Dental Hygiene

Classes

DEN101: Oral Tissues I

In this course designed for first semester dental hygiene students, the student learns the basic anatomy of the teeth and dental nomenclature. This study is further developed by concentrating on functions and forms of teeth with emphasis on eruption dates of both primary and permanent dentitions and root morphology of permanent teeth. An introduction to general histology and embryology of the face and oral cavity completes the course.

DEN102: Oral Tissues II

In this course designed for second semester dental hygiene students, the student learns the basic histology of the teeth and supporting structures of the oral cavity. The second part of the course covers anatomy of the head and neck with emphasis on bones of the skull, muscles, nerves, and blood supply to the oral structures.

DEN103: Principles of Oral Radiology

This course provides the student with information concerning principles of x-radiation, components of the x-ray tube, equipment usage, safety and maintenance, parallel/bisecting-angle, special patient techniques, digital radiography/film, radiographic interpretation, manual /automatic processing, and infection prevention. Lab experience includes: parallel and bisecting-angle technique, film/digital radiography, Panelipse, special patient techniques, automatic processing equipment, and radiographic interpretation.

DEN105: Community Dental Health

Community Dental Health is the science and art of promoting oral health and preventing oral disease in a community setting. Through this course, the student will acquire the knowledge, attitudes, skills and behaviors necessary to promote dental health and prevent dental disease through organized community-based programs. Students will be introduced to basic principles of research methodology and biostatistics, epidemiological indices, population needs, and community health planning methods for dental education of the public.

DEN121: Dental Hygiene I

This course introduces the profession of dental hygiene, the dental hygiene code of ethics, principles of infection and exposure prevention, and the CDC Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. The dental hygiene process of care with an emphasis on the assessment phase is presented. Oral hard and soft deposits are discussed with an introduction to safety and emergency procedures. Oral health education, oral physiotherapy techniques, oral hygiene indices are introduced. Extrinsic stain removal and fluoride theories are discussed.

DEN123: Dental Hygiene II

This course continues the study of the dental hygiene process of care begun in DEN121. The dental hygiene diagnosis and treatment care plan are introduced as well as specific treatment modalities. Emphasis is placed on the dental hygiene care and management of patients at each life stage and the management of the medically compromised patient. Additionally, individuals with physical, sensory and mental disabilities are studied.

DEN126: Clinical Dental Hygiene I

The principles, protocols and components of the dental hygiene process of care described in DEN 121 are applied in a pre-clinical setting. Additionally, ergonomics, patient/operator positioning, extrinsic stain removal and instrumentation skills with assessment and debridement instruments are introduced and practiced on both typodonts and student partners. Instrument sharpening skills are developed.

DEN128: Clinical Dental Hygiene II

Previously acquired knowledge, skills and values applicable to comprehensive dental hygiene care are reviewed. Components of the dental hygiene process of care presented in Dental Hygiene II are applied in a clinical setting. The primary focus of this course is for students to increase and refine their skills in the areas of assessment, dental hygiene diagnosis, care planning, implementation and evaluation while providing comprehensive care to patients of various population groups in a safe and ethical manner.

DEN200: Pharmacology for Dental Hygiene

This course addresses the basic principles of pharmacology and anesthesiology and applies this knowledge to the treatment of dental hygiene patients. The student applies the knowledge of drugs, their actions, and the use of the drugs used in dentistry and their impact on patients. The course content includes the physical and chemical properties, preparations, mode of administration, and effect on body systems, as well as reference to medical emergencies associated with dental treatment.

DEN206: Oral Pathology

This course incorporates important aspects of general pathology and their relationship to the oral cavity. This course stresses comprehensive oral examination procedures, recognition of deviations from the normal and clinical aspects of pathological processes affecting the patient as a whole and the oral cavity.

DEN209: Dental Materials

A study of the science of dental materials including the physical, chemical, and biological properties, manipulation and care of materials used in the prevention and treatment of oral disease. The scientific and clinical properties of gypsum materials, impression materials, waxes, porcelain, dental abrasives, cements, resins, and metals used in dentistry are discussed in lecture and manipulated in laboratory sessions with special emphasis on the materials within the scope of the practice of Dental Hygiene. (2 class hours/3 laboratory hours)

DEN212: Periodontics

This course is an advanced study of the periodontium and its relationship to clinical practice. Incorporating current research, emphasis will be placed on the pathogenesis of periodontal disease, the relationship between periodontal health and systemic health, risk factors, methods of assessment, and current therapies for treatment and maintenance of the periodontal patient.

DEN230: Dental Hygiene III

This course emphasizes evidence based research and case based learning to integrate elements of theory, knowledge, and research into patient care. Students explore a deeper level of published research and complete a research project. Students apply accumulated knowledge to plan and manage care for a variety of patients utilizing risk assessment and the dental hygiene process of care. An exploration into dental specialty practices will be provided, focusing on the hygienist’s role in each specialty.

DEN232: Dental Hygiene IV

In lecture, students will be introduced to areas of private practice: ethics, practice acts, national and regional licensure, professional organizations, practice management, recare management, and computer use. Discussions include resume writing, the job interview and the future of dental hygiene.

DEN236: Clinical Dental Hygiene III

This course, designed for third semester dental hygiene students, consists of clinical sessions in which advanced clinical procedures and advanced radiographic procedures are integrated into the clinical experience. (196 clinic hours)

DEN237: Pain Management in Dental Hygiene Practice

This course is intended to provide a comprehensive study of local dental anesthetics utilized in the dental hygiene profession. Utilizing lecture and lab components, the student will learn to safely administer topical and local dental anesthetics. This course covers Massachusetts Rules and Regulations 234CMR3.09-3.14, and the requirements in the administration of local dental anesthetics.

DEN238: Clinical Dental Hygiene IV

This course, designed for fourth semester dental hygiene students, consists of clinical sessions which provide further refinement of clinical skills emphasizing the role of expanded duties in therapy, prevention, and control of periodontal disease. (196 clinic hours)