DENTAL CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES

Drug abuse remains a significant epidemic in present day society. According to the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.4% of the United States population use illegal drugs. As contemporary dental professionals, it is important that we are educated on the current effects of commonly used and abused drugs or medications including alcohol and nicotine.

According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (AAOMS) and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), 69% of adults 35 to 44 years of age have lost at least one permanent tooth due to dental caries, periodontitis, accidents, or failed endodontic therapy. The AAID states that more than 35 million Americans are partially edentulous or edentulous. By age 74, 26% of adults in the United States are edentulous. In recent years, the demand for dental implants has risen greatly, with a reported success rate at approximately 95-98%.

This course is an introduction to the concepts of demineralization and remineralization and how they can and should be incorporated into clinical practice. Upon completion of this course, participants will understand the continued need for fluoride to help protect against the ongoing challenge to tooth structure, secondary lesions and root caries. Participants will also appreciate the need to examine the literature and evidence when applying clinical preventive techniques for caries prevention.