Dental Hygiene

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of dental radiography, including radiation physics, safety, and imaging techniques. Through lecture and hands-on laboratory practice with a radiographic simulator, students will develop skills in exposing, processing, and mounting intraoral and extraoral radiographs using both film-based and digital systems. Emphasis is placed on radiation safety, error identification, quality assurance, and techniques for managing diverse patient needs.

This course introduces students to the ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities of dental hygiene practice. Emphasis is placed on ethical decision-making, professional standards, regulatory compliance, and practice management. Through case studies and discussions, students will explore moral reasoning, informed consent, legal frameworks, and the decision making required by the dental hygienist in clinical and non-clinical settings.

This course introduces the fundamentals of periodontology, with an emphasis on the anatomy, physiology, neurology, lymphatics, and hematology of the periodontium in health and disease. Students will explore the epidemiology, classification, and etiology of periodontal diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis. Clinical and radiographic assessments, the human immune response to periodontal pathogens, and the impact of systemic conditions on periodontal health are examined to support evidence-based treatment planning and patient education.

This course focuses on advanced imaging techniques, digital radiography, and radiographic interpretation. Emphasis is placed on panoramic imaging, intraoral photography, supplemental radiographic techniques, and the dental hygienist’s role in radiographic interpretation. Students will refine their ability to recognize normal and abnormal radiographic findings, modify techniques for special populations, and apply critical thinking in evaluating radiographs for diagnostic purposes.

This course prepares students for exit examinations and the Dental Hygiene National Board Examination (NBDHE) through comprehensive case-based learning, treatment planning, and clinical decision-making activities. Students integrate biomedical sciences, clinical dental hygiene, and community health concepts to assess patient findings, formulate dental hygiene diagnoses, and implement evidence-based care strategies for diverse populations. Emphasis is placed on simulated board examinations, critical analysis of patient cases, and the development of effective study, time management, and test-taking strategies to support successful transition to professional practice.

This course introduces students to the principles of public health, health care delivery systems, and community-based oral health initiatives. Emphasis is placed on disease prevention, health promotion, research methodologies, and program evaluation. Students will explore access to care, public policy, dental insurance trends, and community healthcare issues, while gaining hands-on experience through a community-based service-learning project utilizing the ADPIE model (Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation).

This course prepares students for professional success in utilizing business office systems, dental office management, and workplace dynamics. Focus will be provided on dental hygiene careers, covering employment readiness, job search strategies, interview techniques, professional communication skills, resume writing, salary negotiation, and networking. The course also explores ethical and legal workplace issues, stress management, techniques on test taking and simulated licensing exams ensuring graduates are prepared for both clinical practice and career advancement.