Dental Hygiene (DHYG)

Introduction to the dental hygiene profession is a prelude to the profession of dental hygiene, which includes such topics as health history, medical disease, and vital signs. The introduction to clinical practice focuses on techniques for sterilization/disinfection procedures, patient/operator positioning, oral prophylaxis procedures including the removal of hard and soft deposits, patient education, and treatment planning.

Prerequisites: DHYG 3100C (may be taken concurrently)

Using the knowledge obtained in the DHYG 3100 course, this clinical course will introduce students to the Instruments, procedures and materials used in the practice of dental hygiene. Clinical practice on student partners will emphasize the comprehensive study of oral prophylaxis procedures, including the removal of hard and soft deposits, patient education, treatment planning and infection control.

Prerequisites: DHYG 3100 (may be taken concurrently)

An exploration of current informatics and instructional technology, legal and ethical issues, interdisciplinary practice, emerging employment opportunities for the dental hygienist and an introduction to evidence-based decision making is provided. The directed field experiences will focus on treatment of the patient with advanced periodontal disease, practice management and marketing in the dental environment. Prerequisite(s): Licensed or licensure eligible dental hygienists who hold an associate degree in dental hygiene. Other restrictions: Transition course prior to entry into RDH-BSDH Degree Completion Program

Prerequisites: DHYG 3101

This course provides the study of hard tissues of the head and oral cavity with emphasis on applications to dental hygiene practice. This course includes a detailed study of the anatomy of the human dentition and the bones of the skull.

A laboratory study of hard tissues of the head and cavity with emphasis on applications to dental hygiene practice. This course consists of a detailed study of the anatomy of the anatomy of the human dentition and the bones of the skull in the laboratory setting. Students will also draw and carve selected teeth.

This course is the comprehensive study of the principles of ionizing radiation and application of radiographic theory in dental hygiene practice. Radiation safety for operator and patient is emphasized. A radiation safety examination must be successfully completed in order to receive a grade for this course.

Prerequisites: DHYG 3120L (may be taken concurrently)

The techniques of exposing, processing, and mounting dental radiographs in a clinical setting will be presented and practiced using manikins then clinical patients. Radiographic anatomic landmarks are presented and studied for interpretation along with radiographic evidence of pathology. Radiation hygiene for operator and patient safety is emphasized.

Prerequisites: DHYG 3120 (may be taken concurrently)

A continuation of DHYG 3100. Emphasized for discussion are oral prophylaxis techniques, the handling of medical and dental emergencies, local anesthesia techniques, the care & maintenance of dental instruments, equipment, supplies and dental records. Methods and materials used in individual patient education for a variety of age groups will be presented. Clinical lectures are designed to enhance student's clinical practice of dental hygiene through discussion of experiences encountered in clinic. The dental hygiene portfolio will continue to be developed in this course.

Prerequisites: DHYG 3100 and DHYG 3200C (may be taken concurrently)

Clinical practice is utilized in this course to emphasize the refinement of skills in the performance of dental prophylaxis, application of preventive agents, and oral examination as an introduction to treatment planning. Students will begin using a computer generated recall and appointment system in this course. This course provides clinical application of the dental hygiene problem-solving model. During clinical practice, students will gain experience in patient management, appointment planning, assessment planning, implementation, and evaluation of dental hygiene care.

Prerequisites: DHYG 3100C and DHYG 3200 (may be taken concurrently)

A developmental and anatomical study of the soft tissues of the head, neck & oral cavity. Includes a study of embryonic growth & development of these structures, tissue histology, soft tissue anatomy and the relationship of these structures to the body's major organ systems. Emphasis is given throughout to those areas of particular interest to the dental hygienist.

Students are introduced to the basic principles of dental materials science. This includes the physical, chemical, biological, and mechanical properties of dental materials commonly used in the dental office and dental laboratory. Emphasis is placed on why particular materials & techniques are used rather than to stress only specific techniques of manipulating the materials.

Prerequisites: DHYG 3230L (may be taken concurrently)

Restrictions: *Dental Hygiene Prac Adm*, Dental Hygiene

Selected dental materials are manipulated to enhance the student's application of the principles of dental materials science. Emphasis is placed on why particular materials and techniques are used, and on how dental materials can be safely handled. The primary goal of the course is to enhance the student's ability to make clinical judgements regarding the use and care of dental materials based on how these materials react in the oral environment.

Prerequisites: DHYG 3230 (may be taken concurrently)

This course is a survey of periodontics providing an overview in identification, treatment and prevention of periodontal disease as it relates primarily to the dental hygienist. Emphasis is placed on departures from normal periodontal architecture; the etiologies associated with these abnormalities and indicated dental hygiene treatment.

Restrictions: *Dental Hygiene Prac Adm*, Dental Hygiene

Clinical practice is utilized in this course to emphasize the refinement of skill in the performance of dental, application of preventive agents, and oral examination as an introduction to treatment planning. Assessment is provided through daily clinical evaluations. The student will demonstrate critical thinking with the interpretation of accumulated information concerning the treatment of individual patients. This course provides clinical application of the dental hygiene program-solving model. During clinical practice, students will gain experience in-patient management, appointment planning, assessment planning, implementation and evaluation for dental hygiene care.

Clinical practice is utilized in this course to emphasize the refinement of skill in the performance of dental, application of preventive agents, and oral examination as an introduction to treatment planning. Assessment is provided through daily clinical evaluations. The student will demonstrate critical thinking with the interpretation of accumulated information concerning the treatment of individual patients. This course provides clinical application of the dental hygiene program-solving model. During clinical practice, students will gain experience in-patient management, appointment planning, assessment planning, implementation and evaluation for dental hygiene care.

An in-depth and comprehensive study of pharmacotherapy as it relates to clinical application in Dental professions. The lecture portion covers major drug classifications with emphasis on the general therapeutic rationale for drug therapy, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic concepts, and pharmacodynamic principles. The clinical lab will examine the use of pharmaceutical agents in the dental office. Students will identify important considerations in the health maintenance and management of patients with special emphasis on commonly prescribed oral health products.

This course is designed for dental hygiene students to provide comprehensive knowledge for the safe and effective administration of local anesthetic agents in a dental hygiene setting. Students will learn the pharmacology of local anesthetics, techniques for administering injections, patient assessment and management strategies, and legal and ethical considerations related to the administration of local anesthesia. Through a combination of pedagogical strategies (e.g. lectures, videos, discussions) students will develop competence to understand the competence needed to administer and evaluate the use of local anesthesia procedures with confidence and care. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the anatomical landmarks, nerve physiology, and potential complications associated with local anesthesia. The course aims to prepare students to integrate anesthesia into their practice of dental hygiene, enhancing patient comfort and improving clinical outcomes. This course and associated learning outcomes are designed to ensure that dental hygiene students gain the necessary theoretical knowledge required to administer local anesthesia as part of comprehensive dental hygiene care. The application of this knowledge will occur in DHYG 4300C and DHYG 4400C.

An introduction to the research process and the skills required to interpret, evaluate, and integrate knowledge generated from research as a foundation for evidence-based practice. Human subject's rights and ethical aspects of research are discussed. Scientific investigation is studied as a method of evaluating and improving professional practice.

Restrictions: Dental Hygiene, RDH-BSDH - RDH Completion

A continuation of DHYG 3200. Principles are introduced in advanced procedures including but not limited to sonic and ultrasonic instrumentation, root planning, gingival curettage and advanced home care techniques. The research poster will be introduced and implemented and the student will continue to develop their dental hygiene portfolio. the student will continue to develop their dental hygiene portfolio.

Prerequisites: DHYG 3200 and DHYG 4300C (may be taken concurrently)

Emphasis is placed on improving skills in dental prophylaxis instrument sharpening, radiographic technique and dental health treatment planning coordinated with appropriate chair-side dental health instruction. Advanced procedures discussed in DHYG 4300 are practiced & clinical experiences enhanced through participation in externships.

Prerequisites: DHYG 3200C and DHYG 4300 (may be taken concurrently)

The principles of clinical and didactic educational strategies will be introduced. Development of objectives, course content, presentation methods and evaluation of content related to dental hygiene students will be expected for course completion. The internship includes didactic and clinical/laboratory instruction for dental hygiene students.

Restrictions: *Dental Hygiene Prac Adm*

The student is introduced to the principles of general pathology, oral pathology, and oral medicine related to the etiology, progression, recognition, & treatment of numerous pathological conditions. Course content focuses on pathology of oral structures and oral manifestations of systemic diseases and pathologic identification of infectious diseases. Emphasis is placed on the importance of early recognition by the dental hygienist of abnormal oral conditions.

Restrictions: *Dental Hygiene Prac Adm*, Dental Hygiene

The current American Academy of Periodontics classification system for periodontal diseases and conditions will be explored in detail and advanced treatment modalities for the periodontally involved patient will be examined. BSDH students will participate in the evaluation, management, and treatment of the periodontally involved patient within the dental hygiene clinic setting. BSDH students will participate in a directed field experience that will concentrate on the dental hygiene diagnosis and treatment of advanced periodontal diseases and conditions.

Restrictions: *Dental Hygiene Prac Adm*, Dental Hygiene

A continuation of DHYG 4300. Principles are introduced in advanced procedures including but not limited to application of pit and fissure sealants, dentinal hypersensitivity treatments, debonding and use of the PSR system. Legal, ethical and management aspects of the dental care system, laws and rules governing dental and dental hygiene practice, career alternatives, job searching skills and an overview of the dental specialties are also presented for discussion. The research poster will be refined and presented to various groups and the dental hygiene portfolio will be finalized in this course.

Prerequisites: DHYG 4300 and DHYG 4400C (may be taken concurrently)

Clinical experiences center on improving proficiency and increasing efficiency in all areas of applied dental hygiene dental radiography, and treatment planning for total dental hygiene care. Clinical experiences are enhanced through participation in externships and directed field experiences.

Prerequisites: DHYG 4300C and DHYG 4400 (may be taken concurrently)

The study of dental health as a community problem with emphasis on theory and practice of dental public health and preventive dentistry, and the role of the dental hygienist in promoting dental health in community, state, and national levels. The practice of dental health as a community problem will be emphasized. Students will be required to teach dental health in a variety of settings. Local, state, national and/or international opportunities may be made available to the student in order to fulfill the requirements of this course.

Restrictions: *Dental Hygiene Prac Adm*, Dental Hygiene

An overview of the principles and practice of dental administration, including the concepts of patient, office, and dental team management will be presented for discussion. An analytical approach to planning, controlling and ordering the inventory/supplies system for a dental office will be conducted as well as a study of related financial management concepts. Strategies are also discussed on the marketing/promoting of dental services and dental products to dental professionals and the general public.

Restrictions: *Dental Hygiene Prac Adm*, Dental Hygiene

This course provides students with the opportunity to explore the roles and responsibilities of the dental hygiene change agent in the public health arena in order to communicate effectively with groups from culturally diverse populations. Students will discuss the current status of oral health care delivery systems for the pediatric and geriatric patient, strategies for creating dental hygiene positions in dental public health settings and facilitate access to comprehensive oral health services in a variety of settings

Prerequisites: DHYG 3101

Restrictions: Dental Hygiene, RDH-BSDH - RDH Completion

This capstone course will allow the student to select an area of interest to further enhance their knowledge, experience and options. Career goals will be enhanced through an individually selected project. This course must be taken during the last semester of enrollment in the program.

Restrictions: *Dental Hygiene Prac Adm*