1. Alpha and Number
Maui Community College
Course Outline
Dental Hygiene 255
DH 255
Oral Pathology in Dental Hygiene Course Title
Number of Credits
Date of Outline
2. Course Description
Two credits (2)
October 14, 2004
Examines pathology of the head, neck, and oral structures. Differentiates developmental conditions, caries, diseases of bacterial, viral, and fungal origin.
Describes neoplasms of the oral cavity.
3. Contact Hours Per Week
4. Prerequisite
Lecture - Two (2) hr.
DH 254 with at least a C
Corequisite(s)
Recommended Preparation
Approved By ______________________________ Date________________

5. General Course Objectives:
This course is designed to prepare the dental hygiene student to understand oral pathology, disease processes and the implications of these findings to patient/client care.
6.
Student Learning Outcomes
For assessment purposes these are linked to #7, Recommended Course Content.
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to: a.
Identify the structures of the head and neck area using scientific terminology and proper spelling.
b.
Recognize deviations from normal during an oral examination. c.
Explain the proper methods and sequence in performing extra/intraoral examinations. d.
Describe and document deviations from normal in the client’s record using precise descriptive terminology.
e.
List pertinent questions to ask the client when assessing atypical findings during an extra/intraoral examination. f.
Develop a differential diagnosis when a condition or finding may be due to two or more different diseases or forms of abnormality. g.
Discuss the rationale of the differential diagnosis. h.
Explain the various types of oral pathologies, discuss the etiology and epidemiology of each, describe the symptoms, indicate the modifications for dental treatment, and identify drugs and/or therapies commonly used in the treatment and management of various oral pathologies. i.
Discuss the major oral abnormalities, whether of local or systemic origin, and their potential prognosis, with or without treatment. j.
Discuss the procedures for using an OralCDx brush biopsy and other techniques for early detection of oral cancer. k.
Write an appropriate referral to the necessary professional for consultation and/or treatment. l.
Apply the identification skills and appropriate referral protocol to the clinical dental hygiene setting. m.
Given a client case study, apply the knowledge from this and other dental hygiene courses to determine the appropriate dental hygiene care, identify any modifications needed for treatment, and determine the need for consultation with other healthcare professionals. n.
Given epidemiological factors, discuss racial and cultural diversity factors in oral pathology and disease. o.
Describe the legal and ethical responsibilities and limitations placed upon the dental hygienist in terms of recognizing oral pathology, referring for diagnosis and treatment, and modifying the dental treatment plan. p.
Value the role of the dental hygienist in assessing deviation(s) from normal in the oral examination of clients. q.
Explain self-examination techniques to the client and describe the importance of early detection to the client, using scientific facts that are explained clearly to the client.
7.
Recommended Course Content and Approximate Time Spent
Linked to #6, Student Learning Outcomes
1 week Introduction to oral pathology: overview, terminology, anatomy, differential diagnosis
(a, b, c, d, e, f, g)
1 week White lesions
(a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, I, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, q)
1 week Red lesions
(a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, I, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, q)
1 week Pigmented lesions (blue, black, brown, yellow, etc.)

(a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, I, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, q)
1 week Oral ulcerations and fistulae
(a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, I, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, q)
1 week Vesticulobullas and desquamative lesions
(a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, I, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, q)
1 week Intraoral soft tissue swellings
(a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, I, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, q)
1 week Soft tissue swellings of the head and neck
(a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, I, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, q)
1 week Radiographic lesions
(a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, I, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, q)
1 week Neurologic and functional disorders
(a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, I, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, q)
1 week Dental defects
(a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, I, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, q)
1 week Dental caries
(a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, I, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, q)
1 week Neoplasms of the head and neck
(a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, I, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, q)
10 weeks Application of oral pathology to client case studies
(a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, I, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, q)
8.
Text And Materials, Reference Materials, Auxiliary Materials and Content
Text materials will be selected from the best and most up-to-date materials available, such as:
Ibsen,O. Phelen, J., Oral Pathology for the Dental Hygienists, current edition (4 th ), Saunders; ISBN:
0721699464 (plus CD-ROM with case studies)
9.
Recommended Course Requirements and Evaluation
One or more midterm examinations, quizzes, and a final examination will be given. These tests may include any of the following types of questions: multiple choice, matching, short answer, short essay, and critical thinking. Exams will cover material from lectures, laboratory exercises, and reading assignments.
Attendance
Quizzes
Midterm
Final
Project/Presentations
Homework (case studies CD-ROM)
0-5%
10-30%
10-20%
25-30%
15-30%
10-20%
10. Methods of Instruction
Instructional methods vary with instructors. Techniques may include, but are not limited to, the following: lecture, discussion, group or individual presentations, online course tutorials, CD-ROM case studies