Dental Hygiene
Associate of Applied Science
[ Nick Alexander, Camille Arnold, Carrie Fowler, Alana James, Tiffany Lindsey ]
The Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation. It is designed to train a person for technical work in a dental office. Dental Hygiene services are provided under the supervision of a licensed dentist and are governed by the state dental practice acts. The services which constitute dental hygiene practice may include, but are not limited to: obtaining patient’s dental and medical histories; counseling patients on dental care; supervising oral hygiene practices; removing stains and deposits from teeth; exposing, processing, mounting, and reading dental radiographs; applying certain topical agents; and performing other services relating to mouth care.
Completion of the Pre-Dental Hygiene curriculum does not guarantee acceptance into the Dental Hygiene Program. Enrollment is limited.
Students are required to first enroll in a year (31 hours) of pre-dental hygiene courses. A student must earn a minimum grade of “C” in each course in the Pre-Dental Hygiene curriculum to qualify for admission.
CIP Code: 510602
Program Code: 8710
Prerequisites for Dental Hygiene
First Semester — 14 hrs
Course
Title
Hours
Description
BIO-2514
Anatomy & Physiology I
4
(Prerequisite: ACT composite of 19 or credit in BIO 1534 with a "C" or above.) A combined lecture and laboratory course that covers the anatomical and physiological study of the human body as an integrated whole. The course includes detailed studies of: biological principles; tissues; and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous systems. Labs associated with this course contain experiments and exercises that reinforce the principles introduced in lecture classes. Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory.
ENG-1113
English Composition I
3
English 1113 prepares the student to think critically and compose texts for academic and professional rhetorical situations. Three hours lecture.
PSY-1513
General Psychology
3
An introduction to the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. This includes history and theories of psychology, research methods, biological bases of behavior, the principles of learning, personality and abnormal behavior. Three hours lecture.
CHE-1313
Principles of Chemistry
3
Concurrent enrollment in 1311 is required.
CHE-1311
Principles of Chemistry Lab
1
Concurrent enrollment in 1313 is required. A laboratory course that contains experiments and exercises that reinforce the principles introduced in CHE 1313 Principles of Chemistry I, Lecture. This course cannot be substituted for CHE 1211. Three hours laboratory.
*CHE 1223 General Chemistry I and CHE 1221 General Chemistry Lab I can be taken in place of CHE 1313 Principles of Chemistry I and CHE 1311 Principles of Chemistry Lab I.
Second Semester — 14 hrs
Course
Title
Hours
Description
BIO-2524
Anatomy & Physiology II
4
(Prerequisite: BIO 2514 with a "C" or above) A combined lecture and laboratory course that includes detailed studies of the anatomy and physiology of human special senses, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic and immune, respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems, as well as reproduction and development. Labs associated with this course contain experiments and exercises that reinforce the principles introduced in lecture classes. Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory.
BIO-2924
Microbiology
4
(Prerequisite: College level Biology course) A combined lecture and laboratory course providing a comprehensive study of microbial agents to include taxonomy, metabolism, physiology and genetics, concepts of pathogenesis and immunity. Labs in this course provide experiments that reinforce principles introduced in the lecture to include fundamental laboratory techniques in lab safety, microscopy, culturing and identification of microbes, and effectiveness of antimicrobial agents. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory.
SPT-1113
Public Speaking
3
Study and practice in making speeches for a variety of public forums. Major emphasis is placed on effective speech preparation and delivery. Three hours lecture.
FINE-ELECT
Fine Arts Elective
3
Choose from any fine arts classes.
First Year
First Semester — 12 hrs
Course
Title
Hours
Description
DHT-1252
Dental Anatomy & Embryology
2
This course is a study of the morphological characteristics of the teeth and supporting structures. Also given is a survey of the elements of embryology emphasizing the area of the head and neck, as related to the development of the dental arches, salivary glands, buccal mucosa, pharynx, and tongue. Two hours lecture.
DHT-1115
Fundament. of Dental Hygiene
5
Introduction to basic theories and techniques of instrumentation and oral prophylaxis; to clinical procedures and practices including prevention of disease transmission. Medical and dental histories; oral inspection and charting; application of fluoride; instrument sharpening. Two hours lecture and six hours laboratory.
DHT-1314
Radiology
4
Designed to familiarize the student with the principles of radiation, protective measures, and the principles and techniques of intraoral and extraoral radiography. Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory.
DHT-1931
Medical Dental Emergencies
1
This course provides the student with the opportunity to discuss managing dental office emergencies. One hour lecture.
*BOT Elective
Second Semester — 14 hrs
Course
Title
Hours
Description
DHT-1242
Anatomy &Histology/ Head& Neck
2
This course is a detailed study of skeletal, muscular, vascular, and neural features of the face, head, and neck. It also includes studies of the microscopic and development of types of cells, tissues and organs of the head and neck. Two hours lecture.
DHT-1513
Periodontics
3
An indepth study of the supporting structures of the teeth with a full clinical and theoretical understanding of their conditions in good health as well as in pathological conditions. Three hours lecture.
DHT-1415
Clinical Dental Hygiene I
5
The first course designed to increase the student's knowledge of dental hygiene procedures; use of caries preventive agents, detection of dental decay; periodontal pockets and soft tissue lesions. One hour lecture and twelve hours clinical.
DHT-1941
Theories of Patient Care
1
This course provides the student with the opportunity to discuss patient care and treatment plans. One hour lecture.
SOC-2113
Introduction to Sociology
3
This course introduces the scientific study of human society and social interaction. Social influences on individuals and groups are examined. Three hours lecture.