DHCA

This course is developed for the student to obtain new information regarding assessment and management of emergencies in a dental office.

This course emphasizes the anatomical structures of tooth morphology for the Dental Hygiene student. Emphasis will be on clinical appearance of oral structures, dental terminology, morphology of the permanent and primary dentition patterns, and the occlusion and malocclusion within the dental arches.

This course emphasizes the anatomical structures of the head and neck. Course content includes the study of osteology, musculature, neurology, vasculature, Lymph, Glands and nerves of the head and neck.

This course provides the student with practical information to aid in the diagnosis of oral injury and disease. The focus is on etiology, clinical features, treatment, and prognosis.

In this course, the student relates the essential theory of radiography to practice and applies basic radiographic techniques utilized in dental hygiene. The student analyzes radiographic films, interprets and identifies anatomical landmarks, radiographic quality and abnormalities. Students appraise the value of new technologies in radiography.

This course builds on all of the knowledge and skills introduced in DHCA1411 with the expectation that those foundational skills will be carried on throughout in this course as students now learn initial instrumentation skills with scalers and curettes. Skills culminate in a clinical process evaluation to include all learned skill from both Pre-clinic courses.

This course introduces basic skills that will be utilized while providing dental hygiene care in a clinical setting. These skills include infection control, process of care, medical/dental histories, vital signs, extra oral and intraoral examination, examination and charting-hard and soft tissues, and ergonomics.

Study of pharmacology as it affects the clinical practice of dental hygiene. Emphasis will be on the drugs and drug groups most commonly used in dentistry. Oral manifestations of drugs prescribed for the dental patients will be addressed.

The students in this course continue to practice dental hygiene skills while utilizing problem‑solving skills. Students recognize and utilize advanced instrumentation techniques, power-driven scaling and implant maintenance care. Students practice delivery of local anesthesia and nitrous oxide analgesia.

In this course, students will continue to practice principles learned in Pre-Clinic I and II. Students will recognize and manage the special needs patient.

In this course, the student demonstrates and maintains clinical competency of dental hygiene skills. Students will execute a comprehensive care plan for an advanced periodontal case-type patient. Students will present a case study based on the aforementioned plan. Students will study future trends and technological advances in dentistry along with dental specialties.

In this course, the student continues to refine clinical skills and techniques. The student will critically evaluate research articles and write specific components of a research project.