The Smiles for Life curriculum consists of eight 60-minute modules
covering core areas of oral health relevant to health professionals.
PowerPoint presentations
and
speaker notes
have been contextualized for a Canadian primary care audience.
User competencies are measured through assessments at module completion.
Users must score an 80% or higher to receive credit for each module. To
print a certificate of completion for continuing education credit, you
must complete all the post-test questions and a brief evaluation.
Module Descriptions
This course addresses prevalence, etiology, and consequences of early
childhood caries (ECC). Clinicians will learn to assess risk factors,
recognize the various stages of ECC, and counsel patients on preventive
techniques. Additionally, this module will discuss common oral
developmental issues in children such as teething, eruption hematomas,
and non-nutritive sucking.
This course addresses how adult oral health is impacted by factors such
as disease, aging, medication, and substance use. Clinicians will review
risk factors and etiologies of oral conditions, as well as appropriate
treatment and referral procedures. This module also addresses effective
oral disease prevention, dental care coordination for patients requiring
antibiotic prophylaxis, and collaborative anticoagulation management in
patients undergoing oral procedures.
This course addresses the nature of oral pain, as well as acute dental
problems precipitated by oral infections or trauma. Healthcare providers
will learn to treat oral pain; accurately assess, treat, and refer
patients with oral infections; recognize and triage true dental
emergencies; and promote the use of protective equipment to prevent oral
injuries.
This course addresses the importance of oral health before, during, and
after pregnancy. Clinicians will explore the prevalence of oral disease
during pregnancy and its consequences for both mothers and children, as
well as review dental treatment guidelines for pregnant women.
This course focuses on caries prevention offering a brief review of
Early Childhood Caries (ECC) and addressing how fluoride use is part of
a comprehensive approach to child oral health. Participants will learn
fluoride benefits, dosing, appropriate safety precautions, and how to
apply fluoride varnish and provide follow-up care.
This course addresses the nature, prevalence, and consequences of oral
disease throughout the life cycle with a focus on correlations between
oral and systemic health. Clinicians will learn their role in preventing
oral disease, addressing frequently encountered oral problems, and
working as part of an inter-professional team to promote oral health.
This course addresses how to perform consistent and thorough oral
examinations of children and adults. Clinicians will learn to
differentiate between normal and abnormal findings, and develop an
awareness of the examination needs of special populations.
This course addresses the vital role medical clinicians can play in
promoting the oral health needs of older adults. Clinicians will learn
how to perform a comprehensive oral assessment, identify and manage
common geriatric oral conditions, counsel patients on effective
preventive measures, and collaborate with dental professionals.
Additionally, this module will address the link between oral and
systemic health and review common oral side effects of medications.
This course discusses the appropriate use of silver diamine fluoride in
caries treatment and prevention. Clinicians will learn the clinical
indications and contraindications to silver diamine fluoride
application, be able to describe the application of silver diamine
fluoride and follow-up care, and summarize the risks, benefits, and
alternatives to silver diamine fluoride treatment.