Dental Hygiene (DH)

DH 101 INTRODUCTION TO DENTAL HYGIENE/PRECLINIC
Credits: 2 30 Lecture Hours
Term: (F)
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene Program

An introductory course in preoperative and clinical dental hygiene concepts. The assessment phase of patient care as well as the theory of basic dental hygiene instrumentation will be emphasized.

 

DH 102 INTRODUCTION TO DENTAL HYGIENE/PRECLINIC LAB
Credits: 2 60 Lab Hours
Term: (F)
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene Program

This course enables students to perform clinical dental hygiene procedures explored in DH 101. The basic clinical skills used during patient assessment and basic dental hygiene instrumentation will be emphasized.

 

DH 111 INFECTION CONTROL AND DISEASE PREVENTION
Credits: 2 30 Lecture Hours
Term: (F)
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene Program

This course introduces the infection and hazard control procedures necessary for the safety of dental professionals and their clients during the practice of dentistry. Topics include microbiology, practical infection control, sterilization and monitoring, chemical disinfectants, aseptic techniques, infectious diseases, and OSHA standards.

 

DH 118 ORAL ANATOMY FOR HYGENISTS
Credits: 3 45 Lecture Hours
Term: (F)
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene Program

The majority of this course includes content in head, neck, and dental anatomy. Oral tissue embryology, histology, and physiology are also introduced and general anatomical concepts are reviewed by the instructor. Anatomic design and tooth numbering systems are emphasized as a supplement to the dental anatomy portion. Students successfully completing this course will be able to apply basic oral anatomic theory to laboratory and clinical settings.

 

DH 122 ORAL RADIOLOGY/LAB
Credits: 3 15 Lecture Hours / 30 Lab Hours
Term: (S)
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene Program

This course provides a basic understanding of the fundamentals of dental radiology including processing image receptors, and production of x-rays. Emphasis is placed on radiation biology and hygiene. Hands-on experience with both traditional and digital radiographic techniques utilizing mannequins to develop skills in exposing and processing radiographs as well as providing experience in interpreting actual radiographs. Introduction to interpretation of radiographs for exposure and processing errors as well as normal radiographic anatomy and common diseases of the teeth and bones will also be studied

 

DH 123 RADIOGRAPHIC INTERPRETATION
Credits: 1 15 Lecture Hours
Term: (S)

This course is a continuation of DH 122; Oral Radiology. The course will provide the skills needed to properly interpret and read what is revealed by a radiograph. Interpretation is an explanation of what is viewed on a radiograph. Proper interpretation of dental radiographs can function as a diagnostic and educational tool for treatment planning.

 

DH 130 DENTAL MATERIALS
Credits: 2 15 Lecture Hours / 30 Lab Hours
Term: (F)

Materials most often used in dentistry are studied, focusing on the characteristics, physical properties, instruction on manipulation, and practical application of each material. Safety precautions relating to each material and procedure are emphasized.

 

DH 150 CLINICAL DENTAL HYGIENE THEORY I
Credits: 2 30 Lecture Hours
Term: (S)

This course includes basic theory in the practice of dental hygiene. Topics include deposit/removal, patient education, fluorides, planning for dental hygiene treatment, including responding to medical/dental emergencies; charting and clinical records and procedures.

 

DH 151 CLINICAL DENTAL HYGIENE PRACTICE I
Credits: 4 180 Clinical Hours
Term: (S)

Practice in beginning instrumentation and patient assessment in providing an oral prophylaxis, to accompany DH 150.

 

DH 160 PERIODONTOLOGY I
Credits: 3 45 Lecture Hours
Term: (S)

An introduction to the science and management of periodontal diseases. Emphasis on the etiology and classification of the disease, along with an overview of the anatomy and histology of periodontal structures and dental accretions. The dental hygienists role in the recognition, prevention, and therapeutic procedures of the disease will be explored. This course will correlate theory with clinical activities in DH 151.

 

DH 165 ORAL Histology and EMBRYOLOGY
Credits: 2 30 Lecture Hours
Term: (S)

A study of tissue morphology, embryonic development, and histologic features of the face and oral cavity.

 

DH 201 PERIODONTOLOGY II
Credits: 2
Term: (SU)

This course is a continuation of DH 160; Periodontology I. The course is an advanced study of periodontology with special emphasis on various treatment modalities and their rationale in clinical dentistry. The course will include discussion on periodontal disease progression, treatment plan sequence, instrumentation and antimicrobials used to decrease periodontal disease progression, treatment plan sequence, instrumentation and antimicrobials used to decrease periodontal pocket depth. This course will correlate with DH 210 and DH 211.

 

DH 210 CLINICAL DENTAL HYGIENE THEORY II
Credits: 2 30 Lecture Hours
Term: (SU)

A continuation of DH 150, this course increases the emphasis on the principles of instrumentation in periodontal therapy. Topics will include ultrasonic scaling, air polishing, and effective ergonomic principles. Students will be introduced to the professional portfolio process and selection of case patient. Theory background is used to support activities in DH 211.

 

DH 211 CLINICAL DENTAL HYGIENE PRACTICE II
Credits: 4 180 Clinic Hours
Term: (SU)

A continuation of DH 151, this course provides additional practical experience in clinical patient treatment with an emphasis on early periodontal disease and subgingival deposits. Offered in conjunction with DH 210.

 

DH 215 GENERAL AND ORAL PATHOLGY
Credits: 3 45 Lecture Hours
Term: (F)

Pathology is the science that studies diseases. This course will present various pathologic processes; including pathogenesis, etiology, inflammation, tumor development, systemic manifestations, and developmental disturbances. This course emphasis is the study of oral diseases and the recognition of their conditions. Students will utilize this information during their clinical practice.

 

DH 220 DENTAL NUTRITION HEALTH
Credits: 3 45 Lecture Hours
Term: (F)
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene Program

To understand the science of human nutrition and the application of basic nutrition principles to achieve optimal nutritional status throughout the life cycle. To understand the impact of nutrition on oral health and the impact of oral health on nutritional status. Enrollment limited to dental hygiene students and students with instructor permission.

 

DH 230 COMMUNITY DENTAL HEALTH AND EDUCATION
Credits: 2 30 Lecture and Community Service Hours
Term: (S)

A presentation of various methods and material used in community dental health education. The course provides an understanding of basic research and statistical concepts needed for sound community health practices. Emphasis on the use of evidenced based philosophy for acquiring, assessing, interpreting, critically analyzing, and incorporating scientific literature into community health practices. Field assignments in selected social settings and projects will encourage student participation in community dental health care.

 

DH 235 PROFESSIONAL ISSUES & ETHICS IN DENTAL PRACTICE
Credits: 2 30 Lecture Hours
Term: (S)

A study of the legal restrictions and ethical responsibilities associated with the practice of dental hygiene and dentistry.

 

DH 240 LOCAL ANESTHESIA / NITROUS OXIDE THEORY & LAB
Credits: 2 15 Lecture Hours and 30 Lab Hours
Term: (S)

An integration of anatomy, physiology, and an introduction to pharmacology and emergency procedures as they relate to the administration of local anesthesia. Selection of proper anesthetic solutions to facilitate pain management and their specific related needs. Laboratory sessions are integrated with didactic material to develop competency in administering local anesthetic.

 

DH 241 GERONTOLOGY & SPECIAL NEEDS PATIENTS
Credits: 2 30 Lecture Hours
Term: (F)

This course provides preparation for clinical experience when designing treatment for the geriatric and special needs patient. Innovative patient management and counseling will be included.

 

DH 250 CLINICAL DENTAL HYGIENE THEORY III
Credits: 1 15 Lecture Hours
Term: (F)

A continuation of DH 210, this course expands beyond the basic concepts of dental hygiene theory with exposure to more difficult oral conditions and various modes of treatment. Topics include: effective patient communication, cultural diversity, dental hygiene diagnosis, dental hygiene process of care, nonsurgical periodontal therapy, root morphology and advanced instrumentation. Students will be required to continue formulation of the case paper. Theory background is used to support all clinical activities in DH 251.

 

DH 251 CLINICAL DENTAL HYGIENE PRACTICE III
Credits: 5 225 Clinical Hours
Term: (F)

A continuation of DH 211, this course provides clinical activities with increased patient difficulty exhibiting moderate to advanced periodontal involvement and moderate deposits along with increased patient load. This course is offered in conjunction with DH 250.

 

DH 280 CLINICAL DENTAL HYGIENE THEORY IV
Credits: 1 15 Lecture Hours
Term: (S)

A continuation of DH 250, this course includes advanced Dental Hygiene theory that will increase the student’s knowledge of the profession. Emphasis is directed toward dental hygiene process of care, treatment planning and client case presentation. Considerable attention is also spent in the areas of practice management and professional development. Theory background is used to support all activities in DH 281. In addition, this class will provide preparation for State and Regional Board Examinations.

 

DH 281 CLINICAL DENTAL HYGIENE PRACTICE IV
Credits: 5 225 Clinical Hours
Term: (S)

A continuation of DH 251, this course provides multiple clinical activities focused in time management, increased periodontally involved clients and satisfactory completion of skill assessments. The course will challenge the student’s critical thinking to design a personal learning contract to reflect their needs for successful completion. In addition this course will offer opportunities for the student to participate in various off-campus experiences. This course is offered in conjunction will DH 280.