vcc.ca
DHYG 3160: Pathology 2: Oral Pathology
Effective date
September 2026
Department
Dental Hygiene
School
Health Sciences
Description
This course will assist learners in gaining knowledge about pathologies of the oral cavity. Particular emphasis will be placed on histology, oral manifestations of disease, oral cancers, and associated management.
Credits
2.0
Year of study
3rd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
DHYG 2260.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Compare differential and definitive diagnoses.
- Describe the inflammation and repair processes of soft tissues.
- Explain core concepts of immunopathology, including autoimmune diseases and immunodeficiency.
- Describe the oral manifestations related to immunological conditions and genetic disorders.
- Compare the oral manifestations related to fungi, viruses and infectious diseases.
- Explain oral cancer histology, etiology, and risk factors.
- Describe oral cancer screening processes and the role of the dental hygienist.
- Describe non-neoplastic diseases of the bone.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 30
Total Hours: 30
Total Hours: 30
Instructional Strategies
Instructional strategies include active, collaborative learning; lecture; case-based learning; group work; discussion; self-reflection; and guest speakers.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
30% |
2-3 Quizzes |
|
Assignments |
10% |
|
|
Exam |
35% |
Final Exam |
|
Project |
25% |
Case-based Learning Series |
Course topics
- The diagnostic process; Inflammation and repair; Immunopathology; Oral manifestations of immunological conditions; Viruses, fungi and infectious diseases; Oral conditions associated with genetic disorders; Developmental cysts; Neoplasia; Non-neoplastic diseases of bone; Oral manifestations of systemic diseases;
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.