A 24-Hour Dental Plaque Prevention Study with a Stannous Fluoride Dentifrice Containing Hexametaphosphate
[Course Number: 91 ]

Donald J. White, PhD; Kathy M. Kozak, BS; Roger D. Gibb, PhD; John M. Dunavent, BS; Malgorzata Klukowska, DDS, PhD; Paul A. Sagel, BS

The purpose of this course is to review an objective, digital imaging methodology used to assess the antiplaque effects of a novel therapeutic dentifrice containing stannous fluoride and sodium hexametaphosphate.

Date Course Online:  9/6/2006
Last Revision Date:  3/25/2010

A Novel Oscillating-Rotating Power Toothbrush with SmartGuide: Designed for Enhanced Performance and Compliance
[Course Number: 99 ]

Patricia A. Walters, RDH, MSDH, MSOB; Mary Ann Cugini, RDH, MHP; Aaron R. Biesbrock, DMD, PhD, MS; Paul Warren, LDS

The purpose of this course is to: 1) provide information on popular power toothbrush technologies; 2) introduce a novel oscillating-rotating toothbrush with a unique wireless remote display designed to enhance compliance and 3) provide recommendations to increase patient adoption to power toothbrushes.

Date Course Online:  6/25/2007
Last Revision Date:  N/A

An Integrated Clinical Summary: Professional Tooth Bleaching Using 14% Hydrogen Peroxide Whitening Strips
[Course Number: 204 ]

Robert W. Gerlach, DDS, MPH; Matthew L. Barker, PhD

Various advances in vital bleaching continue to expand the number of treatment options available to patients. A unique bleaching strip with 14% hydrogen peroxide (Crest® Whitestrips® Supreme) was introduced in 2003. This advanced system carries a thinner but more concentrated gel on each strip. The combination of a higher concentration gel with lowered gel volume translates to improved whitening without adversely affecting oral soft tissue tolerability and irritation. This course provides an integrated review of comparative clinical trials evaluating the whitening response and safety of this vital bleaching system.

Date Course Online:  2/1/2006
Last Revision Date:  3/1/2008

Antibacterial and Antiplaque Effects of an Alcohol-Free Oral Rinse with Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC)
[Course Number: 201 ]

Jon Witt, PhD; Nivedita Ramji, PhD; Roger Gibb, PhD; John Dunavent, BS; Janine Flood, PhD; John Barnes, BS

Antimicrobial agents are commonly incorporated into hygiene products for the treatment and prevention of plaque and gingivitis. An alcohol-free rinse containing 0.07% cetylpyridinium chloride in a high bioavailable matrix is available to provide antiplaque and antigingivitis benefits. This course reviews results from an in vitro pre-clinical study and an in vivo clinical study evaluating the antibacterial and antiplaque benefits of the alcohol-free, high bioavailable CPC rinse technology.

Date Course Online:  9/24/2009
Last Revision Date:  11/12/2009

Dental Business Office Design and Equipment
[Course Number: 310 ]

Betty Ladley Finkbeiner, CDA-Emeritus, BS, MS

The purpose of this course is to aid the dental team in the design of the business office and selection of equipment selection that will promote more ergonomic practice.

Date Course Online:  3/13/2008
Last Revision Date:  1/6/2011

Dental Esthetics in Practice: Part 1 - Focus on the Patient
[Course Number: 1001 ]

W. Patrick Naylor, DDS, MPH, MS

One aspect of clinical dentistry that offers clinicians almost limitless and exciting challenges is esthetic dentistry. In a culture where the emphasis on beauty is growing rather than diminishing, patients of all ages, races, and genders are apt to ask you, the dental professional, how they can improve their appearance by enhancing their smile. Whether the motive is personal improvement or is driven by the belief that appearance influences professional success, patients have become aware of their smile, what changes they might like to see, and how those alternations might come about. This is part 1 of a 5-part series called Dental Esthetics in Practice. This course reviews concepts of beauty, factors that influence patients’ interest in esthetic procedures, and techniques to effectively communicate treatment options with patients.

Date Course Online:  6/15/2005
Last Revision Date:  7/1/2010

Dental Esthetics in Practice: Part 2 - Dental Esthetics and the Practice
[Course Number: 1002 ]

Roger P. Levin, DDS

This is part 2 of a 5-part series called Dental Esthetics in Practice. Topics covered in this course include creating a cohesive esthetic office team, building a profitable esthetic practice, and ensuring successful outcomes for the patient and the practice.

Date Course Online:  6/15/2005
Last Revision Date:  11/12/2009

Dental Esthetics in Practice: Part 3 - Understanding Color & Shade
[Course Number: 1003 ]

Charles J. Goodacre, DDS, MSD; Paul A. Sagel, BSChE

This is part 3 of a 5-part series called Dental Esthetics in Practice. From the fundamentals of color to digital imaging analysis, this course reviews the practical application of color and shade in dental esthetics.

Date Course Online:  6/15/2005
Last Revision Date:  10/27/2011

Dental Esthetics in Practice: Part 4 - Overview of Esthetic & Restorative Procedures
[Course Number: 1004 ]

Carlos A. Muñoz-Viveros, DDS, MSD; Calogero Dolce, DDS, PhD; Robert W. Gerlach, DDS, MPH; Charles J. Goodacre, DDS, MSD; Gerry Kugel, DMD, MS, PhD; Shradha Sharma, DDS

This is part 4 of a 5-part series called Dental Esthetics in Practice. This module gives an overview of key esthetic and restorative procedures, including tooth whitening, resin bonding, veneers, crown & bridge, enamel microabrasion, implants and orthodontics.

Date Course Online:  8/6/2008
Last Revision Date:  N/A

Dental Esthetics in Practice: Part 5 - Tooth Whitening
[Course Number: 1005 ]

Carlos A. Muñoz-Viveros, DDS, MSD; Robert W. Gerlach, DDS, MPH

This is part 5 of a 5-part series called Dental Esthetics in Practice. This course focuses on the fundamentals of whitening, including whitening agents and factors that affect whitening response. It also reviews details of popular delivery systems, including in-office systems, tray-based systems and whitening strips.

Date Course Online:  N/A
Last Revision Date:  10/27/2011

Efficacy and Safety of a Novel Stabilized Stannous Fluoride and Sodium Hexametaphosphate Dentifrice for Dentinal Hypersensitivity
[Course Number: 87 ]

Thomas Schiff, DMD; Tao He, DDS, PhD; Lisa Sagel, BS, MA; Robert Baker, MS

This purpose of this course is to review the etiology of dentinal hypersensitivity and share findings from an 8-week clinical trial evaluating the desensitizing efficacy of a therapeutic dentifrice containing stannous fluoride and sodium hexametaphosphate.

Date Course Online:  7/15/2006
Last Revision Date:  3/25/2010

Efficient & Effective Use of the Intraoral Camera
[Course Number: 367 ]

Jill C. Obrochta, RDH, BS

This course will provide a broad range of techniques and parameters with which to best utilize an intraoral camera within the dental practice. Intraoral cameras provide easy-to-use, high definition magnification and are one of the most powerful diagnosis and teaching tools within dentistry. Knowing the advantages and limitations of the intraoral camera will empower you to be an outstanding, cutting-edge clinician in this age of innovation.

Date Course Online:  3/4/2011
Last Revision Date:  N/A

Ergonomics in the Dental Business Office
[Course Number: 312 ]

Betty Ladley Finkbeiner, CDA-Emeritus, BS, MS

This course is designed to aid the dental business office staff in practicing basic ergonomic concepts through the use of motion economy in order to maximize productivity and reduce strain.

Date Course Online:  4/11/2008
Last Revision Date:  1/6/2011

Impact of a Power Toothbrush with SmartGuide Technology on Brushing Pressure and Thoroughness
[Course Number: 341 ]

Karen Janusz, BS; Bruce Nelson, MS; Robert D. Bartizek, MS; Patricia A. Walters, RDH, MS; Aaron Biesbrock, DMD, PhD, MS

Effective plaque control is a necessity for the maintenance of oral health, but many patients lack motivation or knowledge of proper technique. Clinical studies have shown feedback devices used with oral care products have helped patients’ attitude and motivation toward their oral hygiene. Since toothbrushes remain the most widely employed form of oral hygiene for plaque control, these devices are logical choices for feedback devices. This course describes a 30-day study to evaluate the ability of a power brush with a wireless remote display (Oral-B® Triumph® with SmartGuide™) to change brushing behavior, specifically brushing force and thoroughness.

Date Course Online:  3/4/2009
Last Revision Date:  N/A

Older Dental Patients: Myths and Realities
[Course Number: 6 ]

Kenneth Shay, DDS, MS

This course presents information on the challenges associated with care of the elderly dental patient. There are many misconceptions about elderly patients and this course addresses key aspects of the elderly that will provide a greater understanding of this dynamic population. The course content includes analysis of the elderly of today compared to that of two and four decades ago, the status of today’s dentate elderly, as well as periodontal status, and dry mouth.

Date Course Online:  9/18/1997
Last Revision Date:  8/19/2010

Promoting the Patient Oral Self-Assessment
[Course Number: 347 ]

Nancy W. Burkhart, BSDH, M.Ed., Ed.D.; Leslie DeLong, BS, MHA

This continuing education course is intended to give the dental practitioner a helpful guide that may be used to teach patients to perform an oral examination.

Date Course Online:  1/8/2010
Last Revision Date:  N/A

Recognizing and Managing Eating Disorders in Dental Patients
[Course Number: 321 ]

Cynthia A. Stegeman, RDH, EdD, RD, CDE; Lynne H. Slim, RDH, MS

An increasing number of people, mostly girls and women, are struggling with eating disorders. Research has shown that there are now over 70 million individuals affected by eating disorders worldwide. Dental professionals have important roles in the secondary prevention of eating disorders which includes early detection, patient-specific oral treatment, and referral for care. It is also recognized that increasing the number of oral healthcare professionals who are involved in secondary prevention behaviors is essential in helping those individuals with eating disorders that are in need of identification.

Date Course Online:  5/1/2008
Last Revision Date:  9/8/2011

Short-term Effects of a Combination Product Night-time Therapeutic Regimen on Breath Malodor
[Course Number: 343 ]

Sventlana Farrell, DDS, PhD; Matthew L. Barker, PhD; Amy Walanski, BS; Robert W. Gerlach, DDS, MPH

Throughout history, maintaining socially acceptable breath aroma has been desirable. Fair or not, detecting objectionable breath in an individual may cause others to ascribe negative perceptions regarding hygiene level and even personal value. With today’s high expectations for cosmetic appearance and cleanliness, it’s not surprising that perceived bad breath can potentially lead to impaired self worth and social isolation if untreated.

Date Course Online:  4/11/2009
Last Revision Date:  N/A

The Complete Denture Prosthesis: Clinical and Laboratory Applications - Insertion, Patient Adaptation, and Post-Insertion Care
[Course Number: 109 ]

Kenneth Shay, DDS, MS; Joseph E. Grasso, DDS, MS; Kenneth S. Barrack, DDS

The fifth of a multi-part series, this course will review the steps that must be accomplished before the patient is dismissed with the new dentures, the essential elements of appropriate patient education about the new prostheses, and guidelines for diagnosing and addressing post-insertion problems that are most likely to be encountered.

Date Course Online:  4/10/2002
Last Revision Date:  8/5/2010

The Complete Denture Prosthesis: Clinical and Laboratory Applications - The Patient Analog, Part 1: Final Impressions
[Course Number: 106 ]

Kenneth Shay, DDS, MS; Joseph E. Grasso, DDS, MS; Kenneth S. Barrack, DDS

The second of a multi-part series, this course will review procedures and rationale for fabricating and evaluating the custom tray, for refining its borders in the mouth, for assessing the quality of the impression, and for ensuring the formation of a well-extended and durable master cast.

Date Course Online:  12/12/2001
Last Revision Date:  8/5/2010

The Complete Denture Prosthesis: Clinical and Laboratory Applications - The Patient Analog, Part 2: Intermaxillary Relations Records
[Course Number: 107 ]

Kenneth Shay, DDS, MS; Joseph E. Grasso, DDS, MS; Kenneth S. Barrack, DDS

The third of a multi-part series, this course will describe: designing and fabricating baseplates and occlusion rims; determining the location and orientation of the occlusal plane and the occlusal vertical dimension; accurately recording centric relation; and transferring this record to an articulator.

Date Course Online:  4/18/2002
Last Revision Date:  8/5/2010

The Many Faces of Oral Lichen Planus
[Course Number: 313 ]

Nancy Burkhart, BSDH, M.Ed. Ed.D.

This course will increase awareness and understanding by dental health personnel in the matter of Lichen planus. Lichen planus is a mucocutaneous disease affecting approximately 1.5 to 2% of the world population. The course of the disease is usually unpredictable with bouts of remission and exacerbation being common.

Date Course Online:  1/1/2008
Last Revision Date:  3/25/2010

Treatment of an Edentulous Patient with a Dry Mouth
[Course Number: 20 ]

Kenneth Shay, DDS, MS

The primary learning objective for this course is to increase your general knowledge and skills in the dental management of the complete denture patient with a dry mouth.

Date Course Online:  7/9/2001
Last Revision Date:  8/5/2010

You Have Your License – Now What? Career Strategies for the New Dentist
[Course Number: 412 ]

Steven Schwartz, DDS

After years of preparation – college, dental school, post graduate training – you have obtained or are about to obtain your dental license and begin your dental career.  Among dentistry’s advantages as a career choice are that there are multiple alternatives to achieving personal and financial success; private practice ownership, association in a small or large practice, public health dentistry, or teaching and research. Each choice has its advantages and disadvantages as well as shared and individual strategies to achieve success.

Date Course Online:  04/22/2013
Last Revision Date:  N/A