DHYG-207 Dental Public Health

This course introduces the principles of public health in relation to dental hygienist roles in providing health care to the community. Emphasis is placed on prevention of dental disease in the public health setting. An overview of the history and philosophy of public health practice and administration is discussed. Students enrolled in DHYG-207 will be required to complete 12 hours of service learning at an off-campus community partner as part of their coursework.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Admission to the Dental Hygiene program and DHYG-150, DHYG-208, DHYG-209, NUTR-211, and BIOL-106

Corequisite

DHYG-200, DHYG-210, SOCI-101, and SPCH-105

Hours Weekly

3 hours weekly

Course Objectives

1. 1. Evaluate the functions of the public health system.
2. 2. Discuss reasons for oral health disparities and lack of access to care and discuss public health strategies
   for reducing oral health disparities and access problems.
3. 3. Compare and contrast dental public health practice with private practice and describe the skills and
   abilities necessary for dental public health positions.
4. 4. Develop a community program project.
5. 5. Assess health education and the goals of health education.
6. 6. Design health education materials for a target audience and select instructional material to enhance oral
   health presentations.
7. 7. State the difference between epidemiology and oral epidemiology.
8. 8. State the difference between morbidity and mortality.
9. 9. Illustrate the basic steps necessary to complete an oral health needs assessment.
10. 10. Describe the prevalence of dental caries, dental fluorosis, periodontitis, and tooth loss in U.S adults.
11. 11. Interpret scientific literature as it relates to the dental hygiene profession.

Course Objectives

1. 1. Evaluate the functions of the public health system.
2. 2. Discuss reasons for oral health disparities and lack of access to care and discuss public health strategies
   for reducing oral health disparities and access problems.
3. 3. Compare and contrast dental public health practice with private practice and describe the skills and
   abilities necessary for dental public health positions.
4. 4. Develop a community program project.
5. 5. Assess health education and the goals of health education.
6. 6. Design health education materials for a target audience and select instructional material to enhance oral
   health presentations.
7. 7. State the difference between epidemiology and oral epidemiology.
8. 8. State the difference between morbidity and mortality.
9. 9. Illustrate the basic steps necessary to complete an oral health needs assessment.
10. 10. Describe the prevalence of dental caries, dental fluorosis, periodontitis, and tooth loss in U.S adults.
11. 11. Interpret scientific literature as it relates to the dental hygiene profession.