Course Descriptions

Dental Hygiene Program courses



Dental Hygiene 123
Oral Anatomy and Embryology.

This course is an introduction to the study of the oral cavity and its associated structures. Included in the curriculum are lectures covering anatomy, embryology, and histology of oral structures and the head and neck, emphasizing teeth and their supporting tissues. Knowledge of content is emphasized during clinical practice.

4 lecture hours; 4 semester hours


Dental Hygiene 124
Dental Radiology.

This course provides the fundamental scientific principles upon which clinical dental radiology is based. Content includes radiation history, radiation physics, radiographic anatomy, application to radiation safety for patient and operator, quality assurance, infection control practice, standard intra- and extra-oral radiographic techniques, quality film production, and film evaluation. Prerequisite: Successful completion of DH 123 and DH 129.

2 lecture hours; two-hour laboratory period; 3 semester hours


Dental Hygiene 127
Pharmacology for the Dental Hygienist.

General principles of pharmacology and use of pharmaceuticals; derivation and effect of drugs, especially those used in dentistry. Values and uses of chemical sterilizing agents, pre- and post-operative medications, anesthetics, antibiotics, and other pharmaceutical adjuncts to oral hygiene and dental care. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Chemistry 114.

2 lecture hours; 2 semester hours


Dental Hygiene 129
Clinical Practice I

Introduction to the role and function of the Dental Hygienist in preventive dentistry; history and ethics of the Dental Hygiene profession; relationship of general and oral health to the disease process. Clinical hours are devoted to development of infection control procedures, oral self-care, basic clinical skills of patient assessment/data collection, basic instrumentation, patient education, and dental emergencies.

2 lecture hours; 7 clinical hours; 3 semester hours


Dental Hygiene 130
Clinical Practice II.

This course is a continuation of Clinical Practice I and focuses on the role of the Dental Hygienist as a preventive oral health specialist. Didactic and clinical experience is devoted to patient assessment, treatment planning, patient management, fluoride therapy, emergency response protocols, and continuing development of clinical skills to facilitate ethical and total patient care. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Dental Hygiene 129 and 123.

2 lecture hours; 8 clinical hours; 4 semester hours


Dental Hygiene 140
Introduction to Periodontology

This course provides the basic principles of periodontology, which covers the recognition of clinical characteristics of the periodontium, classification of periodontal diseases, role of microorganisms and local factors in the etiology of periodontal diseases.

1 lecture hours; 1 semester hours


Dental Hygiene 199
Clinic Practice Independent Study.

This course provides additional clinical experience in the Fones Dental Health Clinic for students to continue development of clinical skills for total patient care.

1-5 semester hours


Dental Hygiene 227
Clinical Practice III.

The course provides advanced didactic and clinical experience in the Fones Dental Health Center as well as in various community settings. The didactic portion emphasizes planning and managing patient care in a comprehensive and ethical manner. Students deliver Dental Hygiene services to patients with a variety of special needs. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first-year required courses.

2 lecture hours, 14-21 clinical hours per week; 5 semester hours.


Dental Hygiene 228
Clinical Practice IV.

Continuation of advanced didactic and clinical practices of Dental Hygiene 227. This course will assist the student in refining clinical skills and will introduce the student to a study of professional ethics and dental jurisprudence; professional organizations; issues involving the profession, including ethics, preparation of resumes, practice management skills, and state dental practice acts. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Dental Hygiene 227, 233, 241, 250.

2 lecture hours, 14-21 clinical hours per week; 5 semester hours.


Dental Hygiene 232
Dental Public Health.

Dental Public Health consists of didactic and fieldwork components in community services. It is designed to enable Dental Hygiene students to identify Dental Hygiene career opportunities within the public health setting; describe the structure and function of public health; explain federal, state and local legislation, policies and procedures pertaining to public health; assess the dental needs and demands of the public including special populations; and plan and evaluate dental health care programming. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first year required courses.

2 lecture hours; 72 hours of field experience per rotation; 4 semester hours


Dental Hygiene 233
Oral and General Histo-Pathology.

This course will provide the dental hygienist with an in-depth discussion of various types of oral diseases of the hard and soft tissues. Emphasis will be placed on the etiology, clinical picture, radiographic picture, histologic/microscopic findings, pathogenesis, treatment and prognosis for each condition discussed. Some systemic conditions with specific oral findings will also be covered. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first year required courses.

3 semester hours


Dental Hygiene 241
Periodontology.

This course expands on the basic principles of periodontology introduced during the first year Dental Hygiene curriculum. Students receive a sound foundation in the history and management of periodontal diseases, including the etiology and pathogenesis of periodontal diseases, the systemic disease connection with periodontal disease, the role of the immune system in the disease process, and the various periodontal treatment modalities available, with emphasis on the Dental Hygiene treatment plan. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first year required courses.

2 semester hours


Dental Hygiene 250
Dental Materials.

This course provides didactic and clinical information relating to dental materials utilized in the dental office. Content includes terminology, basic principles, properties of materials, techniques and procedures, recognition of restorations, and indications for their use. Students will also gain exposure to expanded auxiliary utilization and the role of the Dental Hygienist in specialty practice. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all required first year Dental Hygiene courses, Dental Hygiene 227.

2 lecture hours; 1 two-hour laboratory period; 3 semester hours


Dental Hygiene 299
Dental Hygiene Independent Study.

Selected independent projects conducted under the supervision of a Dental Hygiene faculty member.

1-6 semester hours


Dental Hygiene 301
Dental Hygiene Practice Management.

This course is designed to enhance the ability of the student to provide optimum patient care while functioning within an interdisciplinary dental team.  This is accomplished through students learning skills including communication, teamwork, business and management practices, and patient management.
3 semester hours


Dental Hygiene 302
Instructional Strategies for the Health Professional.

Assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of various instructional methodologies/strategies to facilitate presentations. Fundamentals of instructional theory with practical skill applications.

2 lecture hours; two-hour observation/presentation; 3 semester hours


Dental Hygiene 304
Dental Hygiene Internship.

Direct observation and supervised teaching or field work. Interns complete this practicum in selected sites implementing the skills acquired in Dental Hygiene 302, and other Associate and Baccalaureate courses. Prerequisite: Dental Hygiene 302.

By arrangement; 3-6 semester hours


Dental Hygiene 305
Dental Hygiene Research.

This course will introduce the student to the fundamentals of research design and process. This course will enable Dental Hygiene students to develop skills in the analysis of dental research findings and the evaluation of dental issues through critical analysis. Students will also gain exposure to the development of research protocols.

3 semester hours


Dental Hygiene 306
Contemporary Dental Hygiene Practice.

This course is designed to familiarize Dental Hygiene students with evolving professional trends related to private or public practice. Students, working in groups of two or three, will utilize and reinforce acquired Dental Hygiene research concepts while developing advanced assessment, planning implementation and evaluation skills. Required of all candidates for a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene. Prerequisite: Dental Hygiene 302, DH 305 and senior status.

4 semester hours