Features
Unit I- focuses on a comprehensive discussion on preventive dental concepts with an emphasis on the historical perspective and creation of prevention in health care today. The relationship between prevention, urgent and restorative care is presented to help dental providers understand all facets of dental care delivery. A thorough discussion of assessment, diagnostic and therapeutic sciences of dental care is addressed.

Unit II - focuses on oral disease etiology and contributing risk factors. This unit includes chapters of plaque, dental caries, periodontal disease, oral cancer, dental trauma and host mechanisms. The etiology of all diseases is comprehensively discussed so that students completely understand the disease before prevention is discussed.

Unit III - addresses preventive strategies to prevent these diseases/conditions and maintain health. These chapters include tooth brushing, dentifrices, toothpastes and mouthrinses, oral hygiene aids, fluorides, dental sealants, nutrition, mouthguards, tobacco cessation and health education and promotion theories.

Unit IV - includes chapters on target populations and public health approaches to preventing disease and maintaining health in these populations. These populations include infants, children, individuals with medical conditions and/or diseases, older adults and hospitalized individuals.
 

Table of Contents
Primary Preventive Dental Concepts
1. Introduction to and Historical Perspective of Primary Preventive Dentistry

Etiology of Dental Diseases and Conditions
2. Dental Plaque
3. Dental Caries
4. Periodontal Disease
5. Oral Cancer
6. Dental Trauma
7. Host Mechanisms in the Oral Cavity

Preventive Strategies
8. Toothbrushes and Toothbrushing Methods
9. Dentifrices, Mouthrinses and Chewing Gums
10. Oral Health Self-Care Supplemental Measures
11. Community Water Fluoridation
12. Topical Fluoride Therapies
13. Dental Sealants
14. Nutrition
15. Sugar and Other Sweeteners
16. Professional Dental Hygiene Care
17. Health Education and Promotion Theories
18. Tobacco Cessation
19. Athletic Mouthguards
20. Technological Advances in the Dental Care

Public Health and Target Populations
21. Dental Public Health
22. Target Population Descriptions and Preventive Strategies
     a. Pregnancy and Infancy
     b. Pediatrics
     c. Adults (including women’s health)
     d. Geriatrics
     e. Populations with Medical Conditions/Diseases
     f. Developmental Disabilities