Continuing Education for Dentists in North Dakota

This intermediate-level course begins with a foundational review of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of HIV/AIDS, the modes of transmission, and methods of prevention in the dental healthcare setting.

Oral mucosal infections are on the rise due to many factors, including an aging population, systemic disease, the use of immunosuppressive drugs and with that the rise of opportunistic infections. This intermediate-level course appropriate for dental professionals, reviews oral bacterial infections that are not commonly seen in dental practices, as well as specimen collection and transportation, and medication management of these diseases.

Infection control is vital to the safe, effective treatment of patients in the dental office. This basic-level course is a refresher for dental healthcare professionals on infection control, cross contamination, and instrument sterilization techniques. Areas addressed include infection control guidelines; understanding standard versus universal precautions; sterilization and disinfection of patient care items; goals for ensuring disease containment through proper instrument recirculation techniques; handling of contaminated instruments from the treatment room through precleaning, cleaning, and preparation for sterilization; the most commonly used (and accepted) methods of dental instrument sterilization; environmental infection control; dental unit waterlines, biofilm, and water quality; and other infection control considerations.

Collaboration among caregivers can help to improve the management of chronic diseases. For example, dentists already act as de facto oral physicians, playing a pivotal role in monitoring medical conditions such as hypertension during patient visits. Dentists, therefore, can be a valuable medical resource.

This basic-level course, appropriate for dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants, reviews chronic care models relating to different chronic diseases and the ways that these models lead to improved treatment outcomes for the dental and medical patient.

This is a basic laser operations course for every member of the dental team. This course provides outlines for safety regulations, discusses varying laser instruments, and the unique effects of laser energy on oral tissue. It also compares benefits and drawbacks of laser use. Several different clinical procedures are included with raw photo documentation. Every laser device is especially designed for a unique dental condition. A practicing clinician must understand each these devices and their power to interact with their target tissues. Whether the laser is removing decay, reshaping the gingiva, removing lesions or used in a whitening procedure, the same underlying principle of laser use apply. In this course, the fundamental principle taught is that the least amount of energy or power should be used to reach the specific treatment outcome.

The ability to light cure dental resins "on demand" in the mouth has revolutionized modern dentistry. Consequently the dental light curing unit (LCU) has become an indispensable piece of equipment in almost every dental office. Despite its routine use, the curing light and how it should be used is not well understood by most operators. This intermediate-level course discusses the current knowledge of dental curing lights and their use in dentistry.

This basic-level course, appropriate for dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants, provides an overview of oral hygiene for dental implants, including the identification of similarities and differences in the periodontal structure surrounding a natural tooth versus that surrounding a dental implant. The course discusses the clinical procedures used to evaluate the status of dental implants as healthy, ailing, or failing and the methods employed in professionally cleaning implants and improving home care techniques.

Designed for dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants, this intermediate-level course will review the pharmacology and current state of medicinal marijuana as it relates to oral health care.

Most current dental school curricula do not give dental students the appropriate knowledge base and clinical eperience to treat OSA patient. This recently updated Intermediate-level course discusses the latest evidence-based diagnostic approaches for OSA and outlines recommeneded treatment strategies..

An odontogenic infection is an infection of the alveolus, jaws, or face that originates from a tooth or from its supporting structures and is one of the most frequently encountered infections. This advanced-level course will examine common types and causes of odontogenic infections and discuss treatments available.

This basic-level course, appropriate for dentists, hygienists, and assistants, reviews the oral effects of chemotherapy, including alterations in the oral mucosa; the different oral lesions and oral infections usually seen in patients undergoing chemotherapy; and how to best manage patients' oral health needs before, during, and after chemotherapy treatment. The dental professional's goals in caring for this segment of the patient population are to maintain the integrity of the oral mucosa, prevent secondary infection, provide pain relief, and maintain dietary intake.

Older adults generally have multiple medical problems, and no single medical issue can be evaluated and treated in isolation. Approximately 75 million people in the United States have two or more conditions that last a year or more and require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living, or both.

In order to treat this population effectively, collaboration with the patient's nonoral healthcare professionals such as their primary care provider, family members, and social workers, among others, is necessary in order to coordinate care and deliver optimal treatment.

A variety of physiologic, anatomic, and hormonal changes accompany pregnancy and affect how oral health care is provided. Unfortunately, dentists, physicians, and patients often misunderstand and avoid oral health care issues during and after pregnancy. This basic-level course will address current concepts regarding oral health in pregnant women and the impact of their oral health on pregnancy outcomes and early childhood health. It will also discuss strategies to optimize oral health during pregnancy.

Oral health encompasses the craniofacial complex and includes the teeth, periodontium, mucosa, gingiva, oral pharynx, temporomandibular joints, and muscles used for mastication. While men and women face many common oral health issues, it is no longer acceptable to consider oral health to be gender neutral. Indeed, women differ from men in their oral health needs and concerns. This basic-level course explores the variables affecting Women's oral health and discusses the issues and concerns that dental professionals face in providing care to their female patients.

This basic-level course, appropriate for dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants, addresses nutritional deficiencies, oral signs and symptoms, and preventive oral strategies for patients with anorexia nervosa, bulimia, iron-deficiency, anemia and scurvy. Inflammatory bowel diseases including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, pyostomatitis vegetans, and polyposis syndromes and their manifestations in the oral cavity are described.

Both periodontal disease and osteoporosis are serious public-health concerns in the United States. This intermediate-level course addresses concepts regarding links between oral health and osteoporosis, discusses the impact on oral health of pharmacotherapies used in the treatment of osteoporosis, and outlines steps to mitigate the impact on oral health of common drug treatments used to treat osteoporosis. Oral healthcare providers must recognize the oral health implications of common therapeutic options for osteoporosis, especially use of bisphosphonates and antiresorptive medications.

A solid understanding of the theory, application, and effects of hypnosis can help dental practitioners navigate patient fear of, or interest in, its use. The course describes the measures individual dental practitioners can take to influence patient acceptance of hypnotism. It also provides advice on how dental practitioners might find appropriate training in hypnosis and incorporate aspects of hypnotism into their practices.

Head and neck cancer refers to a group of biologically similar cancers that start in the lip, oral cavity, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx, and larynx. About 40% of head and neck cancers occur in the oral cavity, 15% in the pharynx, 25% in the larynx, and the remaining 20% are in the salivary glands and thyroid. Overall, they account for more than 500,000 cases annually worldwide. This advanced-level course will examine the risk factors, causes, and recent research associated with these cancers.

This intermediate-level course is geared toward all levels and disciplines of healthcare and public health professionals. The course provides information about recently discovered and reoccurring viruses. Knowledge of the origin, pathogenesis, and diagnosis of these viruses may aid in reducing the prevalence of the infections they cause.

Oral healthcare professionals are routinely involved with the selection and prescription of Local Anesthetics to address orofacial pain. Upon completing this intermediate-level course, the learner will be able to discuss the differences among Local Anesthetics typically prescribed for orofacial pain This updated 2018 edition incorporates the findings of these latest research papers as well as current guidelines from regulatory and professional authorities, while continuing to emphasize the founding principles of appropriate Local Anesthetics prescribing.

Oral healthcare professionals are routinely involved with the selection and prescription of analgesics to address orofacial pain. Upon completing this intermediate-level course, the learner will be able to discuss the differences among analgesics typically prescribed for orofacial pain This updated 2018 edition incorporates the findings of these latest research papers as well as current guidelines from regulatory and professional authorities, while continuing to emphasize the founding principles of appropriate analgesic prescribing.

Across the United States, dentists prescribe 10.4% of all outpatient antibiotics, making them the top antibiotic prescribers after primary care physicians. After completing this intermediate-level course, the participant will be able to discuss the differences among antibiotics typically prescribed for orofacial infections. The principles learned will also be directly applicable to the appropriate selection of antimicrobial therapy for the pregnant or breastfeeding patient and will aid in recognizing those patients with a significant allergic history and how to best and safely treat them.

Oral healthcare professionals (OHCPs) are routinely involved with the selection and prescription of medications for their patients. This course is designed to help them become better-informed prescribers of the top three drug classes employed in dentistry: antibiotics, analgesics, and local anesthetics. This intermediate-level course is specifically designed for all members of the dental healthcare team: dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants. Since the goal of providing medication in dentistry is to ensure selection of the right drug at the right time and at the right dose for the right patient and the right procedure, the information presented in this course should be considered essential knowledge for all OHCPs, both seasoned and newly credentialed.

• Explain the varied clinical presentations of third molars.
• Cite the classification and surgical management of third molars.
• List the risks and complications of third molar extractions.
• Describe the treatment modalities and specific surgical techniques available for third molar surgery.
• Outline established criteria for third molar removal in the United States.
• List the benefits of a preventive strategy in relation to third molars.

• Courses must be completed on or before the expiration date noted in the course description above.
• You must score 75% or higher on the final exam and complete the course evaluation to pass this course and receive a certificate of completion.
• Through our review processes, Western Schools ensures that the course content is presented in a balanced, unbiased manner and is free from commercial influence. It is Western Schools' policy not to accept commercial support.
• All persons involved in the planning and development of this course have disclosed no relevant financial relationships or other conflicts of interest related to the course content.
• There are no prerequisites for this course.

The American Dental Association recognizes that early childhood caries is a significant public health problem in selected populations and is also found throughout the general population.

This basic level course, appropriate for dentists, hygienist and assistants reviews conventional early childhood caries management and discusses the need for unconventional providers and community workers as effective partners in the prevention and management of this disease.

This basic-level course familiarizes dental professionals with hypertension, its types, and its impact on general wellness. The course reviews the pathophysiology of hypertension and describes nonpharmacologic options for the treatment of hypertension, including lifestyle and dietary modifications, as well as pharmacologic approaches. A firm understanding of this prevalent disease and its implications for treatment in the dental office will help all dental professionals provide the highest quality of care to their dental patients.

This basic-level course describes current recommendations on the benefits of using denture adhesives. The course discusses the advantages and disadvantages of various denture cleansing methods. Health risks and recommendations associated with wearing dentures overnight are discussed, and methods for proper denture storage are outlined and reviewed. This course can help dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants improve the health and quality of life of their patients who wear dentures.

This intermediate-level course will provide an overview of the significant effect of the social determinants of oral health on children, including socioeconomic status (SES), family structure, social environment, culture and healthcare delivery systems. The course will also examine the significant oral health inequalities that exist among children and the importance of social environment on oral health outcomes.

The course discusses common radiographic techniques and challenges, including common radiographic mistakes, working with patients with a severe gag reflex, dimple-down techniques, paralleling techniques, focal lengths, and collimation. Darkroom and film processing techniques, including the proper use of safelights and film baths, are explained along with common radiographic and processing errors. The course emphasizes the importance of standardized, consistent film mounting in the darkroom for accurate interpretation of patient x-rays.

This basic-level course reviews the properties of an ideal provisional restoration as well as its uses and indications. The course describes the available fabrication techniques (direct and indirect) used for simple and complex prosthetic restorations, identifies available materials used to fabricate them, and discusses the available materials used for provisional cementation as well as the clinical steps involved. In order to provide quality restorations with a good long-term prognosis, dentists need to be familiar with the various restorative materials available, including provisional restorations.

This basic-level course discusses the current state of medical/dental errors and patient safety. Along with highlighting the different types and causes of medical/dental errors, strategies to prevent or control medical/dental errors are presented, and methods of identifying, analyzing, and reporting medical/dental errors are discussed. The course is intended for all dental professionals, including general dentists and dental specialists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants. This course is not designed to give legal advice. Rather, its purpose is to provide dental professionals with information on current issues in medical/dental errors and patient safety.

Dentists must observe microscopic attention to detail in the use of both materials and techniques to achieve the clinical and aesthetic excellence that their patients seek. With higher expectations in quality dental cosmetics, the need for function-with little to no intervention- has created a challenge with many clinicians.

This basic-level course, designed for all dental team members, explains the basics of incorporating magnification into dental practice. The course describes the evolving use of magnification in the field of dentistry. The concept of the magnification continuum is also explained, and the challenges of incorporating magnification into daily dental practice are identified.

This course will discuss ways in which healthcare providers can incorporate humor into care of individuals and their families. To support the suggestions regarding humor in practice, this text offers discussion of various studies pointing out the efficacy of humor in health care. The target population for this basic-level course is any dental professional who works with patients, as well as any healthcare provider who wants to improve his or her knowledge of therapeutic humor.

In today's aesthetically conscious world, more patients demand restorations that mimic the color and appearance of their natural teeth and therefore project an image of health and wellness. This basic-level course describes the evolution of aesthetic direct posterior restorative materials and their limitations and goes on to identify the characteristics, indications, and limitations of aesthetic indirect inlays and onlays. Through the use of clinical case reports, dental professionals learn the steps needed to properly execute aesthetic indirect inlays and onlays, thereby expanding their clinical armamentarium.

Dental implants are an established treatment modality in dentistry with a high rate of success and few complications. However, complications do occur despite careful treatment planning and meticulous execution of clinical procedures. Surgical complications that can occur include infection, bleeding, wound dehiscence, primary instability of the implant, neurosensory changes, and tissue emphysema. After the implant is osseointegrated, other complications may arise, including inflammatory peri-implant lesions. All these conditions increase the risk of poor outcomes, including implant loss. This intermediate-level course addresses complications associated with dental implants and reviews selective options for their management.

A wide variety of materials used for the construction of dental restorations, prostheses, and dental implants have the potential to cause allergic reactions among dental patients.This basic-level course reviews the importance of metals for human health, identifies common harmful metals and their role in disease, and discusses hypersensitivity reactions, with particular regard to metal allergies in medical and dental patients. Such an understanding will help dental professionals make better-informed decisions about which biomaterials are the safest and most effective.

The growth of the older adult population is expected to rise dramatically with the aging of the baby boomer generation, the first members having turned 70 in 2016. Because age is a significant risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease (AD), the incidence of this devastating disease is also expected to rise in the United States. This course focuses on the key components of assessment and interventions specific to patients experiencing dementia. The knowledge gained from completion of the course provides healthcare providers with the information and tools to recognize the complexity of issues surrounding a progressive diagnosis of AD.

This basic-level course is designed for dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants interested in becoming more knowledgeable and proficient in the use and application of dental dams. The course outlines the benefits of using dental dams in clinical practice, provides an overview of the types of dental dams currently available, and describes the equipment needed to use dams successfully. The steps for standard, quickdam, and slit dam application, inversion, and removal are identified. Minor challenges, such as maneuvering around a bridge, are also addressed.

After completing this basic-level course, dental professionals will understand the history of adhesive bonding systems and will be able describe the necessary conditions for ideal adhesive bonding. Dental professionals will also gain a basic understanding of different dental adhesive systems and understand the advantages and disadvantages of each.

This basic-level course provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of caries management and applies the concepts of CAMBRA. This course will help dental practitioners become better equipped to halt the progression of caries with as little hard tissue damage as possible, thereby benefiting their patients. And the learner will be introduced to different protocols in order to treat caries using the medical model.

The purpose of this course is to familiarize the dental hygienist with the document Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003. The 2016 CDC document, Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings: Basic Expectations for Safe Care will be introduced and discussed, and new information relevant to the practice of dental hygiene published by CDC since 2003 will be presented.

Pain is a basic human response and a major trigger to seeking health care. Although all dentists are trained in managing acute pain, far fewer dentists are trained in treating, chronic pain conditions. Yet chronic orofacial pain is common and may occur after routine dental procedures. This intermediate-level course provides dental healthcare professionals with an overview of the nature and scope of chronic pain, as well as basic skills for effective assessment and adjunctive treatments of chronic orofacial pain conditions and related problems.

The continuing need for denture treatment in the Unites States means a necessary relevance for updated concepts and procedures in dental curriculums. New light has been shed on different denture treatment approaches, such as digital technology, which is likely to be more commonplace for the near future. Such modern techniques may not have been initially taught to current practitioners in the field.

This intermediate-level course is intended to serve as both a review and an introduction to some of the more recent information and developments in complete denture fabrication. After completing this course, the practitioner will be better equipped to provide quality denture care in a less stressful and more cost-effective manner for both clinician and patient.

Traumatic dental injuries (TDI) are commonly encountered in dental practice. This course presents the epidemiology, prevention, general treatment considerations, and protocols for management of the full array of TDI, allowing the dental team to triage, treat, and provide appropriate follow-up care for these injuries.

The practice of dentistry is multifaceted. Not only must dental professionals have the technical skills to treat patients appropriately and safely, they must also practice within a professional ethical framework that is sometimes more challenging than the dental procedures themselves. This basic-level course helps dental professionals gain a better understanding of dental ethics, professionalism, and current ethical challenges to the profession, with particular emphasis on the impact of the digital age. Dental professionals may be eager to incorporate the latest technologies into their practices and into their private lives, but must consider the ethical implications of doing so.

The practice of dentistry is multifaceted. Not only must dental professionals have the technical skills to treat patients appropriately and safely, they must also practice within a professional ethical framework that is sometimes more challenging than the dental procedures themselves. This basic-level course helps dental professionals gain a better understanding of dental ethics, professionalism, and current ethical challenges to the profession, with particular emphasis on the impact of the digital age. Dental professionals may be eager to incorporate the latest technologies into their practices and into their private lives, but must consider the ethical implications of doing so.

VIDEO COURSE  |  The practice of dentistry is multifaceted. Not only must dental professionals have the technical skills to treat patients appropriately and safely, they must also practice within a professional ethical framework that is sometimes more challenging than the dental procedures themselves. This interactive video course, created with adult learners in mind, uses engaging video and animations to help dental professionals gain a better understanding of dental ethics, professionalism and current ethical challenges to the profession, with particular emphasis on the impact of the digital age.

Pediatric patients with complex healthcare needs are a unique and growing population. Given the current awareness that dental caries are still a significant problem in the pediatric population and that they result from an imbalance of multiple factors, the dental team has the responsibility to identify and educate patients and their families about this disease. This intermediate-level course provides dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants with information on selected morbidities that are typical in children and adolescents, and aids clinicians in developing rational thought processes for gathering information from these patients and their caregivers.

This intermediate level course for healthcare professionals is an introduction into the complex crime of human trafficking, with a focus on sex and labor trafficking and the common symptoms and conditions that occur in trafficked persons. The course provides insights into the facts surrounding human trafficking and relevant health risks for the trafficked person.

This basic-level course discusses the complexity of DUWL contamination and the importance of monitoring contamination levels. The methods used to control microbial growth and the limitations associated with current approaches are also explained. Participants learn how to judiciously choose a DUWL disinfectant best suited to their practice needs.

The purpose of this course is to help all dental professionals gain an appreciation for the significant opportunities the aging population will bring to their practices, along with the challenges. This course will provide dental professionals with basic knowledge and information in gerontology and geriatric dentistry that will enhance their ability to diagnose and manage older patients who have been affected by age-dependent or age-associated changes. The target audience for this basic-level course will be dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants of all ages and experience levels.

By applying the knowledge of symptomatology obtained in this basic-level course and providing appropriate intervention, every member of the dental team can help stem the epidemic of family violence.

This intermediate level course, appropriate for dental professionals, discusses oral leukoplakia, oral erythroplakia, oral lichen planus, oral submucous fibrosis and proliferative verrucous leukoplakia, their clinical presentation, and how to diagnose and manage these potentially malignant disorders.

Medical emergencies in the dental office are an unavoidable part of the profession. Even though precautions to prevent such events are undertaken, these events are inevitable and the dental practitioner must be prepared. Emergencies can range from relatively benign conditions to life-threatening situations. Although uncommon, major emergencies, including cardiac, pulmonary, and neurologic events, can occur. The dentist must be able to manage such situations until emergency medical responders arrive to the clinic. Medications administered can also cause adverse reactions intraoperatively or even postoperatively. This course will provide the dental practitioner with an overview of emergency adjuncts and medications.

Most denture patients, as well as patients with removable orthodontic appliances, tend to be haphazard in practice when it comes to cleansing their dental appliances. Dental professionals, most notably dental hygienists, play an important role in controlling denture contamination and in instructing patients in the proper care and sanitization of removable dentures and orthodontic appliances. This basic-level course reviews the diverse colonization of microorganisms found on dentures and the associated oral and systemic health risks, the correlation between candidal infestation of dentures and denture-induced stomatitis, and the pros and cons of various denture cleansing methods.

Dentin hypersensitivity is one of the most commonly encountered conditions in a dental practice. Educating patients regarding the risk factors associated with their condition is just as essential as encouraging their involvement with the different in-office and at-home treatment options available. Etiological factors associated with dentin hypersensitivity and various treatment modalities, ranging from over-the-counter toothpastes to lasers in the dental office, will be presented. This intermediate-level course is intended for general practitioners of dentistry. It will help general dental practitioners, as well as the hygienists and assistants in their team, establish a diagnosis and develop plans to treat dentin hypersensitivity with a range of options tailored for the particular etiology encountered per the individual patient's mouth.

Oral cancers are part of a group of cancers commonly referred to as head and neck cancers, and of all head and neck cancers, they comprise about 85% of that category. Treatment of oral cancers is ideally a multidisciplinary approach involving the efforts of surgeons, radiation oncologists, chemotherapy oncologists, dental practitioners, nutritionists, and rehabilitation and restorative specialists. This intermediate-level course outlines the dental professionals role in helping their patients before, during and after oral cancer therapy.

This intermediate-level course reviews the complications seen in the oral cavity associated with oral cancer therapies and how to help patients mitigate these complications. This information will help the practitioner provide up to date care for their patients undergoing oral cancer treatment.

The challenge for the medical and dental staff of correctional institutions in the United States is to provide basic healthcare and dental treatment amid the multiple needs of the inmate population and within the budgetary limitations of the county, state, and federal government.

This basic-level course will highlight the unique environment within the correctional system and the challenges of providing dental care therein.

Intended for all dental professionals, this basic-level course addresses patient selection, radiation safety, risk reduction, and infection control as related to dental radiology. To provide the highest quality of care and safety to patients, dental professionals must be familiar with these guidelines and the latest best practice involving radiographic procedures.

Radiation safety remains a top concern for the general public, and the dental professional needs to stay up to date on the latest research and current thinking on radiation safety and protection. This basic-level course reviews the biologic effects of radiation, the methods used in radiation measurement, and the potential sources of radiation exposure. This course discusses radiation safety and protection measures for both patients and dental healthcare workers. Perhaps most important, this course prepares all dental professionals – including dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants – to accurately respond to patient questions and concerns about radiation safety in dentistry.

Radiation safety remains a top concern for the general public, and the dental professional needs to stay up to date on the latest research and current thinking on radiation safety and protection. This basic-level course reviews the biologic effects of radiation, the methods used in radiation measurement, and the potential sources of radiation exposure. This course discusses radiation safety and protection measures for both patients and dental healthcare workers. Perhaps most important, this course prepares all dental professionals – including dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants – to accurately respond to patient questions and concerns about radiation safety in dentistry.

Dental Public Health (DPH) and the private practice model of care delivery together bear the responsibility of assuring optimal oral health for all Americans - individuals and populations. One of the greatest barriers to oral health care is a lack of dental services. This can be called the greatest unmet oral health need in the United States. This intermediate-level course, appropriate for all dental professionals, outlines dental public health, its focus, infrastructure and how the dental public health workforce strives to improve populations oral health.

The purpose of this intermediate-level course is to familiarize the dentist and every member of the dental team with nonpharmacological techniques and strategies for guiding and supporting fearful dental patients. The course will address the nature and prevalence of dental fear and how to identify and guide the fearful patient. The learner will be made aware of the ways in which his or her own behavior, demeanor, and appearance, as well as the ambiance of the dental office, may contribute to dental fear.