Dental Hygiene Certificate (DHCT)

5 credit hours (3 lec., 6 lab) An introduction to the basic theories, principles, and procedures used in dental hygiene practice, with primary emphasis on the techniques of instrumentation used in performing diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic services. The dental hygiene student will have an opportunity to practice these techniques on manikins and student partners in the clinic. Letter Graded

3 credit hours (3 lec., 1 lab) A course designed to provide the student with the background knowledge to assess patient oral health needs, to select appropriate preventive strategies, and to present information and demonstration techniques for effective patient education. Letter Graded Course fee: $30

2 credit hours (2 lec., 1 lab) An introduction to the production and emission of dental x-radiation, safety precautions, and the exposure processing and interpretation of dental radiographs. Letter Graded

2 credit hours (2 lec) A study of the anatomic structures of the head and neck. Emphasis is placed on the muscles of mastication, salivary glands, and the vascular, lymphatic, and nerve supply to the head and neck as it relates to the clinical practice of the dental hygienist. Letter Graded Course fee: $100

2 credit hours (2 lec.) A study of the embryology and microscopic anatomy of human tissues with emphasis on the formation of the face, oral cavity, and dental structures. Clinical relevance will be stressed for applicability to pathology and periodontology. Letter Graded

3 credit hours (2 lec., 2 lab) The essentials of nomenclature, anatomical form, structure and function of the permanent teeth, with some study devoted to primary teeth, is presented. Laboratory practice includes identification of natural extracted teeth, the reproduction of tooth forms to emphasize morphology and functional relationships, and the adaptability of clinical instrument to root structures of varying topography. Letter Graded

3 credit hours (10 clinic) This introductory clinical course offers the student individual instruction and clinical practice in all phases of providing basic dental hygiene services. Letter Graded

3 credit hours (3 lec.) This course is a continuation of information that will enhance performance of procedures in a clinical setting. Emphasis will include patient management, evaluation and recall, instrumentation skills, and introduction to various specialties in dentistry. Letter Graded

1 credit hour (1 lec., 1 lab) An introduction to supplemental intra-oral techniques and basic extra-oral radiographic techniques including patient/receptor positioning and the resulting image. Diagnostic information and normal radiographic anatomy of these various views will be presented. Letter Graded

3 credit hours (3 lec.) An introduction to diseases affecting the oral region, including the principles of inflammation and healing, developmental disturbances, the pathology of dental caries, dental and oral abnormalities, bacterial, viral and mycotic diseases, oral injuries, and neoplasms. Premalignant lesions and their differences from common benign conditions are emphasized. Letter Graded

2 credit hours (2 lec) This course provides the student the opportunity to study dental office emergencies with emphasis on prevention, prompt recognition, and effective emergency care. Letter Graded

1 credit hour (1 lec. 1 lab) This course provides the dental hygiene student with opportunities to apply principles of plaque control, patient education, and disease prevention. In addition to lectures, learning activities will include problem-based learning and case presentations. Letter Graded

3 credit hours (3 lec.) This course includes advanced study in periodontics as it relates to dental hygiene practice. Emphasis will be placed on etiology and pathology of periodontal diseases, diagnostic work-up, advanced principles of instrumentation, prevention, and treatment of periodontal diseases and occlusal disorders, and clinical case discussion. Letter Graded

2 credit hour (2 lec.) This course covers current science, theories, and implementation of local anesthesia. Students will learn foundational skill development in the administration of infiltration anesthesia in dental hygiene procedures while gaining laboratory and clinical experience in the administration of local anesthesia. Letter Graded

3 credit hours (21 clinic) This clinical course provides the continuation of experience for clinical practice of the dental hygiene process of care. Practice of advanced dental hygiene procedures for Class II prophylaxis and Stage I to II periodontally involved cases will be stressed. Letter Graded

3 credit hours (4 lec. 4 lab) This course address characteristics, properties, manipulation, and evaluation of various materials utilized in dental procedures. Emphasis is placed on the laboratory procedures performed and materials used by the dental hygienist. Letter Graded Course fee: $30

4 credit hours (14 clinic) This clinical course provides the continuation of experience for clinical practice of the dental hygiene process of care. Practice of advanced dental hygiene procedures for Class III and Class IV prophylaxis cases and Stage II to III periodontally involved case will be emphasized. Letter Graded

2 credit hours (2 lec.) This course will emphasize the assessment and management of patients and the use of dental informatics. Students will explore emotional intelligence, dental software, oral cancer screening, portable radiography, sutures, oral piercings, adjunctive periodontal therapies, ethical decision making and risk management in treatment planning. Letter Graded

3 credit hours (3 lec.) This course is an introduction to the tools of epidemiology and biostatistics, and includes the critical analysis of scientific literature and the methods and materials necessary to teach dental health to individuals and groups. As community health promoters, the student will have an opportunity to address and attempt to resolve critical issues in the current delivery system. Letter Graded Course fee: $30

2 credit hours. (2 lec.) This course is a study of the action use and effect of commonly used drugs on the human body. Emphasis is placed on the practical evaluation of drugs utilized in dentistry, drugs being taken by dental patients and their effect on treatment. Letter Graded

1 credit hour (1 lec.) This course is a dental-related study of nutrition. Interrelationships of the diet and oral health will be addressed. A case-based approach will be utilized to demonstrate the crucial connection between systemic health, nutrition and oral health. Letter Graded

2.0 credit hours This course is designed to provide the student with information on interventions and patient management strategies for patients who are medically compromised or have unusual health factors. The course will emphasize the assessment, identification of the needs and oral manifestations of certain acute and chronic diseases/conditions, planning individualized dental hygiene treatment and implementation of modifications to clinical techniques and patient counseling. The student will have the opportunity to discuss ethical concerns for treatment options for medically complex patients. Letter Graded

4 credit hours. (14 clinic) Prerequisite: DHCT 3301/DHBS 4301. These clinical sessions combine both basic and advanced dental hygiene skills with time management techniques essential for private practice. Practice of advanced dental hygiene procedures for Class III and Class IV prophylaxis cases and moderate to severe periodontally involved cases will be emphasized. Letter Graded

1 credit hours (1 lec.) This course explores professional ethics, laws governing the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene, malpractice, and liability. Letter Graded

2 credit hours (1 lec., 3 lab/field experiences) This course is continuation of Community Dental Health, with an opportunity for the student to practice skills in communication and motivational techniques, principles of learning-teaching, and media preparation and presentation through didactic and extra-mural experiences. Letter Graded

1credit hour (1 lec.) This course is a continuation of General Oral Pathology in which cases of unknown oral pathology are presented, the student's objective is to obtain a complete history, formulate a differential diagnosis, and propose a rational approach for evaluation and treatment of the patient. Letter Graded

2 credit hour (2 lec.) This course is designed to integrate dental hygiene theory and practice with biomedical sciences in order to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to help maximize student performance on the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. Letter Graded

2 credit hours (2 lec.) This course focuses on the business methodology in the dental hygiene profession including employment techniques, office and staff communication, and practice management. Letter Graded