The Connection Between Nutrition and Oral Health

Course Code: REL-ACU-0-CBNOH

Hours: 1

Type: Online Course

Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2028

Learning Objectives:
Describe the impact of nutrition on oral health and overall systemic well-being.
Identify key nutrients and dietary habits that promote optimal oral health.
Discuss evidence-based nutritional counseling strategies in dental practice to support patient health outcomes.

Outline:

Section 1: Nutrition – An Overview

The Link Between Nutrition and Oral Health

A Bidirectional Relationship

Types of Nutrients

Vitamins and Their Role in Oral Health

Micronutrients

Knowledge Check

Macronutrients

Knowledge Check

Key Takeaways

Section 2: Oral Diseases Impacted by Diet and Nutrition

Dental Caries

Knowledge Check

Dental Erosion

Periodontal Disease

Oral Cancer

Oral Candidiasis

Knowledge Check

Key Takeaways

Section 3: Special Considerations

Nutrition and Oral Health Across the Lifespan

Early Childhood and Prenatal Nutrition

Adolescence

Older Adults

Knowledge Check

Key Takeaways

Section 4: Evidence-Based Nutritional Counseling Strategies

Integrating Nutrition into Dental Practice

Opportunities for Intervention

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Screening and Interviewing Patients

Nutritional Counseling

Nutritional Counseling Guidelines

Ages 0–1 Year

Ages 2 Years and Older

Older Adults

Knowledge Check

Key Takeaways

Section 5: Case Studies

Case Study 1: Early Childhood Nutrition and Oral Health

Background:

Key Points for Counseling:

Integrated Care Opportunity:

Case Study 2: Older Adult Nutrition and Oral Health

Background:

Key Points for Counseling:

Section 6: Conclusion

Course Summary

Course Contributor

References

Subject Matter Expert: Eileen Barfuss, DDS

Eileen Barfuss is an accomplished general dentist and healthcare leader with over a decade of clinical and administrative experience across private practice, corporate dentistry, and academic settings. Currently serving as Assistant Professor and Clinic Director at Temple University’s Kornberg School of Dentistry, Dr. Barfuss bridges clinical operations and dental education, expanding patient access while shaping future practitioners. She previously held lead dentist roles at multiple dental service organizations, where she successfully launched new practices, enhanced patient outcomes, and implemented data-driven operational improvements. Dr. Barfuss earned her DDS and completed an AEGD residency at Howard University. She holds active licensure in Pennsylvania.

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

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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.