Dental Hygiene

This course introduces the student to the history of dental radiology, radiation hazards and protection, and the production and control of the dental x-ray beam. Classroom and laboratory instruction in x-ray exposure and processing techniques, and interpretation of dental x-rays, are designed to prepare the student for future clinical x-ray experience. The laboratory component provides the student with the opportunity to learn and practice radiology skills on simulation manikins and live patients in preparation for operating competently in the clinic environment and receiving certification.

Introduction to dental materials and techniques utilized for various laboratory, restorative and clinical applications. Includes both didactic information and laboratory practice with products including gypsum, impression materials, waxes, cements, restorative materials and thermoplastic resins. A focus on digital dental workflow will be included with scanning and Cerec technologies. Safety is emphasized.

This course provides knowledge and understanding of the development, form, and function of the structures of the head and neck and oral cavity, including histology and embryology of the teeth and periodontium, and the embryonic development of the face and teeth, in order to understand the rationale behind the performance of general dentistry procedures. 

This course provides an orientation to the role of the dental assistant in dental practice.  The concepts of dentistry and chairside assisting procedures commonly used in a dental office are introduced.  Focus is given to infection control practices, the types of procedures performed in all areas of dentistry, the theory behind these procedures, and the instruments and materials associated with each procedure.  Clinical and professional skills, as well as ethical standards for patient care, will be discussed and developed in the lecture and through the laboratory and/or clinical simulation component of dental assisting in preparation for the clinical externship experience. 

Role of the dental assistant in office administration. Includes appointment scheduling, management of patient records, filing systems and processing dental insurance claims. Dental office computer software for both financial and patient records will also be covered.

Infection control and proper sterilization procedures in the dental office to prevent or minimize healthcare-associated infections in oral healthcare settings. Students will apply the principles and techniques of disinfection, instrument processing, and sterilization. 

Clinical experiences in chairside dental assisting procedures commonly performed in a general dental office including radiology procedures and work with materials and impressions. Students will assist dentists and/or hygienists in accomplishing necessary dental procedures for patients while rotating through the clinical areas to obtain maximum clinical exposures and experiences. Students will be supervised and evaluated by on-site clinical staff and clinical faculty. Students will also rotate through the dental hygiene clinic for experience assisting the dental hygienist and working in the sterilization area and front desk reception.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The principles, protocols and components of the dental hygiene process of care described in DEN121 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.

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.

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.

This course is intended to provide a comprehensive study of local dental anesthetics 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 234 CMR 3.09-3.14, and its requirements in the administration of local dental anesthetics.