Dental Hygiene AAS Degree Courses

The first of a two-semester sequence especially designed for students pursuing careers in allied health fields as well as any student desiring an in-depth undergraduate transfer course. The course focuses on the interdependent relationships between the structure and functions of body systems and the ways these parts interact (homeostasis) to insure the survival of the organism. Major topics addressed include levels of organization, the chemistry of life, support/movement, integration/control, and coordination. Coordinated laboratory exercises focus on anatomical knowledge and physiological functions.

The second of a two-semester sequence designed for students pursuing careers in allied health fields or wishing an in-depth undergraduate transfer course in the biological sciences. The course focuses on interdependent relationships between the structures and functions of body systems and the way these parts interact (homeostasis) to insure survival of the organism. Major topics addressed include systems associated with circulation, maintenance, elimination and continuity. Coordinated laboratory exercises focus on anatomical knowledge and physiological functions.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in BIO-168.

Morphology, physiology, taxonomy, and relationship of microorganisms to disease. In-depth laboratory study and suitable lecture material with applications to agriculture, industry, and medicine.

An introductory course which assumes a minimal student background in mathematics and chemistry. The course is intended to serve students in allied health programs and any student desiring an application-oriented, less theoretical approach to chemistry. The course introduces students to the practical aspects and basic concepts of chemistry including measurements, dimensional analysis, matter, energy, atoms, elements, the Periodic Chart, nuclear chemistry, chemical bonding, nomenclature, an introduction to organic chemistry, chemical quantities, formulas, gases, chemical calculations, balancing equations, solutions, acids and bases, chemical kinetics, and equilibrium. Coordinated laboratory exercises are intended to emphasize topics covered in the lecture as well as stress basic laboratory techniques. Elementary algebra is required as a prerequisite.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in MAT-063 or MAT-060. Or equivalent placement score.

This course presents the foundation necessary to develop a basic medical terminology vocabulary. Emphasis on the components of terms as related to each body system will be provided. The course further provides the student with the opportunity to properly spell, pronounce and utilize medical terms in relation to pathological conditions, tests, and procedures. Common medical abbreviations will also be discussed for each system.

This course familiarizes the student with the anatomy of the head and neck, oral structures. Knowledge of the anatomy of the head and neck and oral structures is an essential prerequisite of such courses as clinical dental hygiene.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to Dental Hygiene program.

This course will teach the anatomy and structure of each individual tooth crown and root. Permanent and primary dentitions will be studied with emphasis on identification, numbering systems, function, and application of instrumentation skills to each tooth surface.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to Dental Hygiene program.

This course presents the anatomy of the tooth and its surrounding tissues on a microscopic level. The formation of the face before birth is studied and is followed by an examination of each part of the tooth and its surrounding structures during formation, eruption and function of both the primary and permanent dentitions.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to Dental Hygiene program.

Oral Radiology teaches the basic techniques of exposure of common types of dental radiographs, radiograph processing procedures, the science of the x-ray beam, digital radiography and operation of standard and panoramic x-ray equipment. Lifelike mannequins for student practice are utilized, and emphasis is placed on radiation safety procedures for both patient and operator.

Admission to the Dental Hygiene program required.

This course serves as a foundation to Clinical Dental Hygiene II, III, and IV. The student will learn the skills of dental hygiene practice and client management through simulated clinical situations as well as in lecture/discussion sessions.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Dental Hygiene program.

This lecture-laboratory course is intended primarily to serve undergraduate health-related majors such as nursing and dental hygiene as well as the general studies students seeking an integrated background in organic and biological chemistry. Students will study topics applications from a clinical, human or environmental perspective. Laboratory exercises are coordinated with the lecture topics.

Prerequisite(s): CHM-122

This lecture course addresses concepts of both General and Oral Pathology. General Pathology content provides information regarding human disease and reviews major diseases of the human body, discussed by system. Oral Pathology content emphasizes pathological conditions of the head, neck and oral structures and relates this information to the Dental Hygiene Model

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in DHY-121.

Pre/Co-requisite(s): Minimum grade of C in BIO-173.

This course is the first of three in a sequence that provides clinical experience. The student applies the Dental Hygiene Process of Care while working with actual clinic clients. The emphasis of this course is to achieve competency in basic assessment and preventative dental hygiene treatment skills.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in DHY-175 and DHY-160.

Co-requisite(s): DHY-188

Dental Hygiene Practicum II complements Clinical Dental Hygiene II by supplying the theory behind the Dental Hygiene Process of Care. This course also introduces the theory behind basic procedures needed to provide comprehensive dental hygiene care.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in DHY-160 and DHY-175.

Co-requisite(s): DHY-187

This course will provide first year students the basic concepts and fundamentals of periodontal health and disease. The student will be able to relate this knowledge to the clinical setting.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in DHY-121.

Co-requisite(s): Minimum grade of C in DHY-141.

This course introduces the dental hygiene student to the materials commonly employed in the practice of dentistry and, in particular, to those materials utilized by the dental hygienist. Through lecture sessions, the makeup and properties of the various materials such as plaster and stone, impression material, amalgam and cements are presented, as well as their relationship to one another. Through laboratory experience, the student learns techniques in preparation, mixing, handling and storage of these materials.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in CHM-122.

Co-requisite(s): Minimum grade of C in CHM-132.

This course presents background on the theory, philosophy and ethics for dental hygiene and the profession. Legal aspects of practice are presented as well as aspects of entry into practice and job seeking skills.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in DHY-175.

This course provides basic concepts of learning for behavioral change and the dental hygiene care of patients with special needs.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in DHY-175.

This course provides an introduction to the study of behavior and mental processes with emphasis in such areas as learning, cognition, motivation, personality, behavioral disorder, therapy, and social influence. An understanding of the impact of both theoretical perspectives and experimental evidence on the formulation of the science of human behavior is also stressed. Psychological theories and principles are utilized to explain and predict behavior.

This course surveys the basic principles, concepts, and research findings of social life from small groups to societies. The course examines a range of sociological explanations for the various forms of social behaviors and establishes a basis for reflection and further study in the field.

Principles of Nutrition will introduce students to the science of nutrition. The course will examine individual nutrients; their structure and function in the human body; nutrient composition of food; and selection of food to meet nutrient needs, maintain health and satisfaction. Students will understand and apply present day knowledge of nutrition to dietary patterns and needs of selected individuals and groups. The course is an advanced beginning course in human nutrition designed for students with a science background.

This course will provide the student with an academic background in the area of pharmacology with relation to the drugs used in the dental practice. The metric system, terminology, drugs and their specific reactions will be presented.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in BIO-173 and CHM-132.

An in-depth study of the healthy and diseased periodontium is covered in this course. The student will be able to relate this knowledge to the clinical setting.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in DHY-141 and DHY-210.

The purpose of this course is to provide the student with a background in the development and functions of federal, state and local health systems, and to prepare the student to participate in community health activities.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in DHY-188 and SOC-110.

This course provides the knowledge and skills necessary for the student to perform pain control techniques competently. The course will discuss both the content needed to perform local anesthesia and to perform nitrous oxide/oxygen administration and monitoring.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in DHY-113 and DHY-185.

Co-requisite(s): Minimum grade of C in DHY-131.

This course enables the students to provide comprehensive dental hygiene care to meet the total oral health needs of each client, including referrals for treatment. Students will progressively increase their clinical abilities toward levels of proficiency required for entry level as measured by fulfillment of the clinic competencies for the semester.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in DHY-187 and DHY-188.

Co-requisite(s): DHY-211 and DHY-298

This course will: Introduce adjunctive dental hygiene procedures/techniques and disease control theory along with research methodology. The course also expands on instrumentation techniques, case-based problem solving and radiographic interpretation.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in DHY-187 and DHY-188.

Co-requisite(s): DHY-271 and DHY-297

This course is designed to provide the students with experience developing and evaluating community oral health programs.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in DHY-254.

This course will use specialists in the varied health fields to make the student aware of the interrelationships between these specialties and dental hygiene. Additionally, the course promotes an understanding of the potential dental hygiene practice settings through observations made in rotation in the community.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in DHY-254 and DHY-297.

This course is the final preparation for the students in clinical practice. When the course is completed, the student will have the proficiency and skill to maintain the ideals of the dental hygiene profession.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in DHY-271, DHY-197, and DHY-298.

This course will incorporate dental hygiene care with critical thinking and case studies for the students as they prepare for dental hygiene licensure.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in DHY-271, DHY-297, and DHY-298.

Co-requisite(s): DHY-307

This course is designed to remediate the skills of exploring, calculus detection and removal, and patient evaluation skills previously learned in the clinical portion of the dental hygiene program in preparation of the student retaking the clinical dental hygiene board exam. This course can be taken for 1–3 credit hours.

Composition I emphasizes fluency, thesis-driven organization, the use of supporting details, and research techniques. Writing is approached as a recursive process that includes prewriting strategies, drafting, revising, and editing. The course helps students shape writing to serve readers' needs and define a sense of purpose in their writing. It also gives students strategies for reading college-level material.

Prerequisite(s): Appropriate placement score or equivalent.

This course introduces students to the oral communication process and how it affects human interaction There will be an emphasis on developing interpersonal, small group, and public speaking skills. Students will be involved in activities that provide opportunity for the understanding and improvement of their oral communication skills.