Dental Public Health (VZK_002)
About Study Course
Objective
Raising practical awareness of the potential of public health care in dentistry by developing a positive professional attitude towards promoting and educating about health and oral health, understanding to plan and develop educational materials and programmes in dentistry for different age groups of the population. Practical implementation of the oral health promotion project.
Prerequisites
Biology, microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry, anatomy, histology, embryology, dental anatomy, cariology basics, cariology, periodontology, preventive dentistry.
Learning outcomes
1.Includes understanding of principles of evidence-based primary healthcare, common risk factor approach, principles and models of oral healthcare organisation in Latvia and abroad. Understanding the principles and approaches for promoting oral health - education, the role of the dental team in promoting and educating health. Understand new approaches to promoting oral health and the need for oral health indicators.
1.Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to assess and apply basic principles of oral health promotion and education in practice. Will be able to follow preventive approaches and strategies first in their clinical work, as opposed to the treatment regimen in dentistry. Will be able to assess the preventive needs of an individual – the patient’s eating habits, hygiene skills, recommend a short-intervention smoking cessation model (model 5A), educate patients how to prevent and take action on dental injuries.
1.Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to educate dental patients and provide primary oral health care to residents of different ages, including with special needs. Will be able to participate in the development of various oral health-promoting, educational programmes in different age groups, as well as to implement them. Evaluate the experience of different countries in the implementation of oral health education and smoking cessation programmes, as well as in preventing dental injuries.
