The Global Epidemic of HIV & AIDS

$10.00

Course Overview

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains one of the world's most significant public health challenges. This course provides a comprehensive update on the global epidemic, examining the shift from a fatal diagnosis to a manageable chronic condition through Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). It explores the epidemiology of the virus, current transmission trends, and the pathophysiology of how HIV attacks the immune system, leading to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Dental professionals play a critical role in the early detection of HIV, as oral lesions are often the first clinical sign of infection. This course details the specific oral manifestations associated with HIV, including candidiasis, hairy leukoplakia, Kaposi's sarcoma, and aggressive periodontal diseases. It equips clinicians with the knowledge to identify these conditions and refer patients for appropriate medical testing and care.

Finally, the curriculum addresses the practical aspects of treating patients living with HIV. It covers current medical management protocols, drug interactions with common dental prescriptions, and the importance of standard precautions. Crucially, it tackles the ethical and legal responsibilities of the dental team, emphasizing the need to provide compassionate, non-discriminatory care while combating the stigma that still surrounds the disease.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

Describe the global and regional epidemiology of HIV/AIDS and identify key populations at risk.
Explain the pathophysiology of HIV infection, including the viral life cycle and the destruction of CD4+ T cells.
List the primary modes of transmission and effective prevention strategies, such as PrEP and PEP.
Identify common fungal and bacterial oral manifestations associated with HIV/AIDS.
Recognize viral and neoplastic oral lesions, including Kaposi’s sarcoma and oral hairy leukoplakia.
Discuss the mechanism of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) and its implications for dental treatment.
Outline specific dental management modifications for patients with compromised immunity or bleeding disorders.
Apply standard infection control precautions and ethical principles to prevent discrimination and stigma in the dental setting.

Categories: $19, CEU Courses, Online CEU Courses

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Course Overview

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Building on these fundamentals, the course offers detailed, step-by-step guidance on implementing aseptic technique throughout the dental office and laboratory. Topics include appropriate use of personal protective equipment, hand hygiene protocols, operatory setup and turnover, instrument processing workflows, and the selection and use of chemical disinfectants. Special attention is given to the sterilization and maintenance of handpieces, management of suction systems and dental unit waterlines, safe handling of radiographic equipment and impression materials, and proper segregation, treatment, and disposal of contaminated waste in compliance with regulatory standards.

Finally, the course addresses the ethical and legal dimensions of infection control, particularly as they relate to the care of patients with HIV and other infectious diseases. Real-world case law is reviewed to clarify professional obligations, anti-discrimination requirements, and the importance of consistent, documented protocols. The curriculum concludes with practical office and laboratory checklists, along with strategies for communicating infection control procedures effectively to patients and team members, ensuring both regulatory compliance and a high level of trust and confidence in the dental environment.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

Define and accurately use key infection control terminology, including sterilization, disinfection, standard precautions, critical and semi-critical instruments, and levels of disinfection.
Describe the modes of transmission and clinical significance of major pathogens relevant to dentistry, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C viruses, and HIV.
Explain the rationale for Hepatitis B vaccination in dental personnel and outline appropriate post-exposure management and follow-up.
Select and correctly utilize personal protective equipment (PPE)—including gloves, masks, protective eyewear, and clinical attire—based on the procedure and anticipated exposure risk.
Implement evidence-based protocols for operatory asepsis, including surface barriers, environmental surface disinfection, management of spills, and regulated waste handling in compliance with local regulations.
Design and maintain an effective instrument processing workflow, from presoak and ultrasonic cleaning through packaging, sterilization, and biological monitoring (spore testing) for various sterilization methods.
Apply appropriate aseptic techniques for high-speed and slow-speed handpieces, air/water syringes, ultrasonic scalers, impression materials, radiographic equipment, and evacuation systems.
Describe best practices for infection control in the dental laboratory, including handling of incoming and outgoing cases, pumice and rag wheel management, and communication of disinfection responsibilities between office and lab.
Summarize current recommendations and regulatory expectations for dental unit waterline quality, including CFU/mL targets and options for flushing, chemical treatment, and filtration.
Interpret the ethical and legal obligations related to treating patients with HIV and other infectious diseases and integrate these requirements into practice policies, documentation, and patient communication.

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Course Overview

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Beyond hardware and software, this course investigates the biological advancements in restorative materials. It covers the transition from passive, inert materials to bioactive formulations that actively stimulate remineralization and healing. By understanding these developments, dental professionals can enhance clinical outcomes, improve patient comfort, and ensure their practice remains competitive in an increasingly high-tech healthcare landscape.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

Describe the workflow and clinical benefits of integrating CBCT and intraoral scanning technologies.
Compare and contrast subtractive manufacturing (milling) with additive manufacturing (3D printing) in dental applications.
Identify the indications for various laser wavelengths in both hard and soft tissue procedures.
Explain the mechanism of action of bioactive restorative materials and their role in secondary caries prevention.
Discuss the principles of minimally invasive dentistry, including resin infiltration and air abrasion.
Evaluate the current applications of Artificial Intelligence in caries detection and radiographic analysis.
Analyze the role of regenerative techniques, such as Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF), in wound healing and oral surgery.
Formulate a plan to implement teledentistry and remote monitoring tools into daily practice.

AIDS: HIV-1 Vaccine Update

$10.00|2.0 CEU|120 min

Course Overview

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Beyond the science of vaccinology, this course reinforces the vital role of the dental team in the holistic care of patients living with HIV. We will review current best practices for oral health management, the oral-systemic link in HIV infection, and the dentist's role in recognizing oral manifestations that may signal treatment failure or undiagnosed infection. This knowledge equips practitioners to provide compassionate, evidence-based care while staying informed on the horizon of prevention.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

Explain the biological challenges that have historically hindered HIV-1 vaccine development, including viral mutation rates and immune evasion.
Define “broadly neutralizing antibodies” (bnAbs) and their significance in modern vaccine design strategies.
Summarize the findings and limitations of recent major vaccine efficacy trials (e.g., Uhambo, Mosaico).
Describe the application of mRNA technology in the development of next-generation HIV immunogens.
Differentiate between sterilization immunity and functional cure in the context of HIV research.
Recognize common oral manifestations of HIV/AIDS and their clinical management in the dental setting.
Discuss the current role of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) as a biomedical prevention strategy alongside vaccine research.
Implement up-to-date infection control and post-exposure protocols specific to dental practice.