Assignment #1: Etiology & Prevention Infographic
Purpose: Students will demonstrate their ability to educate patients on the causes (etiology) and prevention of dental soft deposits, dental biofilm (plaque), and dental calculus (tartar), as well as their role in the development of demineralization, remineralization, and dental caries (tooth decay).
This assignment supports Student Learning Outcomes:
- 17-8: Educate patients regarding the etiology and prevention of dental biofilm and calculus.
- Apply patient education principles using visual communication.
- 18-1: Describe the dental caries disease process
- 18-2: Identify factors contributing to demineralization and remineralization
INSTRUCTIONS
Required Content: Your infographic must include the following sections:
- What Are Dental Soft Deposits?
- Briefly define: Food Debris, Materia Alba, Dental Biofilm (Plaque), and Calculus (Tartar)
- How Do Biofilm and Calculus Form?
- Include a simple step-by-step sequence
- How Do Biofilm Lead to Tooth Decay?
- Include the dental caries disease process
- Demineralization vs. Remineralization
- Include a visual comparison
- Include fluoride's role in remineralization.
- Why Should Patients Care?
- Include at least three consequences
- Prevention Strategies
- Include at least five recommendations:
Format Requirements:
- 8.5” x 11” one-page infographic (horizontal or vertical layout)
- Tools (your preference): Canva, PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Word
- Minimum 12-14pt readable font
- Avoid color combinations difficult for color-blind individuals
- Include icons/images that support understanding
- Organize information with clear headings
- Save as: PDF, JPG or PNG file (to upload and submit in Canvas)
- Minimum of 2 scholarly sources. One source must be: Wilkins' Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist (14th ed.) APA 7 format
Grading Rubric (14 Points Total)
Criteria | Points. |
Clear, accurate definitions of soft deposits, plaque, and calculus | 2 pts |
Explains etiology (how they form) in simple terms | 2 pts |
Identifies health effects (how it leads to dental caries) | 2 pts |
Explains the demineralization & remineralization process | 2 pts |
Rationale for why patients should care (min. 3 consequences) | 2 pts |
Provides prevention strategies (min. 5 recommendations) | 2 pts |
Visually appealing and patient-friendly format | 2 pts |