vcc.ca
DHYG 2260: Pathology 1: Periodontology
Effective date
September 2026
Department
Dental Hygiene
School
Health Sciences
Description
This course will assist learners in gaining knowledge about the relationship between health and disease of the oral tissues. Particular emphasis will be placed on immunology, microbiology, periodontology, and associated treatment modalities.
Credits
2.0
Year of study
2nd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe the features and etiology of periodontal and peri-implant diseases.
- Describe classification of periodontal disease, including staging and grading.
- Develop diagnostic statements of periodontal disease using knowledge of microbiology and clinical presentation.
- Describe microbiological processes related to periodontal disease.
- Describe the role of the host immune response in periodontal disease.
- Identify and describe the etiology of abscesses of the periodontium.
- Assess systemic and local risk factors for periodontal disease.
- Integrate knowledge of periodontology and microbiology to support dental hygiene phases of care in a case study.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
PLAR is applied in alignment with the Procedures of Policy D.3.5 - Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition.
Students will be assessed by a Challenge Exam, designed to validate the knowledge of the candidate as it relates to the course learning outcomes.
Students will be assessed by a Challenge Exam, designed to validate the knowledge of the candidate as it relates to the course learning outcomes.
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 30
Total Hours: 30
Total Hours: 30
Instructional Strategies
Instructional strategies include active, collaborative learning; lecture; experiential learning in simulation, group work; case-based learning, discussion; and self-reflection.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
30% |
2-4 Quizzes |
|
Assignments |
10% |
|
|
Exam |
35% |
Written Cumulative Final Exam |
|
Project |
25% |
Case-Based Learning Series |
Course topics
- Diseases affecting the periodontium; Classification of periodontal disease; Pediatric periodontal diseases; Microbial growth and periodontal disease; Host immune response; Oral Biofilms; Etiology of periodontal disease; Peri-implant disease; Traumatic occlusion and mucogingival deformities related to periodontal disease; Abscesses of the periodontium; General and local risk factors; Dental hygiene phases of care and outcomes of non-surgical periodontal therapy;
Learning resources
Course resource information will be supplied by the department/instructor.
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.