Dental Hygiene A.A.S. Courses

DHY A.A.S. Degree Courses

Preferred Course Sequence

Semester I Cr Hrs
DHY-100 Introduction to Dental Hygiene

This course is designed to prepare the dental hygiene student with the basic knowledge, theory, and skill concepts necessary to perform clinical skills required in subsequent clincial dental hygiene courses. Basic principles of extraoral and intraoral cancer screenings, periodontal examinations, assessement of plaque and calculus, instrument design and function, and fundamental instrumentation necessary to render safe and effective clinical hygiene treatment are taught.

 Prerequisite: Admission to the Dental Hygiene program.
2-2-0
DHY-101 Dental Hygiene Pre-clinic Lab

This course introduces the student to basic knowledge and skills necessary for the clinical application of dental hygiene services. Clinical labs will include demonstrations, synchronous DVD presentations and application which will involve typodonts, manikins and lab partner utilization

 Prerequisite: Admission to the Dental Hygiene program.
4-0-4
DHY-105 Orofacial Anatomy

This course is a detailed study of the morphology and functions of deciduous and permanent teeth, including the study of muscular and skeletal functions, the blood supply and nervous system in relationship to the oral cavity.

 Prerequisite: Admission to the Dental Hygiene program.
2-2-0
DHY-110 Oral Histology and Embryology

This course will provide an understanding of how cells and tissues comprising the anatomical parts of the oral cavity develop and function. The course will also focus on the embryonic development of related facial and oral structures.

 Prerequisite: Admission to the Dental Hygiene program.
2-2-0
ENG-101 Composition I

English 101 introduces students to college-level writing and thinking through personal narrative, analytical, and research-supported writing. The processes of critical thinking, composing, revising, and editing are emphasized.  Students will learn basic research skills and documentation techniques.

 Prerequisite: Grade of NC or better in ENG 050 or satisfactory score on English placement assessment.
3-3-0
DAS-102 Infection Control

This course introduces the infection and hazard control procedures necessary for the safe practice of dentistry.  Emphasis is on microbiology, practical infection control, sterilization and monitoring, chemical disinfectants, aseptic technique, infectious diseases, and OSHA standards.

 Prerequisite: Admission to the Dental Hygiene program.
2-1-2
DAS-130 Dental Radiology I

This course is an introduction to radiographic procedures, theory of producing radiographs, biological effects and safety procedures are discussed; practice of techniques is mastered on typodonts before exposures are made on patients.  Diagnostic quality with maximum radiation protection is of special emphasis. 

 Prerequisite: Admission to the Dental Hygiene program.
3-2-2

These are fall semester classes.

NOTE:  DAS 102 and DAS 130 are only required if the student did not graduate from an ADA accredited Dental Assisting Program within the last five years.

Total Semester Hours: 13-18
Semester II Cr Hrs
DHY-150 Dental Hygiene I

This course is designed to further the student’s knowledge of dental hygiene clinical development skills to include scaling instrumentation and specific patient management.

 Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in all of the previous Dental Hygiene courses.
2-2-0
DHY-151 Dental Hygiene I Lab

This course is the required laboratory in conjunction with DHY 150. This course is designed to apply the foundations of dental hygiene care with comprehensive patient care in pre-clinical and clinical settings. Clinical labs will include demonstrations, synchronous DVD presentations and application which will involve typodonts, manikins and lab partner utilization.

 Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in all of the previous Dental Hygiene courses.
3-0-6
DHY-155 Pharmacology for the Dental Hygienist

This course will provide general principles of pharmacology and use of pharmaceuticals with specific emphasis on those used in dentistry, including their physical and chemical properties, dosage and therapeutic effects.

 Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in all of the previous Dental Hygiene courses.
2-2-0
DHY-160 Introduction to Periodontology

This course is the study of periodontal disease, etiologies, recognition of normal periodontium and deviations of normal, clinical assessment, treatment and prevention of disease progression.

 Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in all of the previous Dental Hygiene courses.
2-2-0
COM-100 Human Communication

This course provides an overview of and introduction to the study of human communication, including interpersonal and small group communication and public speaking.

 
3-3-0
DHY-120 Dental Materials

This course provides a study of the science of dental materials, their composition, structures and properties; uses in dentistry and manipulation techniques. Emphasis is stressed on safety procedures during manipulations of materials and use of equipment.

 Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in all of the previous Dental Hygiene courses.
3-2-2
DAS-132 Dental Radiology II

This course provides continued instruction of radiographic procedures which builds upon concepts introduced in Dental Radiology I.

 Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in all of the previous Dental Hygiene courses.
3-2-2

Theese are spring semesters classes.

NOTE:  DHY 120 and DAS 132 are only required if the student did not graduate from an ADA accredited Dental Assisting Program within the past five years.

Total Semester Hours: 12-18
Semester III Cr Hrs
DHY-201 Dental Hygiene II - Lab - Local Anesthesia and Pain Management Lab

This course is designed to apply the concepts of comprehensive patient care in a clinical setting. Emphasis will be placed on administration of local anesthesia and pain management.

 Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in all of the previous Dental Hygiene courses.
1-0-8
DHY-203 Diet and Nutrition in Oral Health

This is a fundamental nutritional biochemistry course with emphasis on the effects of nutrition, dental health and diet. Emphasis is placed on the application of counseling strategies for the dental hygiene patient.

 Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in all of the previous Dental Hygiene courses.
2-2-0

These are summer semester classes.

Total Semester Hours: 5
Semester IV Cr Hrs
DHY-205 Dental Hygiene III

This course is designed to provide instruction in treatment planning, risk factors and care of patients with special needs, Dental Hygiene process of care, and advanced instrumentation and fulcruming.

 Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in all of the previous Dental Hygiene courses.
2-2-0
DHY-206 Dental Hygiene III Lab

This course is designed to apply the concepts of comprehensive patient care in a clinical setting using advanced instrumentation and fulcruming. Emphasis will be placed on clinical treatment of patients with special needs and Dental Hygiene process of care.

 Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in all of the previous Dental Hygiene courses.
4-0-8
DHY-210 Oral Pathology

The course will include circulatory disturbances, inflammation and tumors. Also, the course will emphasize diseases affecting the oral cavity, dental caries, periodontal diseases, oral neoplasia and similar problems.

 Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in all of the previous Dental Hygiene courses.
2-2-0
DHY-215 Community Dental Health

This course provides a study of the principles and methods used in assessing, diagnosing, planning, implementing and evaluating community dental health programs. Attitudes and behaviors necessary to promote dental disease prevention through organized community-based programs will also be discussed. Upon completing this course, students should be able to assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate a community dental health program.

 Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in all of the previous Dental Hygiene courses.
2-2-0
PSY-110 Introduction to Psychology

This course provides an introduction to psychology including history and systems, physiology, human growth and development, sensation and perception, learning, memory, emotion, motivation, personality, adjustment, psychopathology, industrial and social psychology.

 

 
3-3-0

These are fall semester classes.

Total Semester Hours: 13
Semester V Cr Hrs
DHY-250 Dental Hygiene IV

This course is the final course in the clinical Dental Hygiene sequence. It is designed to enable the student to incorporate all the techniques and treatment modalities previously acquired involving total patient care. Emphasis will be placed on review of dental hygiene courses, continuation of special needs patients and office management skills. Upon completion of the course, the student will be prepared to take national, regional and state board examinations.

 Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in all of the previous Dental Hygiene courses.
2-2-0
DHY-251 Dental Hygiene IV Lab

This course is designed to apply the concepts of comprehensive patient care in a clinical setting. Emphasis is placed on preparing students for clinical Boards.

 Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in all of the previous Dental Hygiene courses.
4-0-8
DHY-260 Legal Issues and Dental Ethics

This course is designed to provide the student with knowledge of ethics, jurisprudence and professionalism with applications to the practice of Dental Hygiene. Topics include state laws, legal liabilities as health care professionals, state laws, professional codes of ethics, writing a resume and interviewing techniques. Upon completion of the course, students should be able to demonstrate the ability to practice Dental Hygiene within established ethical guidelines and state laws.

 Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in all of the previous Dental Hygiene courses.
2-2-0
PLS-101 American Government and Politics

This course is an introduction to the origin, organization and policy of the United States and state government. The course fulfills Missouri state law requiring instruction in the Constitutions of the United States and Missouri.

 
3-3-0
SOC-101 Introduction to Sociology

This course is an inquiry into the nature of society, the foundation of group life, institutions, structure of society and the role of the individual as a group member. Emphasis on implications for social change is encouraged.

 

 
3-3-0

These are spring semester classes.

Total Semester Hours: 13
Semester VI Cr Hrs