Course Descriptions
DH 301 INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH. An introduction to research design emphasizing systematic investigation involving human subjects as it relates to data collection, analysis and interpretation of findings. Emphasis is on critical review of dental hygiene literature studies and their application to clinical practice. (2 semester hours) (2-0-0)
DH305. DENTAL HYGIENE INSTRUMENTATION. This course focuses on the development and application of the fundamentals of instrumentation and basic extrinsic stain removal.(3 semester hours) (1-2-0)
DH 312. PRIMARY PREVENTIVE ORAL HEALTH. This didactic course focuses on developing an understanding of the primary preventive measures that promote oral health. Included are introductions to fluorides, plaque control, concepts in oral health education, sealants, dietary factors, and the roles of oral health professionals. Also included are introductions to the caries process and to community oral health. (2 semester hours) (2-0-0)
DH 313. RADIOLOGY. Didactic portion includes the physics, generation, biology, safety, and imaging principles of ionizing radiation used in dentistry. Techniques for exposure, processing, evaluation, and interpretation of normal and abnormal structures are taught for both digital and film-based image capture. In the laboratory paralleling technique and panoramic surveys are emphasized. (4 semester hours) (3-1-0)
DH 315 ORAL HISTOLOGY, EMBRYOLOGY AND DENTAL ANATOMY. Study of the histology of teeth and surrounding structures; the elements of embryology, specific to the development of the structures of the head and neck; and dental anatomy and physiology with focus on tooth development, anatomical differences and basic dental occlusion. (5 semester hours) (4-1-0)
DH 316 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND RELATED MEDICAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT. This course builds on concepts and principles from the basic sciences and includes a comprehensive study in the prevention, management, recognition, treatment, and disposition of medical emergencies. Emphasis is on the normal an d pathological responses to illness as related to the evaluation and treatment of the dental patient (5 semester hours) (5-0-0) (prerequisite: HS 332Scientific Foundation I)
DH 318. DENTAL HYGIENE THEORY I. The theory of dental hygiene, infection control standards, and dental hygiene process of care is taught with emphasis on the parts of the dental hygiene assessment, preventive agents, and instrumentation. Corequisites: DH305 (3 semester hours) (2-1-0)
DH 321. HEAD AND NECK ANATOMY. This course presents a detailed study of the skeletal, muscular, vascular and neural features of the head and neck. (2 semester hours) (2-0-0)
DH326. DENTAL HYGIENE THEORY II. This course will expand on dental hygiene theory and clinical procedures through lecture and laboratory sessions. Ethics and ethical dilemmas related to dental hygiene and healthcare, additional clinical instrumentation techniques and application of auxiliary procedures will be covered. Prerequisites: Fall Junior year courses. (2 semester hours) (1-1-0)
DH 327. PATIENT CARE I. The focus will be on the development and application of clinical skills in assessment, care plans, implementation and evaluation of care. Corequisite: DH326 (2 semester hours) (0-0-2)
DH 331. PERIODONTICS I. This course provides an introduction to periodontics. The focus is on biological and clinical aspects of periodontology including histopathology, etiology and diagnosis and treatment planning of periodontal diseases. (2 semester hours) (2-0-0)
DH 336. BIOMATERIALS OF DENTISTRY. This course is designed to introduce the student to biomaterials employed in dentistry. Techniques and materials utilized in the clinical environment will be practiced in the Dental Hygiene Theory I lab. Prerequisites: All courses in previous semester. Corequisites: All courses in junior spring semester. (2 semester hours) (2-0-0)
DH337. ANXIETY AND PAIN MANAGEMENT. A fundamental course in methods used to control pain, fear and anxiety in the dental office. The course emphasizes the use of nitrous oxide and oxygen analgesia. (1 semester hour) (1-0-0)
DH 405. PATIENT CARE II. In this course the student will expand on the application of patient care to a diversified population. Emphasis will also be on establishing competence in preventive and therapeutic procedures. Prerequisites: DH326 and DH327 Corequisite
DH418 (3 semester hours) ( 0-0-3)
DH 412. PHARMACOLOGY. This course is a basic introduction to drug actions and their mechanisms when introduced to the body under specific conditions and the reactions of the body to these drugs. (3 semester hours) (3-0-0)
DH 416. ORAL PATHOLOGY. This is a study of the definition, distribution, causality, resolution, and outcomes of pathological conditions affecting the head and neck with emphasis on the oral and perioral areas. (2 semester hours) (2-0-0).
DH 418. DENTAL HYGIENE THEORY III. The clinical and case management of patients with special needs will be presented, with continued discussion on ethical issues. Prerequisites: All courses in previous semester. Co-prerequisites: All courses in the senior fall semester. (2 semester hours) (2-0-0)
DH 429. PRACTICE MANAGEMENT. This course will cover dental office practice and procedures; the importance of business methods in a profession, record systems including computer applications, accounting and collection of fees, resume development and interviewing skills. (3 semester hours) (3-0-0)
DH 431. PERIODONTICS II. This course will build on the foundation knowledge presented in Histology and Periodontology with emphasis on recognition, therapeutic surgical and non-surgical treatment of periodontal disease. Prerequisites: DH331 and DH327 (2 semester hours) (2-0-0)
DH 432. DENTAL HYGIENE THEORY IV. This course will continue to present theoretical, practical and ethical concepts in dental hygiene. Content on dental specialties and dental/dental hygiene jurisprudence will be studied. (2 semester hours) (2-0-0)
DH 433. PATIENT CARE III. This course is a continuation of comprehensive Patient Care Services with emphasis on establishing entry-level competence in preventive and therapeutic procedures. (4 semester hours) (0-0-4)
DH 435. COMMUNITY DENTAL HEALTH I. An introduction to the history, principles, and ethics of dental public health. Included are theories and techniques of health promotion and disease prevention, distribution of oral diseases, principles of dental epidemiology, and the use of dental indexes. (1 semester hours) (1-0-0)
DH 437. COMMUNITY DENTAL HEALTH II. This course will provide a continuation of the didactic knowledge and skills obtained in DH435 Community Dental Health I. Selected readings, discussion and practical experiences related to planning, implementation and evaluation of the teaching/learning process in community settings will occur. (2 semester hours) (1-1-0)
DH438. ORAL HEALTH RESEARCH I. This course is designed to further explore the research process by developing a research question, writing a literature review and formulating the research methodology. 1 semester credit (1-0-0)
DH439. ORAL HEALTH RESEARCH II. This course is a continuation of Oral Health Research I. Emphasis is on the implementation of the research proposal and the processing of research data with written and verbal presentations of the results. 1 credit hour (1-0-0) (prerequisite: Oral Health Research I)
HS 490. SPECIAL TOPICS: Interdisciplinary elective. Content varies. Consent of the student's professional department is required. (Credit hours to be assigned)