DENTAL HYGIENE COURSES
Offered only at North Campus

FIRST SEMESTER   (offered Fall only)

DH100  Oral Health Services I     (3,9)   5 Credits

This course provides an overview of the theory and practice of clinical dental hygiene.  A combined clinic/lecture module introduces dental hygiene assessment and instrumentation techniques, orientation to the dental operatory, health history interpretation, intra-oral and extra-oral patient examination, dental charting, mandated infection control and confidentiality procedures. Dental models are used for practice and classmates serve as patients. Students must recruit patients for the second half of the semester. A lecture module on professionalism covers the characteristics of a professional, the origin and development of Dental Hygiene as a profession, ethics, cultural competence, professional organizations and an overview of the ADHA, evidence-based decision making and current issues in the profession. Another lecture module introduces plaque induced dental diseases and methods used to prevent oral diseases.   Minimum passing grade required is “C-” for the written evaluations in EACH lecture module and for clinical competency skill evaluations in the clinic module.  Co-requisites:  All required first semester courses. Fall only/North 

DH110  Head, Neck and Oral Anatomy  (0,6)  3 Credits

An introduction to dental terminology, morphology, and functional characteristics of teeth and occlusion.   The embryologic development of the teeth and orofacial structures as well as the histogenesis, structure and function of dental tissues are studied.  Individual tooth development and eruption patterns of primary and permanent teeth are compared.  A detailed study of the bones, muscles, nerves, vascular supply and specialized tissues of the head and neck.  Application to clinical dental hygiene is stressed.  Minimum passing grade is a “C-”.  Co requisite: All first semester courses in the dental hygiene curriculum.  Fall only/North 

DH120  Dental Radiography I  (1,0)  1 Credit

The technical aspects of radiography are presented.  Lectures include an overview of radiation history, radiation safety, infection control, a discussion of dental films, intra-oral techniques, film exposure factors and image formation, film processing and mounting, basic interpretation, quality control techniques and the care and maintenance of dental radiographic equipment.  Minimum passing grade is a “C-”.  Co-requisite:  All first semester courses in DH.

DH121  Lab for DH120  (0,2)  1 Credit

Practical application of knowledge gained in DH120. Using a training manikin, emphasis is placed on the paralleling technique with the aid of XCP instruments and the stabe film holder. Film processing techniques, film mounting, digital radiography, basic interpretation and self-evaluation of technique and processing errors.  Radiation safety for patient and operator will be stressed.  Minimum passing grade is a “C-”.  Co-requisite:  DH120.

SECOND SEMESTER COURSES  (offered Spring only)

DH150  Oral Health Services II    (2, 9)  4 Credits

Students will gain experience in the dental hygiene process of care while providing oral health services to patients.  Lecture topics and clinical skills include patient management, instrumentation techniques, care and sharpening of instruments, producing diagnostically acceptable dental radiographs, stain removal and polishing of teeth, application of topical fluorides and anesthetics, instructing patients on oral self-care, dental operatory maintenance, and use of electronic patient records. Students must recruit patients for treatment. A lecture module prepares students with the verbal and motivational skills needed to provide effective oral health education to client groups of all ages. Discussions include writing objectives and developing lesson plans for group specific oral health instruction and use of audiovisual equipment. Students work collaboratively in small groups to develop and deliver a presentation to a target audience in the community. Minimum passing grade required is “C-” for the written evaluation in EACH lecture module and for clinical competency skill evaluations in the clinic module. Specific clinical requirements must also be satisfactorily completed. Pre-requisite:  All required first semester courses must be passed.  Co-requisites:  All required second semester courses and current BLS certification.  Spring only/North

DH170  Dental Nutrition  (2,0)   2 Credits

Basic principles of nutrition are studied including nutrients, carbohydrates, minerals, proteins, fats, and vitamins.  Clinical applications to oral health and the effects of nutritional deficiencies are studied.  Clients are provided with nutritional counseling to control dental caries using dietary evaluation systems and clinical salivary testing.  Minimum passing grade is a “C-”.  Prerequisites:  All required first semester courses must be passed.  Co-requisites:  All required second semester courses.

DH180  Dental Radiography II  (1,0)  1 Credit

A continuation of Dental Radiography I.  The fundamentals of dental radiography are presented.  Lectures include radiation physics and biology, radiographic interpretation and application to patient treatment.  Supplemental techniques will include extraoral radiography, digital radiography and special needs patients and an in-depth look at quality assurance.  Minimum passing grade is a “C-”.  Pre-requisite:  All required first semester courses must be passed.  Co-Requisite:  All required second semester courses.

DH181  Lab for DH180  (0,2)  1 Credit

Practical application of the knowledge gained in Dental Radiography II.  Using a training manikin, emphasis is placed on supplemental intraoral techniques as well as panoramic radiography.  Hands-on training in identification of anatomical landmarks, caries, calculus and commonly used restorative materials with the use of intraoral and panoramic film as well as basic quality control tests.  Minimum passing grade is a “C-”.  Co-requisite:  DH180.

DH190 Periodontology  (2, 0)  2 Credits

This course will focus on the study of normal and diseased periodontium including the structural, functional and environmental factors affecting these tissues.  Emphasis will be placed on etiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, treatment modalities and therapeutic and preventive periodontics in a clinical setting.  Students will receive a sound foundation in the biological aspects of periodontal disease including immune system dysfunction, the dental hygiene treatment plan, classification of periodontal diseases and periodontal treatment modalities.  At the conclusion of this course, the student should fully understand the evidence-based nature of periodontal diseases and the role of the dental hygienist as a periodontal co-therapist in the prevention, treatment and maintenance of the periodontal patient. Minimum required passing grade is “C-“.  Prerequisites:  All required first semester courses in the dental hygiene curriculum must be passed.  Co-requisites:  All required second semester courses in the dental hygiene curriculum.

                   

SUMMER SEMESTER  (6 weeks)

DH175  Oral Health Services III    (0, 6)   3 Credits

Practical experience in applying the dental hygiene process of care in the treatment and management of dental hygiene patients includes assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation.  Instrumentation techniques include comprehensive scaling, use of ultrasonics and instrument sharpening.  Experiences also include producing and interpreting film-based and digital dental radiographs, application of topical fluorides and anesthetics, patient education, use of  dental sealants and cleaning of removable dental appliances.  Current infection control and patient confidentiality procedures are followed.  Students will recruit patients for treatment.  Minimum passing grade is “C-”.  Specific clinical requirements must be satisfactorily completed. Pre-requisites:  All required first year Spring semester courses must be passed.  Co-requisite: Current BLS certification required.  Summer only/North.

 

THIRD SEMESTER COURSES  (offered Fall only)

DH200  Oral Health Service IV     (3, 12)   6 Credits

This course provides practical clinical experiences utilizing the dental hygiene process of care in patient management.  The clinical module includes skills in patient assessment, dental radiography, recording of vital signs, patient education and motivation, application of pit and fissure sealants, treatment planning and developing a dental hygiene diagnosis, intraoral photography, implementation of treatment and evaluation of treatment.  Students must recruit patients for treatment and recall  previously treated patients. A clinic lecture module explores smoking cessation, management and prevention of dental caries and nutritional counseling, tooth  whitening agents, bloodborne infectious diseases, dentinal hypersensitivity, recognition and reporting of child abuse and neglect.  Another lecture module covers advanced topics periodontology including assessment and management of periodontal disease through instrumentation techniques, ultrasonics, soft tissue management protocols, systemic antibiotics and locally applied chemotherapeutic agents.  A third lecture module provides an overview of patients with special needs and the factors which may complicate the management and delivery of dental hygiene services.   Minimum passing grade required is “C-” for the written evaluations in EACH lecture module and for clinical competency skill evaluations in the clinic module.  Specific clinical requirements must be satisfactorily completed. Pre-requisites:  All required first year courses must be passed.  Co-requisites:  All required courses for the Fall semester of second year and current BLS certification.  Fall only/North

DH220  Dental Materials  (2, 0)   2 Credits

Theory and description of the materials used in general dental practice and relevant dental specialties.  Includes general composition, physical and chemical properties and behavior in the oral environment.  The theoretical ideal dental restorative material will be described and existing materials will be compared to it.  Sealant materials used in preventive dentistry will be discussed.  Minimum passing grade is a “C-”.  Prerequisite:  All required first year courses must be passed.  Co-requisite:  All required courses for the Fall semester of second year.

DH221  Dental Materials Laboratory  (0, 2)   l Credit

Practical application of knowledge gained in DH220.  Commonly used dental materials are prepared to gain experience in manipulation techniques and to insure optimum results.  Clinical and laboratory materials will be used including impression, restorative, sealant, polishing and dental model plaster and stone.  An introduction to instrument set-up, transfer and assisting are part of the lab.  Minimum passing grade is a “C-”.  Pre-requisite:  All required first year courses must be passed.  Co-requisite:  DH220.

DH230 Pathology  (3, 0)  3 Credits

This course will study the nature of disease, its causes, development and consequences.  The course consists of three units - a study of the basic principles of pathology; a survey of disorders affecting the oral and para-oral tissues; a review of systemic diseases of importance in dental hygiene practice.  Emphasis is placed on the recognition and understanding of common local and systemic disorders affecting the oral tissues and the impact of these findings on the treatment provided by the dental hygienist.  Minimum passing grade is a “C-”.  Pre-requisite:  All required first year courses must be passed.  Co-requisite:  All required courses for the Fall semester of second year.

 

FOURTH SEMESTER COURSES  (offered Spring only)

DH250  Oral Health Services V     (2, 12)     5 Credits

A continuation of clinical practice experiences is provided together with supporting lectures.  Clinical activities performed include assessment and management of children, adolescents, adults, medically compromised and geriatric patients; advanced instrumentation techniques, air polishing and chemotherapeutics.  Radiography experiences include film-based and digital intra-oral and panoramic techniques, film processing and image interpretation.  Lecture topics cover oral care products, dental emergencies and case studies are used to stimulate a variety of clinical scenarios and to relate knowledge, clinical skills and professional behaviors. Students must recruit patients for treatment and recall previously treated patients.  Students may receive 15 hours of clinical training in infiltration local anesthesia and nitrous oxide analgesia. A second lecture module concentrates on professional practice topics including legal aspects of dental hygiene practice, risk management, licensure requirements and procedures, structure of ADHA, healthcare provider/patient relationships, ethical dilemmas, résumé writing, job interview techniques,  employee-employer rights and obligations.  Students work in small groups to develop and present a table clinic. Minimum passing grade required is  “C-” for the written evaluations in EACH lecture module and  for clinical competency skill evaluations in the clinic module.  Specific clinical requirements must be satisfactorily completed. Pre-requisites:  All Fall semester second year courses must be passed.  Co-requisites:  All required final semester courses and current BLS certification. 

DH160 Pain & Anxiety Control  (2,0)  2 Credits

Effective pain and anxiety control are essential components of the management of dental patients.  This course will present the didactic material required by the State of New York for a dental hygiene restricted local infiltration anesthesia/nitrous oxide analgesia certificate.  The clinical requirements for this certificate will begin in Oral Health Services V.  Pre-requisites: All required Fall semester second year courses must be passed.  Co-requisites: All required final semester courses. 

 

DH260 Community Dental Health  (2, 0)   2 Credits

General principles in the field of public health will be addressed with an emphasis on health care delivery systems.  Principles and techniques in assessing and appraising data will be discussed in relation to product evaluation and interpretation of research. Concentration on efforts to improve dental health through organized community effort.  Principles and techniques in the selection of data, appraisal of variability, and correlation.  Principles of the epidemiology of oral diseases will be reviewed.  Ways and means of developing dental health programs will be studied in conjunction with a field experience aimed at a target group in the local community.  Minimum passing grade is a “C-”.  Prerequisite:  All required Fall semester second year courses must be passed.  Co-requisite:  All required final semester courses

DH270  Pharmacology  (2, 0)   2 Credits

An overview of pharmacologic principles will include drug absorption, bioavailability, metabolism and excretion, toxicity and side effects, routes of administration and placebo effect.  Drug categories covered include anti-infectives, autonomic drugs, analgesics, anesthetics, anti-anxiety drugs, anti-plaque agents, anticonvulsants, antihistamines and cardiovascular medications.  Additional topics will include prescription writing, alcohol and drug abuse, and drugs for emergency use.  The impact of various drugs and drug combinations on the management of dental hygiene patients will be stressed.    Minimum required passing grade is “C-“.  Prerequisites:  All required Fall, second year courses in the dental hygiene curriculum must be passed.  Co-requisites:  All required final semester courses in the dental hygiene curriculum.

 
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