Diabetes for the Dental Professional

Course Code: REL-ACU-0-DDP

Hours: 1

Type: Online Course

Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2028

Learning Objectives:
Describe the pathophysiology and diagnosis of the three main types of diabetes.
Recognize the common systemic and oral health complications associated with uncontrolled diabetes.
Identify at least three diabetes management interventions for an individual with diabetes.

Outline:

Section 1: Introduction

About This Course

Learning Objectives

Section 2: Overview of Diabetes

Meet Henry

Understanding Diabetes

The Basics

Types of Diabetes

Characteristics

Prediabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes

Prevalence

Risk Factors

Diagnosis

Overview

Complications of Diabetes Mellitus

Systemic Effects of Poor Glycemic Control

Oral Health Effects

Effects on the Cardiovascular System

Nerve Damage

Effects on Kidneys

Diabetic Ulcers

Diabetic Eye Disease

Other Diabetes Complications

Henry’s Concern

Review

Key Takeaways

Section 3: Management and Treatment Goals

Management

Blood Glucose Targets

Henry

Hyperglycemia

Causes

Symptoms

Potential Complications

Hypoglycemia

Symptoms and Immediate Response

Recognizing Hypoglycemia

Dental Appointment Timing and Hypoglycemia Prevention

Blood Glucose Checks

Monitoring Tools

Considerations During Dental Exams

Recognizing Signs

Lifestyle Management

Changes

Healthy Diet

Exercise

Smoking Cessation

Medication Management with Antidiabetic Agents

Oral and Injectable Agents

Oral Antidiabetic Agents

Injectable Medications

Insulin

Oral Health Management Strategies

Preventative Care

Putting It All Together

Review

Key Takeaways

Section 4: Conclusion

Course Summary

Course Contributors

Resource

References

Subject Matter Expert: Aekta Patel, DDS

Dr. Aekta Patel is a pediatric dentist with well-rounded and diverse clinical experience in both public health and private practice settings. She earned her Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from the University of Florida and her DDS from NYU College of Dentistry. Her diverse educational background spans India and the U.S., including a master’s in Oral Biology from Stony Brook and a preceptorship in Prosthodontics at the University of Michigan. Dr. Patel has worked in community clinics, private practices, and teledentistry, with a strong focus on underserved pediatric populations. She has a strong interest in research, particularly in preventive and evidence-based dentistry. Fluent in English, Hindi, and Gujarati, Dr. Patel is passionate about oral health education and culturally competent care. Outside dentistry, she enjoys dancing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Dental Ancillary Personnel; Dental Hygienist; Dentist; in the following settings: Ambulatory Care.

Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.

Relias Learning has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias Learning will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias Learning at support@reliaslearning.com.

All courses offered by Relias Learning, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.

To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.

Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.