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Caries Process, Prevention, and Management: The Agent

COURSE NUMBER: 711

Apoena Aguiar Ribeiro, DDS, MS, PhD

Credit Hours:

1 Hour(s)

PDF

This course is part 2 of a 10-part series entitled Caries Process, Prevention, and Management. Dental caries is a multifactorial, infectious disease affecting a significant percentage of the population. This course describes the etiology ...

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Overview

This course is part 2 of a 10-part series entitled Caries Process, Prevention, and Management. Dental caries is a multifactorial, infectious disease affecting a significant percentage of the population. This course describes the etiology and pathways of progression of dental caries, including an in-depth review of the role of dental plaque and oral bacteria.

  • 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, 2028

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


  • Define dental caries.
  • Discuss the medical history of caries along with its natural history.
  • Identify the combination of factors required for caries to develop, and how sub-factors influence this process.
  • Define dental plaque as a microbial biofilm.
  • Describe the development and maturation of dental plaque.
  • Understand the microbial diversity of plaque and recognize it as an ecosystem.
  • Discuss the ecological plaque hypothesis.
  • Name the bacteria associated with caries.
  • Discuss how the acidity in the oral environment is the major determinant of plaque ecology.
  • Identify how bacteria convert dietary carbohydrates to acids.

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. Susan Higham, Dr.Chris Hope, Dr. Sabeel Valappil, and Dr. Phil Smith 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. Apoena Aguiar Ribeiro reports no conflicts of interest associated with this course. She has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Apoena De Aguiar Ribeiro is a Pediatric Dentist and Microbiologist. She was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Among her 25 years of teaching, Ribeiro most recently served as a tenured associate professor in the Fluminense Federal University, D...

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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

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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.