Basics of Dentistry in Dental Hygiene Practice (5cr)

Objectives (course unit)

The core objective of the course is for the student to comprehensively understand the functioning of a healthy oral and dental system, as well as the mechanisms of diseases. The student is able to utilize what they have learned during the course in subsequent studies.

Upon completion of the course, the student:
• is able to explain the characteristics of a healthy mouth and its significance for individual well-being.
• is able to explain the significance of saliva for oral health, causes of dry mouth, and provide dry mouth care instructions.
• is able to identify and name teeth and use the tooth numbering system.
• is able to identify and name anatomical structures important in the work of a dental hygienist in the oral, head, and neck areas.
• is able to explain physiological functions in the oral region.
• is able to explain tissue damage and healing in the oral region.
• is able to explain the defense systems of the oral cavity.
• is able to know the most common oral infectious diseases.
• is able to understand the role of biofilm in the development of oral infectious diseases

Content (course unit)

Healthy mouth
Dry mouth
Morphology
Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the head and neck area
The key aspects of the development and classification of oral tumors, as well as dental histology
Oral infectious diseases at a general level
Biofilm as a cause of common oral infectious diseases

Prerequisites (course unit)

Ei esitietovaatimuksia.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

The student can list the main characteristics of a healthy mouth and explain the general importance of oral health.
The student can list the main functions of saliva, causes of dry mouth, and provide simple dry mouth care instructions.
The student can identify and name the teeth and use the tooth numbering system.
The student can identify and name the most significant anatomical structures of the oral cavity, head, and neck relevant to the work of a dental hygienist.
The student can define simply the most significant physiological functions of the oral cavity.
The student can list the most significant factors damaging oral tissues and explain simply how different oral tissues can heal.
The student can name the main components of the oral defense system at a general level.
The student can name the most common oral infectious diseases.
The student can describe the basics of oral biofilm and its connection to oral infectious diseases.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

The student can comprehensively explain the characteristics of a healthy mouth and its significance for individual well-being.
The student can comprehensively explain the importance of saliva for oral health, causes of dry mouth, and provide multiple options for dry mouth care instructions.
The student can identify and name the teeth and use the tooth numbering system.
The student can identify and name the anatomical structures of the oral cavity, head, and neck relevant to the work of a dental hygienist.
The student can comprehensively explain the physiological functions of the oral cavity.
The student can comprehensively explain the damage and healing processes of oral tissues.
The student can explain the oral defense systems.
The student is aware of the most common oral infectious diseases.
The student understands the role of biofilm in the development of oral infectious diseases.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

In addition to demonstrating a high level of proficiency, the student shows a profound understanding in all learning objectives. The student comprehends the structure and function of the masticatory system as a comprehensive entity, and can thoroughly explain the influence of various factors on each other with reasoned justifications.

Location and time

Syyslukukausi 2025.

Exam schedules

Tentti 1 viikot 43-44, 1. uusinta viikot 49-50, 2. uusinta vuonna 2026 viikot 3-4.
Tentti 2 sähköinen tentti opintojakson loppuun meneessä.
Tentti 3 viikot 49-50, 1. uusinta vuonna 2026 viikot 3-4, 3. uusinta vuonna 2026 viikot 10-11.

Assessment methods and criteria

Tentti 1, maksimipistemäärä 50.
Tentti 2, hyväksytty/hylätty.
Tentti 3, maksimipistemäärä 50.
Läsnäoloilla voi kerryttää arvosanaa korottavia pisteitä yhteensä 7 pisteen verran.
Opintojakson arvosana muodostuu tentin 1 ja 3 keskiarvosta, arvosana voi korottua, jos opiskelijalla on riittävästi läsnäolopisteitä.

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Aktivoivat luennot, itsenäinen opiskelu.

Learning materials

Kurssikirjallisuus löytyy opintojakson Moodlesta.

Student workload

Opintojakson laajuus on 5op, joka vastaa 135 tuntia opiskelijan työtä.

Completion alternatives

Ei valinnaisia suoritustapoja.

Further information

Opiskelija voi kerryttää opintojakson arviointiin vaikuttavia lisäpisteitä osallistumalla opetukseen.