health on pregnancy outcomes and early childhood health, and discusses strategies to optimize oral health during pregnancy.

This basic-level course begins by describing the evolution of aesthetic direct posterior restorative materials and their limitations, then goes on to identify the characteristics, indications, and limitations of aesthetic indirect inlays and onlays. The material options for aesthetic indirect inlays and onlays, the importance of case selection in treatment planning, and the significance of chairside CAD/CAM technology in the field of restorative dentistry are discussed. Through the use of clinical case reports, dental professionals learn the steps needed to properly execute aesthetic indirect inlays and onlays, thereby expanding their clinical armamentarium.

Self-Instruction

Each issue of General Dentistry, the AGD’s award-winning, peer-reviewed clinical journal, features at least three articles about various topics in dentistry and related "open book" exercises. Each exercise is worth two continuing education (CE) credits. You can use these credits toward relicensure (where self-examination credits are accepted), AGD membership maintenance, and the FAGD award.

Self-Instruction allows you to earn valuable CE hours in the office, at home, or on the go. There is no easier way to earn credits toward relicensure or enrichment. Exercises are developed by and for general dentists, ensuring that you’re getting CE that will benefit you, your patients, and your practice.

Once you enroll, you can earn CE credit in three easy steps:

1. Read the articles.
2. Take the exercises.
3. Submit your answers and receive pass/fail notification within 48 hours (via email or fax). You must include your name and AGD number for processing.

Self-Instruction Program Features:

• Register and pay online for one exercise at a time ($30 for members, $50 for nonmembers).
• Visit the AGD Products page to order our best value pack: $150 for members, $225 for nonmembers, which allows you up to 12 exercises.
• Exercises are available one year after date of publication.

Call 888.AGD.DENT (888.243.3368), ext. 4336, to speak with an AGD staff member to set up your enrollment over the phone.

Have more questions about the program?
Already enrolled in the program? Access Self-Instruction Exercises Now!

Oral healthcare professionals (OHCPs) are routinely involved with the selection and prescription of antibiotics to either prevent an infection prophylactically or to manage an existing orofacial infection therapeutically. In fact, there are only three major uses of antimicrobial agents in the practice of dentistry: prophylaxis in patients with compromised immune systems caused by certain diseases or medications; prophylaxis in patients at risk for developing infective endocarditis; and treatment of an acute dental infection.  Although OHCPs must stay current with the published guidelines that represent existing standards of care, the evidence in support of these recommendations can be controversial. Regardless of these issues, the appropriate prescribing of antibiotics, while challenging for both dental and medical professionals alike, is vitally important in the overall management of patients.  The practice of overprescribing antibiotics in certain medical and dental situations as well as development of antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria could be greatly abated with closer attention to basic prescription-writing principles. 

The entire dental staff should understand basic concepts regarding TDI management in order to triage, treat, and provide appropriate follow-up care for these injuries. Providing a structured presentation of the patient’s clinical appearance and identifying issues that require immediate treatment can not only help the dentist but also significantly improve the treatment outcomes.  In order to properly treat patients who have experienced TDI, it is imperative that the dentist be compassionate, be able to control pain, help heal wounds rather than fix teeth, and be available to these patients by being on call during non-office hours. Approaching an emergent situation confidently can help the patient and/or parent feel at ease and thus allow for optimal treatment. 

The treating dentist must be willing to be a member of a team, which may include specialists such as endodontists, prosthodontists, periodontists, orthodontists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons. These specialists are often needed for consultation regarding treatment of the acute injury and may also be needed to provide specific services and/or comprehensive long-term care.  

This course offers a comprehensive overview of the problem of dental unit waterline (DUWL) contamination. The Environmental Protection Agency regulates drinking water in the public water supply to ensure that the number of water organisms is kept at an acceptable level. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that the water emitted from dental handpieces and air/water syringes be the same quality as drinking water. 

This course offers an overview of the historically evolving role of mandated reporters and a description of child welfare services in Pennsylvania. It provides Pennsylvania dentists with details of the legal requirements imposed on mandated reporters of child abuse. The course defines the statutory (legal) components of child abuse, including what does and does not constitute child abuse. The course outlines the provisions and responsibilities for reporting such abuse by distinguishing between individuals designated as “mandatory reporters” and those deemed to be “permissive reporters.” Clear instructions are provided for navigating the reporting process, and the ways in which reporters are protected under the law are outlined. Lastly, the course details the indicators essential to recognizing abuse. The course provides dentists in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with the knowledge and tools they need to fulfill their legal responsibility to report suspected child abuse.

This course fulfills the requirement that all Pennsylvania dentists complete 2 hours of Board-approved continuing education in child abuse recognition and reporting requirements as a condition of their license renewal.