Tennessee Dental Hygienist Online CE Package - 15 Credit Hours

At the end of this package, licensees will be able to:

Oral Infections

• Explain a variety of host defense systems and basic mechanisms of microbiology
• List common odontogenic infections and their origins
• Identify treatments for specific oral and maxillofacial bacterial infections
• Discern the presentation of oral fungal infections and plan the proper course of treatment
• Describe the presentation of common oral and maxillofacial viral Infections, their infectious agents, and treatment options

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act) for Dental Professionals

• Describe the purpose of HIPAA
• Identify the types of individuals and entities covered under HIPAA
• Describe the types of personal information protected under HIPAA
• Provide an overview of the HIPAA provisions related to the use and disclosure of protected health information
• Describe the steps that covered entities must take to keep patient information secure
• Describe the steps that must be taken in the event of a HIPAA breach
• Describe the penalties for HIPAA violations

Controlled Substance Prescribing in Dentistry

• Describe the origins and scope of the current opioid crisis in the United States.
• Identify current trends in opioid prescribing in the dental profession.
• Identify the various types of opioid medications and their mechanisms of action.
• Describe how opioids affect the body and the brain.
• Describe the most common pain medications used in dentistry.
• Distinguish between opioid tolerance, dependence, and addiction
• Describe the symptoms of opioid withdrawal.
• Distinguish between opioid agonists, agonist-antagonists, and antagonists.
• Identify the most common sources of opioid misuse and diversion.
• Describe steps that dentists can take to ensure the safe handling, storage, and prescription of opioid medications.
• Describe the importance of screening for substance disorders in dental practice.
• Describe the function and impact of prescription drug monitoring programs in curbing opioid misuse and diversion.
• Outline the American Dental Association’s stance on the use of opioids in the treatment of dental pain.

Bio-Terrorism for Healthcare Professionals

• Define biological, chemical, and radiological bioterrorism.
• Identify the role of the health care provider in the event of a bioterrorism attack.
• Identify common bacterial and viral agents that may be used in a bioterrorism attack.
• Describe the steps that should be taken in response to various biological agents.
• Identify various toxins that may be used in a bioterrorism attack.
• Describe the appropriate response to an attack using various toxins.
• Describe the steps that should be taken following a chemical attack.
• Describe the ways in which terrorists may commit a radiological attack.
• Describe the various treatments that may be used following radiation exposure.
• Describe the various types of personal protective equipment that may be used when dealing with a biological, chemical, or radiological attack.