Associate of Applied Science Degree
10-508-1
This associate degree program prepares individuals for a career as a dental Hygienist. The dental hygienist is a member of the dental team and helps individuals maintain oral health and prevent oral diseases. Under the supervision of a dentist, the hygienist inspects the mouth, removes stains and deposits from teeth, applies preventative agents, prepares clinical and diagnostic tests, completes dental x-rays, and performs many other services related to oral care. Dental hygienists counsel patients about preventive measures such as nutrition, oral hygiene and dental care.
After graduating from an accredited program, dental hygienist graduates are required to successfully complete comprehensive written and clinical examinations given under the direction of the State Dentistry Examining Board, the American Dental Association's Joint Commission.
Model dental hygiene professional code of ethics
Counsel clients/patients to reduce health risks
Provide community oral health services in a variety of settings
Manage infection and hazard control
Assess data on all aspects of patient/client health using methods consistent with dental hygienist scope of practice and legal principles
Formulate a comprehensive dental hygiene care plan in collaboration with the client and other health professionals
Provide preventive and therapeutic services that promote oral health according to the needs of the patient/client
Evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented client/patient dental hygiene care plan
| Courses taken before semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| 806-177 | General Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| 806-186 | Introduction to Biochemistry | 4 |
| 806-197 | Microbiology | 4 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Semester 1 | ||
| 508-103 | Dental Radiography | 2 |
| 508-113 | Dental Materials | 2 |
| 508-102 | Oral Anatomy, Embry, Histology | 4 |
| 508-101 | Dental Health Safety | 1 |
| 508-105 | Dental Hygiene Process I | 4 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| 508-106 | Dental Hygiene Process 2 | 4 |
| 508-108 | Periodontology | 3 |
| 508-109 | Cariology | 1 |
| 508-110 | Nutrition & Dental Health | 2 |
| 801-136 | English Composition 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| 508-111 | General & Oral Pathology | 3 |
| 508-112 | Dental Hygiene Process 3 | 5 |
| 508-114 | Dental Pharmacology | 2 |
| 809-198 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| 809-196 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| 508-107 | Dental Hygiene Ethics and Professionalism | 1 |
| 508-115 | Community Dental Health | 2 |
| 508-117 | Dental Hygiene Process 4 | 4 |
| 508-118 | Dental Anxiety and Pain Management | 2 |
| 801-198 | Speech | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 66 | |
General Education Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 801-136 | English Composition 1 | 3 |
| 801-198 | Speech | 3 |
| 806-186 | Introduction to Biochemistry | 4 |
| 806-177 | General Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| 806-197 | Microbiology | 4 |
| 809-196 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| 809-198 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |