Careers in Healthcare
Dental Hygiene
AAS-T, Certificate
Program Curriculum
| Prerequisites | Cr | |
| BIOL&241 * | HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY 1 | 5 |
| (Formerly ANP 213 - Anatomy & Physiology I) Covers fundamental principles and establishes a basis for advanced study of anatomy and physiology and clinically-related subjects in the paramedical fields. Lab. | ||
| BIOL&242 * | HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2 | 5 |
| (Formerly ANP 214 - Anatomy & Physiology II) Continuation of BIOL& 241. Lab. | ||
| BIOL&260 | MICROBIOLOGY | 5 |
| (Formerly BIO 280) History and methods of microbiology: microbial classification, metabolism, culture requirements, molecular genetics, viruses, antimicrobial methods and drugs, immunology, epidemiology and pathogenesis. Lab included. | ||
| CHEM&121 OR | INTRO TO CHEMISTRY | 5 |
| (Formerly CHE 101 - Chemistry [S] or Fundamentals of Inorganic Chemistry [N,C]) Fundamental inorganic chemistry, including bonding, stoichiometry, gas laws and acid/base topics. Of particular interest to Health Science and Biotechnology students. Lab included. | ||
| 1 year of high school chemistry in the last 5 yrs | ||
| CHEM&122 | INTRODUCTION TO ORGANIC CHEMISTRY | 5 |
| (Formerly CHE 102 - Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry [N,C]) or Chemistry [S]) Continuation of organic chemistry and intro to biochemistry. Lab included. | ||
| ENGL&101 | ENGLISH COMPOSITION | 5 |
| (Formerly ENG 101 - Composition) Intro to the writing process. Writing assignments focus on non-fiction prose, with subject matter drawn from first-hand experience and observation. | ||
| ENGL&102 | COMPOSITION II | 5 |
| (Formerly ENG 102 - Composition) Continuation of the composition sequence with further instruction and practice in the writing process, concentrating on critical reading and writing techniques needed for the preparation and completion of documented essays. | ||
| HUM 105 | INTERCULTURE COMMUNICATION | 5 |
| Interdisciplinary focus on the role of languages and culture in effective intercultural communication including values, patterns, history and attitudes that create and sustain cultures. Emphasis on skills and empathy gained from the study of diverse cultures through literature, theory and guest lecturers. | ||
| MATH&107 | MATH IN SOCIETY | 5 |
| (Formerly MAT 107 - Math for Liberal Arts) Primarily for liberal arts majors. Designed to enhance mathematics literacy. Instructors choose college-level topics centered around a theme such as Environmental Math, History of Math, or General Topics in Math. Fulfills QSR requirement for A.A. degree. Minimum 2.0 required to meet Intermediate Algebra proficiency and QSR. | ||
| NTR 150 | HUMAN NUTRITION | 5 |
| Intro to nutrition, emphasizing relationship of nutrition to growth, development, health, physical and mental functioning. Examination of sources, functions, interrelationships and human requirements of nutrients. | ||
| PSYC&100 | GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY | 5 |
| (Formerly PSY 110) Intro to the scientific study of human behavior, including learning and thinking, development, perception, motivation, emotion, personality and individual differences, social and abnormal behavior, and research methods. | ||
| SOC& 101 | INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY | 5 |
| (Formerly SOC 110 - Survey of Sociology) Covers human social interaction with emphasis on group aspects of human behavior. Includes culture, socialization, family, education, urbanization, gender roles, social class, deviance, race, sexuality, demography and social change. | ||
| 1'st Quarter | Cr | |
| DHY 100 | FUNDAMENTALS OF DENTAL HYGIENE I | 4 |
| Examines the theory and scientific principles underlying the assessment, planning and implementation of clinical procedures in dental hygiene. Focuses on the scope of practice in Washington state, legal and ethical principles that govern the profession and professionalism. Learn effective communication, infection control, instrumentation, vital signs assessment, screening examinations, documentation and use of computers. | ||
| DHY 101 | CLINICAL DENTAL HYGIENE I | 3 |
| First in a series of supervised clinical and pre-clinical experiences involving the assessment, planning and implementation of patient care and clinical dental hygiene. | ||
| DHY 102 | HEALTH PROMOTION | 2 |
| Explores the process of health-related behavioral change through planned interventions in patient education and health promotion. Emphasizes theories of change, the effect of cultural norms and values in client-provider interaction and communication skills to assess the patient?s perceptions, needs and motivation to change. | ||
| DHY 103 | DENTAL RADIOLOGY I | 4 |
| Study of radiation hygiene and the fundamentals of radiology relevant to dentistry. Includes demos and practice in exposing, processing and interpreting intra-oral radiographs. Covers principles and rules for patient and operator safety. | ||
| DHY 110 | HEAD AND NECK ANATOMY | 2 |
| Study the anatomy and function of the head and neck. Learn the location, characteristics and function of the hard and soft tissues of the head, neck and oral cavity, including all anatomic features, the circulatory system, muscular system, cranial nerves and teeth. | ||
| DHY 112 | DENTAL ANATOMY AND MORPHOLOGY | 3 |
| Study the anatomy and function of the head and neck. Learn the location, characteristics and function of the hard and soft tissues of the head, neck and oral cavity, including all anatomic features, the circulatory system, muscular system, cranial nerves and teeth. | ||
| DHY 117 | EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT | 1 |
| Intro to the role of the dental team in the treatment of medical emergencies, prevention of medical emergencies, patient assessment, stress minimization, emergency drugs and equipment. Participate in class simulations of emergency treatment. | ||
| 2'nd Quarter | Cr | |
| DHY 104 | PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY | 2 |
| Study of dental deposits, dental diseases, causes and prevention including the relationship between plaque and oral disease processes, dental caries and gingivitis. Includes use and methods of researching professional literature and using oral health prevention measures such as patient education, self-care, fluoride and physiotherapies. | ||
| DHY 105 | ORAL BIOLOGY | 2 |
| Study of oral histology, including the microscopic structures and organization of tissues of the teeth, the embryologic development of the primary and secondary dentitions and the development of the oral cavity. Covers general pathology, including the mechanisms and characteristics of disease and disease process. | ||
| DHY 108 | PERIODONTOLOGY I | 2 |
| Learn the periodontal structures of the mouth and periodontal instrumentation, including types of instruments, names, setups and their proper application to periodontal therapy and treatment. Covers techniques for providing periodontal therapy, using adjunctive periodontal therapeutic agents, patient selection, treatment and post-treatment evaluation. | ||
| DHY 109 | HUMAN PATHOPHYSIOLOGY | 3 |
| Study of human pathology including the etiology, predisposing factors, mechanisms of disease and characteristics of the disease process in each body system. Emphasizes specific disease entities that are most commonly seen in the clinical dental hygiene setting or that may influence an individual?s dental care. | ||
| DHY 113 | DENTAL RADIOLOGY II | 3 |
| Continue study of radiation hygiene and radiology relevant to dentistry. Includes laboratory demos and practice in exposing, processing and interpreting intra-oral radiographs and extra-oral techniques. | ||
| DHY 114 | RESTORATIVE PRACTICE AND MATERIALS I | 3 |
| First of six-course sequence in clinical restorative dentistry. Focuses on the chemical, physical and mechanical properties of dental materials commonly used by hygienists and on their manipulation. Learn to place restorations into prepared cavities. | ||
| DHY 120 | FUNDAMENTALS OF DENTAL HYGIENE II | 2 |
| Examines the theory and scientific principles underlying the assessment, planning and implementation of clinical procedures in dental hygiene. Focuses on the initial assessment of the patient, charting, indices, disease assessment, treatment planning and assessing special cases involving abuse and neglect and use of computers. | ||
| DHY 121 | CLINICAL DENTAL HYGIENE II | 4 |
| Second in a series of seven courses. Continue learning assessment and evaluation of the patient, planning and implementing dental hygiene care and instrument techniques. | ||
| 3'rd Quarter | Cr | |
| DHY 107 | PHARMACOLOGY | 3 |
| Learn the general pharmacological and therapeutic actions of drugs with emphasis on those used in dentistry. Includes dosage, routes of administration, drug interactions, drug effects on the oral cavity, indications, contra-indications and factors in patient treatment planning. | ||
| DHY 118 | PAIN CONTROL ANESTHESIA FOR DENTAL HYGIENISTS | 4 |
| Covers theory and practice of pain control in dental hygiene and restorative dentistry, including nitrous oxide administration, topical anesthesia and nerve block, field and infiltration as local anesthesia applications. | ||
| DHY 119 | RESTORATIVE PRACTICE AND MATERIALS II | 3 |
| Second of six-course sequence in clinical restorative dentistry. Deepen learning of chemical, physical and mechanical properties of dental materials, their manipulation and placing restorations into prepared cavities. | ||
| DHY 122 | ORAL PATHOLOGY | 2 |
| Study lesions, pathologies and abnormal conditions of the head, neck and oral cavity. | ||
| DHY 130 | FUNDAMENTALS OF DENTAL HYGIENE III | 2 |
| Examines the scientific principles underlying the assessment, planning and implementation of clinical procedures. Focuses on the selection of detection and scaling instruments, selection and use of ultrasonic instruments, use and application of desensitization agents, custom trays, margination, area-specific curets, periodontal files, Nabors probe and tooth whitening. Covers risk assessment, presentation and written case documentation in development of individualized treatment plans for clinic patients. | ||
| DHY 131 | CLINICAL DENTAL HYGIENE III | 4 |
| Third in a series of supervised clinical experiences with patient care involving assessment, planning and implementation of clinical procedures. | ||
| 4'th Quarter | Cr | |
| DHY 200 | FUNDAMENTALS OF DENTAL HYGIENE IV | 2 |
| Fourth in a series focusing on the scientific principles underlying the assessment, planning and implementation of clinical procedures. Emphasizes biochemistry of food, nutritional counseling in dental hygiene practice and personal, professional and community issues related to HIV/AIDS. | ||
| DHY 201 | CLINICAL DENTAL HYGIENE IV | 8 |
| Fourth in a series of supervised clinical experiences with patient care involving the assessment, planning and implementation of clinical procedures. | ||
| DHY 222 | COMMUNITY DENTAL HEALTH I | 1 |
| First of three courses in public and community health approaches to the prevention and management of dental and oral health needs. Emphasizes identification of community dental health programs with experience in schools, nursing homes, community centers and hospitals. | ||
| DHY 233 | RESTORATIVE PRACTICE AND MATERIALS III | 2 |
| Third laboratory course in restorative dental practice and materials focusing on correct placement of dental restorations on mannequins in the laboratory and patients in the clinic. Develop manipulative and carving skills in placement of amalgam and composite restorations as allowed by Washington law. | ||
| 5'th Quarter | Cr | |
| DHY 203 | ETHICS AND JURISPRUDENCE | 2 |
| Focuses on the ethical, legal and regulatory issues facing a dental hygienist in a private dental office, community agency or independent practice. Through simulated cases, consider professional traits, theories of moral development, ethical dilemmas and principles, the Washington State Dental Practice Act, the hygienist-patient relationship and risk management in dental hygiene practice. | ||
| DHY 208 | PERIODONTOLOGY II | 2 |
| Deepen study of periodontal diseases, including prevention, cause, prevalence, recognition, patient education, advanced treatment planning and appropriate treatment. Apply prevention and treatment techniques to patients with moderate to severe disease. | ||
| DHY 220 | FUNDAMENTALS OF DENTAL HYGIENE V | 3 |
| Fifth in a series focusing on the scientific principles underlying the assessment, planning and implementation of clinical procedures. Emphasizes higher level concepts needed for successful board certification and national examinations. | ||
| DHY 221 | CLINICAL DENTAL HYGIENE V | 8 |
| Fifth in a series of supervised clinical experiences with patient care involving the assessment, planning and implementation of clinical procedures. Provide care to a broader range of clients in clinic. Emphasizes refining and integrating previously learned concepts and skills into an effective pattern of comprehensive case management. Demonstrate clinical judgment and decision-making based on scientific evidence and treatment outcomes. | ||
| DHY 223 | COMMUNITY DENTAL HEALTH II | 2 |
| Study community dental health program planning and development focusing on prevention of dental disease and practice through learning projects. Develop a community outreach program and execute it. | ||
| DHY 234 | RESTORATIVE PRACTICE AND MATERIALS IV | 2 |
| Fourth laboratory course in restorative dental practice and materials focusing on correct placement of dental restorations on mannequins and patients. Develop manipulative and carving skills in placement of amalgam and composite restorations as allowed by Washington state law. | ||
| 6'th Quarter | Cr | |
| DHY 215 | SELECTIVE POPULATIONS | 2 |
| Study the specific care modifications required to effectively deliver oral health services to patients with special mental, emotional and physical challenges or medical problems such as salivary dysfunctions, neurological impairments, immune system dysfunctions, cancer treatments and surgery. | ||
| DHY 224 | COMMUNITY DENTAL HEALTH III | 2 |
| Covers community dental health program planning and development focusing on prevention of disease. Integrates concepts and techniques regarding the selection and delivery of oral health services and education to underserved populations. Emphasizes program implementation and evaluation. | ||
| DHY 230 | FUNDAMENTALS OF DENTAL HYGIENE VI | 3 |
| Explores the scientific principles underlying the clinical practice of dental hygiene. Develop high-level skills to enhance patient assessment, management and treatment. | ||
| DHY 231 | CLINICAL DENTAL HYGIENE VI | 8 |
| Sixth in a series of supervised clinical experiences with patient care involving the assessment, planning and implementation of clinical procedures. | ||
| DHY 235 | RESTORATIVE PRACTICE AND MATERIALS V | 2 |
| Fifth laboratory course in restorative dental practice and materials focusing on correct placement of dental restorations on mannequins and patients. Develop manipulative and carving skills in placement of amalgam and composite restorations as allowed by Washington state law. | ||
| 7'th Quarter | Cr | |
| DHY 217 | COMMUNITY ROTATIONS | 2 |
| Clinic rotations to existing community dental clinics servicing low-income patients, non-English speaking clients, pedodontic and adolescent patients, and special needs populations. | ||
| DHY 236 | RESTORATIVE PRACTICE AND MATERIALS VI | 2 |
| Final laboratory course in restorative dental practice and materials focusing on correct placement of dental restorations on mannequins and patients. Develop manipulative and carving skills in placement of amalgam and composite restorations as allowed by Washington state law. | ||
| DHY 238 | PROFESSIONAL ISSUES | 1 |
| Covers the practice of dental hygiene including resume development, interviewing techniques, patient scheduling systems, employment contracts, dental staff relations, understanding the business aspects of a dental practice, and development of a personal philosophy of practice. | ||
| DHY 240 | FUNDAMENTALS OF DENTAL HYGIENE VII | 2 |
| Focuses on the scientific principles underlying clinical practice dental hygiene. Focuses on inter-professional relations, team-building, sharing new knowledge and the responsibilities of a practicing dental hygienist for professional development and lifelong learning. | ||
| DHY 241 | CLINICAL DENTAL HYGIENE VII | 8 |
| Seventh in a series of supervised clinical experiences with patient care involving the assessment, planning and implementation of clinical procedures in dental hygiene. | ||
* Both BIOL&241 and BIOL&242 must be taken at the same college.
Total Prerequisite Credits = 60
Total Program Credits = 122