Introduction to Problem Oriented Dentistry

This course introduces the students to the important concept of “problem oriented dentistry” and its relevance and application to both patient care and dental education. The course is presented in formal lectures, group seminars and clinic sessions. Methods are presented for: (1) communicating with the patient; (2) obtaining a complete health history; (3) determining the vital signs; (4) performing extraoral and intraoral examinations; (5) screening for tobacco use, and; (6) screening for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This course also discusses the medically compromised dental patient. The intent of this course is to expose the students to the problem-oriented electronic dental record, the procedures and techniques to collect the patients’ database, and an overview of the activities in the different dental school clinics.