MedEdPORTAL (Jan 2015)
What We Know About Tooth Decay and How to Manage It
Abstract
Abstract Introduction With the enormous amount of information in the medicine curriculum, very little is provided on the oral cavity. In support of the Healthy People 2010 Objectives 1-7 “to increase…basic curriculum for health care providers…in health promotion and disease prevention,” this resource provides healthcare providers with some basic information on a chronic disease that effects the majority of adults: tooth decay. The target audience is medical students, nurses, and medical residents. Methods The PowerPoint was developed to be used in small groups, or for independent learning, using the syllabus that accompanies the slides. The module describes the etiology of dental caries and presents a new paradigm of caries management by risk assessment (CAMBRA). The delicate balance between caries and no caries is described, showing how risk factors and protective factors are used to develop treatment protocols. Examples of treatment protocols are included as well. Results The information in this submission has been used for over 5 years in a cariology course for dental students. The students' response to it was highly favorable and they felt that it was important and informative. Discussion This presentation is a simplified version of one taught to dental students as it was intended to share educational material across professions. A possible limitation is that the facilitator of the small group might not be able to answer detailed dental questions.
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