Most people are familiar with common dental problems such as tooth decay, abscesses and gingivitis (gum infections). But did you know a thorough oral examination may also detect signs of diseases — many of them potentially serious — from other parts of the body?
Here are some diseases and conditions your dentist may find during an oral examination:
• If gums bleed near teeth, it's probably gingivitis. But if they bleed from red, tiny hemorrhages in the upper gums, this could be a sign of leukemia.
• Red, puffy and inflamed gums can also be a sign of pregnancy.
• Brown patches on the lower gums and cheeks are often a sign of Addison's disease, which is a hormonal disorder.
• An ulcerative lesion on the gums can indicate that cancer elsewhere in the body has spread.
• A smooth, flat tongue can be a sign of iron deficiency.
• Dark red patches on the underside of the tongue can indicate a vitamin B12 deficiency.
• A bright red tongue with red bumps signals Kawasaki disease, which is an inflammation of the blood vessels.
• Dry mouth may be caused by many prescription medications. If you're not taking such meds and still have dry mouth, this can indicate diabetes or various autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Everest Offers a Dental Office and Chairside Assistant Program
Interested in working in a dental office? If so, consider the Dental Office and Chairside Assistant career education program offered at the Hamilton Mountain campus of Everest College of Business, Technology and Health Care.
In just seven months, you can acquire the knowledge, skills and experience you need to compete for entry-level positions in this exiting and important field.
Everest College's Dental Office and Chairside Assistant program includes courses in:
- Clinical Dentistry
- Clinical Practical Procedures
- Dental Materials/Environmental Health and Safety WHMIS
- Dental Radiography
- Diagnostic Records
- Medical Emergencies/CPR/First Aid
- Oral Facial Science
- Oral Pathology
- Orientation to Dentistry
- Pharmacology
- Prevention of Disease Transmission
- Preventive Dentistry and Nutrition
Successful graduates of this program are eligible to write the certification exam through the ODAA and upon passing, will attain the designation of certified dental assistant (CDA). The certification is recognized throughout Ontario by many employers in the dental community. Interested students must register and pay the examination fees to the ODAA.
Also upon graduation, Everest students can get support from the school's Career Services department, which offers assistance in everything from resume writing to identifying and contacting local employers.
About Everest College at Hamilton Mountain
Everest College's Hamilton Mountain campus is at 1039 Upper James Street just north of the Lincoln S. Anderson Parkway and just south of downtown Hamilton, Ontario. The campus offers ample off-street parking, is accessible by metro bus, and is convenient to numerous daycare centres, restaurants and shopping. The school is part of the network of Everest College, University and Institute, which has more than 100 campuses throughout Canada and the United States.
Contact Everest for Information
For more information on the Dental Office and Chairside Assistant program and other accelerated career education programs, contact Everest College at Hamilton Mountain today! Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify.
