This course introduces the student to the general principles of oral public health and epidemiology. It will focus on some of the most common connections between oral health and overall health, while also reviewing a potential connection with COVID-19. This course also demonstrates techniques of oral disease prevention and control, and how community-based oral health programs can make a difference.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Explain oral health, its anatomic structures, and various oral health conditions.
2. Explain oral epidemiology and give examples of the oral-systemic link.
3. Identify the relationship between oral health and overall health.
4. Identify types of cancers and various oral pathology.
5. Apply the techniques of oral disease prevention and control.
6. Develop a community-based oral health program or initiative for your own community.

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week. The Final Exam will take place during Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time).

Week 1: Unit 1 – Introduction to Oral Health

Week 2: Unit 2 – Oral-Systemic Link

Week 3: Unit 3 – Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases

Week 4: Unit 4 – Pregnancy and Alzheimer’s Disease

Week 5: Unit 5 – Cancer and Oral Pathology

Week 6: Unit 6 – Additional Topics Linking Medical and Dental

Week 7: Unit 7 – Oral Disease Prevention and Control

Week 8: Unit 8 –  Community Programs

Week 9: Unit 9 – Course Review and Final Exam

Learning Guide

The following is an outline of how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students.

Unit 1: Introduction to Oral Health

• Read through the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Complete the Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
• Respond to three of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
• Complete an entry in the Learning Journal
• Take and submit the Self-Quiz

Unit 2: Oral-Systemic Link

• Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
• Complete the Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
• Respond to three of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete an entry in the Learning Journal
• Take and submit the Self-Quiz

Unit 3: Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases

• Peer assess Unit 2 Written Assignment
• Read through the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Complete the Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
• Respond to three of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete an entry in the Learning Journal
• Take and submit the Self-Quiz
• Take and submit the Graded Quiz

Unit 4: Pregnancy and Alzheimer’s Disease

• Peer assess Unit 3 Written Assignment
• Read through the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Complete the Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
• Respond to three of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
• Complete an entry in the Learning Journal
• Take and submit the Self-Quiz

Unit 5: Cancer and Oral Pathology

• Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
• Complete the Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
• Respond to three of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
• Complete an entry in the Learning Journal
• Take and submit the Self-Quiz

Unit 6: Additional Topics Linking Medical and Dental Care

• Read through the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Complete the Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
• Respond to three of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete an entry in the Learning Journal
• Take and submit the Self-Quiz
• Take and submit the Graded Quiz

Unit 7: Oral Disease Prevention and Control

• Peer assess Unit 6 Written Assignment
• Read through the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Complete the Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
• Respond to three of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
• Complete an entry in the Learning Journal
• Take and submit the Self-Quiz

Unit 8: Community Programs

• Read through the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Complete the Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
• Respond to three of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
• Complete an entry in the Learning Journal
• Take and submit the Self-Quiz
• Read the Unit 9 Learning Guide carefully for instructions on the Final Exam
• Take and submit the Review Quiz

Unit 9: Course Review and Final Exam

• Read the Learning Guide and take the Review Quiz, if you haven’t already done so
• Prepare for, take, and submit the Final Exam
• The Final Exam will take place during the Thursday and Sunday of Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time); exact dates, times, and other details will be provided accordingly by your instructor