Dental Hygiene (DNH)

Studies the morphology and function of the oral structures with emphasis on the primary and permanent dentition, eruption sequence, occlusion, and intra-arch relationships. Lecture 2 hours per week.

Presents a study of the microscopic and macroscopic anatomy and physiology of the head, neck, and oral tissues. Includes embryologic development and histologic components of the head, neck, teeth, and periodontium. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Studies the various medical emergencies and techniques for managing emergencies in the dental setting. Additional practical applications and simulations of emergencies maybe conducted to enhance basic knowledge from the lecture component. Lecture 1 hours per week.

Studies radiation physics, biology, safety, and exposure techniques for intra- and extra-oral radiographic surveys. Laboratory provides practice in exposure, processing methods, mounting, and interpretation of normal findings. Lecture 1 hours. Laboratory 3 hours. Total 4 hours per week.

Introduces clinical knowledge and skills for the performance of dental hygiene services that include basic skill components, lab manikins, and patient practice. Lecture 3 hours. Clinic 6 hours. Total 9 hours per week.

Prerequisite is DNH 141. Exposes students to instrument sharpening, time management, and patient education techniques and methods. Provides supervised clinical practice in the dental hygiene clinic with emphasis on developing patient treatment and instrument skills. Introduces the student to dental assisting skills. Lecture 2 hours. Clinic 9 hours. Total 11 hours per week.

Introduces dental health care for patients with special needs. Includes introduction to computer concepts and applications. Provides supervised clinical practice in the dental hygiene clinic with emphasis on refining patient treatment and instrumentation skills, including oral radiographs. Lecture 2 hours. Clinic 3 hours. Total 5 hours per week.

Introduces general pathology with consideration of the common diseases affecting the human body. Particular emphasis is given to the study of pathological conditions of the mouth, teeth, and their supporting structures. Lecture 2 hours per week.

Introduces the theoretical and practical study of various concepts and methods used in describing, preventing, and controlling periodontal disease. Presents etiology, microbiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of diseases. Lecture 2 hours per week.

Studies nutrition as it relates to dentistry and general health. Emphasizes the principles of nutrition as applied to the clinical practice of dental hygiene. Lecture 2 hours per week.

On-Site Training

Studies the current technologic advances, expanded functions, and clinical/laboratory materials used in dental hygiene practice. Provides laboratory experience for developing skills in the utilization and applications of these technologies and functions. Lecture 1 hour. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 3 hours per week.

Studies the chemical and therapeutic agents used in dentistry, including their preparation, effectiveness, and specific application. Lecture 2 hours per week.

Studies and compares concepts of delivery of heatlhcare, applying the public health delivery model. Utilizes epidemiologic methods, research and biostatistics as applied to oral health program planning, implementation, and evaluation. Incorporates and applies current health issues and trends. Lecture 2 hours per week.

Applies concepts of public health program planning through student directed community projects with an emphasis on preventative oral health education. Includes development of table clinics, bulletin boards, and volunteer service in the community. Laboratory 3 hours per week.

Studies the principles of dental ethics and economics as they relate to the dental hygienist. The course also includes a study of jurisprudence and office procedures. Lecture 1 hour per week.

Provides a study of anxiety and pain management techniques used in dental care. Students will understand the necessary theory to appropriately treat, plan and successfully administer topical anesthesia, local anesthesia, and nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia. Includes the components of pain, pain control mechanisms, topical anesthesia, local anesthesia and nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia. Lecture 1 hour. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 3 hours per week.

Prerequisite is DNH 143. Introduces advanced skills and the dental hygienist's role in dental specialties. Includes supervised clinical practice in the dental hygiene clinic and/or off-campus clinical rotations at various community facilities. Emphasizes treatment of patients demonstrating periodontal involvement, stressing application and correlation of knowledge and skills from previous semesters. Lecture 1 hour. Clinic 12 hours. Total 13 hours per week.

Prerequisite is DNH 244. Exposes student to current advances in dentistry. Includes supervised clinical practice in the dental hygiene clinic and/or off-campus clinical rotations at various community facilities. Emphasis is placed on synthesis of knowledge from previous semesters, treatment of patients with moderate to advanced periodontal involvement, and improving clinical speed while maintaining quality in preparation for practice. Lecture 1 hour. Clinic 12 hours. Total 13 hours per week.