MWCC College Catalog — Dental Hygiene
DHY101 ANATOMIC SCIENCE FOR THE DENTAL HYGIENIST I
3 credits
This course will introduce the student to the anatomy and histology of each tooth and all structures of the oral cavity. Learning opportunities will be offered in the form of lecture and demonstration, with the aid of anatomical models and extracted teeth so that the student will be prepared to identify individual structures of the mouth in preparation of clinical experience. The student will draw extensively on prior learning from principles associated with Anatomy and Physiology. Additionally, Microbiology will be taken either prior to or concurrently with and provide a framework for analysis within the scope of oral hygiene, tissues, and structure. Histology and embryology of the oral tissues and face, anatomy of the head and neck, tooth morphology, development and function, and individual tooth identification and morphology of the primary and permanent dentition will be covered. This course gives the dental hygiene student the basic anatomical knowledge to utilize in the clinical component of the program. Prerequisites: BIO204. Co-requisites: BIO205, DHY102, DHY103.
DHY102 DENTAL HYGIENE PROCESS OF CARE I
5 credits
This course is an introduction to the practice of dental hygiene. The student is expected to develop an understanding of sterilization, aseptic techniques, and infection control. Content is heavily focused on assessment of health, safety, risk management, and patient needs. Additionally, time will be spent on identifying instruments and their proper application. Theory and practice are combined in such a way that the student is afforded the opportunity to learn didactic material, practice and manipulate anatomical mannequins, and then synthesize this learning by using peer partners. The student is provided with initial exposure to the culture and climate of dental hygiene practice. Prerequisites: Current CPR certification, health professional level. BIO204 and admission into the Dental Hygiene Program. Co-requisites: DHY101 and DHY103.
DHY103 DENTAL RADIOLOGY
3 credits
This course is an introduction to the science of radiology: the nature of radiation, radiation physics, theory and practice in the fundamentals of exposure and processing techniques, radiation hygiene and safety, and introduction to radiographic interpretation. Lab experience is included. Prerequisites: BIO204 and admission into the Dental Hygiene Program: Co-requisites: DHY101 and DHY102.
DHY105 ANATOMIC SCIENCE FOR THE DENTAL HYGIENIST II
3 credits
This course will provide a theoretical and practical study of the head, neck, face, and oral cavity. Included are the bones and their landmarks, nerves, and blood supply. Muscles of the head, neck, and masticatory system and the lymphatic system will also be studied. The student will gain knowledge into the supporting structures of the head and neck and will be able to incorporate knowledge previously acquired in Anatomic Science for the Dental Hygienist I. Prerequisites: DHY101. Co-requisites: DHY202, DHY106, DHY107, DHY108.
DHY106 DENTAL MATERIALS
3 credits
This course introduces the student to the various types of dental materials used in dental practices. It allows the student to begin to understand the properties of the materials and actually manipulate them and provides the foundation for current practice in dental care. These materials include restoration materials (metals/composites), impression materials, sealants, mouth guards, prosthetics, tooth whitening, and temporary restorations. The student will learn to mix and prepare the various materials used. The role of the allied dental personnel in the manipulation and application of these materials is stressed. The classroom component will introduce the student to the properties of the materials and how to mix them proportionately. Emphasis is on the selection, manipulation, and clinical management of dental materials, particularly from the dental hygiene practice perspective. Focus will be placed on the composition, chemistry, clinical properties, mixing techniques, advantages, disadvantages and setting times of more common materials utilized in the dental setting. The relationship between the oral environment and dental materials is also examined. Lab sessions are integrated with lectures to provide the student with opportunities to practice various techniques such as sealants, amalgam finishing and theoretical components of the course in order to continue in the program.
Lab experience included. Prerequisites: DYH101, 102 and 103; BIO209; Co-requisites: DHY202, 107, 108, NUT101.
DHY107 PERIODONTOLOGY
3 credits
This course introduces the student to the healthy periodontium and periodontal diseases. Included are the classifications of periodontal diseases, the oral microbiology of periodontal diseases, local contributory risk factors and systemic risk factors for periodontal diseases, host immune response, and the histopathogenesis of periodontal diseases. The student will become familiar with gingival, periodontal, and radiographic assessment of periodontal diseases. Using an evidence-based approach, along with case studies, treatment modalities will be discussed with emphasis placed on diagnosis, treatment planning, clinical, management and evaluation of periodontal patients. Information in this course will build upon oral anatomy, microbiology, and pre-clinical dental hygiene concepts presented in the fall semester. Prerequisites: DYH101, 102, and 103; BIO209. Co-requisites: DHY202, 106, 108, NUT101.
DHY108 DENTAL HYGIENE PROCESS OF CARE II
6 credits
This course provides a progression for the student from the content learned in DHY102 Dental Hygiene Process of Care I. The major transition lies in students beginning to treat patients rather than practicing on mannequins. Content is heavily focused on assessment of health, safety, risk management, medical emergencies, and patient needs, along with treatment planning, and beginning implementation. Additional emphasis is focused on patients with special needs, nutrition, and patient education. Theory and practice are combined in such a way that the student is afforded the opportunity to learn didactic material and transfer this knowledge to work with patients in the clinic setting. Clinical experience is included. Prerequisites: DHY101, 102, and 103; BIO209. Co-requisites: DHY106 and DHY107 and NUT101.
DHY201 ORAL PATHOLOGY
2 credits
This course is an introduction to the study of oral and systemic diseases and disorders. Students will learn the principles of pathology in relationship to diseases of the head, teeth, soft tissues, and supporting structures of the oral cavity. It will familiarize students with the differential identification of normal oral tissues, oral lesions, and oral lesions due to systemic disease. The basis of instruction is derived from the paradigm of oral heal and its juxtaposition to disease. Content will include discussion of inflammatory and immunologic process, developmental disorders, neoplasias, infections and diseases of the blood, bone, immune and endocrine systems. Other common pathology, such as oral cancer, leukoplakia, and nicotine stomatitis are covered in detail. As a supplement to clinical instruction, this course will proved a greater understanding of disease diagnosis, etiology, and pathogenesis. Diseases of the oral tissues and oral environs are presented with clinical features, some histopathology for explanation, courses of diseases, and treatment modalities. The purpose of this course is to instruct the student in recognition of anomalies and disease through the framework of a healthy patient. The parameters for normal health are taught in order to provided the basis for identification of illness and dysfunction. Prerequisites: DHY106, 107, and 108, ENG102, PSY105.Co-requisites: DHY02, 203, 204, and 205.
DHY202 PHARMACOLOGY FOR THE DENTAL HYGIENIST
3 credits
This course was designed to present the student with the principles of
pharmacology, the drug actions, interactions, and effects on treatment of dental patients. Drugs commonly used in dentistry will be covered as well as physical and chemical properties, mode of administration, preparations, and effects on body systems. Nitrous oxide sedation will also be introduced along with pharmacological aspects of general and local anesthesia. Prerequisites: DYH106, 107, and 108, ENG102, PSY105. Co-requisites: DHY201, 203, 204, and 205.
DHY203 DENTAL HYGIENE PROCESS OF CARE III
5 credits
This course was designed to present students with the theory needed to design and implement sound patient education. Content will be aimed at providing students with the tools for developing a comprehensive dental health education plan. Oral health promotion will be grounded in theories of psychology, sociology, behavioral science and human growth skills, and values with respect to human learning, behavioral change and achieving needs, beliefs, attitudes, health counseling and educational principles/methods, motivation, teaching and learning concepts/methods, communication ,and behavioral change. Topics include patient motivation, goal setting, behavior modification, communication skills, developing instructional objectives, and sensitivity to multicultural concerns. In addition, an awareness of learning styles will be accentuated. This course will examine the role of the dental hygienist as a health educator and an oral health promoter responsible for working with patients to help them improve or maintain their oral health and wellness and also to understand the relationship between both. It is also the goal of the course to assist the student in examining their own knowledge, attitudes, values and behaviors regarding oral health and to assist them in becoming effective health promoters to the dental hygiene patient. Prerequisite: DYH106, 107, and 108, ENG102, PSY105; Co-requisites: DHY201, 202, 204, and 205
DHY204 ORAL HEALTH PROMOTION
2 credits
This course was designed to present the student with the theory needed to design and implement sound patient education. Content will be aimed at providing the student with the tools for developing a comprehensive dental health education plan. Topics include patient motivation, goal setting, nutrition, theories of learning, behavior modification, communication skills, developing instructional objectives, and sensitivity to multicultural concerns. In addition, an awareness of learning styles will be accentuated. Prerequisites: DYH106, 107, and 108, ENG102, PSY105; Co-requisites: DHY201, 202, 203, and 205.
DHY205 PAIN CONTROL
3 credits
This course introduces the student to recognizing pain management in the patient and provides the basic technique for the administration of local anesthesia. Techniques will include infiltration and field and nerve block administration. In assessing the patient, the student will recognize which techniques are necessary and understand how to provide appropriate anesthesia. Lab experience is included. Pharmacological treatment of medical emergencies associated with dental treatment will also be covered. Prerequisites: ENG102, DHY 101, 105, 107, 108, PSY105; Co-requisites: DHY202, 203, 204, and 205.
DHY206 COMMUNITY HEALTH
This course provides the student with the basic components of dental public health and community dentistry. The fundamentals of community dentistry will be presented in readings and in the lectures with discussions and application to the community health center. Students will propose, plan, implement and evaluate a community dentistry project. Students are introduced to the concepts associated with preventive community health care along with the skills needed to function within the community as an advocate of oral health and preventive care. Public health issues, such as fluoridation, HIV, and preventive dental care are discussed. Epidemiology and statistical analysis are reviewed (DHY204) and elaborated on as well. Clinical experiences expand to include the community, such as schools, health care agencies, veterans’ homes, clinics, etc., with the student taking on the role of health educator. A practicum experience is included. Prerequisites: DYH201, 202, 203 204, 205; Co-requisites: DHY207 and 208; SOC103.
DHY207 DENTAL HYGIENE PROCESS OF CARE IV
6 credits
This course progresses the student from a didactic learning environment to a seminar discussion focused experience. A strong knowledge base has prepared the student for an experience that transitions the role of student into one of practitioner. The student has had a level of preparation to allow for independent thinking and judgment. Clinical experience is included, with emphasis on the adult periodontal patient. Prerequisites: DYH201, 202, 203 204, 205; co-requisites: DHY206 and 208; SOC103.
DHY208 DENTAL ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL ISSUES
2 credits
This capstone course prepares the student for the philosophical consideration of dental hygiene practice. The student will be exposed to a variety of case studies that exemplify ethical, legal, and professional concerns. The history of dental hygiene will also be discussed as well as current practice issues, recent legislation and its practice ramifications. Additionally, the student is exposed to membership to their professional organization, the CEU process and the State Practice Act. Prerequisites: DYH201, 202, 203, 204, 205; co-requisites: DHY207 and 208; SOC103.