Fundamentals of Cariology from edX

Fundamentals of Cariology is a field dedicated to understanding and managing dental caries. In this comprehensive course on cariology, you will explore the intricate processes involved in dental caries formation, diagnosis, prevention, and management.

Whether you are a dental professional looking to expand your knowledge in cariology or an individual passionate about oral health, in this 4-Week-4-Module course, you will learn from a dynamic team of 15 dental professionals and researchers around the world, led by HKU’s Prof. Chun-Hung CHU and Prof. Ollie Yiru YU. By the end of the course, you will have a fundamental understanding of cariology.

Through a series of engaging modules, you will gain insights into the etiology of dental caries, examining the complex interplay between oral microorganisms, host factors, and dietary habits.

Diagnosis of dental caries is a crucial component of cariology, and this course provides a comprehensive understanding of the diagnostic tools and techniques used to identify dental caries. You will learn various diagnostic modalities to assess the presence and extent of tooth decay. This knowledge will enable you to develop effective treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs.

Prevention is a key aspect of cariology, and this course explores various preventive strategies that can help individuals maintain optimal oral health. From fluoride therapy and dental sealants to dietary counseling and oral hygiene practices, you will learn evidence-based techniques to combat tooth decay and promote oral wellness.

Furthermore, this course highlights the importance of patient education and emphasizes the role of cariology in promoting oral health awareness. You will explore effective communication strategies to educate patients about the causes of dental caries, preventive measures, and oral hygiene practices that can aid in maintaining a healthy smile. Additionally, this course will also introduce initiatives for caries management, such as the application of biomaterials.

Enroll in this course today and equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on the oral health!

What you'll learn

After completing this course, the learner will:

After completing this cariology course, learners will acquire a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. In the first module, they will delve into the fundamentals of cariology, gaining knowledge about the etiology and formation of dental caries. The second module focuses on caries diagnosis and risk assessment, equipping learners with the skills to detect and assess caries lesions, and assess the patient’s caries risk using various techniques and tools. The third module explores the management of dental caries, covering restorative techniques, materials, and preventive strategies like fluoride therapy and sealants. Finally, the fourth module emphasizes evidence-based practice for caries management, where learners will delve into the application of biomaterials and other innovative approaches. By the end of the course, learners will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively diagnose, prevent and manage dental caries using evidence-based practices, making a positive impact on oral health and the overall well-being of individuals.

The Content of the four modules are as follows: ****

Week 1 / Module 1 –Fundamentals of Cariology__

Introduction to biochemistry & histopathology, aetiology, microbiology of dental caries and the interaction with saliva.

Week 2 / Module 2 –Caries Diagnosis and Risk Assessment

Introduction to the classification and index of dental caries, detecting techniques of dental caries, caries risk assessment, and an in-depth exploration of ICDAS & ICCMS.

Week 3 / Module 3 –Management of dental caries

Introduction to Medical model for caries management and Non-restorative & Restorative management of dental caries.

Week 4 / Module 4 –Evidence-based Practice for Caries Management

Introduction to Dental public health related to cariology, Cariology research, Initiatives for caries management.

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Course covers medical model for caries management essential to dentistry

Explores non-restorative and restorative management of dental caries, building a foundation for treatment

Covers caries diagnosis and risk assessment, including the ICDAS & ICCMS techniques, ensuring accurate evaluation

Includes evidence-based practice for caries management, promoting current and effective techniques

Provides an introduction to dental public health related to cariology, expanding knowledge beyond clinical practice

Explores the history and classification of dental caries, establishing a solid foundation in the field

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamentals of Cariology will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Dental Researcher

Dental Researchers conduct research on dental diseases and treatments. They may work in a university, a hospital, or a private research institution. This course may be useful for Dental Researchers who wish to expand their knowledge of cariology and contribute to the development of new treatments.

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Dental Educator

Dental Educators teach dental students and dental professionals. They may work in a dental school, a community college, or a continuing education program. This course may be useful for Dental Educators who wish to expand their knowledge of cariology and improve their teaching skills.

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Dental Writer

Dental Writers write about dental topics for a variety of audiences. They may work for a dental journal, a dental website, or a dental marketing firm. This course may be useful for Dental Writers who wish to expand their knowledge of cariology and improve their writing skills.

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Public Health Dentist

Public Health Dentists work to improve the oral health of the public. They may work in a government agency, a community health center, or a school. This course may be useful for Public Health Dentists who wish to expand their knowledge of cariology and develop programs to improve oral health.

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Dentist

Dentists diagnose and treat dental problems. They may perform tasks such as filling cavities, extracting teeth, and performing root canals. This course may be useful for Dentists who wish to expand their knowledge of cariology and improve their patient care skills.

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Pharmaceutical Scientist

Pharmaceutical Scientists develop and test new drugs and treatments. They may work in a variety of settings, such as pharmaceutical companies, universities, and government agencies. This course may be useful for Pharmaceutical Scientists who wish to specialize in the development of dental drugs and treatments.

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Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers design and develop medical devices and technologies. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, universities, and medical device companies. This course may be useful for Biomedical Engineers who wish to specialize in the development of dental devices and technologies.

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Dental Sales Representative

Dental Sales Representatives sell dental products and services to dentists and dental offices. They may work for a dental equipment manufacturer, a dental supply company, or a dental software company. This course may be useful for Dental Sales Representatives who wish to expand their knowledge of cariology and improve their sales skills.

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Dental Office Manager

Dental Office Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a dental office. They may be responsible for tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing finances, and marketing the practice. This course may be useful for Dental Office Managers who wish to expand their knowledge of cariology and improve their management skills.

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Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare Administrators manage the day-to-day operations of healthcare organizations, such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. They may be responsible for tasks such as budgeting, human resources, and marketing. This course may be useful for Healthcare Administrators who wish to specialize in the management of dental organizations.

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Health Policy Analyst

Health Policy Analysts analyze and develop policies related to healthcare. They may work in a variety of settings, such as government agencies, think tanks, and advocacy organizations. This course may be useful for Health Policy Analysts who wish to specialize in the development of dental policy.

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Dental Hygienist

Dental Hygienists provide preventive dental care to patients. They may perform tasks such as cleaning teeth, applying fluoride treatments, and educating patients on oral hygiene. This course may be useful for Dental Hygienists who wish to expand their knowledge of cariology and improve their patient care skills.

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Dental Assistant

Dental Assistants work alongside dentists to provide patient care. They may perform tasks such as taking X-rays, preparing patients for procedures, and assisting with treatments. This course may be useful for Dental Assistants who wish to expand their knowledge of cariology and improve their patient care skills.

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Dental Laboratory Technician

Dental Laboratory Technicians create and repair dental prosthetics, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures. They may work in a dental laboratory or in a dentist's office. This course may be useful for Dental Laboratory Technicians who wish to expand their knowledge of cariology and improve their ability to create and repair dental prosthetics.

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Dental Consultant

Dental Consultants provide advice to dentists and dental practices on a variety of topics, such as marketing, management, and technology. This course may be useful for Dental Consultants who wish to expand their knowledge of cariology and improve their consulting skills.

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