Course Description

While preventable, tooth decay proves to be the most prevalent chronic disease in both children and adults. This course will educate dental professionals about the role pH plays in contributing to dental caries and explain how the dental professional can intervene to assist their patients in prevention. 

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the dental professional should be able to:

  • Identify the bacteria responsible for dental decay;
  • Describe the scientific process of dental decay;
  • Recognize the three layers of the human tooth;
  • List the properties of the human tooth layers;
  • Define the importance of the salivary components and flow in the oral biome; 
  • Discuss the importance of pH levels of the oral cavity;
  • Explain the effects of pH level fluctuation;
  • Compare the pH values of beverages and their negative effect on enamel; 
  • Summarize titratable acidity and its role in dental decay; 
  • Outline dental erosion and its causative factors; 
  • Determine the role of the dental professional in disrupting poor dietary habits. 
Credits: 2.00 CEU
Price: $40 for 1 year access
Topic(s): Caries Prevention
Course Type: Self-Instructional / Self-Study
Instructional Method: Written Course
Location: Online
Prerequisites: None
Technology Requirements: Computer (recommended), tablet, or smartphone and an internet connection
Program Provider: Today's RDH ([email protected])
Original Course Release Date: November 1, 2021
Last Review Date: October 30, 2024
Course Expiration Date: October 29, 2027
AGD Subject Code(s): 250
AADH Course Code: AADHTDH-001-2021-11-2

Course Author

Brooke Sergent, RDH, BS, obtained an Associate of Science degree from Southeast Community College in Whitesburg, KY, in 2002. While obtaining this degree, she took an elective course that allowed her to job shadow her mentor, a Registered Dental Hygienist at a local dental office. It was here her passion was confirmed for dental hygiene. In 2004, she graduated cum laude from Big Sandy Community and Technical College Dental Hygiene program in Prestonsburg, KY. Brooke was also the recipient of the 2004 Colgate S.T.A.R. award.

Immediately following graduation and obtaining licensure, Brooke began her clinical dental hygiene career. In 2005, she moved to East Tennessee and earned her Bachelor of Science from Tennessee Tech University based in Cookeville, TN. After years of clinical hygiene, Brooke felt the need to connect in other ways to those in her profession. She became a Colgate Oral Health Advisor and served on the Colgate Oral Health Advisor Board in Piscataway, NJ, in 2013. In 2014, she organized a Colgate Bright Smiles Bright Future Event for her local elementary school.

Brooke resides in Telford, TN, with her husband and twin sons. 

Course Conflicts of Interest: None

Course Curriculum

  Dental Decay: How Beverage pH Levels Play a Vital Role by Brooke Sergent, RDH, BS
Available in days
days after you enroll

Frequently Asked Questions


Does this CE course meet the requirements for my state?

  • Today's RDH is an ADA CERP and AGD PACE provider, both of which are recognized by all 50 states. Today's RDH is also an American Academy of Dental Hygiene (AADH) approved provider of continuing education courses. This course is on-demand and is considered self-study/self-instructional. It includes a quiz that must be passed upon completion of the course to receive your CE certificate of completion.
  • Your state's Dental Practice Act, which can be found on your state's Board of Dentistry/Board of Dental Examiners website, includes your allowable duties, CE requirements, the rules pertaining to your state, etc. We highly encourage all dental healthcare professionals to check their state's Dental Practice Act often as rules, regulations, and CE requirements can change. 

Is this CE course considered "live" or "in-classroom?"

  • No, this course is on-demand and is considered self-study/self-instructional. You can take the course on your own time and are required to pass a quiz upon completion of the course to receive your CE certificate of completion. 

Is this course considered a "clinical" or "core" course?

  • To figure out if this course is considered clinical or core for your specific state, you need to check your state's Dental Practice Act, which gives the requirements and what is accepted. For states where this particular topic isn't a requirement, this course is still considered an elective self-study course and can be used to fulfill your elective self-study requirements.

How long will I have access to take the course?

  • You will have one full year from the time of purchase to complete this course. After one year from your original purchase date, you will need to repurchase the course if you want to take it again.

Do I have to take the whole course at once?

  • No, your progress will be saved every time you complete a module, so you are able to take breaks and complete the course at your own leisure.

Are there any additional fees beyond the course fee?

  • No, all fees are included in the price of this course! Depending on where you live, there may be sales tax, but no additional fees.

When will I be able to access this course after I purchase it?

  • You will have immediate access to take the course once you register and your payment goes through.

Are there test questions at the end of each course?

  • Yes, upon completion of the course, you will be required to take a quiz to show comprehension of the course. Upon successfully passing the quiz, you will be issued a CE certificate of completion for the course that you are able to download and save for your records.

How do I get my certificate/proof of completion? Will it be emailed?

  • Your CE certification completion will be awarded upon successfully completing the quiz at the end of the course. The certificate will be available in your account that you create upon enrolling in the course, but you are also encouraged to save this certificate on your own device. A link to access the certificate in your account will also be emailed to you (check your SPAM box), but not the actual certificate itself. However, just click the link, log in to your account, and you will have access to the certificate.

Are there refunds?

  • There will be no refunds issued once you have completed the course and received the CE certificate of completion. If you haven't completed the course and received a CE certificate of completion, you have 30 days to request a refund.

Is this course only for hygienists, or can doctors and dental assistants receive CE too?

  • This course is primarily designed for dental hygienists but can also be taken by doctors and dental assistants for CE credit.

Can Canadians receive CE credit for these courses?

  • Canada recognizes CE courses that have AGD PACE approved providers, so yes. However, we cannot guarantee, so we always recommend checking with your governing agency to confirm approval.

What devices can I take this course on?

  • You can take this course from any device with an internet or data connection, including laptops, desktops, tablets, or your smartphone.

Why aren't these CE courses free?

  • To offer CE courses at no cost, we would need to have sponsors (i.e., manufacturers or companies) pay for the expenses of creating and maintaining the courses. We have chosen to keep these CE courses free from sponsorship and focus 100% on providing objective education for our audience.

Who can I contact if I have more questions or feedback on future CE course topics?

  • You can reach us anytime at [email protected]. If you don't receive a response within 48 hours, please check your SPAM folder.