Dental Hygiene

Introduction into the physical properties of dental materials, including laboratory experience in manipulation and preparation of dental materials commonly used in dental practice.

Must be taken concurrently with DH 304 Dental Hygiene Theory I. This course focuses on clinical application processes which include infectious diseases, infection and exposure control. Concept and skill application to include sterilization, dental unit operation and maintenance, ergonomics, patient medical/dental history assessment, patient vitals, emergency care, basic instrument design, principles of instrumentation techniques, dental , extra/intra-oral assessment, introduction to periodontal and dental charting, inspection of teeth, dental hygiene diagnosis and care planning, oral prophylaxis, disclosing, coronal polishing, fluoride application, patient management, time management, documenting manual and electronic information in a dental software system. Students are required to pass instrumentation proficiencies on a typodont, prior to applying their instrumentation skills on a student classmate. Students will be required to bring in two patients for assessments, building upon their skill level. An instrumentation practicum exam will be required as part of the exit exam to move into DH 315 Clinical Practice I.

This course is designed to introduce the student to dental hygiene practice which includes the role of the dental hygiene professional, dental hygiene process of care, evidence-based dental hygiene practice, ethical decision making, medical emergency care, medical and dental histories, extra/intra-oral examinations, dental biofilm, deposits, stains, fluorides, periodontal disease and carious lesion development and classifications, calculus classifications, documenting calculus, occlusal assessments, caries and restorations, treatment planning, oral infection control, and dental hygiene appointment procedures.

Covers selected topics of interest to dental hygiene students, including review of Dental Hygiene National Board Examination. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.

Covers selected topics of interest to dental hygiene students, including review of Dental Hygiene National Board Examination. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.

Histology and embryology of oral structure formation. Clinical recognition of normal oral structures, study of physiological and structural functions of the teeth, head and neck and supporting tissues.