This online course covers the understanding of basic epidemiological principles and methods that can help private practice and public health dental hygienists. It will highlight the importance of understanding the risks for future oral disease. Students will look at the impact of society and cultural health views on the status of oral public health. Students learn scientific basis for procedures and programs to promote oral and also to prevent oral diseases. Students recognize the importance of various preventive measures used in dentistry including water fluoridation, pit and fissure sealants, diet, nutrition, oral hygiene, chemotherapies, and various oral cancer screening programs. Students must recognize the scientific basis for the currently acceptable preventive procedures used in dental hygiene fields. Students implement a PowerPoint presentation that include a case study selected through literature reviews and be able to evaluate and determine the evidence regarding interrelationships between oral and other systemic health diseases.