Dental Hygiene Entry-Level Program
Course Descriptions
DHS 311 - Dental Hygiene Seminar I
This course provides an introduction to dental hygiene principles and practice. The dental hygiene profession, dental law & ethics, disease transmission, exposure control, principles of instrumentation, patient assessment, oral conditions, basic disease control methods and dental record keeping are included. 2 semester hours
DHS 312 - Dental Hygiene Seminar II
This course provides further study of dental hygiene principles and practice. Planning dental hygiene care, adjunctive disease control methods and management of medical emergencies in the dental setting are included. 2 semester hours.
DHS 313 - Dental Hygiene Seminar III
This course addresses non-surgical periodontal therapy in terms of expected outcomes, appointment planning, pain control, power instrumentation and supplemental care procedures. Topics include periodontal dressings, suture removal and care for acute periodontal conditions. 2 semester hours.
DHS 321 - Dental Hygiene Clinic I
This course introduces application of patient assessment and instrumentation skills. The student will practice skills in a supervised clinical laboratory setting using teaching manikins and student partners. 3 semester hours (0 lecture, 9 lab).
DHS 322 - Dental Hygiene Clinic II
This course provides development of dental hygiene clinical skills with an emphasis on patient assessment, instrumentation and preventive techniques. The student will provide dental hygiene services to patients in a supervised clinical setting. 2 semester hours (0 lecture, 8 clinic).
DHS 323 - Dental Hygiene Clinic III
This course provides further development of dental hygiene clinical skills with an emphasis on non-surgical periodontal therapy skills. The student will practice skills in a supervised clinical setting using teaching manikins, student partners and patients. 1 semester hour (0 lecture, 4 clinic).
DHS 325 - Pain Management
This course provides a study of anxiety and pain management techniques used in dental care. Components of pain, pain control mechanisms, topical anesthesia, local anesthesia and nitrous oxide-oxygen sedation are included. The student will practice skills in a supervised clinical laboratory setting. 2 semester hours (1 lecture, 2 lab).
DHS 330 - Dental Science
This course provides an integrated study of the anatomy, histology and embryonic development of the oral cavity, teeth, head and neck. Emphasis is placed on application of dental science to clinical practice. Laboratory activities are designed to reinforce course content. 4 semester hours (3 lecture, 2 lab).
DHS 335 - Dental Radiology
This course provides an overview of dental radiology principles and techniques. Topics include x-ray production, radiation safety, exposure techniques, film processing and mounting, radiographic findings and patient management. The student will practice skills in a supervised clinical laboratory setting using teaching manikins, student partners and patients. 3 semester hours (2 lecture, 2 lab).
DHS 338 - Nutrition & Oral Health
This course provides a study of nutrition and its effects on both general and oral health. Emphasis is placed on the role of diet and nutrition in oral diseases. Dietary assessment and patient counseling procedures to promote oral health are included. 2 semester hours.
DHS 340 - Periodontics
This course provides a study of the progression and treatment of periodontal disease. Topics include periodontal anatomy, disease classification, etiology, clinical examination, treatment planning, non-surgical periodontal therapy and surgical techniques. 3 semester hours.
DHS 345 - Oral Medicine
This course presents a systems approach to common medical conditions which includes signs and symptoms, pathophysiology, treatment options, and modifications for dental care. Therapeutic drugs are discussed in terms of mechanism of action, indications, effects, and dental considerations. 3 semester hours (3 lecture, 0 lab).
DHS 350 - Dental Health Education
This course addresses health promotion and disease prevention strategies that can be used to assist individuals and groups to improve their oral health. 2 semester hours.
DHS 352 - Spanish and Culture for Health Professionals
This course will develop the skills needed to understand and communicate in spoken and written Spanish on a beginning level within the medical setting. In addition, the course will help the student gain a valuable understanding of basic cultural issues related to Spanish-speaking patients of relevance in medical settings. 3 semester hours.
DHS 354 - Spanish for Dental Professions
This course emphasizes use of Spanish language and understanding of Spanish cultures to enhance communication with patients in dental health care settings. 3 semester hours.
DHS 360 - Dental Research Methods
This course provides a study of the dental research process including problem identification, literature review, research design, data collection, statistical analysis, interpretation of results and presentation of findings. Emphasis is placed on critical analysis of published research and the concept of evidence-based practice. 3 semester hours.
DHS 414 - Dental Hygiene Seminar IV
This course addresses dental hygiene care for patients with special dental, medical, physical and mental conditions. 2 semester hours.
DHS 415 - Dental Hygiene Seminar V
This course provides an overview of the dental care delivery system including practice settings, credentialing, regulation, legal considerations, ethical issues, professional associations and dental office procedures. 2 semester hours.
DHS 416 - Dental Hygiene Seminar VI
This course provides an overview of dental hygiene career options and career planning strategies. 1 semester hour.
DHS 424 - Dental Hygiene Clinic IV
This course provides further development of dental hygiene clinical skills with emphasis on providing care to special needs patients. The student will provide dental hygiene services to patients in supervised clinical settings both on and off campus. 3 semester hours (0 lecture, 12 clinic).
DHS 425 - Dental Hygiene Clinic V
This course provides further development of dental hygiene clinical skills with emphasis on self-assessment, evaluation of treatment outcomes and peer review. The student will provide dental hygiene services to patients in supervised clinical settings both on and off campus. 3 semester hours (0 lecture, 12 clinic).
DHS 426 - Dental Hygiene Clinic VI
This course focuses on transition to professional dental hygiene practice with emphasis on comprehensive treatment planning and independent decision making. The student will provide dental hygiene services to patients in clinical settings both on and off campus with limited supervision. 1 semester hour (0 lecture, 4 clinic).
DHS 440 - Oral Pathology
This course provides a study of abnormal conditions of the head, neck, and oral cavity which includes clinical appearance, etiology, and treatment options. Emphasis is placed on common oral lesions and the inter-relationship between oral and systemic conditions. 3 semester hours.
DHS 445 - Restorative Dental Procedures
This course provides a study of the properties and manipulation of materials used in restorative and prosthetic dentistry. Amalgam, composite, and provisional restorative materials are included and specialty dental practices are discussed. Laboratory activities are designed to reinforce course content. 2 semester hours (1 lecture, 2 lab).
DHS 450 - Dental Public Health
This course addresses the prevention and treatment of dental disease through community oral health initiatives. Emphasis is placed on the special oral health needs of various population groups and the delivery of preventive and therapeutic dental care in public health settings. Students will work in groups to plan, implement and evaluate a community dental health project. 3 semester hours.
DHS 455 - Current Issues for Dental Professions
This course examines current issues which affect dental professionals and the delivery of oral health care. 3 semester hours.
DHS 460 - Psychosocial & Cultural Aspects of Dental Care
This course addresses the psychological, social and cultural issues which affect demand for and access to dental health care. Emphasis is placed on developing awareness, enhancing communication and promoting positive change in health care delivery. 3 semester hours.
DHS 462 - Teaching Strategies for Dental Professions
This course provides an overview of teaching strategies which can be used to convey information to individuals, small groups and large audiences in a variety of professional settings. Learning styles, behavioral objectives, teaching methods, instructional materials, teaching psychomotor skills and evaluation of learning are included. 3 semester hours.
DHS 465 - Business Management for Dental Professions
This course provides a study of basic principles of business with emphasis on application of business management skills in dental health care settings. Management styles, organizational structure, strategic planning, finances, marketing, human resources, labor relations, information technology, quality control and risk management are included. 3 semester hours.
DHS 475 - Internship
This course enables the student to participate in a workplace experience in a health care or educational setting. Semester hours vary.
DHS 490 - Dental Capstone
This course provides the student with the opportunity to pursue concentrated study of a dental-related topic through a research project or internship experience. The student will work with a faculty mentor to plan, implement and evaluate their capstone project. The student will share their capstone experience through a written report and public presentation. 3 semester hours.
DHS 495 - Independent Study
This course enables the student to pursue an individual research or program development project. Semester hours vary.