The Oral Cavity: Portal to Health and Disease from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

The Interplay Between Medicine and Dentistry

This course will use the expertise of specialists from both medicine and dentistry to provide perspectives on a wide range of topics that significantly impact both fields. By explaining each field and the ways in which dental and medical specialists work together to manage affected patients, these specialists highlight the interdisciplinary nature of health care today using a particular example each week. In our introductory videos, we introduce the importance of these topics and of the interplay between medicine and dentistry through the lens of the specialty of oral medicine.

Pain management: approaches and challenges

In Week 2, we will discuss pain, both as a general concept and as it relates to certain conditions. This will include defining pain and its types, discussing multiple treatment modalities, and explaining some pains specific to the head and neck region. From both an oral medicine and pain management perspective, this difficult topic will be examined and expert diagnosis and treatment opinions will be provided.

Diabetic patients and their care

Week 3 focuses on diabetes, a very prevalent, but often not well understood disease that materially impacts both medicine and dentistry. Our discussion of this topic will include an in depth description of types of diabetes, treatments and how they differ based on type, and lifestyle management of these patients. It will also deal with dental management of the diabetic patient specifically, including recommendations for how to approach treatment of patients with diabetes.

Endocrine disorders: understanding thyroid cancer and osteoporosis

In week 4, we will continue our discussion of endocrine diseases by covering two other relatively common conditions, thyroid cancer and osteoporosis. Both of these diseases present significant challenges to dental management of patients as well as presenting interesting and difficult medical challenges. For both diseases, the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment will be covered and related to the impact of the disease on dental care and some important negative effects to be aware of in the oral cavity.

Care of cardiovascular diseases and infections

This week will review management of cardiac conditions, both generally and specifically in dental medicine. This will include explanations of some of the most prevalent cardiac conditions as well as discussion on the difficulties of treating select patients. This provides a widely applicable but also specific overview of risks to patients generally and in the dental office, management and treatment, and ways that providers and patients can work together to ensure positive outcomes for all.

Dermatologic conditions of the oral cavity

Week 6 presents an explanation of common dermatologic conditions that can frequently affect the oral cavity. The lectures in this module focus on the three most prevalent autoimmune reactions to occur in the mouth; lichen planus, pemphigoid, and pemphigus. The lectures in this week explain these conditions, comment on some possible treatments, and discuss the importance of co-management between the fields of dentistry and medicine, not to mention some specific examples of interdisciplinary division of treatment.

Blood and bone marrow cancers

In this section, we will discuss blood and bone marrow cancers. This is a complex topic and our lectures will explain some of the differences between each type of these cancers in both disease characteristics and management. For management, we will review both traditional and cutting edge modalities used in certain cases. We will also discuss the importance of the oral cavity in both diagnosis and treatment of these cancers. Whether as the first sign of disease, an area affected by treatment, or a potential cause of complications, the oral cavity can truly in leukemia be a portal to health and disease.

Understanding head and neck cancers

Our last section deals with a very serious and important topic, that of cancers of the head and neck region. Our lectures will explain some types of head and neck cancer, but will focus on oral squamous cell carcinoma, the most common of these. We will discuss diagnosis and management of these patients, paying attention to the important role of all providers in cancer while also providing a video of transoral robotic surgery for cancer. In this way, we will address all aspects of oral cancer treatment, from initial diagnosis to thorough treatment.

Final Exam

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines the interplay between medicine and dentistry, providing valuable perspectives for both fields

Taught by experienced practitioners, Dr. Uri Hangorsky, Dr. Thomas P. Sollecito, and Dr. Eric Stoopler, each recognized for their expertise in their respective fields

Covers a wide range of topics relevant to both dental and medical professionals, including pain management, diabetes care, and endocrine disorders

Emphasizes the importance of interprofessional collaboration in providing comprehensive patient care

Includes interactive elements, such as case studies and discussions, to enhance learning

May require learners to have a background in both medicine and dentistry to fully grasp the content

Reviews summary

The oral cavity: a window to systemic health

Learners say this course is remarkably well-received by students and dental professionals alike. Its engaging assignments and knowledgeable instructors have helped students tremendously. Moreover, the course emphasizes the relationship between oral and systemic health, providing a comprehensive understanding of how oral health can be an indicator of overall well-being. This course is highly recommended for students and professionals who want to improve their knowledge of dentistry, medicine, and the connection between the two.

Presents the material in a clear and organized manner, making it easy for students to follow and comprehend

"Would have liked more physiological and more specific treatment options, as well as more information about precautions in radiology treatment for head and neck cancer patients."

"La experiencia de haber completado este curso es gratificante. La estructura y dinámica de las clases son atractivas para el aprendizaje."

"The Best course, without a doubt, we learned a lot about diseases that can affect the oral cavity, improving our skills, in addition to presenting the theory, they also presented what it is like in practice, that is, in real life, thus being a very complete course."

Emphasizes the clinical significance of the subject matter and its applicability in dental practice

"This was a very informative and interesting course. The presentation format was great; I felt like I was in a classroom."

"This is an excellent course, the topics they deal with are defined in didactic and understandable way, and show great interest in the relationship between systemic diseases and manifestations that occur in the mouth."

"This is a wonderful review of all classes we take in dental school in Europe."

Provides a deep and thorough exploration of systemic diseases and their oral manifestations

"It is a very well-presented, informative course. I really recommend it to anyone whose job includes working with oral cavity."

"This course has thoroughly changed my methodology of diagnosis of oral lesions as a general dentist!"

"The course brought an important update in the knowledge of oral and systemic diseases (which present signs and symptoms in the oral cavity) that need to be diagnosed by the dentist."

Features a multidisciplinary approach, with contributions from both medical and dental professionals

"I really enjoyed the interdisciplinar aproach from the different physicians and the variety of topics that reaches this programme."

"The course proved to be highly practical and enlightening, significantly It has undoubtedly enriched my professional life, providing valuable insights and skills that I can readily apply in my endeavors."

"As an experienced Dental practitioner over 20 years, I was seeking CPD points. I stumbled upon this course and found it to be succinct and covered all the bases to refresh my long lost knowledge in oral medicine."

Could include more practical demonstrations and hands-on exercises to enhance the learning experience

"I wish there were more videos of the surgries mentioned by the expert doctors likw the TORS robotic surgery of tongue tumor was very fascinating to watch"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Oral Cavity: Portal to Health and Disease with these activities:

Practice basic math skills

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Refine your addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division skills to prepare for the math in the course.

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Take a practice test.
Review your mistakes.
Practice the skills you need to improve.

Review Oral Medicine

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Review foundational knowledge of Oral Medicine to enhance comprehension of course materials and provide context for upcoming lessons.

Browse courses on Oral Health

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Read textbook chapters on Oral Medicine basics
Complete practice questions on Oral Medicine topics
Summarize key concepts and principles of Oral Medicine

Review 'The Textbook of Systemic Pharmacotherapy: A Patient-Oriented Approach'

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Review the basic concepts of systemic pharmacotherapy to prepare for the course.

Browse courses on Review

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Read through the introduction and key terms.
Review the section on pharmacokinetics.
Review the section on pharmacodynamics.

Eight other activities

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Practice solving word problems

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Sharpen your skills at interpreting and solving word problems, which are common in the course.

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Find a set of practice problems.
Solve the problems.
Check your answers.

Online Simulation: Cardiovascular Care in Dental Settings

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Enhance understanding of cardiovascular management in dental practice through interactive simulations, improving patient care.

Browse courses on Dentistry

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Access and register for the online simulation platform
Complete introductory modules on cardiovascular anatomy and physiology
Participate in simulated patient encounters involving cardiovascular conditions
Review performance and receive feedback on decision-making

Study Group: Pain Management

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Collaborate with peers to discuss and apply pain management concepts, reinforcing understanding and enhancing problem-solving skills.

Browse courses on Pain Management

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Form a study group with classmates
Review lecture notes and assigned readings on pain management
Engage in group discussions and case studies
Present findings and insights to the group

Infographic: Dermatologic Conditions of the Oral Cavity

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Create a visually engaging infographic that summarizes common dermatologic conditions affecting the oral cavity, enhancing visual memory and recall.

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Research and gather information on dermatologic conditions of the oral cavity
Design the infographic using appropriate visual aids and text
Include high-quality images or illustrations to support understanding
Share the infographic with peers or post it online

Case Studies: Endocrine Disorders

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Apply knowledge of endocrine disorders to real-world scenarios, refining diagnostic and treatment abilities.

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Analyze case studies involving patients with endocrine disorders
Identify key symptoms, risk factors, and diagnostic tests
Develop treatment plans based on evidence-based guidelines
Discuss differential diagnoses and potential complications

Create a study guide

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Solidify your understanding of the course material by creating a study guide that you can use to review before exams.

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Review the course notes and textbooks.
Identify the key concepts.
Write out a summary of each concept.

Start a personal project

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Take what you've learned in the course and apply it to a personal project, such as creating a budget or developing a meal plan.

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Choose a project that interests you.
Set some goals for your project.
Start working on your project.

Write a research paper

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Demonstrate your understanding of the course material by writing a research paper on a topic of your choice.

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Choose a topic.
Do some research.
Write your paper.

Career center

Learners who complete The Oral Cavity: Portal to Health and Disease will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Dentist

Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients' teeth, gums, and mouths. They also provide preventive care, such as cleanings and fluoride treatments. This course can help dentists to better understand the medical conditions that can affect their patients' oral health, and how to collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care.

See salaries and explore the career path for Dentist

Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists provide preventive and therapeutic dental care, such as cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants. They also educate patients on oral hygiene and nutrition. This course can help dental hygienists to better understand the medical conditions that can affect their patients' oral health, and how to collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care.

See salaries and explore the career path for Dental Hygienist

Oral Surgeon

Oral surgeons perform a variety of surgical procedures on the mouth, teeth, and jaws. They also diagnose and treat oral diseases and injuries. This course can help oral surgeons to better understand the medical conditions that can affect their patients' oral health, and how to collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care.

See salaries and explore the career path for Oral Surgeon

Pediatric Dentist

Pediatric dentists provide dental care to children from infancy through adolescence. They focus on preventive care and early detection and treatment of oral problems. This course can help pediatric dentists to better understand the medical conditions that can affect their patients' oral health, and how to collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pediatric Dentist

Orthodontist

Orthodontists diagnose and treat malocclusions, or misalignments of the teeth and jaws. They use a variety of appliances to straighten teeth and improve the bite. This course can help orthodontists to better understand the medical conditions that can affect their patients' oral health, and how to collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care.

See salaries and explore the career path for Orthodontist

Periodontist

Periodontists diagnose and treat diseases of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. They also perform surgeries to place dental implants. This course can help periodontists to better understand the medical conditions that can affect their patients' oral health, and how to collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care.

See salaries and explore the career path for Periodontist

Endodontist

Endodontists diagnose and treat diseases of the pulp, or inner part of the tooth. They also perform root canals. This course can help endodontists to better understand the medical conditions that can affect their patients' oral health, and how to collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care.

See salaries and explore the career path for Endodontist

Prosthodontist

Prosthodontists replace missing teeth and restore damaged teeth. They use a variety of materials, including crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants. This course can help prosthodontists to better understand the medical conditions that can affect their patients' oral health, and how to collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care.

See salaries and explore the career path for Prosthodontist

Dental Assistant

Dental assistants provide support to dentists and other dental professionals. They perform a variety of tasks, such as taking X-rays, preparing patients for procedures, and assisting with surgeries. This course can help dental assistants to better understand the medical conditions that can affect their patients' oral health, and how to collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care.

See salaries and explore the career path for Dental Assistant

Dental Laboratory Technician

Dental laboratory technicians create and repair dental prosthetics, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures. They work with dentists and other dental professionals to ensure that the prosthetics fit and function properly. This course can help dental laboratory technicians to better understand the medical conditions that can affect their patients' oral health, and how to collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care.

See salaries and explore the career path for Dental Laboratory Technician

Registered Nurse

Registered nurses provide care to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and homes. They perform a variety of tasks, such as taking vital signs, administering medications, and providing wound care. This course may be useful for registered nurses who work with patients who have oral health problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Registered Nurse

Physician Assistant

Physician assistants provide care to patients under the supervision of a physician. They perform a variety of tasks, such as taking medical histories, performing physical exams, and prescribing medications. This course may be useful for physician assistants who work with patients who have oral health problems.

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Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense medications and provide information about their use. They also work with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients are taking their medications correctly. This course may be useful for pharmacists who work with patients who have oral health problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmacist

Dietitian

Dietitians provide advice on nutrition and healthy eating. They work with individuals and groups to help them improve their diets and manage their weight. This course may be useful for dietitians who work with patients who have oral health problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Dietitian

Health Educator

Health educators provide information and support to help people make healthy choices. They work with individuals, groups, and communities to promote healthy behaviors and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. This course may be useful for health educators who work with patients who have oral health problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator