Geriatric Dental Patient Diseases and Medications

$10.00

Course Overview

The geriatric population is the fastest-growing demographic in dental practice, presenting unique challenges driven by physiological aging and a high prevalence of chronic systemic conditions. As patients retain their natural teeth longer into life, dental professionals must navigate a complex landscape of "medically compromised" care. This course provides a deep dive into the common diseases affecting older adults, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders, and explores how these conditions directly impact oral health and treatment planning.

A central focus of this curriculum is the management of polypharmacy—the simultaneous use of multiple medications—which is ubiquitous in this age group. Participants will examine the oral side effects of common geriatric prescriptions, with a specific emphasis on xerostomia and its devastating sequelae like root caries and candidiasis. The course offers practical strategies for medication reconciliation, identifying drug interactions, and implementing aggressive preventive protocols to mitigate the effects of drug-induced oral disease.

Beyond pathology, this course addresses the functional and cognitive aspects of geriatric care. From adapting the operatory for mobility limitations to managing informed consent in patients with dementia, the curriculum empowers the dental team to provide compassionate, competent care. By mastering the intersection of medicine and dentistry, practitioners can significantly enhance the oral health-related quality of life for their aging patients.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

Describe the physiological changes associated with aging and their implications for oral health.
Identify common systemic diseases in the geriatric population (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, arthritis) and their impact on dental management.
Define polypharmacy and evaluate the risk of adverse drug events and drug-drug interactions in the dental setting.
Recognize the oral side effects of frequently prescribed geriatric medications, particularly xerostomia and gingival enlargement.
Develop preventive and restorative strategies for managing root caries and periodontal disease in frail older adults.
Assess the patient’s functional status (Activities of Daily Living) and modify treatment plans to accommodate physical and cognitive limitations.
Implement communication techniques for patients with sensory impairments (hearing/vision loss) or cognitive decline.
Discuss the ethical and legal considerations of treating patients with diminished decision-making capacity.

Categories: $19, CEU Courses, Online CEU Courses

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Course Overview

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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.
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Explain the rationale for Hepatitis B vaccination in dental personnel and outline appropriate post-exposure management and follow-up.
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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.
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Course Overview

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After completing this course, participants will be able to:

Describe the workflow and clinical benefits of integrating CBCT and intraoral scanning technologies.
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Course Overview

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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.
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