Course Listings

Emphasis is placed on oral health education and promotion, and preventive counseling, utilizing philosophies of education, communication skills, and motivational techniques. This course provides the knowledge base for dental hygiene education and prepares the student to provide services as an integral member of the health team.

Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C is required in this course to continue in the program for DEN students.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Identify various dental or dental hygiene resources
2. Describe the history of the practice of dental hygiene.
3. Identify various learning styles.
4. Describe effective communication skills.
5. Describe oral self-care products, techniques, and materials.
6. Discuss patient/client education protocols for the major diseases of the oral cavity.
7. Discuss a professional code of ethics for the practice of dental hygiene.
8. Recognize the importance of treating diverse patient populations.

An introduction to physics and biology of radiation; radiation hygiene; equipment and materials; film and digital sensor exposure and processing, technique and chemistry.

Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C is required in this course to continue in the program for DEN students and a C- for DAS students.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Explain the basic characteristics of x-radiation.
2. Identify the parts of the dental x-ray machine.
3. Identify the factors affecting the quality of the x-ray beam and the radiographic image.
4. Identify the effects of ionizing radiation on living tissues.
5. Describe radiation safety measures for the operator or patients.
6. Describe various radiographic surveys.
7. Demonstrate proper intraoral and extraoral techniques for the various radiographic surveys.
8. Compare and contrast film and digital receptors.
9. Discuss proper film processing and handling.

This course includes anatomical identification and discussion of the function and structures of the oral cavity and the surrounding landmarks of the face and head. Clinical application will be discussed concerning occlusion, anesthesia, mastication, radiographic interpretation, and identification of variations in anatomy.

Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C is required in this course to continue in the program for DEN students and a C- for DAS students.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the morphology of both primary and permanent dentitions.
2. Identify landmarks of the orofacial complex.
3. Identfy the bones of the skull and face.
4. Identify the muscles of mastication and facial expression.
5. Identify the blood supply, innervation, and lymphatic system of the face, head and neck.

Focuses on the scientifically accepted principles and practices of infection control and barrier precautions. This course will provide the student with the knowledge to identify possible sepsis in a dental patient.

Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C is required in this course to continue in the program for DEN students and a C- for DAS students.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the chain of infection.
2. Differentiate between signs, symptoms, sources, and causes of various infectious diseases.
3. Summarize means and methods of protection for the health care worker.
4. Select equipment and chemicals used for surface and equipment asepsis.
5. Discuss waterline problems and management of waterline asepsis.
6. Describe various sterilizing supplies and equipment.
7. Identify engineering and work practice controls that limit the spread of infectious disease.
8. Identify the legal and ethical responsibilities of infection control in the dental office.
9. Discuss identification and appropriate actions for dental patients with possible sepsis.

An introduction to dental and dental hygiene practice; basic concepts, methods, materials, and techniques of dental hygiene care.

Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C is required in this course to continue in the program for DEN students.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe ergonomic principles related to the practice of dental hygiene.
2. Identify the principles of instrument design.
3. Identify oral soft and hard deposits.
4. Describe the characteristics of a thorough oral facial examination.
5. Contrast the characteristics of healthy and unhealthy gingiva.
6. Collect and record client histories. .
7. Describe medical conditions relevant to dental practice.
8. Describe the American Heart Association (AHA) recommendation for antibotic premedication.
9. Identify the potential for medical emergencies in the dental practice.
10. Identify and record common dental restorations and materials.
11. Utilize various patient case studies to assess medical conditions and oral self-care needs.

Emphasis is placed on the development of pre-clinical dental hygiene skills in preparation for clinical dental hygiene patient treatment.

Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C is required in this course to continue in the program for DEN students.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Demonstrate proper infection control measures.
2. Demonstrate basic operator-patient/client positions for instrumentation.
3. Demonstrate proper instrumentation techniques.
4. Demonstrate oral assessment techniques.
5. Explain the importance of personal oral self-care for biofilm removal. .
6. Explain the importance of dental instrument maintenance.

Continuation of DEN 111. Anatomical landmarks; deviations from normal; evaluation of radiographs. Extra and intraoral projections. Emphasis on exposure technique and patient management during radiographic treatment.

Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C is required in this course to continue in the program for DEN students and a C- for DAS students.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Demonstrate proper record keeping for radiography patients.
2. Demonstrate accurate intra-oral and extra-oral exposure techniques to achieve diagnostic quality radiographs.
3. Demonstrate proper film/ digital image mounting, labeling, and viewing techniques.
4. Identify normal radiographic anatomic landmarks.
5. Identify common dental materials, artifacts, abnormalities, and disease processes of teeth and bone on radiographs.
6. Identify the legal and ethical issues related to dental radiography.

This course will study the embryologic development of the face, oral cavity and the teeth and histologic structure of the teeth and oral tissues, and review developmental conditions and anomalies related to dental and oral structures. Function and variations in function will be reviewed as well as the clinical significance and application of knowledge to patient evaluation and treatment.

Prerequisite(s): Earn a minimum grade of C in each of the following: DEN 110, DEN 111, DEN 112, DEN 113, DEN 114, DEN 115.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the process of embryologic development of the face and oral cavity.
2. Describe the processes of tooth development.
3. Describe the histologic structure of the hard and soft tissues of the teeth.
4. Describe the histologic structure of the hard and soft tissues surrounding the teeth.

An introduction to the principles of general pathology, immunology and inflammation. Students will learn to identify and describe normal and abnormal oral soft tissue lesions. Emphasis will be on pathology of oral mucosa, dental tissues and related structures. Developmental anomalies of teeth and anatomical variation of oral soft tissues as well as systemic diseases and their oral manifestations will be discussed.

Prerequisite(s): Earn a minimum grade of C in each of the following: DEN 110, DEN 111, DEN 112, DEN 13, DEN 114, DEN 115.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Identify vocabulary related to pathology.
2. Identify the process of preliminary diagnosis of oral lesions.
3. Describe the inflammatory process.
4. Describe the reparative process.
5. Define immunity in relation to immunologic oral lesions.
6. Differentiate between infectious diseases such as bacterial, fungal and viral.

This course continues to build knowledge for dental hygiene care, treatment planning, and case management.

Prerequisite(s): DEN 110, DEN 111, DEN 112, DEN 113, DEN 114 AND DEN 115, all with a minimum grade of C in each.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Identify professional and ethical behavior as it pertains to the treatment of clients.
2 Develop a treatment plan for clients after analyzing client data and individual needs for various client populations.
3. Identify clients with special needs
4. List techniques that improve care for various populations.
5. Describe the use of various dental devices.
6. Describe the use of pain-control methods.
7. Demonstrate dental instrument maintenance.
8. Recognize cultural influences impacting delivery of health services to individuals and communities.
9. Use interprofessional communication, collaboration and interaction with other members of the health care team to support comprehensive patient care.

The beginning level of direct patient care utilizing primary level skills in patient histories, exams, patient education, treatment, planning, and record keeping. Students are required to recruit diverse population of patients in order to meet clinical requirements.

Prerequisite(s): DEN 110, DEN 111, DEN 112, DEN 113 DEN 114 AND DEN 115, all with a minimum grade of C

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Apply Center of Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) regulations in all clinical settings.
2. Apply the dental hygiene code of ethics when treating all clients.
3. Utilize Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guidelines when treating clients, communicating with colleagues, or evaluatively writing about client treatment.
4. Utilize the dental hygiene process of care for all client case types.
5. Use interprofessional communication, collaboration and interaction with other members of the health care team to support comprehensive patient care.
6. Document client care ethically, comprehensively and contemporaneously.
7. Develop independent practice and time-management skills in rendering dental hygiene treatment.
8. Demonstrate clinical skill competence required at the second semester dental hygiene level.
9. Demonstrate ability to work competently and professionally in a team-based setting.

This course begins with a review of normal periodontal anatomy and physiology. Classification of health and periodontal diseases will be discussed with emphasis on biofilm induced and non biofilm induced gingival diseases based on the foundation of the dental hygiene process of care.

Prerequisite(s): Earn a minimum grade of C in each of the following: DEN 110, DEN 111, DEN 112, DEN 113, DEN 114, DEN 115.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the periodontium in health.
2. Describe the periodontium in disease.
3. Define the diseases affecting the periodontium.
4. Describe the risk factors for periodontal disease.
5. Describe inflammatory/host response in periodontal diseases.

This course includes a study of the physical and chemical properties, manipulation of and uses for the most commonly used dental materials. A lecture component will present background information about the dental materials and a laboratory component will present the practical application for each material (demonstration and lab practice).

Prerequisite(s): Earn a minimum grade of C in each of the following: DEN 121, DEN 122, DEN 123, DEN 124, DEN 125, DEN 129.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Identify the properties and use of selected dental materials.
2. Describe manipulative techniques for selected dental materials.
3. Demonstrate manipulative techniques for selected dental materials.
4. Describe the responsibilities of dental professionals related to the application of dental materials.

Students will explore the fundamental principles of community dentistry and its significance within society. They will examine key areas of evaluating and enhancing the public's oral health. Through a hands-on community project, students will demonstrate their comprehension of effective community interventions. Additionally, the course will equip students with valuable skills in conducting research and critically evaluating scholarly dental literature, fostering their ability to contribute to evidence-based dental practice.

Prerequisite(s): Earn a minimum grade of C in each of the following: DEN 122, DEN 123, DEN 124, DEN 125, DEN 129, DEN 121

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe methods for community fluoridation.
2. Compare public health and dental public health.
3. Identify specific learning theory models related to a target population.
4. Describe dental indices.
5. Examine community dental health program planning.
6. Describe financial aspects of dentistry as it relates to community dentistry.
7. Identify the methods used in dental research.
8. Analyze current published dental literature.
9. Develop community-based oral health projects.
10. Use interprofessional communication, collaboration and interaction with other professionals to complete a health intervention.
11. Recognize cultural influences impacting delivery of health services to individuals and communities.

This course is a continuation of study of pathology or the understanding of disease processes. Basic principles of disease and their application to specific organ systems, immunology, oral tissues and related structures will continue to be discussed. Pathology prepares students to detect deviations from normal in the evaluation of the patient's systemic and oral health status and to make appropriate referrals when patients exhibit deviations that require a definitive diagnosis.

Prerequisite(s): Earn a minimum grade of C in each of the following: DEN 121, DEN 122, DEN 123, DEN 124, DEN 125, DEN 129

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe how genetics plays a significant role in oral disease.
2. Define the manifestation of neoplasm.
3. Identify tumors such as those affecting the epithelium, glands, teeth, soft tissue, melanin producing cells, bone, cartilage, blood forming tissues, or the jaw.
4. Identify non-neoplastic disease of the bone.
5. Identify oral manifestations of systemic diseases.
6. Identify diseases affecting the temporomandibular (TMJ) joint
7. Identify pulpal and periapical diseases.

The focus of this course is on advanced techniques for comprehensive dental hygiene care. Emphasis is placed on case study to help student prepare for the Dental Hygiene National Board.

Prerequisite(s): Earn a minimum grade of C in each of the following: DEN 121, DEN 122, DEN 123, DEN 124, DEN 125, and DEN 129.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Define the dental hygiene process of care.
2. Analyze patient assessment data for treatment planning and counseling (Periodontal Diseases, Nutritional, Nictotine, CAMBRA).
3. Define the principles of Risk Assessments and Management (GRA, PRA, CAMBRA).
4. Describe the advanced armamentarium and techniques used when planning treatment for periodontal patients.
5. Classify patient case types in accordance with CODA standards (pediatric, adolescent, adult periodontal, geriatric, medically complex, and special needs).
6. Plan treatment and referral as defined by patient case types in accordance with the American Dental Association (ADA), CODA, and current AAP/EFP guidelines.
7. Apply cumulative knowledge to critically analyze case studies based on patient case types.

Emphasis will be on continued development of clinical skills in comprehensive direct patient care, treating a variety of patient populations to include children, adolescents, adult, geriatric, and special needs. Students will also provide dental hygiene care for patients with periodontal diseases.

Prerequisite(s): Earn a minimum grade of C in each of the following: DEN 121, DEN 122, DEN 123, DEN 124, DEN 125, DEN 129.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Apply Center of Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) regulations in all clinical settings.
2. Apply the dental hygiene code of ethics when treating all clients.
3. Utilize Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guidelines when treating clients, communicating with colleagues, and evaluatively writing about client treatment.
4. Utilize the dental hygiene process of care for all client case types.
5. Use interprofessional communication, collaboration and interaction with other members of the health care team to support comprehensive patient care. .
6. Document client care ethically, comprehensively and contemporaneously.
7. Develop independent practice and time-management skills in rendering dental hygiene treatment.
8. Demonstrate clinical skill competence required at the third semester dental hygiene level.
9. Demonstrate ability to work competently and professionally in a team based setting.

Systematic approach to general principles of pharmacology. Study of commonly used agents in dentistry, drugs used in specific medical conditions, and drugs used in management of medical emergencies. Topics also include: pregnancy and breastfeeding, substance use and misuse, and herbal/natural products and dietary supplements.

Prerequisite(s): Earn a minimum grade of C in each of the following: DEN 121, DEN 122, DEN 123, DEN 124, DEN 125, DEN 129.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe basic pharmacological terminology and principles.
2. Identify drug classifications.
3. Describe the effects of drugs/natural and herbal supplements and their mechanisms of action.
4. Describe drug interactions, precautions and related oral diseases.
5. Evaluate drugs used by clients treated in DEN 215 - Clinical Dental Hygiene III.

This course examines the essential components, clinical procedures performed, and armamentarium (instruments/equipment) used in the various dental specialties. Students will learn the interactive roles of each dental team member in the practice of the dental specialties. Introduction to the clinical advances and new trends in dentistry is included.

Prerequisite(s): Earn a minimum grade of C in each of the following: DEN 121, DEN 122, DEN 123, DEN 124, DEN 125, DEN 129.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Identify the dental specialties and the patient populations designated by the American Dental Association.
2. Describe dental armamentarium, including the name, use, and in which dental specialty they are employed.
3. Discuss the functions of dental professionals within the dental specialties.
4. Discuss common responses to patient questions in the dental specialties.
5. Evaluate current topics related to dental specialties.

This course is a continuation of study of periodontal diseases to include pathogenesis of diseases, critical analysis of patient assessments, dental hygiene diagnoses, case based treatment planning and current treatment modalities

Prerequisite(s): Earn a minimum grade of C in each of the following: DEN 121, DEN 122, DEN 123, DEN 129.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the therapies for patients with periodontal disease.
2. Develop health maintenance protocol for treating periodontal patients.
3. Describe documentation of the management of periodontal disease.
4. Implement American Dental Association (ADA) insurance reporting for patients with periodontal disease.
5. Utilize case studies to guide management of the periodontal patients.

Through this course, students will explore the methods of oral health promotion, disease prevention, and program planning through problem identification, data gathering and evaluation, project development and implementation. Mathematical models will be used to interpret gathered data and draw inferences using graphs, tables and/or schematics. The final project will highlight the student's understanding of research methods, evaluation of data, quantitative biostatistics, community interventions, and community implementation.

Prerequisite(s): Earn a minimum grade of C in each of the following: DEN 211, DEN212, DEN 213, DEN 214, DEN 215, DEN 216, DEN 217, DEN 219.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Define epidemiology.
2. Understand basic statistical analysis used in research and project planning.
3. Identify the steps necessary when community project planning.
4. Identify a dental community need.
5. Analyze the community problem through the use of biostatistics.
6. Plan a community dentistry project.
7. Deliver the community dentistry project.
8. Evaluate the community dentistry project using biostatistics.
9. Identify a community-based table clinic topic.
10. Evaluate the research available on the community-based table clinic topic.
11. Develop a community-based table clinic.
12. Present a community-based table clinic.
13. Evaluate the community-based table clinic.
14. Define collaborative practice in dentistry.
15. Describe inter-professional collaboration in healthcare.

This course will prepare the dental hygiene student for the job market and the ADA National Board Dental Hygiene Examination in the areas of ethics and jurisprudence in dentistry, current issues, trends, dental practice management, marketing skills, job seeking, and licensure.

Prerequisite(s): Earn a minimum grade of C in each of the following: DEN 211, DEN 212, DEN 213, DEN 214, DEN 215, DEN, 216, DEN 217, DEN 219

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Summarize the history of the dental hygiene profession.
2. Analyze the code of ethics and professionalism in dentistry and dental hygiene.
3. Determine key concepts central to the study of moral philosophy and ethical decision making.
4. Critique the laws related to society, the state dental practice act, and patient, practitioner, employer relationships.
5. Interpret the dental practice act in relation to dental hygiene practice and licensure.
6. Explain the principles of risk management in dentistry and dental hygiene.
7. Categorize critical elements necessary to execute a successful dental business.
8. Cultivate business skills necessary to market oneself, job seek, and apply for and maintain dental hygiene licensure.

Improvement of clinical skills developed in DEN 215. Students will continue to develop advanced clinical skills, comprehensive dental hygiene treatment planning, total patient care and supportive periodontal treatment (SPT). The student will treat a variety of patient populations to include children, adolescents, adult, geriatric, and special needs. Students will provide dental hygiene care for patients with periodontal diseases. Course includes radiographic evaluation. Students are required to recruit patients in order to meet clinical requirements.

Prerequisite(s): Earn a minimum grade of C in each of the following: DEN 211, DEN 212, DEN 213, DEN 214, DEN 215, DEN 216, DEN 217, DEN 219

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Apply Center of Disease Control (CDC) and Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) guidelines in all clinical settings.
2. Apply the dental hygiene code of ethics when treating all clients
3. Utilize Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guidelines in all aspects of client management.
4. Utilize the dental hygiene process of care for all client types. .
5. Treat a variety of clients such as a child, adolescent, adult, medically complex, and geriatric with varying periodontal, physiologic, social, ethnic, and cultural needs. .
6. Demonstrate timely independent practice while rendering dental hygiene treatment.
7. Demonstrate clinical skill competence required at the fourth semester dental hygiene level.
8. Demonstrate ability to work in a team based setting.
9. Recognize cultural influences impacting delivery of health services to individuals and communities.
10. Use inter-professional communication, collaboration and interaction with other members of the health care team to support comprehensive patient care.

Continuation of study of drugs significant to dental practice and possible dental office medical emergencies. Emphasis will be on evaluation and dental management of medically compromised patients with special attention to their medications and drug interactions.

Prerequisite(s): Earn a minimum grade of C in each of the following: DEN 211, DEN 212, DEN 213, DEN 214, DEN 216, DEN 217, DEN 219.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. List the drugs used in the treatment of various systemic diseases or oral conditions.
2. Describe the dental management of patients with various systemic or oral conditions.
3. Describe common drug interactions and precautions.
4. Analyze various dental office medical emergencies and the proper protocols.
5. Identify various drugs utilized during medical emergencies in the dental office.
6. Describe local anesthetic calculations based on current guidelines and the proper anesthetic technique for dental office application.
7. Evaluate the drugs used by clients treated in DEN 225-Clinical Dental Hygiene IV.

Various periodontal surgical procedures will be reviewed in this course.Students will learn pre and post-surgical care of periodontal patients, post-surgical
complications, and latest advances in periodontal diagnosis/treatment. Diagnosis and management concepts of various periodontal diseases will be discussed through ‘case studies’ format. Students will participate in periodontal research and write a literature review.

This course is designated as Undergraduate Research (UR). UR courses offer students the opportunity to explore undergraduate research, scholarly inquiry, and/or creative activity pertaining to a particular field. This course’s UR activity amounts to 40% of the course work and final grade.

Prerequisite(s): Earn a minimum grade of C in each of the following: DEN 211, DEN 212, DEN 213, DEN 215, DEN 216, DEN 217, DEN 219

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Identify the most current evidence based research on a designated periodontal disease topic through the process of a literature review.
2. Define periodontal surgical procedures used to manage periodontal disease.
3. Describe periodontal emergencies encountered in the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene.
4. Describe the management of periodontal emergencies in the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene.
5. Describe the importance of risk management for periodontal treatment.
6. Describe post surgical treatment for the periodontal patient to include complications.
7. Describe the dental and dental hygiene management of periodontal patients to include innovations in periodontal treatment.

See the Department Chairperson.

Check if course is offered:
Fall Semester 2025
Summer Session 2025