Dental Hygienist - Associate Degree

Overview of the human anatomy/physiology using a body-systems approach, emphasizing the interrelationships between form/function at the gross and microscopic levels. (Prerequisite: C or better in Lab-based Chemistry OR 2 semesters lab-based high school chemistry w/C or better; AND Next Gen Rdg score greater/= to 263; OR ACT Rdg score greater/= to 17; OR prep courses-contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

History, morphology, physiology, nutritional growth requirements, metabolism, methods of identification. Focus on disease-causing microorganisms, appropriate prevention, treatment, control mechanisms. Specific/non-specific host defense mechanisms, applications of immunology examined. (Prerequisite: 10-806-177, General Anatomy & Physiology OR 10-806-114, General Biology with a "C" or better. Health programs may require a higher grade; refer to your plan for details)

Students gain skills that lead to success in college, employment, and life. Students should take this course in their first semester. (Pre-requisite: None.)

Prepares dental auxiliary students to respond proactively to dental emergencies, control infection, prevent disease, adhere to OSHA Standards, and safely manage hazardous materials. Students also take patient vital signs and collect patient medical/dental histories. (Prerequisite: Accepted into the Dental Hygiene or Dental Assistant or Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary Program)

Covers organic and biological chemistry necessary for application within Nursing and other Allied Health careers. Emphasis is placed on recognizing the structure, physical properties and chemical reactions of organic molecules, body fluids and acids. Discussion of biological functions and their relationship to enzymes, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and DNA. (Prereq: Gen Chemistry w/C or better OR 2 semesters lab-based high school chemistry w/C or better)

Prepares Dental Hygienist students to apply detailed knowledge about oral anatomy to planning, implementation, assessment, and evaluation of patient care. Students identify distinguishing characteristics of normal and abnormal dental, head, and neck anatomy and its relationship to tooth development, eruption and health. (Prerequisites: 10-806-177, General Anatomy & Physiology, 10-508-101, Dental Health Safety)

Learners develop knowledge/skills in planning, organizing, writing, editing. Students will also analyze audience/purpose, use elements of research, format documents using standard guidelines, and develop critical reading skills. (Prerequisite: High school GPA greater/equal to 2.6; OR ACT Reading score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 18; OR Next Gen Reading score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 260; OR "preparatory course(s)", contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

This course focuses on the characteristics and contributing factors of dental decay. Dental Hygiene students help patients minimize caries risk by developing treatment plans, communicating methods to patients, and evaluating treatment results. (Prerequisites: 10-806-186, Intro to Biochemistry; 10-806-197, Microbiology)

Prepares dental auxiliary students to operate x-ray units and expose bitewing, periapical, extra oral, and occlusal radiographs. Emphasis is placed on protection against x-ray hazards. Students also process, mount, and evaluate radiographs for diagnostic value. In this course students demonstrate competency on a manikin. In addition, students expose bitewing radiographs on a peer, role-play patient. (Prerequisite: 10-508-101, Dent Health Safety; Corequisite: 10-508-102, Oral Anat & Hist)

Introduces Dental Hygiene students to the basic technical/clinical skills required of practicing Dental Hygienists including use of basic dental equipment, examination of patients, and procedures within the dental unit. Under the direct supervision of an instructor, students integrate hands-on skills with entry-level critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The course also reinforces the application of Dental Health Safety skills. (Prerequisites: 10-806-186, Intro to Biochemistry; 10-508-101, Dental Health Safety; Corequisite: 10-508-102, DH-Oral Anatomy, Embry & Histology)

This course prepares student dental hygienists to assess the periodontal health of patients, plan prevention and treatment of periodontal disease, and to evaluate the effectiveness of periodontal treatment plans. Emphasis is placed on the recognition of the signs and causes of periodontal disease and on selection of treatments modalities that minimize risk and restore periodontal health. (Prerequisites: 10-806-197, Microbiology; 10-806-186, Intro to Biochemistry; 10-508-102, Oral Anatomy, Embryology & Histology; 10-508-103, Dental Radiography; Corequisites: 10-508-111, General & Oral Pathology; 10-508-106, Dental Hygiene Process 2)

This course focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English score greater/equal to 16; OR preparatory course-contact an academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

Helps student dental hygienists develop and apply high professional and ethical standards. Students apply the laws that govern the practice of dental hygiene to their work with patients, other members of a dental team and the community. Emphasis is placed on maintaining confidentiality and obtaining informed consent. Students enhance their ability to present a professional appearance. (Co-requisite: 10-508-105 Dental Hygiene Process 1)

This course prepares the student dental hygienist to determine when to consult, treat or refer clients with various disease, infection or physiological conditions. Students learn to recognize the signs, causes, and implications of common pathological conditions including inflammatory responses, immune disorders, genetic disorders, developmental disorders of tissues and cysts, oral tissue trauma, and neoplasm of the oral cavity. (Prerequisites: 10-508-102, Oral Anatomy, Embryology & Histology; 10-508-103, Dental Radiography; Corequisites: 10-508-106, Dental Hygiene Process 2; 10-508-108, Periodontology)

This clinical course builds on and expands the technical/clinical skills student dental hygienists began developing in Dental Hygiene Process I. Under the direct supervision of an instructor, students apply patient care assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation skills to provide comprehensive care for perio case type 0, I, and II patients. (Prerequisite: 10-508-103, Dental Radiography; 10-508-105, DH-Dental Hygiene Process 1; 10-508-109, Cariology)

Prepares student dental hygienists to select safe and effective patient premedication, local anesthetic, chemo therapeutic and anti-microbial agents within the scope of dental hygiene practice. Students will also learn to recognize potential pharmacological contraindications for specific patients and to take measures to avoid negative impact or alert other members of the dental team to possible negative impact. (Prerequisites:10-806-186, Intro to Biochemistry; 10-806-197, Microbiology; 10-508-106, Dental Hygiene Process 2)

Prepares student dental hygienists to counsel patients about diet and its impact on oral health. Students learn to distinguish between balanced and unbalanced diets and to construct diets that meet the needs of patients with compromised dental/oral health. Students also learn to counsel patients about the effect of eating disorders on dental health. (Prerequisite: 10-806-186, Intro to Biochemistry; 10-508-105 Dental Hygiene Process 1)

Prepares dental auxiliary students to handle and prepare dental materials such as liners, bases, cements, amalgam, resin restorative materials, gypsum products, and impression materials. They also learn to take alginate impressions on manikins and clean removable appliances. (Prerequisites: 10-508-101, Dental Health Safety; 31-508-304, Dental & General Anatomy OR 10-508-102, Oral Anatomy, Embry, Histology)

This course prepares the student dental hygienist to work within the scope of dental hygiene practice to manage pain for dental patients. Students learn to prevent and manage common emergencies related to administration of local anesthesia, prepare the armamentarium, and administer local anesthesia. The course also addresses the recommendation of alternative pain control measures. (Prerequisites: 10-508-102, Oral Anatomy, Embryology & Histology; 10-508-114, Dental Pharmacology; Corequisite: 10-508-112, Dental Hygiene Process 3)

This science of psychology course is a survey of multiple aspects of behavior and mental processes. It provides an overview of topics such as research methods, theoretical perspectives, learning, cognition, memory, motivation, emotions, personality, abnormal psychology, physiological factors, social influences, and development.. (Prerequisite: Cumulative GPA of 2.6 or greater OR satisfactory reading and writing assessment scores OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing 1 with "B" or better OR Corequisite: 10-831-102, English Comp Prep).

This clinical course builds on and expands the technical/clinical skills student dental hygienists developed in Dental Hygiene Process 2. In consultation with the instructor, students apply independent problem-solving skills in the course of providing comprehensive care case type 0, I, II, and III patients. This course also introduces root detoxification using hand and ultra-sonic instruments, laser bacterial reduction, selection of dental implant prophylaxis treatment options, and administration of chemotherapeutic agents. Students also create care plans in order to accommodate patients with special needs. (Prerequisites: 10-508-106, Dental Hygiene Process 2; 10-508-108, Periodontology; 10-508-109, Cariology; 10-508-110, Nutrition & Dental Health)

This course prepares the Dental Hygienist student to play a proactive role in improving the dental health of community members of all ages. Students perform and interpret dental health research to determine community dental health needs, they also participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of a community dental health program. (Corequisite: 10-508-117, Dental Hygiene Process 4)

This course introduces the study of diversity from a local to a global perspective using a holistic, interdisciplinary approach that encourages exploration and prepares students to work in a diverse environment. The course introduces basic diversity concepts, examines the impact of bias and power differentials among groups, explores the use of culturally responsive communication strategies, and compares forces that shape diversity in an international context. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better.)

The nature and variety of groups; inequality, race and ethnicity; family, population, social integration, and change; collective behavior; politics, economics, religion, education, and the effects of technology. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better)

This clinical course builds on and expands the technical/clinical skills student dental hygienists developed in Dental Hygiene Process III. With feedback from the instructor, students manage all aspects of cases in the course of providing comprehensive care for perio case type 0 I, II, and III patients. Emphasizes maximization of clinical efficiency and effectiveness. Prepares student dental hygienists to demonstrate their clinical skills in a formal examination situation. (Prerequisite: 10-508-112, Dental Hygiene Process 3; 10-508-118, Dental Anxiety and Pain Management)