Current Trends in Preventive Care

This didactic course focuses on the science and practice of preventive dental care. The etiology and associated risk factors of common oral diseases are presented so that students understand the diseases before prevention is discussed. Some of these include basic knowledge of biofilm, gingival diseases and dental caries. The following measures that promote oral health and prevent disease are comprehensively presented: mechanical plaque control, toothpastes and mouth rinses, interproximal cleaning, xylitol, fluorides, sealants, and oral malodor control. Also included are motivational interviewing and the Oral Health/Systemic Health Link.