TUBERCULOSIS:
UNMASKING THE WHITE PLAGUE
Margaret J. Fehrenbach, RDH, MS
Course Contents:
Instructions |
Objectives |
Introduction |
Etiology and Transmission |
Prevalence |
Diagnostic Tests for Tuberculosis |
Classification of Tuberculosis |
Treatment of Tuberculosis |
Considerations in the Dental Office |
Oral Manifestations of Tuberculosis |
| Cervical Manifestations of Tuberculosis |
| Bibliography |
| Test Questions |
| Answer Sheet |
| Course Evaluation |
Course Objectives:
Tuberculosis (TB) is a communicable disease that was once the leading cause of death in the U.S.. The development of medications in the 1940s to treat TB resulted in a slow decline of cases, with resurgence between 1985 and 1992. Currently on the decline, but more prevalent in specific U.S. populations, the CDC has updated guidelines (2005) for preventing the transmission in health care settings to further the momentum and protect health care workers (HCWs) from transmission. Although those at the greatest risk include HCWs with constant contact with those infected with TB, all HCWs such as dental professionals should take steps to protect themselves whenever they encounter TB patients. Attention to the disease is necessary to control the number of case and prevent future outbreaks.
After completing the course the reader will be able to do the following:
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Explain the etiology and prevalence of TB |
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Clarify TB infection vs. disease |
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Identify the signs, symptoms, and complications of TB |
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Describe treatment regime for TB |
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Discuss the methods of preventing TB |
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Develop a TB infection control policy for the dental office |
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Recognize the oral and cervical manifestations of TB |
