Materials in Oral Health from Coursera

The drive for development of new and novel oral biomaterials has never been more important with many people using oral biomaterials today and seeing their benefits in restoring and improving their oral health for a more enjoyable lifestyle. The unique properties of biomaterials such as titanium (Ti), zirconia (ZrO2) and various polymeric materials have made them materials of choice in oral health: dental implants, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and even regenerative medicine. Oral biomaterials research today is an exciting and intensive multidisciplinary area that encompasses contributions from a wide range of fields from professional dentistry to biology, chemistry, physics, material science, and engineering.

Materials in Oral Health is a FREE 4-week course open to all interested learners. In the course, you will learn about the special properties and benefits of biomaterials including, titanium and titanium alloys, zirconia and other alloys, ceramics, and modern composites. You will gain insights of the practical use of these biomaterials in different aspects of dentistry and clinical implications. You will realize how contemporary dentistry is about unifying synthetic materials to living tooth and bone tissues. You will get in touch with the crucial roles of digital dentistry and learn about CAD/CAM technology in crown fabrication, 3D printing and digital orthodontics. And lastly, you will be introduced to procedures and testing methods used to test significant mechanical properties of biomaterials in the research laboratory.

We cordially invite those of you who wish to make a difference in tomorrow’s dental materials and oral health development to join us in the 4-week journey in Materials in Oral Health.

You can get recognition for completion of the course by obtaining a Course Certificate. You can refer to details on: https://learner.coursera.help/hc/en-us/articles/208280196

What's inside

Syllabus

Titanium and Ceramics

Modern Composites and Cements

Digital Dentistry

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Teaches the special properties and benefits of biomaterials used in dentistry, including titanium, zirconia, ceramics, and composites

Provides insights into the practical use of biomaterials in different aspects of dentistry and their clinical implications

Covers the latest advancements in digital dentistry, including CAD/CAM technology in crown fabrication, 3D printing, and digital orthodontics

Taught by renowned experts in oral biomaterials, Jukka Pekka Matinlinna and James Kit Hon Tsoi

Provides hands-on experience through lab tests used to test significant mechanical properties of biomaterials

Requires a basic understanding of dentistry and biology

Reviews summary

Foundation in dental biomaterials

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in the properties and applications of biomaterials used in oral health. Many found the introduction to key materials like titanium, zirconia, and composites helpful. The lectures were often described as clear and the instructors engaging. However, some students felt the course content, particularly the digital dentistry section, was potentially outdated and could benefit from updates. Several reviews also noted that the course is quite theoretical, with a lack of hands-on or clinical application details, making it potentially too basic for experienced professionals seeking in-depth knowledge, while serving as a good starting point for beginners.

Too basic for some, good for others.

"Too basic, felt like a primer."

"Good foundational course for beginners..."

"...could be more in-depth for professionals."

Focuses on core dental materials.

"Great overview of Ti and ZrO2, clear lectures."

"Covered key materials well, but could be more in-depth for professionals."

"I appreciated the sections on modern composites and cements."

Lectures are generally easy to follow.

"The lectures were presented clearly and the concepts were easy to follow."

"Engaging instructor, made the theoretical parts more palatable."

"Found the delivery style effective and easy to understand."

Provides a good introductory base.

"Good foundational course for beginners in dental materials, it really helped me get a grasp of the basics."

"Fantastic intro to biomaterials."

"I gained a solid introduction to dental biomaterials."

Content may be outdated.

"Digital dentistry section was weak, outdated CAD/CAM info. Felt like it needed a refresh."

"The module on digital techniques didn't seem to reflect current practices or technology."

"Could use updating in the digital dentistry module."

More theory than practical use.

"Lab tests segment was interesting, but very theoretical."

"Disappointed with lack of hands-on labs or demos."

"It wasn't enough for immediate clinical application, felt more academic."

"I wish there were more case studies or practical examples."

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 Materials in Oral Health with these activities:

Review the basics of dental materials science

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Get a head start on course materials and build a strong foundation in dental materials science

Browse courses on Biomaterials

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Read assigned textbook chapters or online resources to review core concepts in dental materials science
Create a mind map or diagram to organize and summarize key topics
Complete practice problems or exercises to test your understanding

Join a study group to discuss course concepts and assignments

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Engage with fellow students, exchange perspectives, and enhance your understanding through collaborative learning

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Identify or create a study group with peers who are enrolled in the course
Regularly meet to discuss course materials, assignments, and exam preparation
Take turns presenting concepts and leading discussions
Provide constructive feedback and support to group members

Solve practice problems on biomaterial properties

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Reinforce your understanding of biomaterial properties by working through challenging problems

Browse courses on Mechanical Properties

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Gather practice problems from textbooks, online forums, or research papers
Solve problems independently, showing all your work and calculations
Check your answers against provided solutions or consult with an experienced professional

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Career center

Learners who complete Materials in Oral Health will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Dental Researcher

Dental Researchers conduct research on the causes, prevention, and treatment of dental diseases. They also develop new materials and techniques for use in dentistry. The Materials in Oral Health course can help Dental Researchers learn about the latest advances in biomaterials used in dentistry, such as titanium, zirconia, and ceramics. This knowledge can help them develop new materials and techniques that can improve the oral health of patients.

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Dental Technician

Dental Technicians create and repair dental prosthetics, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures. The Materials in Oral Health course can help Dental Technicians learn about the latest advances in biomaterials used in dentistry, such as digital dentistry and 3D printing. This knowledge can help them create and repair dental prosthetics that are more durable and aesthetically pleasing.

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Dentist

Dentists diagnose and treat diseases of the teeth and gums. They also perform a variety of procedures, such as fillings, crowns, and root canals. The Materials in Oral Health course can help Dentists learn about the latest advances in biomaterials used in dentistry, such as digital dentistry and 3D printing. This knowledge can help them provide their patients with the best possible care.

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Materials Engineer

Materials Engineers design and develop new materials for use in a variety of industries, including the medical industry. The Materials in Oral Health course can help Materials Engineers learn about the latest advances in biomaterials used in dentistry, such as titanium, zirconia, and ceramics. This knowledge can help them develop new materials that can improve the performance of dental implants and other devices.

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Biomaterials Scientist

Biomaterials Scientists develop and test new materials for use in medical devices and implants. The Materials in Oral Health course can help Biomaterials Scientists learn about the latest advances in biomaterials used in dentistry, such as titanium, zirconia, and ceramics. This knowledge can help them develop new materials that can improve the performance of dental implants and other devices.

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Dental Assistant

Dental Assistants help Dentists with a variety of tasks, such as preparing patients for procedures, taking X-rays, and sterilizing instruments. The Materials in Oral Health course can help Dental Assistants better understand the properties and benefits of different biomaterials used in dentistry, such as titanium, zirconia, and ceramics. This knowledge can help them better assist Dentists in providing patients with the best possible care.

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Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers design and operate chemical plants and processes. They also develop new ways to produce chemicals and materials. The Materials in Oral Health course can help Chemical Engineers learn about the latest advances in biomaterials used in dentistry, such as titanium, zirconia, and ceramics. This knowledge can help them develop new ways to produce these materials more efficiently and cost-effectively.

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Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design and build machines and other mechanical devices. They also develop new ways to improve the performance of existing machines. The Materials in Oral Health course can help Mechanical Engineers learn about the latest advances in biomaterials used in dentistry, such as titanium, zirconia, and ceramics. This knowledge can help them develop new machines and devices that can be used to improve the oral health of patients.

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Dental Hygienist

Dental Hygienists provide preventive dental care to patients, including cleanings, fluoride treatments, and X-rays. They also educate patients on oral hygiene and disease prevention. The Materials in Oral Health course can help Dental Hygienists better understand the properties and benefits of different biomaterials used in dentistry, such as titanium, zirconia, and ceramics. This knowledge can help them make more informed recommendations to patients about the best materials for their individual needs.

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Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and marketing of new products. They also work with engineers and other team members to ensure that products meet the needs of customers. The Materials in Oral Health course can help Product Managers learn about the latest advances in biomaterials used in dentistry, such as titanium, zirconia, and ceramics. This knowledge can help them develop new products that can improve the oral health of patients.

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Sales Representative

Sales Representatives sell products and services to businesses and consumers. They also provide product information and support to customers. The Materials in Oral Health course can help Sales Representatives learn about the latest advances in biomaterials used in dentistry, such as titanium, zirconia, and ceramics. This knowledge can help them better inform customers about the benefits of these materials and how they can be used to improve oral health.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and implement marketing campaigns for products and services. They also work with sales teams to ensure that products and services are marketed effectively to customers. The Materials in Oral Health course can help Marketing Managers learn about the latest advances in biomaterials used in dentistry, such as titanium, zirconia, and ceramics. This knowledge can help them develop more effective marketing campaigns for dental products and services.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts work with businesses to identify and solve problems. They also develop and implement new processes and procedures. The Materials in Oral Health course can help Business Analysts learn about the latest advances in biomaterials used in dentistry, such as titanium, zirconia, and ceramics. This knowledge can help them develop new solutions to problems in the dental industry.

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Consultant

Consultants provide advice and guidance to businesses on a variety of topics. They also help businesses develop and implement new strategies. The Materials in Oral Health course can help Consultants learn about the latest advances in biomaterials used in dentistry, such as titanium, zirconia, and ceramics. This knowledge can help them provide better advice to businesses in the dental industry.

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Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs start and run their own businesses. They also develop and market new products and services. The Materials in Oral Health course can help Entrepreneurs learn about the latest advances in biomaterials used in dentistry, such as titanium, zirconia, and ceramics. This knowledge can help them develop new products and services that can improve the oral health of patients.

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