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Caries Process, Prevention, and Management: Epidemiology

COURSE NUMBER: 710

Amal A. K. Noureldin, BDS, MSD, MS, PhD

Credit Hours:

1 Hour(s)

PDF

This is part 1 of a 10-part series entitled Caries Process, Prevention, and Management. Oral epidemiology is a branch of public health that focuses on the distribution and impact of oral diseases within populations. This course emphasizes...

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Overview

This is part 1 of a 10-part series entitled Caries Process, Prevention, and Management. Oral epidemiology is a branch of public health that focuses on the distribution and impact of oral diseases within populations. This course emphasizes the practical relevance of epidemiology in clinical practice, providing insights into the prevalence, incidence, and trends of dental caries in the United States.


The course introduces the DMF index (Decayed, Missing, and Filled teeth), a key measure in dental epidemiology. You will learn about the variations and limitations of the DMF index, as well as how to accurately calculate DMF scores to assess oral health outcomes.

  • Intended Audience:

    Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Dental Assistants, Dental Students, Dental Hygiene Students, Dental Assisting Students

  • Date Course Online:

    May 30, 2025

  • Last Revision Date:

    NA

  • Course Expiration Date:

    May 29, 2029

  • Cost:

    Free

  • Method:

    Self-instructional

  • AGD Subject Code(s):

    10

  • Technical Requirements:

    Stable internet connection and the latest version of browser and device software are recommended.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the dental professional should be able to:


  • Discuss the need for epidemiological studies.
  • Apply the results of oral epidemiology studies to clinical practice.
  • Be familiar with the prevalence, incidence, and trends of dental caries in the United States.
  • Describe the value of the DMF index in measuring oral disease.
  • Use the DMF index to measure the prevalence of dental caries.
  • Understand the results of the NHANES surveys that are related to dental caries.
  • Identify the factors that may or may not affect the DMF scores in adults.
  • Calculate a DMFT, DMFS, dmft or dmfs index score from a patient tooth charting.

Disclaimers

  • P&G is providing these resource materials to dental professionals. We do not own this content nor are we responsible for any material herein.
  • Participants must always be aware of the hazards of using limited knowledge in integrating new techniques or procedures into their practice.  Only sound evidence-based dentistry should be used in patient therapy.

Note:  Registration is required to take test.

Author(s)

Acknowledgement

We would like to thank Dr. Edward Lo for providing foundational content for the original version of this course and for his contributions to previous versions of a similar course.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement

  • Dr. Noureldin reports no conflicts of interest associated with this course. She has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Dr. Noureldin BDS, MSD, MS, PhD, tenured Clinical Professor and Director of Cariology and Prevention in Department of Public Health Sciences School of Dentistry Texas A&M, specializes in three areas of dentistry, operative dentistry, prevent...

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Submission Information

Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) Submission For credit transfers to appear in your AGD account in real time, make sure to add your AGD membership number in the field provided on the “Share Your Test Score” page.


CE Broker For all states that use CE Broker for licensure, “proof of completions” are electronically reported the first of every month. If a course was taken in November, the “proof of completion” will be submitted the beginning of December.

Recognition

AGD Pace Logo

Approved PACE Program Provider

THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY


Nationally Approved PACE Program Provider for FAGD/MAGD credit.

Approval does not imply acceptance by any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement.


8/1/2021 to 7/31/2027

Provider ID# 211886

AADH Logo

AADH Approved Program Provider

Procter & Gamble is designated as an approved Provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Inc. #AADHPGC (January 1, 2024-December 31, 2025). Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial Board of Dentistry. Licensee should maintain this document in the event of an audit.