Dental Hygiene A.A.S.

This course introduces the structures of the head, neck, and oral cavity. Topics include tooth morphology, head and neck anatomy, histology, and embryology. Upon completion, students should be able to relate the identification of normal structures and development to the practice of dental assisting and dental hygiene.

This course provides a comprehensive view of the principles and procedures of radiology as they apply to dentistry. Topics include techniques in exposing, processing, and evaluating radiographs, as well as radiation safety, quality assurance, and legal issues. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in the production of diagnostically acceptable radiographs using appropriate safety precautions.

This course provides the opportunity to perform clinical dental hygiene procedures discussed in DEN-120. Emphasis is placed on clinical skills in patient assessment and instrumentation techniques. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the ability to perform specific preclinical procedures. Also, students should be able to demonstrate the aseptic technique used in a dental environment.

This course covers principles of microbiology with emphasis on microorganisms and human disease. Topics include an overview of microbiology and aspects of medical microbiology, identification, and control of pathogens, disease transmission, host resistance, and immunity. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of microorganisms and the disease process as well as aseptic and sterile techniques. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement.

This course provides a study of the management of dental office emergencies. Topics include methods of prevention, necessary equipment/drugs, medicolegal considerations, recognition and effective initial management of a variety of emergencies. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize, assess, and manage various dental office emergencies and activate advanced medical support when indicated.

This course continues skill development in providing an oral prophylaxis. Emphasis is placed on treatment of the recall patients with gingivitis or light deposits. Upon completion, students should be able to assess these patients’ needs and complete the necessary dental hygiene treatment.

This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquiry, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies English Composition.

This course introduces the practices and principles of interpersonal communication in both dyadic and group settings. Emphasis is placed on the communication process, perception, listening, self-disclosure, speech apprehension, ethics, nonverbal communication, conflict, power, and dysfunctional communication relationships. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate interpersonal communication skills, apply basic principles of group discussion, and manage conflict in interpersonal communication situations.

This course introduces principles in treatment modification. Topics include modification of treatment for pain management and advanced radiographic interpretation. Upon completion, students should be able to differentiate necessary treatment modifications, radiographic abnormalities, and be certified in the administration of local anesthesia.

This course provides a general knowledge of oral pathological manifestations associated with selected systemic and oral diseases. Topics include developmental and degenerative diseases, selected microbial diseases, specific and nonspecific immune and inflammatory responses with an emphasis on recognizing abnormalities. Upon completion, students should be able to differentiate between normal and abnormal tissues and refer unusual findings to the dentist for a diagnosis.

This course introduces advanced principles of patient care. Topics include advanced periodontal debridement, subgingival irrigation, air polishing, special needs and case presentations. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of methods of treatment and management of periodontally compromised and special needs patients.

This course introduces the physical properties of materials and related procedures used in dentistry. Topics include restorative and preventative materials, fabrication of casts and appliances, and chair-side functions of the dental hygienist. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in the laboratory and/or clinical application of routinely used dental materials and chair-side functions.

This course provides an overview of the scientific study of human behavior. Topics include history, methodology, biopsychology, sensation, perception, learning, motivation, cognition, abnormal behavior, personality theory, social psychology, and other relevant topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the science of psychology. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies Social/Behavioral Sciences.

This course provides an opportunity to increase knowledge of the profession. Emphasis is placed on dental specialties, technological advances, and completion of a case study presentation. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of various disciplines of dentistry, technological advances, and principles of case presentations.

This course includes professional development, ethics, and jurisprudence with applications to practice management. Topics include conflict management, state laws, resumes, interviews, and legal liabilities as healthcare professionals. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the ability to practice dental hygiene within established ethical standards and state laws.

This course introduces the scientific study of human society, culture, and social interactions. Topics include socialization, research methods, diversity and inequality, cooperation and conflict, social change, social institutions, and organizations. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of sociological concepts as they apply to the interplay among individuals, groups, and societies. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies Social/Behavioral Sciences.