Course Descriptions

Dental Hygiene Course Descriptions

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(Enter Datatel Course Numbers with the dash. i.e. ENGL-100; use commas to separate multiple Course Numbers)

DHYG-101 - CLINICAL PRACTICE 1  4 credits
Lectures and preclinical laboratory sessions are presented to introduce the etiology and prevention of dental diseases, normal oral conditions and common deviations, theory and practice in specific clinical techniques in the practice of dental hygiene. Students must pass both laboratory and theoretical components of the course in order to continue in the program. Offered Fall Semester. COREQUISITE: DHYG-101L.
DHYG-103 - ORAL ANATOMY 1  2 credits
This course is designed to familiarize the dental hygiene student with the anatomical components and functions of the teeth and supporting structures. Soft tissue landmarks of the oral cavity, dental terminology, and occlusion will be studied. Offered Fall Semester
DHYG-104 - DENTAL RADIOLOGY  3 credits
This course will explore the basics of dental radiology, including x-ray physics, characteristics of radiation, the dental x-ray machine, effects of radiation exposure, radiation protection, image receptors, processing, digital radiography, dental radiographic anatomy, and intra-oral radiographic procedures. Students will learn intra and extra-oral radiographic procedures in the laboratory. CO-REQUISITE: DHYG-104L.
DHYG-200 - NUTRITION AND ORAL HEALTH  2 credits
This introductory course is designed to familiarize the dental hygiene student with the basic concepts and principles of nutrition. Emphasis will be placed on those nutrients which will have an overall effect on the oral cavity. Disease entities which may affect the healing response of the oral environment will be covered. Counseling techniques for diet modification will be introduced. PREREQUISITE: BIOL-140.
DHYG-201 - ORAL PATHOLOGY  2 credits
Introduction to the basic principles of disease pertaining to the head and oral structures will provide the background for recognition of such diseases within the scope of the dental hygienist’s practice and responsibility.
DHYG-202 - CLINICAL PRACTICE 2  5 credits
A continuation of Clinical Practice 1, this course will offer theoretical and clinical application of concepts related to dental hygiene care. Students will be introduced to the clinical phases of practice, assessment of the patient’s needs, the dental hygiene diagnosis, implementation of various dental hygiene procedures, and the process of evaluating outcomes of patient treatment. Care and treatment of medically compromised patients is introduced. PREREQUISITES: DHYG-101, DHYG-103, DHYG-104; CO-REQUISITE: DHYG-202L.
DHYG-203 - ORAL ANATOMY 2  2 credits
A continuation of Oral Anatomy 1 DHYG-103 with emphasis on the embryology and histology of the maxillofacial area and dental structures. Attention will be given to skeletal structure, muscle function, blood supply, and innervation of the maxillofacial region. PREREQUISITES: DHYG-103, BIOL-132.
DHYG-300 - PERIODONTOLOGY  2 credits
This course will explore the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease. Emphasis will be given to the microbiological progression of periodontal disease, host response, diagnostic methods, treatment philosophies, treatment modalities, and the role of the dental hygienist in the treatment and prevention of periodontal disease. PREREQUISITE: DHYG-202
DHYG-301 - DENTAL MATERIALS  3 credits
This course is designed to familiarize the dental hygiene student with knowledge of the various dental materials placed in and around the oral environment. Focus will be placed on the composition, chemistry, clinical properties, mixing techniques, recontouring and finishing techniques, and the advantages, disadvantages, and setting times of the more common materials utilized in the dental setting. The role of the dental auxiliary in the manipulation and application of these materials is stressed. Students must pass both the clinical and theoretical components of the course in order to continue in the program. CO-REQUISITE: DHYG-301L
DHYG-302 - PHARMACOLOGY  2 credits
Study of a variety of drug groups with special emphasis on the drugs particularly used in dentistry. Emphasis will be placed on the physical and chemical properties, modes of administration, therapeutic and adverse effects, and interaction of various drug groups. PREREQUISITES: BIOL-140
DHYG-303 - CLINICAL PRACTICE 3  6 credits
A course designed to enhance the comprehension of dental hygiene services and to apply basic sciences to the practice of dental hygiene. The students will learn to expand upon their basic skills in areas such as radiographic interpretation, recognition and charting of periodontal diseases, advanced hand instrumentation, evidence-based research, and periodontal debridement. A continuation of the care of medically-compromised patients such as those with bronchopulmonary disease, cancer, hepatitis, those who are developmentally disabled, and other special needs patients is included. Application of theoretical concepts to clinical techniques will enable the student to provide total patient care. Students must pass the clinical and theoretical components of the course in order to continue in the program. PREREQUISITE: DHYG-202, DHYG-202L; CO-REQUISITE: DHYG-303L.
DHYG-400 - COMMUNITY DENTAL HEALTH  3 credits
An introduction to dental public health with an emphasis on dental care delivery, demographics of dental health, dental epidemiology, biostatistics, oral health education, planning and implementation of community dental programs, and research in dental public health. Students will assess the oral health needs of a population, and will plan, implement, and evaluate a community field project at a local health or educational facility.
DHYG-401 - CLINICAL PRACTICE 4  6 credits
A course designed to provide students with the theoretical background needed to perform advanced clinical procedures, to function as a respected member of the oral health team in any dental practice setting, and to utilize higher level thinking to make decisions regarding patient care. Emphasis is placed on periodontal therapy for dental hygienists, ethics, and jurisprudence in dentistry, application for employment, appointment control and recall systems. Simulation exercises, role playing, reading and research in the field will enable the dental hygiene students to discover their personal ethics and values in dentistry, so that they will be able to handle most situations in the dental environment. Students must pass both clinical and theoretical components of the course in order to complete the Dental Hygiene curriculum. PREREQUISITE: DHYG-303. COREQUISITE: DHYG-401L.
DHYG-402 - APPLIED DENTAL AUXILIARY SKILLS  2 credits
This course is designed to provide the student with the requisite knowledge and practice necessary to meet MA certification requirements to perform local anesthesia techniques. The utilization of nitrous oxide for sedation will be addressed. In addition, students will be prepared to provide sealant treatments for caries control, tooth whitening procedures, diagnostic tests, and use intra-oral imaging tools. All procedures will be taught to clinical competence with the exception of nitrous oxide sedation. Co-requisite: DHYG-402L