Dental Hygiene (DHG)

Stresses basic assessment and clinical skills, related theory, and professional role and responsibilities of the dental hygienist as a member of the dental health team. Lecture: 2.0 credits (30 contact hours). Lab: 1.0 credit (120 contact hours).

Focuses on preparing the student to provide patient treatment that includes preventive and therapeutic procedures to maintain oral health and assist the patient in achieving oral health goals. Lecture: 1.5 credits (22.5 contact hours). Lab: 0.5 credits (60 contact hours). Clinical: 1.0 credit (120 contact hours).

Examines the disciplines of pharmacology and therapeutics as related to dental hygiene. Lecture: 2.0 credits (30 contact hours).

Presents basic principles of nutrition with emphasis on nutritional counseling in relationship to dental health, determination of patient nutritional status, and application to oral health and effects of nutritional deficiencies. Lecture: 2.0 credits (30 contact hours).

Focuses on the clinical, histological, and radiographic differences between healthy and unhealthy periodontal tissues. Lecture: 1.0 credit (15 contact hours).

Focuses on providing comprehensive dental hygiene care in a clinical setting while emphasizing the treatment of periodontal and special needs patients. Lecture: 2.0 credits (30 contact hours). Clinical: 2.0 credits (240 contact hours).

Presents a conceptual framework and clinical skills necessary to administer local dental anesthetics and nitrous oxide sedation in accordance with state dental practice acts. Lecture: 1.25 credit (19 contact hours). Lab: 0.75 credit (26 contact hours).

Focuses on the role of the dental hygienist in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal diseases. Lecture: 2.0 credits (30 contact hours).

Focuses on scientific methods in the problem-solving process utilized for making evidence-based decisions pertaining to the delivery of dental care. Lecture: 1.0 credits (15 contact hours).

Focuses on mastery of dental hygiene clinical skills for patient care and preparation for written and clinical board examinations. Lecture: 1.0 credit (15 contact hours). Clinical: 2.0 credits (240 contact hours).

Examines basic concepts in assessing community dental health needs and planning, implementing, evaluating, and presenting dental health programs to various community groups. Lecture: 2.0 credits (30 contact hours).