Fundamentals of Dentifrice: Oral Health Benefits in a Tube
Learning Objectives

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

• Describe the FDA Monograph system.
• Compare the Monograph system with a New Drug Application (NDA).
• Differentiate between claims for therapeutic and cosmetic benefits.
• Describe the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance program.
• Explain fluoride’s mechanism of action and understand key differences of common fluoride actives.
• List common antiplaque/antigingivitis ingredients in dentifrices and describe their mechanisms of action.
• Compare nerve desensitizing and dentin tubule occluding agents and describe how these agents act to treat dentinal hypersensitivity.
• Name the dentifrice ingredients used to control calculus, stain and bad breath; explain how these agents function.
• Understand the evolution and combination of different benefits in the dentifrice marketplace.
• Describe the role of dentifrice ingredients used to improve esthetics and stability.
• Explain compatibility concerns manufacturers face when formulating a dentifrice.