Course Listings

Emphasis is placed on the philosophies of education, communication skills and motivational techniques as they apply to individuals and group health education. Also included are planning, organizing and evaluating chair-side dental health education, methods of presentation, and use resource material.

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

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe effective communication skills.
2. Identify various learning styles.
3. Recognize diversity in patient populations.
4. Define a professional code of ethics in accordance with the New York State Dental Hygiene Practice Act.
5. Identify oral self-care techniques and materials.
6. Assess oral self-care needs on case studies.
7. Identify individualized patient education strategies.
8. Identify referral services based on patient's medical and dental needs.

An introduction to physics and biology of radiation; radiation hygiene; equipment and materials; film 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. Apply a professional code of ethics in accordance to New York State Dental Hygiene Practice Act.
2. Explain the basic principles and concepts of x-rays.
3. Identify the parts of the dental x-ray machine.
4. Describe the production of dental x-rays.
5. Identify the factors affecting the quality of the x-ray beam.
6. Identify the factors affecting the quality of the x-ray image.
7. Identify the effects of ionizing radiation on living tissues.
8. Identify radiation protection procedures for the operator.
9. Identify radiation protection procedures for the patient.
10. Describe various radiographic surveys.
11. Compare and contrast film and digital receptors.
12. Demonstrate intraoral techniques for bitewing radiographs.
13. Demonstrate intraoral techniques for periapical radiographs.
14. Demonstrate the steps for taking panoramic radiographs.
15. Demonstrate proper film processing and handling.

This course includes anatomical identification of and discussion of function of the 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. Identify various structures of the head and neck.
2. Explain the functions of various structures of the head and neck.
3. Describe the morphology of the teeth in the human dentitions.
4. Describe the clinical significance of anatomical structures of the oral cavity.
5. Describe the types of oral mucosa and parts of the gingiva.
6. Contrast the appearance of healthy and unhealthy oral mucosa.
7. Describe the muscles of mastication and facial expressions.
8. Identify the parts of the temporomandibular (TMJ) joint.
9. Describe management of TMJ dysfunction.
10. Explain the classification system used to classify occlusion.
11. Classify occlusion for various individuals.
12. Contrast functional and dysfunctional occlusion.
13. Explain the nerve innervation of the teeth and oral cavity.
14. Describe the blood supply to the teeth and oral cavity.
15. Summarize blood supply and nerve innervation related to the concepts of anesthesia.
16. Describe the functions of the TMJ joint.
17. Recognize specific discrepancies in occlusion.

Focuses on the scientifically accepted principles and practices of infection control. This course will provide the student with the core elements on infection control and barrier precautions.

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. Identify methods to prevent disease based on 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. Describe various sterilizing supplies and equipment.
6. Identify engineering and work practice controls that limit the spread of infectious disease.
7. Identify the legal and ethical responsibilities of infection control in the dental office.

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. Collect and record patient histories.
5. Describe medical conditions relevant to dental practice.
6. Identify the potential for medical emergencies in the dental office.
7. Describe the characteristics of a thorough oral facial examination.
8. Contrast the characteristics of healthy and unhealthy gingiva.
9. Identify common dental restorations and materials.
10. Identify the armamentarium for polishing.
11. Describe the procedures for polishing.

Emphasis in this course is placed on the practical application of dental hygiene care. Students will be required to be a partner for technique practice.

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

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Apply policies and procedures for infection control in dental practice.
2. Identify basic operator-patient positions for instrumentation.
3. Demonstrate proper instrumentation techniques.
4. Demonstrate oral facial examination techniques.
5. Demonstrate gingival examination techniques.
6. Demonstrate personal oral self-care for biofilm removal.
7. Display professional behavior as it relates to dental hygiene practice.

Continuation of DEN 111. Anatomical landmarks; deviations from normal; evaluation of radiographs. Extra and intraoral projections.

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. Collect and record patient’s histories.
2. Demonstrate film duplicating technique.
3. Demonstrate proper record keeping for radiography patients.
4. Demonstrate intra-oral exposure techniques.
5. Demonstrate extra-oral exposure techniques.
6. Demonstrate proper film mounting and labeling techniques.
7. Demonstrate proper digital mounting and labeling techniques.
8. Demonstrate proper radiographic viewing techniques.
9. Identify normal radiographic landmarks.
10. Identify common radiographic artifacts.
11. Identify common radiographic shadows.
12. Identify the radiographic appearance of basic disease processes of teeth and bone.
13. 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 review as well as the clinical significance and application of knowledge to patient evaluation and treatment.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all previous semesters DEN courses with a grade of C or better.

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 anomalies that occur during the development of the oral cavity.
4. Describe anomalies that occur during the development of the teeth.
5. Describe the histologic structure of the hard and soft tissues of the teeth.
6. Describe the histologic structure of the hard and soft tissues surrounding the teeth.
7. Explain impacts of histologic structure on disease processes.
8. Explain impacts of histologic structure on clinical treatment procedures.

A brief introduction to principles of general pathology 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 will be studied; also systemic diseases and their oral manifestations.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all previous semesters DEN courses with a grade of C or better.

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

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

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Identify professional and ethical behavior as it pertains to the treatment of patients
2. Describe the use and management of ultrasonic equipment
3. Develop a basic treatment plan for patients after analyzing all pertinent data and considering individual needs for various populations
4. Identify patients with special needs
5. List techniques that improve patient care for various populations

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

Prerequisite: BIO 134 or BIO 142, and successful completion of all previous semesters DEN courses with a grade of C or better.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Apply the principles of professional and ethical behavior during patient care.
2. Analyze essential patient data.
3. Develop a basic treatment plan for patients considering individual needs for various populations.
4. Provide dental hygiene services at acceptable proficiency levels.
5. Proceed through a patient appointment in an orderly fashion.
6. Demonstrate acceptable infection control measures.
7. Maintain dental instruments.
8. Document various dental patient services.
9. Manage common medical emergencies.
10. Describe the use and management of ultrasonic equipment.
11. Demonstrate self care techniques to patients.
12. Demonstrate various polishing techniques.
13. Describe the use of caries detection devices.
14. Describe the use of pain control methods.
15. Describe the care of the orthodontic client.
16. Describe the care of prosthetic appliances.
17. Describe various dental office emergency procedures.

This course begins with a brief review of normal periodontal anatomy and physiology. Classification of periodontal diseases will be discussed with emphasis on plaque induced periodontal diseases. Examination, clinical characteristics, risk factors, and management of patients with these types of periodontal diseases is included.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all previous semesters DEN courses with a grade of C or better.

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.

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: Successful completion of all previous semesters DEN courses with a grade of C or better.

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

This course will provide the student with knowledge regarding the foundation of community dentistry and its role in society. Students will explore the primary fields involved in assessing and improving the public's dental health, including epidemiology and biostatistics. In addition, students will gain experience in evaluating scholarly dental literature.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all previous semesters DEN courses with a grade of C or better.

Course Learning Outcomes
1.Compare public health and dental public health.
2.Compare dental public health and private dental care.
3.Describe specific learning theory models related to a target population.
4.Describe dental indices.
5.Describe community dental health program planning.
6.Describe current epidemiologic concepts.
7.Describe current biostatistical concepts.
8.Analyze published dental literature.

This course is a continuation of study of pathology or oral mucosa, dental tissues and related structures. Students will view images of oral/facial lesions and answer related questions.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all previous semesters DEN courses with a grade of C or better.

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 tempromandibular (TMJ) joint.

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: Successful completion of all previous semesters DEN courses with a grade of C or better.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Define the dental hygiene process of care.
2. Utilize dental and root morphology to periodontally probe clients.
3. Describe periodontal disease risk factors when counseling clients individually about periodontal disease(s).
4. Describe advanced instruments used when individualizing dental hygiene care.
5. Define gingival curettage.
6. Describe the role of the dental hygienist in the contemporary paradigm of periodontal dressings.
7. Define non-surgical periodontal therapy.
8. Define the principles of Caries Management by Risk Assessment.
9. Define the principles of pulp vitality testing.
10. Define the principles of patient centered nutritional counseling and referral.
11. Classify patients into the categories such as pediatric, adolescent, adult periodontal, geriatric, medically complex or special needs.
12. Analyze patient data in case studies.
13. Describe the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) testing format.
14. Apply cumulative knowledge to answer case study based questions.
15. Describe the inflammatory process when counseling clients individually about periodontal disease(s).
16. Plan treatment and referral according to defined client case types based on American Dental Association (ADA) and AAP guidelines.
17. Describe the Commission on Dental Competency Assessment testing format.

Course emphasis will be on comprehensive patient care and treatment planning. Course includes radiographic evaluation. A continuation of clinical skill development begun in DEN 125. Students are required to recruit patients in order to meet clinical requirements.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all previous semesters DEN courses with a grade of C or better.

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 clients.
5. Interpret evidence-based scientific literature in dentistry and dental hygiene.
6. Treat a variety of clients including Child, Adolescent, Adult, Medically Complex, and Geriatric with varying periodontal, physiologic, social, ethnic, and cultural needs.
7. Interpret client data and verbalize findings to faculty, peers and client.
8. Individualize comprehensive client care.
9. Formulate evaluative and reflective written client summaries based on the dental hygiene process of care.
10. Document client care ethically, comprehensively and contemporaneously.
11. Develop independent practice and time-management skills in rendering dental hygiene treatment.
12. Demonstrate clinical skill competence required at the third semester dental hygiene level.
13. 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. Introduction to newer drugs and new effects of old drugs. Brief discussion on controlled drugs and drug abuse.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all previous semesters DEN courses with a grade of C or better.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Identify and describe basic pharmacological terminology.
2. Identify and describe the general principles of pharmacology.
3. Identify and describe drug classifications.
4. Identify and describe the effects of drugs in terms of their actions or impact
5. Identify and describe client medical conditions according to the drugs used.
6. Identify and describe the AHA recommendation for antibiotic premedication.
7. Describe various drugs utilized during medical emergencies in the dental office.
8. Identify and describe common drug interactions and precautions.

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: Successful completion of all previous semesters DEN courses with a grade of C or better.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Compare the dental specialties as identified by the American Dental Association.
2. Identify and describe the target patient populations in more than one of the dental specialties.
3. Compare and contrast the instruments and armamentarium used in more than one dental specialty.
4. Discuss the functions of dental professionals within more than one dental specialty.
5. Discuss specific patient education issues for more than one dental specialty.
6. Discuss common patient questions regarding more than one dental specialty and prepare an appropriate response to each question
7. Evaluate current topics related to dentistry such as: Laser Therapy, Cosmetic Dentistry, Myofunctional Therapy, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and Implants.

This course is a continuation of study of periodontal diseases. It covers pathogenesis of diseases, critical analysis of patient assessments, current treatment modalities, and rationale for the same.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all previous semesters DEN courses with a grade of C or better.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the therapies for patients with periodontal disease.
2. Develop health maintenance protocol for treated 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 simulate management of periodontal patients.

This course will provide the student with knowledge regarding the assessment of community dental health needs, particularly through the use of dental indices and biostatistical measures. Students will explore the methods of oral health promotion, disease prevention, and program planning.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all previous semesters DEN courses with a grade of C or better.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe access to care as it relates to the dental profession.
2. Describe the methods in dental research.
3. Describe financial aspects of dentistry.
4. Describe methods for community fluoridation.
5. Prepare a table clinic presentation.
6. Execute a table clinic presentation.

Review of the history of dental hygiene. Course focus will be on ethics, jurisprudence, current issues and trends in dental hygiene.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all previous semesters DEN courses with a grade of C or better.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Summarize the history of the dental hygiene profession.
2. Compare the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) dental hygiene code of ethics to the American Dental Association (ADA) dental code of ethics.
3. Describe how ethical theories affect ethical decision making.
4. Describe how personal values affect ethical decision making.
5. Utilize case study to simulate application of the ADHA code of ethics as a guide to decision making in dental hygiene.
6. Describe the concepts of civil law.
7. Describe the concepts of criminal law.
8. State the general characteristics of dental practice acts.
9. Identify the supervision levels of the dental hygienist as defined in the New York State Dental Practice Act.
10. Identify the legal duties of the dental hygienist related to supervision levels defined in the New York State Dental Practice Act.
11. Identify the supervision levels of the dental assistant as defined in the New York State Dental Practice Act.
12. Identify the legal duties of the dental assistant related to supervision levels defined in the New York State Dental Practice Act.
13. Describe how to apply for a dental hygiene license in New York State.
14. Describe risk management as it applies to the dental practice.

Improvement of clinical skills developed in DEN 215. Students will continue to develop advanced clinical skills, comprehensive dental hygiene treatment plan, total patient care and supportive periodontal treatment (SPT). Course includes radiographic evaluation. Students are required to recruit patients in order to meet clinical requirements.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all previous semesters DEN courses with a grade of C or better.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Apply Center of Disease Control (CDC) guidelines in all clinical settings.
2. Apply Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) guidelines in all clinical settings.
3. Apply the dental hygiene code of ethics when treating all clients.
4. Utilize Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guidelines in all aspects of client management.
5. Utilize the dental hygiene process of care for all clients.
6. Interpret evidence-based scientific literature in dentistry.
7. Treat a variety of clients such as a Child, Adolescent, Adult, Medically Complex, and Geriatric with varying periodontal, physiologic, social, ethnic, and cultural needs.
8. Summarize client assessment data.
9. Individualize comprehensive client care.
10. Formulate evaluative written client summaries based on the dental hygiene process of care.
11. Write reflective summaries based on the completed dental hygiene process of care.
12. Document client care comprehensively.
13. Demonstrate timely independent practice while rendering dental hygiene treatment.
14. Demonstrate clinical skill competence required at the fourth semester dental hygiene level.
15. Demonstrate ability to work in a team based setting.

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

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all previous semesters DEN courses with a grade of C or better.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. List the drugs used in the treatment of patients with selected systemic diseases such as asthma, bleeding disorders, cardiovascular diseases or epilepsy.
2. Describe the dental management of patients with compromised medical conditions, including guidelines and precautions.
3. List specific drug interactions such as drugs used in dentistry and drugs used in medically compromised patients.
4. List drugs and other agents used in dentistry that are contraindicated in certain medically compromised patients.

This course will help prepare the dental studies student for the job market, and will emphasize dental office practice management and job seeking skills.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all previous semesters DEN courses with a grade of C or better.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the various aspects of the dental practice.
2. Describe the various aspects of dental office documentation.
3. Describe the various dental practice management systems.
4. Identify dental insurance protocols.
5. Write a resume.
6. Demonstrate employment interviewing techniques.

Various periodontal surgical procedures will be reviewed in this course. Students will learn pre and post care of periodontal patients, post surgical complications, and latest advances in periodontal diagnostics/treatment. Diagnosis and management concepts of various periodontal diseases will be discussed through case-studies format. Students will write a "Perio Paper" (Writing Intensive Course).

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all previous semesters DEN courses with a grade of C or better.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe periodontal emergencies.
2. List the differences between periodontal and periapical abscesses.
3. List the steps taken to manage a periodontal abscess.
4. Compare various surgical periodontal procedures.
5. Describe the instruments used for incision design of various surgical periodontal procedures.
6. Describe surgical procedures using the appropriate terminology.
7. Define informed consent and informed refusal for periodontal treatment.
8. Describe pre and post-surgical instructions for the periodontal patient.
9. Describe possible complications following periodontal surgery.
10. Describe management of post-surgical complications following periodontal surgery.

See the Department Chairperson.

Check if course is offered:
Fall Semester 2022