College of Health Professions

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Department of Dental Hygiene

Chair and Professor: Bowen

Associate Professors: Christie, Herzog, Hodges, Miller, Paarmann, Rogo

Assistant Professors: Calley, Kawamura

Instructor: Hamman

Affiliate Assistant Professor: McCune

As licensed professional oral health educators and clinical operators, dental hygienists utilize knowledge of biomedical, dental, and clinical sciences to assist individuals and groups in achieving and maintaining optimum oral health. In many states, the role of the dental hygienist has been extended by the delegation of duties which are beyond this traditional scope of responsibility (advanced functions). As a specialist, the dental hygienist serves as one member of the dental team who plays an integral role in insuring quality, comprehensive care for dental patients.

The basic dental hygiene program is designed to provide the student with knowledge and experience for the delivery of a broad spectrum of preventive and therapeutic oral health services to the public. The curriculum provides liberal arts and professional courses leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in dental hygiene. Two years of college prerequisites are required for admission, followed by two years in the professional dental hygiene program. The dental hygiene program is fully accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Employment Opportunities

Upon completion of the dental hygiene curriculum, graduates are qualified to take the Dental Hygiene National Board Examination and licensure exams in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada and abroad. Graduates are eligible for positions in private dental offices, public health programs, school health programs, dental hygiene education and research. In addition, the dental hygiene program provides instruction and experience in advanced procedures to broaden capabilities for clinical practice.

Admission Statement

Formal application for admission to the dental hygiene program must be submitted before January 15 of the year the student wishes to enter. Applicants must have completed prerequisite courses and completed specific requirements for consideration. Application materials must be forwarded to the Department of Dental Hygiene. Applications for the dental hygiene program and information regarding current admission criteria and procedures can be obtained directly from the department. Admission to Idaho State University is a separate procedure and must be completed simultaneously with application to the dental hygiene program.

Academic Standards

To enroll in upper division courses with a dental hygiene prefix, students must be accepted for admission to the dental hygiene program. Each student is responsible for completing the required course work in proper sequential order. To be eligible for graduation and progression in the dental hygiene program, the student must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.25. Course work for which the student receives a grade below "C" will not be accepted as fulfilling requirements for the Department of Dental Hygiene. Deviations from these standards must be approved by the department chairperson.

Services

Preventive and therapeutic oral health services are provided by staff and experienced students in the dental hygiene clinic. Services for the public include oral prophylaxis, x-rays, preventive treatment for periodontal (gum) disease, fluoride treatments, and patient education in the care of the mouth. Selected advanced services are available for full-time ISU students, faculty and staff. Students desiring information should inquire about the availability of services with the dental hygiene clinic receptionist.

Graduation Requirements

Prerequisite courses     				40-51 cr
(department requirements and general education)
Required dental hygiene courses     			67 cr
Other courses (including general 
education), minimum of:     				15 cr
Electives     						6 cr
TOTAL: 							134 cr
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Required Dental Hygiene Courses
DENT 307     	Medical Emergencies in
     		Dental Practice     			3 cr
DENT 308     	Oral Histology and
     		Embryology     				2 cr
DENT 309     	Oral Pathology     			2 cr
DENT 311     	Tooth Morphology     			2 cr
DENT 312     	Head and Neck Anatomy     		3 cr
DENT 313     	Clinical Dental Hygiene I     		2 cr
DENT 313C     	Clinical Dental Hygiene I,
     		Clinic     				3 cr
DENT 314     	Clinical Dental Hygiene II     		2 cr
DENT 314C     	Clinical Dental Hygiene II,
     		Clinic     				3 cr
DENT 315     	Preventive Dentistry     		2 cr
DENT 316     	Dental Materials and
     		Office Procedures     			2 cr
DENT 317     	Oral Roentgenology I     		1 cr
DENT 318     	Oral Roentgenology II     		2 cr
DENT 319     	Pre-clinical Expanded
     		Functions     				3 cr
DENT 320     	Local Anesthesia     			2 cr
DENT 321     	Introduction to
     		Periodontology     			2 cr
DENT 401     	Research Methodology     		3 cr
DENT 402     	Periodontology     			3 cr
DENT 403     	Clinical Dental Hygiene III     	2 cr
DENT 403C     	Clinical Dental Hygiene III,
     		Clinic     				4 cr
DENT 404     	Clinical Dental Hygiene IV     		2 cr
DENT 404C     	Clinical Dental Hygiene IV,
    		Clinic     				4 cr
DENT 405     	Special Procedures     			1 cr
DENT 406     	Oral Health Care for
     		Patients with Special Needs     	1 cr
DENT 408     	Ethics and Jurisprudence     		2 cr
DENT 409     	Communication and Behavior
     		Management in Dentistry     		1 cr
DENT 410     	Community Dental Health     		3 cr
DENT 411     	Expanded Functions I     		2 cr
DENT 411C     	Expanded Functions I, Clinic     	1 cr
DENT 412     	Expanded Functions II     		2 cr
DENT 412C    	Expanded Functions II, Clinic     	1 cr
		Dental Hygiene Electives
DENT 330C     	Summer Interim Clinic     		2 cr
DENT 420    	Dental Hygiene Specialty
     		Emphasis     				2 cr
DENT 481-482    	Independent Problems
     		in Dental Hygiene     			1-6 cr
DENT 499     	Special Procedures Clinic     		3 cr
In Addiiton:

Elective DENT 220 is highly recommended for pre-dental hygiene students without dental office experience.

Other Required Courses

PHAR 314     	Basic and Applied Pharm-
     		acology for Dental Hygiene     		3 cr
Prerequisite Courses (Pre-Dental Hygiene)
DENT 201     	Principles of Dental Hygiene     	2 cr
HCA 110     	Introduction to
     		Allied Health Professions     		2 cr
DENT 299     	Introduction to the Dental
     		Office (Elective)     			2 cr
ENGL 101     	English Composition     		3 cr
ENGL 201     	Critical Reading and Writing     	3 cr
SPCH 101     	Principles of Speech
     		(satisfies Goal 2)     			2 cr
PSYC 111    	Introductory Psychology I
     		(satisfies Goal 12)     		3 cr
SOC 101     	Introduction to Sociology
     		(satisfies Goal 12)     		3 cr
BIOS 101     	General Zoology     			3 cr
     		AND
BIOS 102     	General Zoology Laboratory     		1 cr
     		(BIOS 101 and BIOS 102
     		satisfies Goal 4)
BIOS 221     	Introductory Microbiology     		3 cr
BIOS 223    	Introductory Microbiology
     		Laboratory     				4 cr
BIOS g301     	Anatomy and Physiology     		4 cr
BIOS g302     	Anatomy and Physiology     		4 cr
CHEM 107     	Essentials of Chemistry     		5 cr
     		AND
CHEM 108     	Essentials of Organic and
     		Biochemistry     			5 cr
     		(satisfies Goal 5)
FCS 239     	Nutrition     				3 cr
MATH 111     	Algebra or competency 
     		exam     				4 cr
MATH 252    	Introduction to Statistics
     		(satisfies Goal 3)     			3 cr

IN ADDITION: Fulfillment of two of the following General Education Goals: 6, 7, 8. Fulfillment of two of the following Goals: 9, 10, 11.

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 220 Introduction to the Dental Office 2 credits. Introduction to dental terminology and office procedures including duties and responsibilities of various dental personnel through lectures, activities and field experiences. 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 precaution 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: MATH252. 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 426, PAS 428, PAS 430, PAS 432, AND PAS 434.


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