This educational
website was designed for teachers, students,
and practicing oral health professionals.
Three case studies are used to walk you through
basic genetics concepts and their applications
in practice. Expect to spend between 15 and
45 minutes per case, depending on your level
of genetics knowledge. A few self-review questions
at the end of each case study should help
you gauge your understanding of key genetics
concepts.
OI/DI Case Study
Osteogenesis imperfecta
with dentinogenesis imperfecta (OI/DI) is
an example of an autosomal dominant, single-gene
disorder that oral health professionals can
identify. An appropriate referral, early diagnosis,
and treatment can help maintain a better quality
of life for patients, although the condition
often will have repercussions for several
members of a family because it is likely to
be inherited by members of several generations.
This case study provides a basic introduction
to the family history, to genetics vocabulary,
and to Mendelian, single-gene patterns of
inheritance.
Start OI/DI
Case Study
Diabetes Case Study
The prevalence of adult onset, non-insulin
dependent diabetes mellitus (type II diabetes,
or NIDDM) is rising steadily in the United
States. NIDDM is an example of a common, complex
genetic disorder that can be screened for
using the genetic family history, although
it does not appear in pedigrees in the predictable
patterns like single-gene disorders. Because
NIDDM is so common and also has several oral
manifestations, dentists and hygienists are
likely to help diagnose several patients during
their career. This case study illustrates
the differences between complex diseases and
single-gene disorders, both of which have
genetic contributions.
Start
Diabetes Case Study
Gorlin Syndrome
Case Study
Gorlin syndrome has several cardinal features,
including the appearance of jaw cysts on radiographs.
This case shows oral health professionals
how to research the genetic contributions
to oral findings, how to recognize "red
flags" that signal a genetic contribution
to disease, and how to locate a genetics professional
and make a referral. The case also introduces
ethical, legal, and social questions raised
by being at risk for or diagnosed with an
inherited condition.
Start
Gorlin Syndrome Case Study
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