Dr. Susan Duley
Department Head of Dental Hygiene
Associate Professor of Dental Hygiene
Office: 61-F
Phone:  770-961-3703
E-mail: susanduley@clayton.edu

Teaching

In the fall each year, I enjoy teaching the pre-clinical course to the incoming junior dental hygiene students.  The opportunity to help students develop basic dental hygiene clinical skills is very rewarding. 
In the spring semester, I have the opportunity to teach Community Dental Health to the senior students and supervise their service learning projects.  In 2006, students will be working in concert with the Morehouse School of Medicine in their field experience.  Several students also participate in the Moultrie Migrant Farm Workers care experience each summer.  Faculty supervise the experience and participate in patient care also.

Presentations, Publication and Research

• On October 7th, 2005 I was invited to present to the Southern Dental Education Group on the following topic:  Oral Manifestations of Eating Disorders Diagnosis, Treatment and Referral.
   

• On November 7th, 2005 Dr. Peter Fitzpatrick, Department Head Health Care Management, and I were invited to present a paper at the annual session of the National Association of Bariatric Nurses.  The paper will also be published in the proceedings document.  The topic of the paper follows:

Oral Health Assessment of Pre-Postoperative Bariatric Patients:  The Role of the Bariatric Nurse

Susan I. Duley, Ed.D., R.D.H., L.P.C.; Peter G. Fitzpatrick, Ed.D., R.Ph.

Abstract: The health of the oral cavity is a predictor of the health of the patient.  Oral health screening is needed pre-postoperative for the Bariatric patient.  Patients preparing for surgery may present with dental caries, periodontal disease or oral conditions relating to eating disorders.  Xerostomia may occur pre-postoperatively related to medications, limited food intake and diminished mastication.  The success of reintroduction of food post-surgery can be affected by the ability of the patient to produce saliva and masticate the small portions of food appropriately for swallowing.  During the intake assessment the health care provider can learn to use a quick index to document the oral health status and control for conditions which may affect pre and post surgery outcomes.  The use of a diagnostic index and application to the assessment and management of oral disease and eating disorders impacting the Bariatric patient is the focus of the presentation.

• Further areas of research continue to develop around work needed to educate dental professionals on the oral manifestations of eating disorders and their role as a member of the treatment team related to intervention, referral, restorative work and monitoring of patients during the recovery process.