Dental Hygiene Courses

DENT 201 Principles of Dental Hygiene 2 credits. Introduction to the dental field with study of dental health problems and needs, the dental health team, dental specialties, legal and professional responsibilities, and licensure requirements. Special emphasis on self-exploration of dental hygiene as a career option. F

DENT 299 Introduction to the Dental Office (Elective) 2 credits. Survey and introduction to dental terminology and office procedures including duties and responsibilities of various dental personnel through lectures, activities and field experiences. F

DENT 307 Medical Emergencies in Dental Practice 3 credits. Lectures, discussions, laboratory activities and certification relevant to common medical emergencies occurring in the dental office with emphasis on precautions as well as treatment. Study of the administration and interactions of drugs used in dentistry. F

DENT 308 Oral Histology and Embryology 2 credits. Study of the embryologic and histologic development of the face and oral structures and the histologic response of oral tissues specifically related to health and disease. Utilization of laboratory, microscopic and diagnostic aids. F

DENT 309 Oral Pathology 2 credits. Study of common oral lesions and neoplasms including general, dental and oral pathological processes with emphasis on etiology and clinical manifestations. Utilization of patient history, laboratory, roentgenographic and other diagnostic aids. PREREQ: DENT 308. S

DENT 311 Tooth Morphology 2 credits. Morphological characteristics and development of the teeth and oral structures. Emphasis on root anatomy and preparation for advanced clinical skills. F

DENT 312 Head and Neck Anatomy 3 credits. Descriptive anatomical study of regions of the head and neck, including skeletal, blood, and nervous tissues. Special emphasis on structures related to clinical dental hygiene procedures. COREQ: DENT 311. F

DENT 313 Clinical Dental Hygiene I 2 credits. Didactic introduction to patient assessment, oral examination, dental/periodontal charting, and oral prophylaxis procedures, emphasizing basic instrumentation. PREREQ: ACCEPTANCE IN DENTAL HYGIENE PROGRAM. F

DENT 313C Clinical Dental Hygiene I, Clinic 3 credits. Preclinical application of didactic information and concepts presented in DENT 313. PREREQ: ACCEPTANCE IN DENTAL HYGIENE PROGRAM. COREQ: DENT 313. F

DENT 314 Clinical Dental Hygiene II 2 credits. Continued didactic instruction in basic instrumentation with emphasis on total oral health care delivery. PREREQ: DENT 313, 313C. S

DENT 314C Clinical Dental Hygiene II, Clinic 3 credits. Clinical application of basic instrumentation procedures with emphasis on total oral health care delivery. PREREQ: DENT 313, 313C. F

DENT 315 Preventive Dentistry 2 credits. Theory and techniques of dietary management, plaque control, and fluoride utilization with emphasis on effecting behavioral changes. Videotape patient communication assignments conducted throughout the semester. COREQ: DENT 313C. F

DENT 316 Dental Materials and Office Procedures 2 credits. Survey of the physical and chemical properties of materials used in dentistry. Manipulation and utilization of materials through basic dental assisting procedures. F

DENT 317 Oral Roentgenology I 1 credit. Survey of principles of x-ray production and radiographic equipment with emphasis placed on radiation safety and protection. F

DENT 318 Oral Roentgenology II 2 credits. Principles and technique of exposing and interpreting oral roentgenographic surveys. Complete radiographic surveys for clinical patients are produced during laboratory experience. PREREQ: DENT 313, DENT 313C, DENT 312, DENT 317. S

DENT 319 Preclinical Expanded Functions 3 credits. Didactic and laboratory application of restorative expanded functions for dental hygienists. Functions include: rubber dams, matrix and wedge, bases and liners, placing and finishing amalgam, composite and temporary restorations. PREREQ: DENT 311, DENT 316. S

DENT 320 Local Anesthesia 2 credits. Didactic and clinical instruction in the administration of local anesthetic agents, with emphasis on techniques of field and nerve block anesthesia. PREREQ: DENT 307, DENT 312. S

DENT 321 Introduction to Periodontology 2 credits. Didactic and laboratory instruction involving the etiology and progression of periodontal disease, periodontal structures, occlusal considerations, periodontal instrumentation for root planing and margination procedures. PREREQ: DENT 308, DENT 313, DENT 313C. S

DENT 330C Summer Interim Clinic 2 credits. Continued clinical application of dental hygiene procedures emphasizing total patient care. For students who require additional clinical course experience for DENT 314C or DENT 404C sufficient for progression or graduation. PREREQ: PERMISSION OF DEPARTMENT. Su

DENT 401 Research Methodology 3 credits. Descriptive research course designed to provide the student with a fundamental and working knowledge of the scientific methods employed in research and to develop skills in critical analysis of research findings. Basic statistical concepts and procedures also are utilized. PREREQ: MATH 252. F

DENT 402 Periodontology 3 credits. Didactic and clinical study of etiology, diagnosis, preventive and therapeutic procedures involved with periodontal disease. PREREQ : DENT 313, DENT 313C, DENT 314, DENT 314C, DENT 321. F

DENT 403 Clinical Dental Hygiene III 2 credits. Study of advanced clinical procedures in all phases of clinical practice, including soft tissue curettage, root planing, and pain control. PREREQ: DENT 314, DENT 314C. F

DENT 403C Clinical Dental Hygiene III, Clinic 4 credits. Clinical application of advanced procedures including root planing, soft tissue curettage, and pain control. PREREQ: DENT 314, DENT 314C. F

DENT 404 Clinical Dental Hygiene IV 2 credits. Continuation of advanced clinical procedures including preventive and therapeutic periodontology with emphasis on special needs patients. PREREQ: DENT 403, DENT 403C. S

DENT 404C Clinical Dental Hygiene IV, Clinic 4 credits. Continuation of advanced clinical applications including preventive and therapeutic periodontology with emphasis on special needs patients. PREREQ: DENT 403, DENT 403C. S

DENT 405 Special Procedures 1 credit. Principles and techniques of special dental hygiene procedures including margination, finishing/polishing restorations, panoramic surveys, alginate impressions, study casts, pit and fissure sealants and other legally delegated oral health services. COREQ: DENT 403C, DENT 411C. F

DENT 406 Oral Health Care for Patients with Special Needs 1 credit. Modifications of dental hygiene care for individuals with transient or lifelong special needs emphasizing the elderly, people with disabilities and individuals from diverse cultures. F

DENT 408 Ethics and Jurisprudence 2 credits. Study of legal, ethical, and moral responsibilities of professionals that have implications on the practice of dental hygiene, and in evaluating, selecting, and securing positions. Dental economics and human relationships in the dental office are discussed. F

DENT 409 Communication and Behavior Management in Dentistry 1 credit. Principles of communication and behavior management as related to patient-provider relationships, management of dental fears/anxiety, and interpersonal interactions in the employment setting. S

DENT 410 Community Dental Health 3 credits. Concepts of preventive dentistry, public health, and research are applied to achieve a sustained improvement in the oral health behavior, knowledge, and attitude of a group of subjects not normally seen as patients. Field experiences required. PREREQ: DENT 315, DENT 401. S

DENT 411 Expanded Functions 2 credits. Didactic and clinical application of advanced procedures emphasizing local anesthesia, condensing and finishing amalgam restorations, and dental assisting procedures. PREREQ: DENT 319, DENT 320. F

DENT 411C Expanded Functions Clinic 1 credit. Clinical application of advanced procedures emphasizing local anesthesia, condensing and finishing amalgam restorations, and dental assisting procedures. PREREQ: DENT 319, DENT 320. F

DENT 412 Expanded Functions II 2 credits. Continuation and amplification of advanced procedures. The broad spectrum of expanded functions and TEAM concepts will enable the hygienist to participate as an integral member of the dental team. PREREQ: DENT 411. S

DENT 412C Expanded Functions II, Clinic 1 credit. Continuation and amplification of skills developed in DENT 411C, emphasizing experience in restorative expanded functions, four-handed dentistry, and administration of local anesthesia. PREREQ: DENT 411, DENT 411C. S

DENT 420 Dental Hygiene Specialty Emphasis 2 credits. Didactic and clinical instruction offered in three dental hygiene specialties, including community dental health, dental hygiene education, and advanced clinic and periodontology. Students select one emphasis. PREREQ: DENT 402. S

DENT 481-482 Independent Problems in Dental Hygiene 1-3 credits. Students will select an area of special interest to pursue through independent study. The student normally is required to present a report giving results of his/her work. F, S, Su