This course focuses on the study of
the physical, chemical, and biologic properties and uses of dental materials.
Identification and manipulation of common dental materials are
incorporated in laboratory experiences. Two hours lecture, two hours
laboratory. Prereq: Admission into the Dental Hygiene or Dental
Assisting Program. F

This course includes principles of radiation
physics, exposing, processing, mounting, evaluating, and interpreting
dental radiographs. Biological effects of radiation and protective principles,
quality assurance protocols, and infection control are emphasized.
Emerging imaging technology is addressed. Two hours lecture, two hours
laboratory. Prereq: Admission into the Dental Hygiene or Dental
Assisting Program. F

This course provides the student with a detailed study of the anatomy of the oral cavity and underlying structures.
The eruption, arrangement, function, developmental disturbances,
occlusion and morphological characteristics of both the permanent
and deciduous dentitions is presented. Two hours lecture. Prereq:
Admission into the Dental Hygiene or Dental Assisting Program. F

This course emphasizes prevention
of dental and periodontal diseases through mechanical dental plaque
control, fluoride therapy, pit and fissure sealants, dietary control, and
basic principles of client education. The effects of tobacco use on oral
health are included. Tobacco cessation strategies and their use in oral
health education are presented. Two hours lecture. Prereq: Admission
into the Dental Hygiene Program. F

This course introduces the theory
of the dental hygiene process of care, including assessment, diagnosis,
planning, implementation, and evaluation. Emphasis is on providing
the student with an ethical and scientific foundation to use in applying
appropriate infection control procedures, introductory client assessment
procedures, and basic instrumentation skills. The use of the dental
hygiene diagnosis in developing a care plan is introduced. Current clinic
issues are addressed in a one-hour weekly seminar. Three hours lecture.
Prereq: Admission into the Dental Hygiene Program. F

This pre-clinical laboratory experience
course presents practicum covering the fundamentals of medical
emergencies, infection control procedures, assessment of the dental
hygiene client, development of a dental hygiene diagnosis, instrumentation
skills, equipment use and maintenance, and basic oral health
education. Eight hours laboratory. Prereq: Admission into the Dental
Hygiene Program.

This course focuses on anatomical structures of the head and neck, including bones, muscles, glandular tissue, and vascular, nervous, and lymphatic systems. The infectious process and the spread of dental infection are discussed. Course Prerequisites: Admission into the Dental Hygiene Program

This course provides the student with a detailed study of the embryological and histological formation of the oral-facial structures of the head, neck oral cavity and underlying structures.

This course emphasizes teaching methodology and techniques for individual and group oral health education. Behavior modification strategies, case studies, and the preparation and presentation of an educational program are utilized. The course prepares the student to provide individualized oral health instruction utilizing effective teaching methodologies and to participate in educational field work in the community. 3 hours lecture.

This course focuses on periodontal diseases and their relevance for the dental hygienist. A review of the anatomy and structures of the periodontium is included. A thorough analysis and application of the clinical dental hygiene diagnosis is provided. Emphasis is placed on the etiology, systemic correlation, clinical and radiographic assessment, diagnosis and classification, treatment planning, and surgical and non-surgical treatment procedures of periodontal diseases. 2 credit hours

This course addresses pain and anxiety management for conscious dental clients. The indications, contraindications and pharmacology of local anesthesia and nitrous oxide and oxygen sedation used in dentistry will be discussed. Local anesthesia techniques and the administration of nitrous oxide and oxygen sedation will be studied. Students will be introduced to general anesthesia, parenteral sedation and anti-anxiety medications.

This course presents concepts of supportive dental hygiene therapy including ultrasonic debridement, air/powder polishing, subgingival irrigation, and pit and fissure sealants. The use of supportive dental hygiene treatment in providing comprehensive care is introduced. The application of evidence based clinical practice is included. Clinical cases are presented and analyzed by students. Current clinic issues are addressed in a one hour weekly seminar. 3 hours lecture, 1 hour seminar

This clinical course introduces the dental hygiene student to providing comprehensive dental hygiene treatment. Application of knowledge in infection control practices, development of care plans, assessment, oral health education, radiography, and fundamentals of instrumentation are implemented in collaboration with advising faculty. Supportive dental technology, equipment and products related to dental hygiene treatment are introduced. 3 credit hours

This course will combine general and oral pathology found in the human system. Concepts of pathologic physiology included in this course are the inflammatory process, wound healing, and immunology. Emphasis will be placed on the oral/facial characteristics of systemic disease. Principles of pathology, clinical features, risk factors, etiology, locations, and treatment options are presented. Four hours lecture.

This course is designed to provide concepts and principles related to the practice of community oral health. Prevention, access to care, providers of dental services, financing dental care, and quality assurance are discussed. The dental hygienist’s role in developing community oral health programs is an integral component. The significance of oral health measures for all members of society is addressed. One hour lecture

This clinical course focuses on providing non-surgical periodontal treatment for clients with moderate to advanced periodontal disease. Emphasis is placed on collecting and evaluating assessment data, treatment planning, providing oral health education and nutritional counseling, providing periodontal treatment, and performing post-operative evaluation. Periodontal Case Client presentations are developed from clinical experiences. 1 Credit Hour

This course addresses the care and clinical management of special needs clients who present with conditions/diseases of significance to dental hygiene care. Included is discussion of the pathophysiology, etiology, psychosocial, physical, and oral characteristics, potential emergencies, and the related dental hygiene process of care associated with these conditions/diseases. Current clinic issues are addressed in a one hour weekly seminar. 3 hours lecture, 1 hour seminar

This clinical course focuses on the dental hygiene student building on prior experience in providing comprehensive dental hygiene treatment. Increased opportunity for treating clients with moderate to severe periodontal disease as well as those with complex medical and pharmacological histories is introduced. Students gain experience in applying advanced strategies in assessment, care planning, oral health education, and instrumentation. Student directed judgment and relating theory to the clinical component of dental hygiene education are emphasized. 5 credit hours.

HA 356 – Ethics and Health Care in a Pluralistic Society
3 Credit Hours
Course Description: The course will provide students with an ethical framework for decision-making in the context of a pluralistic society. Models and principles of ethical justification among a diversity of cultures and belief systems will be analyzed. Specific applications are made to concerns in clinical and healthcare management. Topics include the right to healthcare, community health ethics, end-of-life issues, and
organizational ethics.
Course Prerequisites: Sophomore Standing or Consent of Instructor

In this course the dental hygiene student will develop oral health education programs for diverse populations utilizing the dental hygiene process of care paradigm of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Field experiences will take place in community schools, extended care facilities, outpatient treatment facilities, and acute care facilities. 4 hours field experience

The intent of this course is to provide students with a systematic approach to board preparation and dental hygiene curricula review. Information presented in this course will assist senior dental hygiene students in preparing for credentialing examinations and other procedures required for obtaining a dental hygiene license. Specific guidance is offered to students who are preparing for the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination and the Northeast Regional Board Examination. Indiana laws related to dental and dental hygiene practice are studied in detail. Current clinic issues are addressed in a one hour weekly seminar. 3 hours lecture, 1 hour seminar

This clinical course challenges the dental hygiene student to work ethically, professionally and independently in providing comprehensive dental hygiene treatment for clients in all stages of periodontal health with increased concentration on treating clients with moderate to severe periodontal disease. Dental hygiene treatment based on current scientific theories, research, and standard of care is expected. Meeting the individual needs of clients utilizing problem-solving strategies, critical thinking skills, and good communication is emphasized. 5 credit hours.

This course presents professional dental hygiene topics from a historical, economic, legal/ethical, global, political, social, interdisciplinary and multicultural framework. Students will investigate current issues in the field of dental hygiene education, examine ethical and legal concerns in the practice of dental hygiene, and explore the accelerating need for access to care. Students will develop solutions which could be used to influence organizational, institutional, and governmental decisions impacting oral health care.