This course cites the CDC guidelines for infection control in dental radiography. Potential sources of cross-contamination are explained. Infection control practices before during and after film exposure are identified in addition to the handling of film with and without barrier use. The course also describes infection control issues with digital imaging.

This course explains and defines the most common postoperative oral surgical complications including pain trismus infection ecchymosis hemorrhage nausea dislocation and fibrinolytic alveolitis.

This course describes the relationship between condensable composites and their earlier counterparts. The characteristics of the first-generation condensable composites and the additives that make second-generation condensable composites unique are listed. The course identifies the physical properties and clinical advantages of nanofilled resins. The comparative advantages and disadvantages of flowable composites and light-cured resin-modified glass ionomer as cavity liners are also discussed.

This course presents an overview of substance abuse and addiction in the United States from the 1940s to the present. The epidemiology of substance abuse, the progressive nature of addition, and their cost to society are discussed. The signs and symptoms commonly seen in those who are abusing or addicted to drugs and/or alcohol are also identified. Both past and present treatment modalities are described.

There have been many advances in dental cutting, notably the development of the air turbine in the 1950s and the ultra-high speed handpiece in the 1970s. The differences between diamond and carborundum trimming wheels and between conventional and disposable burs are outlined. Various grits in terms of cutting efficiency are discussed. The influence of load and the effects of irrigants and coolant supplies on cutting rates are also covered. The course discusses which type of bur is preferred for removing various types of crowns.

Following the September 11, 2001 attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C., The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued surveillance guidelines for healthcare providers to heighten their awareness to potential attacks via biological agents. This course provides an overview of the primary (Category A) pathogens that the CDC listed as potential biological terrorism agents and explains how and why they were selected. The Public Health impact that these agents may have if utilized as terrorism agents is discussed as well as the illness patterns and diagnostic clues that may indicate an unusual infectious disease outbreak. This course identifies the signs, symptoms, and diagnostic criteria for the six primary (Category A) agents.

Latex allergies are not a new problem. However, the first documented case of anaphylaxis from natural rubber latex in a dental healthcare worker was not reported until 1987. This course identifies the risk factors for developing a latex allergy. It describes the three types of allergic reactions and their recommended treatment. Strategies for avoidance or reduction of natural rubber latex in the dental office are also discussed.

This course is designed as a review of radiography for dental professionals. Different types of intra-oral film are described. Darkroom and processing techniques are explained along with common radiographic and processing errors. The course differentiates various types of extra-oral projections and emphasizes the importance of intensifying screens. Course participants will become familiar with paralleling technique and focal lengths.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 40 million people in the U.S. suffer from chronic sleep disorders. As the U.S. population continues to age, the prevalence of sleep disorders will increase. This course explains why the shift in population demographics has created more sleep breathing disorders in our country. The link between excess weight and airway obstruction is discussed as well as the impact that alcohol and drugs can have on the ability to sleep and breathe normally. The booming sleep aid market is described.

Treatment philosophy concerning the extraction of third molars varies in different developed countries. It ranges from observation, in many European countries, to a prophylactic removal approach, in U.S. This course discusses the rationale behind the prophylactic removal of third molars and the signs and symptoms associated with impacted third molars. The progression of infection from pericoronitis to head and neck space infections is explained. The classifications of impacted third molars and the relationship of each to the difficulty of extraction are outlined.

Advances in the endodontic arena have elevated the quality of endodontic treatment and improved the long term prognosis for those teeth that have been treated. With so many new products being introduced, it is difficult to stay up-to-date on the most current technology. This course reviews the basics of endodontics such as the importance of proper access and the benefits of using pre-endodontic treatment build-ups. The rationale for the use of irrigation is discussed along with the use of apex locators. The importance of coronal sealing and the principles of obturation are explained.

This course distinguishes between the two forms of radiation and their associated hazards. The concept of ALARA and its application in dentistry is explained. Governmental regulations governing radiation, accepted methods of measuring radiation dose, and the effects of exposure to ionizing radiation are presented. The risk assessment of radiation is also discussed.

The use of amalgam, as a restorative material, has been documented for over 150 years. However, its use has declined in recent years due to the rapid evolution of alternative, tooth-colored restorative materials. This course reviews the metal and chemical compounds contained in dental amalgam and describes the clinical situations when amalgam should and should not be the restorative material of choice. The course also explains the origin of mercury in wastewater and improved mercury hygiene techniques.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was identified in scientific literature in the early 1960s as the major cause of healthcare associated infections. It is a form of staphylococcal infections that involves bacteria that have developed a resistance, over time, to most common antibiotics used for soft tissue and skin infections. This course describes the difference between its hospital and community strains. The epidemiology, risk groups, and modes of transmission of MRSA are outlined along with the currently available treatment modalities. This course will help clinicians incorporate the CDC Guidelines into their clinical practice to reduce cross-transmission of potential pathogens. 

At some point in their career, dental professionals will experience discomfort with their hands. Repetitive practices, such as those done in the course of performing dental procedures, can put a lot of wear on your hands, leading to pain and swelling, numbness, or decreased range of motion and grip strength. Conservative therapies such as the application of heat or cold are discussed along with activities that can be implemented at work to reduce stress on the hands and wrists. Different types of assistive equipment and devices that can be used to stabilize and support the wrist are also explained.

Over the past few decades, the prevalence of edentulism has declined rapidly in the United States and most developed nations. The origin of this decline can be attributed to several factors including increased acceptance of basic oral care recommendations and the expanded use of dental implants and partial dentures. Yet despite these advances, the number of new denture wearers is projected to significantly increase in the coming years. This course describes this rising prevalence of denture wearers and several denture care modalities such as the use of denture adhesive and the various denture cleansing options available. The methods for proper denture storage are outlined along with the importance of reviewing the basics of denture care with patients with new dentures.

With the increased usage of crowns and fixed partial dentures, dental clinicians are sometimes faced with the dilemma of repairing these esthetic restorations. This course describes the indications and techniques for crown and bridge repair. Course participants will become familiar with how to adhere restorative material successfully to exposed metal for a fractured porcelain-metal restoration in the esthetic zone. Adhering to fractured porcelain is also discussed. Techniques for crown and bridge repair with direct composite resin are presented.

A patient’s periodontal status needs continuous monitoring to avoid uncontrolled disease or possible tooth loss. Controlling the disease can occur with patient education and application of evidence-based nonsurgical and surgical therapy. This course focuses on the nonsurgical phase of periodontal treatment outlining clinical techniques regarding diagnosis, hand scaling, ultrasonification, biofilm removal, supportive periodontal therapy, selective polishing and air polishing procedures for nonsurgical periodontal control.

While dental practitioners want patients to be comfortable, it is evident that better anesthetic techniques must be used to ensure that dental treatment is indeed pain free. This course reviews the most common anesthetic techniques beginning with mandibular nerve locks and proceeding to maxillary blocks. It familiarizes the reader with medical conditions that affect anesthetic choices, methods and techniques to ensure patient comfort during injections, the importance and rational behind needle aspirations, proper injection technique, common barriers to local anesthetic success, and alternatives to traditional local anesthetic for controlling pain. 

One of the relatively new buzz phrases in dentistry is minimally invasive dentistry. It is not about doing the least amount of dentistry, but the appropriate amount of dentistry for the risk level of each individual. This course describes the conceptual approach to minimally invasive dentistry and explains the role of biofilms and quorum sensing in dental disease. It identifies current international thinking with regards to caries risk assessment and the interplay of destructive and reparative factors in the oral cavity. The various treatment modalities are discussed along with the armamentarium used for minimally invasive dentistry. The specific treatment strategies applied to each risk level are also outlined.

The key to contemporary restorative dentistry is the fabrication of healthy, maintainable, aesthetic, and functional prostheses. The true success of any restoration is reliant on the creation of an “illusion of reality” regardless of the restorative modality used. This course focuses on reviewing the clinical protocols associated with the placement of osseointegrated implants in the esthetic zone. It also describes the importance of utilizing a multi-disciplinary treatment approach when restoring complex cases that require smile design considerations.

With increasing numbers of patients selecting dental implants as a treatment option, the dental team faces the challenge of maintaining these sometimes complex restorations. This course identifies the similarities and differences in the periodontal structure of a natural tooth versus an implant. The course discusses how dental implants should be treated during routine maintenance appointments and describes the clinical procedures for evaluating the status of dental implants and overall implant health. Methods for improved home care of implants are also outlined. 

Ionizing radiation in the form of x-rays has both diagnostic and therapeutic uses. X-rays provide valuable information and can reveal early signs of disease or decay. Taking x-rays is generally a painless procedure. However, misinformation about radiation has made the public fearful of x-rays. It is vital for the dental professional to know more facts about radiation in order to better inform the public about its usefulness and safety. This includes knowledge of other common sources of radiation beside medical and dental x-rays. New technology as well as adhering to basic safety protocols have made dental x-rays safer. This course reviews the basic physics, biology, and safety issues involved in radiation, the beneficial and detrimental effects of radiation, and the most common sources of radiation. If safety protocols are followed, both the patient and the dental professional should have little concern with any problems associated with dental radiology.

The oral and general health of individuals is determined by, and dependent upon, an adequate salivary flow. Salivary clearance is essential to reducing the cariogenic potential of foodstuffs as well as providing a mechanism for remineralization of dental enamel after minor assaults such as ingestion of acidic foods and beverages. This article examines dry mouth, referred to as xerostomia, which is a common symptom associated with a decrease in the amount and/or quality of saliva. The function of saliva and the factors affecting salivary flow are discussed along with the potential causes of dry mouth. Treatment protocols for dry mouth and its link to other dental and general health issues are explained. 

Despite a growing body of research, the function and necessity of sleep remain basically unknown. Although sleep seems to be an innocuous daily function, the loss of sleep can affect productivity, motor function, memory, and the maintenance of mental health. The rising prevalence of insufficient or non-restorative sleep in the general U.S. population may therefore be a cause for concern. This course discusses memory and skill acquisition, insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and the impact of normal aging on sleep. The course presents recommendations for preserving the integrity of the vital function of sleep.

This course addresses the impact of the shortened dental arch on patient oral functionality and hygiene. The effect of dental arch length on chewing ability is discussed. The course presents the advantages and disadvantages of short dental arch therapy as a treatment option. Oral functionality, prosthetic considerations, patient comfort, and financial factors are identified.

Forensic dentistry can be defined as the application of dental expertise to the justice system. The most common role of the forensic dentist or forensic odontologist is the identification of deceased individuals. In the last decade there has been a growing utilization of dental odontology in mass disasters, bitemark perpetrator identifications, crime investigations, and confirmatory identification of newsworthy decedents. This course provides an overview of the scope of forensic dentistry, the forensic dental examination, and forensic odontology guidelines. The significance of bitemarks and the role of DNA are discussed. 

Since the introduction of adhesive bonding, the types and uses of dental resins have increased. Composite resins can be classified by filler size and percent filler loading, as well as by the viscosity of the composite. The development of flowable composites is based upon its flowable viscosity. This course describes the characteristics of flowable composites, explores the use of flowable composites as preventive resin restorations, and lists other appropriate uses for them.

Cancers of the oral cavity and oropharynx contribute to many deaths in the United States every year. Early detection of potentially premalignant oral mucosal abnormalities is essential to the battle against cancer. Epithelial dysplasia can present as innocuous red, white, or mixed patches on the mucosa in early stages, often mimicking minor soft tissue injury or inflammation. When early diagnosis is made and appropriate intervention and treatment is rendered, the overall survival and patient morbidity is improved. This course distinguishes between adjunctive tools for visual screening and screening tests for tissue sampling. The physical oral cancer exam is outlined and its importance is emphasized. Current risk factors for oral cancer are identified along with a description of the basic principles of surgical biopsy.

The majority of the caries in children and adolescents occur on the occlusal and buccal/lingual surfaces of teeth. This could be prevented with the application of sealants in the pit and fissures of teeth. This course describes the effectiveness of pit and fissure sealants, as shown in clinical studies, and discusses which teeth and specific surfaces should be sealed. The types of available pit and fissure sealants are presented along with the techniques for placing them. 

A relatively new material in endodontics, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) was developed in the mid-1990s with the specific objective of improving the prognosis of perforation repairs. This course discusses the biologic basis, clinical indications and techniques for the use of MTA. Case examples are used to illustrate the use of MTA.

Restorations can be divided into two distinct categories -direct and indirect placement restorations. Indirect restorations fabricated by a laboratory or by a dentist away from the patient require the use of dental cements. Today, the options for laboratory fabricated restorations are much more complex and therefore so are the cementation options. This course provides an overview of the classes of cements, the mixing of the cements and recommendations for their use.

The single most common chronic disease in children worldwide, including the United States, is dental caries. These high rates in children and adults may be attributed to the fact that dental caries is a chronic, infectious and transmissible disease of multi-factorial origin. There are a multitude of preventive regimens designed to control or reduce demineralization of the tooth structure associated with this infectious disease process. Fluoride holds a special place in this paradigm because of its documented effectiveness in controlling and reducing dental caries. This course discusses the pre-eruptive and post-eruptive mechanisms of fluoride action and identifies the US standards for water fluoridation. The processes of demineralization and remineralization are explained along with the concept of dental fluorosis.

Recurrent aphthous ulceration also known as aphthous ulceration, recurrent aphthous stomatitis, or canker sores, is a common oral ulceration. Widely considered to be a chronic inflammatory condition, these lesions may repeatedly arise over the course of a year in otherwise healthy individuals. The three forms commonly seen in dental practice are discussed along with the differential diagnosis. Therapies, including the use of steroids and other immunosuppressants, are outlined.

This course distinguishes the difference between legal and ethical concerns. It explains the structure of the American Dental Association Principles of Ethics Codes of Professional Conduct and Advisory Opinions. The course describes ethical duties involved with specific areas including prescription abuse by patients access to dental care advertising child abuse reporting confidentiality dating patients emergency care obligations informed consent managed care and obligation to treat patients. The difference between risk management and ethical practices are discussed and an explanation of the elements and principles of ethical decision making is included.

Antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of infective endocarditis related to dental therapy is a widespread therapeutic intervention. The judicious use of antibiotic prophylaxis for prevention of infective endocarditis in conjunction with optimal oral health care should serve to minimize the adverse effects of antibiotic therapy and at the same time reduce the significant morbidity and mortality association with these infections. This course describes the causes of cardiac conditions associated with infective endocarditis and the special populations at risk for complications of infective endocarditis. The new American Heart Association guidelines for antibiotic infective endocarditis prophylaxis and recommended medications for dental patients are listed. The course includes arguments to reassure patients who are no longer recommended for antibiotic prophylaxis. Antibiotic prophylaxis in dental patients with total joint replacements is also described.

This course addresses the pros and cons of placing mercury-containing restorations and the most commonly used alternative (composite resin). It is a refresher course that reviews current materials used for tooth restorations; gives an historical perspective; discusses the positions of authoritative bodies on the safety efficacy compatibility and serviceability of mercury-amalgam restorations; summarizes recent research comparing amalgam versus composite restorations; describes a number of safety issues that have arisen regarding the use of composite resins; and discusses clinical and cost comparisons of resin composites and amalgam restorations. 

Tooth sensitivity is a common clinical presentation that can cause considerable concern for patients of dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants. Its management requires a skilled understanding of the complexity of the problem and a current knowledge of available treatments. This course describes the differential diagnosis, etiology, treatment, pathogenesis, and management of tooth sensitivity with major emphasis on dentin hypersensitivity. The course includes both at-home patient treatments and in-office patient treatment modalities. 

To aid in diagnosis and guide the approach to dental treatment, dental healthcare professionals should recognize oral manifestations of cardiovascular diseases as well as other systemic/multiorgan diseases with a vascular component. This course addresses current concepts regarding the relationship between oral health and vascular and cardiovascular diseases, including the impact on oral health of common cardiovascular pharmacotherapies.

This course describes several behavioral techniques effective in guiding fearful dental patients into accepting dental treatment. These nonpharmacological techniques may be used with unduly anxious patients, individuals with specific or general fears of a dental environment and dental phobics. The course addresses the needs of fearful pediatric patients, persons with disabilities including medical or mental disorders and the frail and elderly and discusses appropriate behavioral guidance for these individuals. 

Many drugs or chemicals can affect the soft and hard oral structures with adverse manifestations, particularly oral mucosal ulceration and gingival swelling. This course describes medication-related damage to soft and hard dental structures and explains the etiology and treatment of disorders, lesions, and discoloration of the oral mucosa related to drugs. It identifies drug-related changes to salivary glands and oral contact allergic reactions that may develop due to exposure to particular medications.

This course addresses obstructive sleep apnea as one aspect of sleep disordered breathing problems. It covers the risk factors for this disorder and the related co-morbidities. The course provides information to dentists on their role in the management of OSA. Discussion on the treatment for these disorders covers the multiple effective treatments available. A dentist completing this course will appreciate their potential role as a member of a multidisciplinary medical team. 

This course discusses the complex anatomy of the temporomandibular joint followed by an analysis of the epidemiology of temporomandibular disorders including etiologic factors, both intra-articular and extra-articular. A guide to evidence based treatment modalities is included to aid the reader in learning how to diagnose, evaluate, and manage tempromandibular disorders in children and adults by incorporating imaging such as cone beam CT technology and MRI. Finally, a synopsis of emerging approaches to therapy ranging from tissue-engineered TMJ implants to biomimetic scaffolding is included.

Abuse of prescription drugs has been labeled a national epidemic. It crosses boundaries of gender, age, race, and socioeconomic status. For dental patients, pain is often an unavoidable sequela of invasive dental procedures and untreated or long-standing oral disease. Balancing the desire to alleviate pain against the suspicion that the patient may be a drug seeker is just one issue that confronts dental providers. This basic-level course provides dental providers with an appreciation of the scope of prescription drug abuse, and a realization that this problem likely exist among the patient populations they serve. By becoming familiar with the pharmacology of the most commonly abused drugs, the risk factors for developing addictive behaviors, and the manner in which these medications are commonly acquired, dental providers will be positioned to curb prescribing practices that contribute to this growing problem and better serve their patients and their communities as informed prevention advocates.

The prevalence of smoking in the United States has hovered at approximately 20% of the population for each of the last five years, but there has been an increase in the use of smokeless tobacco products. Healthcare professionals must redouble their efforts to intervene with all patients who continue to smoke. This basic-level course provides dental professionals with background and guidelines for tobacco interventions in clinical practice. The course addresses the prevalence of smoking of combustible tobacco and the use of smokeless tobacco products, the health risks of tobacco use and tobacco exposure, the effects of nicotine on human physiology and their implications for nicotine dependency and withdrawal. Techniques for tobacco intervention and the pharmacotherapy used in tobacco cessation are described for both the smoking of combustible tobacco and the use of smokeless tobacco.

A growing body of work has focused on the benefits of probiotics therapy for the oral cavity and there is mounting evidence that certain probiotic strains may be very beneficial to oral health. The basis of the therapeutic mode is that ingested probiotic bacterial species provide effector bacterial strains that replace pathogens and control bacterial disease. Probiotics for the oral cavity is an exciting area of dental care research and eventually may offer a novel and effective approach to treating or even preventing periodontal disease and denture stomatitis. 

Once considered only for transitional implants, mini dental implants have a success rate that rivals those of traditional implants when accepted placement protocols are followed in patients with adequate bone. This course identifies the indications for mini dental implant denture treatment, describes successful case selection/planning strategies, and discusses the mini dental implant placement protocol for stabilization of a lower denture. The course also explains what is unique and different with maxillary mini dental implant denture cases.

In the course of providing dental care, patients and dental health care personnel can be exposed to pathogens through contact with blood, oral and respiratory secretions, and contaminated equipment. Transmission of infectious organisms can be prevented by following established guidelines. This course provides an overview of standard precautions and routine practice for infection control in a dental practice. The concept of the "chain of infection" is explained along with the use of personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, and eyewear. Proper instrument sterilization techniques are outlined. 

This course is a refresher for dental professionals on infection control cross-contamination and instrument sterilization techniques. Areas addressed include infection control guidelines; understanding standard versus universal precautions; sterilization and disinfection of patient care items; goals for ensuring disease containment through proper instrument recirculation techniques; handling of contaminated instruments from the treatment room through precleaning cleaning and preparation for sterilization; the most commonly used (and accepted) methods of dental instrument sterilization; environmental infection control; dental unit waterlines biofilm and water quality; and other infection control considerations.

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.