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Dental Hygiene (DENT)



101 Introduction to Dental Health

2 credit hours

Fee: $20.00.

Offered fall semester. Two hours lecture and demonstration a week.

An introduction to professional health services, with study of the history and development of the dental health professions. The organization of the dental professional associations is outlined. The course presents an orientation to the various specialties of dentistry including Pedodontics, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, Periodontics, Oral Pathology, Oral Surgery, Endodontics, Dental Public Health, and Operative Dentistry. Problems in first aid are discussed, and such dental office emergencies as obstructed airway, syncope, hemorrhage, stroke and shock are demonstrated.

In order to successfully pass this course, student must achieve a grade of "C" or better.

Prerequisite: Instructor consent required.

102 Dental Histology and Embryology

2 credit hours

Offered spring semester. Two hours lecture a week.

The microscopic study of the structural and functional units of living tissue. Emphasis will be placed on the histological structures and embryological development of the teeth and oral tissues.

In order to successfully pass this course, student must achieve a grade of "C" or better.

Prerequisite: Dental Hygiene 101. Instructor consent required.

103 Oral Anatomy

4 credit hours

Offered fall semester. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory a week. Fee: $125.00.

This course covers the detailed study of the human skull with emphasis on the anatomy of the mouth and surrounding structures including: oral tissues, tooth morphology, nerve innervation, bones, muscles, lymphatic system, and circulation. Laboratory time will be spent studying the human skull as well as identifying and studying the importance of tooth anatomy and occlusion in relation to function and health.

In order to successfully pass this course, student must achieve a grade of "C" or better.

Prerequisite: Instructor consent required.

104 Dental Materials

2 credit hours

Offered spring semester. One-hour lecture and three hours laboratory a week. Fee: $175.00.

A multidisciplinary study that draws on all branches of science. A study of the properties, structure, and processing of materials and the interactions with the tissues of the oral cavity. Emphasis is placed on the manipulation, handling, and disposal of various materials.

In order to successfully pass this course, student must achieve a grade of "C" or better.

Prerequisite: Dental Hygiene 101. Instructor consent required.

107 Dental Hygiene Techniques

4 credit hours

Offered fall semester. Two hours lecture and nine hours laboratory a week. Fee: $175.00. Criminal Background Check Fee: $65.00. Nurse Managed Wellness Clinic Fee: $60.00. Software Access Fee: $59.00.

An introduction to the practice of dental hygiene, with emphasis on the fundamental principles. Lectures and laboratory instruction will be devoted primarily to the use of instruments, the initial development of manual dexterity, and an introduction to clinical experience, as well as charting and record keeping. Practical experience in the use of instruments for scaling and polishing.

In order to successfully pass this course, student must achieve a grade of "C" or better.

Prerequisite: Instructor consent required.

108 Clinical Dental Hygiene I

2 credit hours

Offered spring semester. One-hour lecture, eight hours clinic, and three hours laboratory/clinic a week. Fee: $175.00. Nurse Managed Wellness Clinic Fee: $60.00.

This course includes lectures and demonstrations related to the clinical practice of dental hygiene. Clinic time is devoted to practical experience in delivery of preventative, educational, and therapeutic services to the public. Emphasis is placed on improving the skills and techniques of dental hygiene practice. Management of dental emergencies and special needs patients will also be covered.

In order to successfully pass this course, student must achieve a grade of "C" or better.

Prerequisite: Dental Hygiene 107. Instructor consent required.

109 Radiology

3 credit hours

Offered spring semester. Two hours lecture and five hours laboratory a week. Fee: $175.00.

This course is an introduction to the basic principles and procedures in radiographic techniques. Emphasis is placed on awareness of radiation protection and safety. Several radiographic techniques are taught including: short cone, long cone, panoramic, and digital radiography. Practical experience is gained in placing, exposing, developing, and interpreting both intra-oral and extra-oral dental radiographs.

In order to successfully pass this course, student must achieve a grade of "C" or better.

Prerequisite: Dental Hygiene 103. Instructor consent required.

200 Pharmacology and Pain Management

3 credit hours

Offered fall semester. Three hours lecture and demonstration a week. Fee: $175.00.

This course covers the study of drugs as they affect the clinical practice of dental hygiene. In addition, the pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, medical emergencies, legal considerations, armamentarium and techniques for the administration of local anesthesia will be covered. Nitrous Oxide sedation will be studied and demonstrated in a clinical environment. The psychology of pain management will also be covered.

In order to successfully pass this course, student must achieve a grade of "C" or better.

Prerequisite: Dental Hygiene 108. Instructor consent required.

201 Clinical Dental Hygiene II

4 credit hours

Offered fall semester. One-hour lecture and twelve hours clinic a week. Fee: $200.00. Nurse Managed Wellness Clinic Fee: $60.00.

This course offers students continued clinical practice of Dental Hygiene services. A minimum of 8 contact hours will be devoted to the clinical administration of local anesthesia. Clinical experience study in improving skills and techniques is enhanced. Group discussions of problems related to clinical practice of dental hygiene are held. Demonstrations and practical experience on special cases are discussed.

In order to successfully pass this course, student must achieve a grade of "C" or better.

Prerequisite: Dental Hygiene 108. Instructor consent required.

202 Clinical Dental Hygiene III

5 credit hours

Offered spring semester. One-hour lecture and sixteen hours clinic a week. Fee: $250.00. Nurse Managed Wellness Clinic Fee: $60.00. Mock Board Fee $250.00.

This course will incorporate dental hygiene care with critical thinking and case studies to prepare students for their national and regional board exams. Group discussions of problems related to clinical practice of dental hygiene are held. Continued clinical experience in enhancing clinical skills and techniques will be emphasized.

In order to successfully pass this course, student must achieve a grade of "C" or better.

Prerequisite: Dental Hygiene 201. Instructor consent required.

203 Oral Pathology

3 credit hours

Offered fall semester. Three hours lecture and discussion a week.

A study of disease and the disease processes in man, with emphasis on the relationship of general diseases of the body to diseases of the teeth and supporting tissues. Particular attention to oral diseases and the importance of recognition of abnormal conditions in the mouth by the dental hygienist.

In order to successfully pass this course, student must achieve a grade of "C" or better.

Prerequisite: Dental Hygiene 108. Instructor consent required.

204 Dental Office Management, Ethics, and Jurisprudence

1 credit hour

Offered spring semester. One-hour lecture a week.

This course is divided into two parts. The first part covers professional ethics, Maryland dental jurisprudence, and legislation. The second part covers the business management aspects of the dental practice: resume writing, office procedural manual, recall and inventory systems, job interviewing, and job descriptions.

In order to successfully pass this course, student must achieve a grade of "C" or better.

Prerequisite: Dental Hygiene 201. Instructor consent required.

207 Community Dental Health Education I

2 credit hours

Offered fall semester. Two hours lecture per week. Fee: $25.00.

This class covers the principles and concepts of community public health and dental health education emphasizing community assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. This course also explores methods and materials used in teaching dental health education in various community settings. Additional topics include epidemiology, biostatistics and concepts of dental research.

In order to successfully pass this course, student must achieve a grade of "C" or better.

Prerequisite: Dental Hygiene 108. Instructor consent required.

208 Community Dental Health Education II

2 credit hours

Offered spring semester. One-hour lecture and three hours laboratory and demonstration a week. Fee: $100.00.

The history and philosophy of public health practice and administration are reviewed. Evaluation and analysis of Health Care Delivery System with emphasis on preventive dentistry is examined. Designing a "community needs" project is a requirement of the course.

In order to successfully pass this course, student must achieve a grade of "C" or better.

Prerequisite: Dental Hygiene 201. Instructor consent required.

209 Periodontics

2 credit hours

Offered fall semester. Two hours lecture and discussion a week.

A specialty of dentistry that studies the periodontium, the hard and soft tissues that support the teeth, along with the diseases and conditions affected. Classification of periodontal disease. Clinical aspects and preventive measures within the scope and responsibility of the dental hygienist.

In order to successfully pass this course, student must achieve a grade of "C" or better.

Prerequisite: Dental Hygiene 108. Instructor consent required.

213 Nutrition

2 credit hours

Offered spring semester. Two hours lecture and discussion a week.

This course presents an overview of the major nutrient classifications, structures, functions, and deficiencies as they relate to the whole body. Emphasis is placed on the effects in the oral cavity. An overview is given of the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, lipids and protein, with related disorders. Energy expenditure, body composition and weight management are discussed. Dietary supplements, including some herbs, are discussed as to the benefits and the possible complications from interactions with medications and megadoses. Information is presented on Nutritional Counseling, including an Oral Health Nutritional Assessment and Self Nutritional Analysis.

In order to successfully pass this course, student must achieve a grade of "C" or better.

Prerequisite: Dental Hygiene 101. Instructor consent required.