Program Requirements

Pre-Program

Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments

806-177Gen Anatomy & Physiology4836-133 or 806-134 or concurrent or CHEM Test ScoreExamines basic concepts of human anatomy and physiology as they relate to health sciences. Using a body systems approach, the course emphasizes the interrelationships between structure and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization of the entire human body. It is intended to prepare health care professionals who need to apply basic concepts of whole body anatomy and physiology to informed decision-making and professional communication with colleagues and patients.

TOTAL CREDITS:4 

First Semester

Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments

508-101Dental Health Safety1Course begins 4 weeks prior to fall semester, 32 Hours, Internet and on-campus lab | Program studentPrepares 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. This course is a WTCS aligned course required in both the Dental Hygienist and Dental Assisting programs.

508-102Oral Anatomy, Embry, Histology4Program student; and (508-101 or concurrentPrepares 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.

508-103Dental Radiography2Program student; 508-101 or concurrentPrepares dental auxiliary students to operate x-ray units and expose bitewing, periapical, extra oral, and occlusal images. Emphasis is placed on protection against x-ray hazards. Students also process, mount, and evaluate dental images for diagnostic value. In this course, students demonstrate competency on a manikin. In addition, students expose bitewing and periapical images on patients in the clinical portion of their program. This course also provides the background in radiographic theory required for students to make informed decisions and adjustments.

508-105Dental Hygiene Process 14Program student; and (508-101 and 508-102 and 508-103 or concurrentIntroduces 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.

806-186Intro to Biochemistry4Provides students with skills and knowledge of 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. Additional emphasis is placed on biological functions and their relationships to enzymes, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and DNA.

806-197Microbiology4806-177 or 806-207This course examines microbial structure, metabolism, genetics, growth, and the relationship between humans and microorganisms. Disease production, epidemiology, host defense mechanisms, and the medical impact of microbes in the environment, industry, and biotechnology are also addressed.

TOTAL CREDITS:19 

Second Semester

Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments

508-106Dental Hygiene Process 24508-102 and 508-103 and 508-105This clinical course builds on and expands the technical/clinical skills student dental hygienists began developing in Dental Hygiene Process 1. Under the direct supervision of an instructor, students apply patient care assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation skills to provide comprehensive care for calculus case type 1 and 2 patients and perio case patients. Dental Hygiene Process 2 introduces the application of fluoride and desensitizing agents, whole mouth sealants, and patient classification. Students also begin performing removal of supragingival stain, dental plaque, calcified accretions, and deposits. In addition, they gain further experience in exposing radiographs on patients. The course also reinforces the application of Dental Healthy Safety skills.

508-108Periodontology3Program student; 508-102 and 508-103 and 508-106 and 508-111 or concurrentThis 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.

508-109Cariology1Program student; and 508-106 or concurrentThis 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.

508-110Nutrition and Dental Health2Program student; 806-186Prepares 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.

508-111General & Oral Pathology3Program student; 508-102 and 508-103 and 508-106 or concurrentThis 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.

801-136English Composition 13This course is designed for learners to develop knowledge and skills in all aspects of the writing process. Planning, organizing, writing, editing, and revising are applied through a variety of activities. Students will analyze audience and purpose, use elements of research and format documents using standard guidelines. Individuals will develop critical reading skills through analysis of various written documents.

801-219English Composition 13English Composition 1 develops critical thinking, reading, writing, listening, and speaking for both exposition and argumentation. The course emphasizes college-level writing skills supported by reasoning, organization, and language conventions for research, presentations, and other discourse.

TOTAL CREDITS:16 

Third Semester

Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments

508-112Dental Hygiene Process 35508-106 and 508-108 and 508-109 and 508-110 and 508-111This 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 for calculus case type 1, 2 and 3 patients and case type O, I, II, and III patients. Dental Hygiene Process 3 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 adapt care plans in order to accommodate patients with special needs.

508-113Dental Materials2Program student; 508-101 or concurrentPrepares 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 peers and clean removable appliances. This course is aligned to serve students in the Dental Hygienist and Dental Assistant programs.

508-114Dental Pharmacology2508-106 and 508-112 or concurrentPrepares student dental hygienists to select safe and effective patient premedication and 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.

508-115Community Dental Health2508-112 or concurrentThis 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.

809-198Intro to Psychology3This introductory course in psychology is a survey of the multiple aspects of human behavior. It involves a survey of the theoretical foundations of human functioning in such areas as learning, motivation, emotions, personality, deviance and pathology, physiological factors, and social influences. Additional topics include research methods, biological and environmental impacts, development, sensation and perception, consciousness, intelligence and stress. This course directs the student to an insightful understanding of the complexities of human relationships in personal, social, and vocational settings.

TOTAL CREDITS:14 

Fourth Semester

Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments

508-107Dental Hygiene Ethics & Profes11st 8 Weeks | Program student; 508-112; Corequisite: 508-117Helps 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 professionalism which includes confidentiality and informed consent.

508-117Dental Hygiene Process 44508-112 and 508-113 and 508-114 and 508-115This 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 calculus case type 0, 1, 2, and 3 patients and 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.

508-118Dental Anxiety and Pain Management2Program student; 508-102 and 508-103 and 508-112 and 508-114This course prepares the student dental hygienist to work within the scope of dental hygiene practice to manage anxiety and pain for dental patients. Students learn to prepare and administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide safely. The course also addresses the recommendation of alternative pain control measures.

508-168Health Career Occupations11st 8 Weeks | Program student; 508-112; Corequisite: 508-117This course prepares students for the written, licensing and clinical practice examinations. It includes simulated CRDTS exam, an individualized study plan for written boards and CRDTS, stress/test anxiety management strategies; and dental hygiene licensing application. It also will prepare the student for resume and cover letter writing for participation in the mock interview, financial planning, study tips, and explore different settings a dental hygienist can work in.

809-188Developmental Psychology3This is the study of human development throughout the lifespan. This course explores developmental theory and research with an emphasis on the interactive nature of the biological, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that affect the individual from conception to death. Application activities and critical thinking skills will enable students to gain increased knowledge and understanding of themselves and others. It is recommended that either Intro to Psychology (809-198) or Psychology of Human Relations (809-199) be completed before taking this course.

801-196Oral/Interpersonal Comm3Focuses 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.

801-198Speech3Explores the fundamentals of effective oral presentation to small and large groups. Topic selection, audience analysis, methods of organization, research, structuring evidence and support, delivery techniques, and other essential elements of speaking successfully, including the listening process, form the basis of the course.

809-172Introduction to Diversity Studies3This is a course that draws from several disciplines to reaffirm the basic American values of justice and equality by teaching a basic vocabulary, a history of immigration and conquest, principles of transcultural communication, legal liability and the value of aesthetic production to increase the probability of respectful encounters among people. In addition to an analysis of majority/minority relations in a multicultural context, the topics of ageism, sexism, gender differences, sexual orientation, the disabled and the American Disability Act (ADA) are explored. Ethnic relations are studied in global and comparative perspectives.

809-196Intro to Sociology3This course introduces students to the basic concepts of sociology, including culture, race, socialization, gender, group behavior, deviance, social stratification, and social change. Students will use the sociological perspective to analyze major social institutions, multiculturalism, and social issues affecting our selves and society. Students will participate in a variety of experiences to strengthen and demonstrate these perspectives and skills. Critical thinking skills are emphasized, and learning activities include applying sociological theory to current issues in society. The focus is on how social factors and forces influence beliefs and behaviors, both in our personal lives and at work.

TOTAL CREDITS:17