Dental Hygiene Courses

DH 115 - Oral, Head and Neck Anatomy

3-0-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

Introduction to head and neck anatomy; dental nomenclature; primary and permanent tooth development, anatomy, function, terminology and occlusion will be included. 

Prerequisite:

ENGL 101 and CIS 103

DH 121 - Oral Histology and Embryology

2-0-0-2
Credit Hours: 2

Study of the embryologic development of orofacial organs and structure and the microscopic examination of tissue structures through the development and organization of these organs. 

Prerequisite:

DH 115DH 135DH 150DH 191 and BIOL 109.

DH 135 - Dental Radiology

2-3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

Theoretical information on radiation physics, x-ray production, image formation and techniques for intra and extraoral radiographs, radiographic anatomy and interpretation will be presented.  Laboratory exercises prepare students to competently expose and mount dental radiographs on patients.  Consideration will be given to the health, safety, and welfare of both the operator and the patient.

Additional course fee: $105
Prerequisite:

ENGL 101 and CIS 103

Co-requisites:

DH 115, DH 150, DH 191, BIOL 109

DH 150 - Dental Auxiliary Practices

3-3-0-4
Credit Hours: 4

DH 150 is both a lecture and pre-clinical course that introduces students to dental auxiliary practices, including the theory, principles and practice of dentistry. Students also learn about the specialty areas in dentistry and the use of dental materials. The dental specialties discussed include orthodontics, restorative and cosmetic dentistry, periodontics, periodontic dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, prosthodontics and endodontics and common medical diseases. Emergencies and CPR are also topics discussed in this course. Students are given the opportunity to develop and practice clerical, chair-side and laboratory skills typically utilized in the dental office.

Additional course fee: $105
Prerequisite:

ENGL 101 and CIS 103

DH 165 - Nutrition and Biochemistry in Dentistry

4-0-4
Credit Hours: 4

Introduction to the principles of human nutrition including energy metabolism with emphasis on carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and their action in the body particularly as related to oral health. Also included are the role of vitamins and minerals and the application of the relationship of food sources to oral health. In addition, students are introduced to the analysis of diets for patient evaluation and education. 

Prerequisite:

DH 115DH 135DH 150DH 191 and BIOL 109.

DH 191 - Clinical Dental Hygiene I

2-0-6-3
Credit Hours: 3

A study of foundational knowledge for performing clinical skills on patients with emphasis on infection control principles, instrumentation procedures, patient assessment and professionalism. Students will develop manual skills necessary for instrumentation while performing preventive and therapeutic services. Legal, ethical, and management aspects of total patient care will be discussed.  Theory is used to provide a foundation for the practice of procedures during clinical experiences.

Additional course fee: $175
Prerequisite:

ENGL 101 CIS 103 and CPR certification.

DH 192 - Clinical Dental Hygiene II

2-0-6-3
Credit Hours: 3

This course is a continuation of DH 191. The focus is on preparing students to perform traditional dental hygiene clinical techniques. They learn about instrumentation (sharpening, designs, and uses of dental hygiene instruments) and tooth examination through radiographs and tooth treatments, including deposit and stain removal, selective coronal polishing, and fluoride applications. They prepare and use study models, learn about the care of removable dental prosthesis, and develop treatment plans in preparation for the clinical work in DH 293. Students are provided with the opportunity to practice learned clinical skills on peers. Students will also develop and participate in an informative poster session, that will be used in the following semester for the professional associations state meeting.

Additional course fee: $175
Prerequisite:

DH 115DH 135DH 150DH 191 and BIOL 109.

Co-requisites:

ENGL 102 (ENGL 102 may be taken concurrently with DH 192)

DH 210 - Local Anesthesia

2-3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

During this course, the dental hygiene student will be introduced to oro-facial anatomy, physiology and pathology, to the local anesthesia armamentarium and to anesthesia treatment and application. Additionally, the student will participate in hands-on application of oro-facial anesthesia administration in pre-clinic lab and clinical component settings. 

Additional course fee: $105
Prerequisite:

DH 121DH 165DH 192 and BIOL 110

DH 241 - Oral Pathology

2-0-0-2
Credit Hours: 2

Acquaints the dental hygiene student with oral anomalies manifested by development, metabolic disturbances and disease. Emphasis will be directed toward the recognition of these pathological conditions from direct observations of patients, radiographs and slides of pertinent structures. 

Prerequisite:

ENGL 102BIOL 110DH 165DH 192, and DH 121

DH 245 - Dental Pharmacology and Pain Management

2-0-0-2
Credit Hours: 2

Familiarizes the dental hygienist with the medications that patients may be taking and drugs that may be administered in the dental practice. It also will provide insight into the mechanism of drug action and interaction in the body. Anesthetics will be reviewed with a discussion of pain management techniques. The classification of different types of medications with examples and their uses will be discussed. 

Prerequisite:

ENGL 102BIOL 110DH 165DH 192, and DH 121

DH 247 - Periodontics

4-0-0-4
Credit Hours: 4

Encompasses the study of clinical and histological characteristics of normal, pathological and etiological factors of periodontal disease. Emphasis is placed on correlating basic sciences with clinical aspects of periodontics. Wound healing, various modes of periodontal therapy including surgical techniques and preventive maintenance will be addressed.

Prerequisite:

ENGL 102BIOL 110DH 121DH 192, and DH 165

DH 271 - Community Dentistry

3-0-1-3
Credit Hours: 3

In DH 271, the principles of public health in relation to the dental hygienists are discussed. The roles in providing health care to the community along with field assignments in selected approved social settings permit student participation in community health care planning. Their familiarization with patterns for delivery of comprehensive health care services and the appropriate dental team roles is the intention of this program course.

Prerequisite:

 DH 241, DH 245, DH 247, DH 293, and BIOL 241

Co-requisites:

ENGL 115

DH 293 - Clinical Dental Hygiene III

4-0-12-6
Credit Hours: 6

Continuation of DH 192, with emphasis on additional clinical techniques and patients with "special needs," along with examination of a variety of medical emergencies that may occur in the dental practice. 

Additional course fee: $345
Prerequisite:

BIOL 110ENGL 102DH 165DH 121, and DH 192

DH 294 - Clinical Dental Hygiene IV

3-1-18-6
Credit Hours: 6

Continuation of DH 293. Laboratory and/or clinical practice of more advanced aspects of the delivery of dental hygiene care. 

Additional course fee: $345
Prerequisite:

DH 241DH 245DH 247DH 293, and BIOL 241

Co-requisites:

ENGL 115

DH 295 - Clinical Dental Hygiene V

1-0-8-2
Credit Hours: 2

Course work designed to prepare the Dental Hygiene student for the working world. Resume writing and job interview techniques will be taught. Career directions and the future of dental hygiene will be addressed. Clinical expertise will be refined in this course. Time management, in conjunction with total patient care, will be emphasized. 

Additional course fee: $345
Prerequisite:

DH 271DH 294, and ENGL 115