508-101 Dental Health Safety

Prepares dental auxiliary students to respond proactively to dental emergencies, control infection, prevent disease, adhere to OSHA Standards, and safely manage hazardous materials. Students also take patient vital signs and collect patient medical/dental histories. CPR certification is a prerequisite; students will be required to show proof of certification before the beginning the course.

508-102 Oral Anatomy, Embry, Histology

Prepares Dental Hygienist students to apply detailed knowledge about oral anatomy to planning, implementation, assessment, and evaluation of patient care. Students identify distinguishing characteristics of normal and abnormal dental, head, and neck anatomy and its relationship to tooth development, eruption. and health.

508-103 Dental Radiography

Prepares dental auxiliary students to operate x-ray units and expose bitewing, periapical, extra oral, and occlusal radiographs. Emphasis is placed on protection against xray hazards. Students also process, mount, and evaluate radiographs for diagnostic value. In this course students demonstrate competency on a manikin. In addition, students expose bite wing radiographs on a peer, role-play patient.

508-105 Dental Hygiene Process I

Introduces Dental Hygiene students to the basic technical/clinical skills required of practicing Dental Hygienists including use of basic dental equipment, examination of patients, and procedures within the dental unit. Under the direct supervision of an instructor, students integrate hands-on skills with entry-level critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The course also reinforces the application of Dental Health Safety skills.

508-106 Dental Hygiene Process 2

This clinical course builds on and expands the technical/clinical skills student dental hygienists began developing in Dental Hygiene Process 1. Under the direct supervision of an instructor, students apply patient care assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation skills to provide comprehensive care for calculus case type 1 and 2 patients and perio case patients. Dental Hygiene Process 2 introduces the application of fluoride and desensitizing agents, whole mouth assessments, comprehensive periodontal examinations, application of sealants, and patient classification. Students also begin performing removal of supragingival stain, dental plaque, calcified accretions, and deposits. In addition, they gain further experience in exposing radiographs on patients. The course also reinforces the application of Dental Health Safety skills.

508-107 Dental Hygiene Ethics and Professionalism

Helps student dental hygienists develop and apply high professional and ethical standards. Students apply the laws that govern the practice of dental hygiene to their work with patients, other members of a dental team and the community. Emphasis is placed on maintaining professionalism which includes confidentiality and informed consent.

508-108 Periodontology

This course prepares student dental hygienists to assess the periodontal health of patients, plan prevention and treatment of periodontal disease, and to evaluate the effectiveness of periodontal treatment plans. Emphasis is placed on the recognition of the signs and causes of periodontal disease and on selection of treatments modalities that minimize risk and restore periodontal health.

508-109 Cariology

This course focuses on the characteristics and contributing factors of dental decay. Dental Hygiene students help patients minimize caries risk by developing treatment plans, communicating methods to patients, and evaluating treatment results.

508-110 Nutrition & Dental Health

Prepares student dental hygienists to counsel patients about diet and its impact on oral health. Students learn to distinguish between balanced and unbalanced diets and to construct diets that meet the needs of patients with compromised dental/oral health. Students also learn to counsel patients about the effect of eating disorders on dental health.

508-111 General & Oral Pathology

This course prepares the student dental hygienist to determine when to consult, treat or refer clients with various disease, infection or physiological conditions. Students learn to recognize the signs, causes, and implications of common pathological conditions including inflammatory responses, immune disorders, genetic disorders, developmental disorders of tissues and cysts, oral tissue trauma, and neoplasm of the oral cavity.

508-112 Dental Hygiene Process 3

This clinical course builds on and expands the technical/clinical skills student dental hygienists developed in Dental Hygiene Process II. In consultation with the instructor, students apply independent problem-solving skills in the course of providing comprehensive care for calculus case type 1, 2, and 3 patients and perio case type 0, I, II, and III patients. Dental Hygiene Process III introduces root detoxification using hand and ultra-sonic instruments, manipulation of files, use of oral irrigators, selection of dental implant prophylaxis treatment options, and administration of chemotherapeutic agents. Students also adapt care plans in order to accommodate patients with special needs.

508-113 Dental Materials

Prepares dental auxiliary students to handle and prepare dental materials such as liners, bases, cements, amalgam, resin restorative materials, gypsum products, and impression materials. They also learn to take alginate impressions on manikins and clean removable appliances.

508-114 Dental Pharmacology

Prepares student dental hygienists to select safe and effective patient premedication and within the scope of dental hygiene practice. Students will also learn to recognize potential pharmacological contraindications for specific patients and to take measures to avoid negative impact or alert other members of the dental team to possible negative impact.

508-115 Community Dental Health

This course prepares the Dental Hygienist student to play a proactive role in improving the dental health of community members of all ages. Students perform and interpret dental health research to determine community dental health needs.

508-117 Dental Hygiene Process 4

This clinical course builds on and expands the technical/clinical skills student dental hygienists developed in Dental Hygiene Process 3. With feedback from the instructor, students manage all aspects of cases in the course of providing comprehensive care for calculus case type 0, 1, 2, and 3 patients and for case type 0 I, II, and III patients. Emphasizes maximization of clinical efficiency and effectiveness. Prepares student dental hygienists to demonstrate their clinical skills in a formal examination situation.

508-118 Dental Anxiety and Pain Management

This course prepares the student dental hygienist to work within the scope of dental hygiene practice to manage anxiety and pain for dental patients. Students learn to prepare and administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide safely. The course also addresses the recommendation of alternative pain control measures.

508-120 Dental Office Management

Prepares dental auxiliary students to manage telephones, appointments, recall systems, and inventory. Students also develop the skills needed to process accounts receivable and payable, collections and third party reimbursements.

508-302 Dental Chairside

Prepares dental assistant students to chart oral cavity structures, dental pathology, and restorations and to assist a dentist with basic dental procedures including examinations, pain control, amalgam restoration and cosmetic restoration. Students will also develop the ability to educate patients about preventive dentistry, brushing and fl ossing techniques, and dental procedures, using lay terminology. Throughout the course, students will apply decoding strategies to the correct use and interpretation of dental terminology.

508-304 Dental & General Anatomy

Prepares dental assistant students to apply fundamentals of general and dental anatomy to informed decision-making and to professional communication with colleagues and patients.

508-306 Dental Assistant Clinical

Students apply skills developed in Dental and General Anatomy, Dental Health Safety, Dental Chairside, Dental Materials, Dental Radiography, and professionalism in a clinical setting with patients. Emphasizes integration of core abilities and basic occupational skills. Assignments at Dental Clinic begin on 11/19/24.

508-307 Dental Assistant Professionalism

Prepares dental assistant students for professional success in a dental practice or another dental health care environment. Students develop professional appearance and image. More importantly, they learn to work within ethical guidelines and legal frameworks. In preparation for entering the work force, dental assistants customize or develop their portfolios and lay out an on-going professional development plan.

508-308 Dental Chairside Advanced

Prepares dental assistant students to adapt chairside skills to assisting with dental specialties as they are performed in general practice. Focuses on pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, oral maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, periodontic, and prosthodontics. Students will also develop the ability to assist with sealants, perform coronal polishing, and apply topical fluoride and topical anesthetics.

508-309 Dental Laboratory Procedures

Prepares Dental Assistant students to produce alginate impressions and fabricate diagnostic models, oral appliances, temporary restorations, and custom trays. Students also polish oral appliances.

508-310 Dental Radiography - Advanced

Builds on principles and skills developed in Dental Radiography. Dental Assisting students expose full mouth series, and specialized radiographs on adult and child patients. Emphasis is placed on protection against x-ray hazards. Students will also process, mount, and evaluate radiographs for diagnostic value. In addition, they will use radiographs to explain dental health and treatment plans to patients.

508-311 Dental Assistant Clinical Advanced

Dental Assisting students apply skills developed in Dental Chairside- Advanced, Dental Lab Procedures, Dental Radiography-Advanced, and Dental Office Procedures in a clinical setting with patients. Emphasizes integration of core abilities and basic and advanced occupational skills.