Dental Hygiene (DHY)

DHY 150. Concepts in Clinical Dental Hygiene I: Pre-Clinic. 3 Credit Hours.

Concepts in Clinical Dental Hygiene I: Pre-Clinic introduces the basic foundations for competent delivery of preventive, therapeutic, and educational dental hygiene services to the public. A solid knowledge base for assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care is established. Theory and practical aspects of prevention of disease transmission in the dental setting and patient assessment skills such as health history, vital signs, oral inspections, principles of instrumentation, and treatment planning are emphasized.
Prerequisites: BIO 203, BIO 207, BIO 208, and CHM 101 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
Corequisites: DHY 152, DHY 154, DHY 155, DHY 156, DHY 157, DHY 158, DHY 159

DHY 152. Clinical Dental Hygiene I: Pre-Clinic. 3 Credit Hours.

Clinical Dental Hygiene I: Pre-Clinic introduces skills for delivering preventive, educational, and therapeutic dental hygiene care. Students gain experience through simulation using dental manikins and peer partners while developing competencies in assessment, instrumentation, infection control, treatment planning, and evaluation. Emphasis is placed on health history, vital signs, oral inspections, and professional communication.
Prerequisites: BIO 203, BIO 207, BIO 208, and CHM 101 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
Corequisites: DHY 150, DHY 154, DHY 155, DHY 156, DHY 157, DHY 158, and DHY 159

DHY 154. Periodontics I. 2 Credit Hours.

Periodontics I introduces the healthy periodontium and provides a foundation in the etiology and classification of gingival diseases. Topics include plaque and calculus formation, contributing risk factors, and the microbiology of periodontal conditions. Students also learn principles of patient education and self-care techniques for maintaining periodontal health.
Prerequisites: BIO 203, BIO 207, BIO 208, and CHM 101 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
Corequisites: DHY 150, DHY 152, DHY 155, DHY 156, DHY 157, DHY 158, and DHY 159

DHY 155. Dental Radiology. 2 Credit Hours.

Dental Radiology covers the history, production, effects, and applications of radiation in dentistry. The course emphasizes digital imaging, exposure control, radiographic techniques, equipment safety, and legal and ethical responsibilities. Students learn to identify anatomical landmarks, restorations, and dental materials, and to recognize conditions such as periodontal disease, caries, and periapical lesions.
Prerequisites: BIO 203, BIO 207, BIO 208, and CHM 101 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
Corequisites: DHY 150, DHY 152, DHY 154, DHY 156, DHY 157, DHY 158, and DHY 159

DHY 156. Pre-Clinical Dental Radiology. 1 Credit Hour.

Pre-Clinical Dental Radiology introduces techniques for dental radiograph placement, exposure, imaging, and analysis. Students practice intraoral and extraoral radiographs on DXTTR mannequins, adhering to safety and protection guidelines. In preparation for clinical care, radiographic techniques are performed on peer partners without radiation exposure. These sessions also include patient education, infection control, screening and selection procedures, and radiology rotation duties. Radiographic techniques covered include paralleling, bisecting, localization, occlusal, panoramic, and panoramic bitewings. Students explore various intraoral sensors, positioning devices, and dental x-ray equipment. Radiographs are evaluated for anatomical accuracy and technique errors, with students self-assessing and applying corrective measures to produce high-quality diagnostic images.
Prerequisites: BIO 203, BIO 207, BIO 208, and CHM 101 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
Corequisites: DHY 150, DHY 152, DHY 154, DHY 155, DHY 157, DHY 158, and DHY 159

DHY 157. Oral Anatomy. 2 Credit Hours.

Oral Anatomy introduces dental hygiene students to the macroscopic and microscopic structures of the teeth, oral cavity, and associated perioral anatomy. The course includes the identification and classification of primary, mixed, and permanent dentitions, as well as anatomical variations and occlusal relationships. Students learn techniques for oral inspection, documentation, and dental charting. The course also introduces the dental caries process and foundational histologic features of oral tissues.
Prerequisites: BIO 203, BIO 207, BIO 208, and CHM 101 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
Corequisites: DHY 150, DHY 152, DHY 154, DHY 155, DHY 156, DHY 158, and DHY 159

DHY 158. Biomedical Science for the Dental Hygienist. 2 Credit Hours.

Biomedical Science for the Dental Hygienist introduces dental hygiene students to fundamental concepts of human anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, microbiology, and immunology as they relate to oral and systemic health. The course focuses on selected conditions of the cardiovascular, respiratory, immune, nervous, and endocrine systems, emphasizing how these conditions influence dental hygiene care, patient evaluation, and treatment planning. Students learn to assess patient risk, recognize systemic disease manifestations in the oral cavity, and determine necessary treatment modifications to ensure safe and effective patient care.
Prerequisites: BIO 203, BIO 207, BIO 208, and CHM 101 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
Corequisites: DHY 150, DHY 152, DHY 154, DHY 155, DHY 156, DHY 157, and DHY 159

DHY 159. Dental Medical Emergencies. 1 Credit Hour.

Dental Medical Emergencies introduces the principles of risk management in the care of medically compromised dental patients. The course emphasizes the prevention, recognition, and management of medical emergencies that may occur in the dental office.
Prerequisites: BIO 203, BIO 207, BIO 208, and CHM 101 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
Corequisites: DHY 150, DHY 152, DHY 154, DHY 155, DHY 156, DHY 157, and DHY 158

DHY 160. Concepts in Clinical Dental Hygiene II. 3 Credit Hours.

Concepts in Clinical Dental Hygiene II is the continuation and further development of content from Concepts in Clinical Dental Hygiene I: Pre-Clinic. Emphasis is placed on didactic information regarding the clinician's assessment of the patient's medical status and dental conditions for the dental hygiene diagnosis and care plans, including patient education. Introduction to powered instrumentation theory and technique, dental stains and their removal, as well as fluoride therapies as a preventive measure for patients and the community are included.
Prerequisites: DHY 150, DHY 152, DHY 154, DHY 155, DHY 156, DHY 157, DHY 158, and DHY 159 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
Corequisites: DHY 162, DHY 164, DHY 167, and DHY 168

DHY 162. Clinical Dental Hygiene II. 5 Credit Hours.

Clinical Dental Hygiene II marks the student’s first clinical experience with patient care, emphasizing the application of dental hygiene theories, principles, and responsibilities appropriate to the student’s current level of knowledge. Under faculty supervision, students provide care to patients of varying age groups presenting with healthy gingiva or early periodontal involvement. The course focuses on developing clinical instrumentation skills introduced in Clinical Dental Hygiene I: Pre-Clinic, while integrating knowledge from didactic coursework. Students also participate in off-site clinical observations to broaden their understanding of interdisciplinary care. Professionalism and ethical practice continue to be emphasized throughout the course.
Prerequisites: DHY 150, DHY 152, DHY 154, DHY 155, DHY 156, DHY 157, DHY 158, and DHY 159 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
Corequisites: DHY 160, DHY 164, DHY 167, and DHY 168

DHY 164. Periodontics II. 2 Credit Hours.

Periodontics II builds upon foundational knowledge of the healthy periodontium and gingival diseases by focusing on the diagnosis and management of periodontal diseases, particularly periodontitis. The course emphasizes comprehensive periodontal assessment, risk factor identification, nonsurgical periodontal therapy, dental hygiene interventions, and periodontal maintenance strategies. Basic concepts of periodontal surgery and dental implants are introduced to support interdisciplinary collaboration and referral decision-making.
Prerequisites: DHY 150, DHY 152, DHY 154, DHY 155, DHY 156, DHY 157, DHY 158, and DHY 159 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
Corequisites: DHY 160, DHY 162, DHY 167, and DHY 168

DHY 167. Anatomy and Embryology of the Head & Neck. 3 Credit Hours.

Anatomy and Embryology of the Head and Neck explores the gross anatomy and embryological development of head and neck structures relevant to dental hygiene practice. The course emphasizes the anatomy of the skull, neck, tongue, oropharynx, temporomandibular joint, and associated anatomical variations and disorders. Students study the skeletal, muscular, vascular, nervous, lymphatic, and glandular systems, with particular focus on cranial nerves, muscles of mastication and facial expression, and anatomy critical for dental anesthesia. Topics also include pathways of infection spread and principles for preventing tissue injury during dental procedures.
Prerequisites: DHY 150, DHY 152, DHY 154, DHY 155, DHY 156, DHY 157, DHY 158, and DHY 159 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
Corequisites: DHY 160, DHY 162, DHY 164, and DHY 168

DHY 168. General and Oral Pathology. 2 Credit Hours.

General and Oral Pathology explores the basic principles of general pathology, including the causes and mechanisms of disease, inflammation, immune responses, and tissue repair. The course emphasizes oral pathology, focusing on the recognition and description of common oral diseases and lesions, as well as oral manifestations of systemic conditions. Students learn to identify normal and abnormal oral findings, understand disease progression, and apply this knowledge to patient assessment and dental hygiene care.
Prerequisites: DHY 150, DHY 152, DHY 154, DHY 155, DHY 156, DHY 157, DHY 158, and DHY 159 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
Corequisites: DHY 160, DHY 162, DHY 164, and DHY 167

DHY 172. Clinical Dental Hygiene: Summer Clinic. 1 Credit Hour.

Clinical Dental Hygiene: Summer Clinic provides dental hygiene students with continued clinical experience in delivering patient care under faculty supervision. Emphasis is placed on applying theories, principles, procedures, and instrumentation learned in previous courses to comprehensive patient assessment, treatment planning, preventive and therapeutic services, patient management, and ethical practice. Students build upon competencies established in Clinical Dental Hygiene II, developing higher proficiency in clinical skills, critical thinking, patient safety, and professional conduct.
Prerequisites: DHY 160, DHY 162, DHY 164, DHY 167, and DHY 168 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
Corequisites: DHY 273

DHY 250. Concepts in Clinical Dental Hygiene III. 2 Credit Hours.

Concepts in Clinical Dental Hygiene III introduces additional clinical dental hygiene procedures including advanced periodontal instrumentation and skills to further develop the assessment and implementation of the dental hygiene diagnosis and treatment plan. The course introduces theories and principles for the use of adjunctive technologies, including air polishers, pulp vitality testing, and contemporary periodontal therapies. Topics include periodontal surgery, dentinal hypersensitivity, tooth whitening, tobacco cessation, and dental implant maintenance.
Prerequisites: DHY 172 and DHY 273 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
Corequisites: DHY 252, DHY 257, DHY 258, and DHY 259

DHY 252. Clinical Dental Hygiene III. 6 Credit Hours.

Clinical Dental Hygiene III provides advanced experience in delivering comprehensive dental hygiene care in both clinical and community settings. Students integrate advanced clinical skills, including periodontal instrumentation, adjunctive therapies, and the use of dental materials into patient treatment. Emphasis is placed on comprehensive patient assessment, treatment planning, evidence-based decision making, and the management of complex cases. Students will also develop proficiency in specialized techniques such as air polishing, power instrumentation, application of desensitizing agents, impression taking, study model fabrication, and tobacco cessation counseling.
Prerequisites: DHY 172 and DHY 273 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
Corequisites: DHY 250, DHY 257, DHY 258, and DHY 259

DHY 257. Dental Materials. 2 Credit Hours.

Dental Materials introduces fundamental principles of dental biomaterials, including mechanical and chemical adhesion, physical and chemical properties, and identification of various restorative and preventive materials used in patient care. Students gain knowledge of proper manipulation techniques for impression materials, gypsum products, and restorative materials. Emphasis is placed on safety protocols, critical evaluation of materials, and clinical relevance. Clinical application and use of these materials will occur concurrently in DHY 252 Clinical Dental Hygiene III.
Prerequisites: DHY 172 and DHY 273 with minimum grades of "C"; Current CPR-Basic Life Support with AED Certification and Reading Proficiency
Corequisites: DHY 250, DHY 252, DHY 258, and DHY 259

DHY 258. Dental Pharmacology. 2 Credit Hours.

Dental Pharmacology introduces pharmacology which can be defined as the science of drugs. Within pharmacology is an interrelationship of biomedical sciences, including biochemistry, physiology, and pathology. This course will provide a study of pharmaceutical classifications, properties, and effects. Emphasis is given to the systemic effects of drugs and their dental implications in the management of various medical conditions. (Credit is only allowed for either DHY 258 or DHY 228.)
Prerequisites: DHY 172 and DHY 273 with minimum grades of "C"; Current CPR-Basic Life Support with AED Certification, and Reading Proficiency

DHY 259. Dental Nutrition and Biochemistry. 2 Credit Hours.

Dental Nutrition and Biochemistry provides an overview of essential nutrients and their roles in systemic and oral health, emphasizing the impact of nutrition on the development, maintenance, and prevention of oral diseases across the lifespan. Major topics include metabolism of macro- and micronutrients, biochemistry of nutrient utilization, dietary assessment, food analysis, and preventive nutritional counseling for oral health.
Prerequisites: DHY 172 and DHY 273 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
Corequisites: DHY 250, DHY 252, DHY 257, and DHY 258

DHY 260. Concepts IV: Ethics, Professionalism, and Practice Transition in Dental Hygiene. 2 Credit Hours.

Concepts IV: Ethics, Professionalism, and Practice Transition in Dental Hygiene prepares students for professional entry into dental hygiene practice through the study of ethics, legal regulations, and career transition skills. Students explore ethical theories, principles, and values, with emphasis on the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) Code of Ethics and ethical decision-making in patient care. Additional topics include care considerations for patients with special health needs such as cancer, mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse, quality assurance, and current legislative trends. The course also develops practical skills for career readiness, including résumé and portfolio development, interviewing strategies, and preparation for national and regional board examinations.
Prerequisites: DHY 250, DHY 252, DHY 257, DHY 258, and DHY 259 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
Corequisites: DHY 262 and 263

DHY 262. Clinical Dental Hygiene IV. 5 Credit Hours.

Clinical Dental Hygiene IV emphasizes the delivery of comprehensive dental hygiene care in both campus and community-based settings. Students apply advanced principles of assessment, instrumentation, critical thinking, and professionalism while demonstrating increased independence and clinical decision-making. Emphasis is placed on ethical care, safe practice, and service learning in preparation for entry into professional practice.
Prerequisites: DHY 250, DHY 252, DHY 257, DHY 258, and DHY 259 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
Corequisites: DHY 260 and DHY 263

DHY 263. Dental Public Health. 2 Credit Hours.

Dental Public Health prepares students to promote oral health and prevent disease at the community level, viewing the community as the patient. The course examines the history, economics, and organization of dental public health systems, both in the United States and globally. Topics include epidemiology, biostatistics, health care delivery systems, dental public health program planning, and critical evaluation of dental literature. Students design and participate in a community service project to apply public health principles in real-world settings.
Prerequisites: DHY 250, DHY 252, DHY 257, DHY 258, and DHY 259 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
Corequisites: DHY 260 and DHY 262

DHY 273. Pain Control. 3 Credit Hours.

Pain Control covers the theory and clinical application of pain management interventions within the scope of dental hygiene practice. The course addresses the physiology, psychology, and pharmacology of pain, with emphasis on prevention, recognition, and management of adverse reactions. Students learn the safe and ethical administration of local anesthesia and nitrous oxide-oxygen conscious sedation, focusing on anatomical landmarks, evidence-based techniques, and patient-centered care. Clinical practice includes administering local anesthesia and nitrous oxide-oxygen sedation to peers to prepare for clinical patients. Competency testing is required for successful completion and licensure eligibility.
Prerequisites: DHY 160, DHY 162, DHY 164, DHY 167, DHY 168 with minimum grades of "C"; Current CPR-Basic Life Support with AED Certification, and Reading Proficiency
Corequisites: DHY 172

DHY 290. Dental Hygiene Skills Review. 1 Credit Hour.

Dental Hygiene Skills Review is an independent study that provides review and remediation of dental hygiene skills for currently enrolled students and those re-entering the Dental Hygiene Program. The course is offered on an as-needed basis and is arranged through individual student-faculty contracts.
Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Dental Hygiene Program within the past 12 months or current enrollment in the program, and Reading Proficiency