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Dental Hygiene

DHYG 145 DENTAL RADIOLOGY

Fall, 3 credit hours

Students will study the production, characteristics, and legal significance of x-rays and their use in the dental and dental hygiene setting, the safety measures necessary for the protection of the operator and the patient, the exposure, processing, mounting, storage of film, errors in technique and their methods of corrections. A minimum grade of “C” is required. Two hours lecture, two hours laboratory per week.

Prerequisite: matriculation in the Dental Hygiene program.

Corequisites: Oral Anatomy (DHYG 156) and Pre-Clinical Dental Hygiene (DHYG 157) or permission of instructor.

DHYG 147 HEAD & NECK ANATOMY

Spring, 2 credit hours

Students study the structure and anatomical systems of the head and neck and are exposed to selected body systems. Emphasis will be placed upon aspects of those systems and structures that have dental significance. This course provides the foundation for conducting a cancer screening exam in the clinical setting; and the administration of local anesthesia as part of dental hygiene care. A minimum grade of “C” is required. Two hours lecture per week.

Corequisites: Clinical Dental Hygiene I (DHYG 158) or permission of instructor.

DHYG 155 INFECTION CONTROL

Fall, 1 credit hour

This course provides an introduction to the microbial world. This course will provide an overview of the infectious diseases the dental team is potentially exposed to while providing treatment in the dental office, with a strong emphasis on hepatitis, tuberculosis, HIV, and the herpes viruses. Students will be presented with the rationale for practicing infection control procedures; including the use of appropriate PPE, proper equipment asepsis and instrument processing. Students will also gain experience developing an office safety program and quality assurance logs. OSHA regulations and CDC guidelines provide the foundation for course content. A minimum grade of “C” is required.

DHYG 156 ORAL ANATOMY

Fall, 2 credit hours

This course examines the structure and function of teeth and associated oral tissues and structures. Laboratory exercises focus on detailed drawings and identification of anatomical landmarks. Students will also practice assessing occlusion and will explain how an individual’s occlusion can impact various aspects of dental health. A minimum grade of “C” is required. One hour lecture, two hours laboratory per week.

Prerequisites: Students must be matriculated in the Dental Hygiene program.

Corequisites: Dental Radiology (DHYG 145) or permission of instructor.

DHYG 157 PRE-CLINICAL DENTAL HYGIENE

Fall, 4 credit hours

This course is an introduction to the Dental Hygiene Process of Care with emphasis on professionalism, infection control mandates, basic instrumentation skills and patient assessment processes. Patient assessment processes include conducting a medical history interview, documentation of vital signs, a head and neck cancer screening exam, caries detection, assessment of deposits and an evaluation of the periodontium. This will be accomplished through lectures, lab demonstrations, and clinical practice on manikin and/or lab partners, culminating with an initial two appointment clinic patient experience. Two hours lecture, eight hours clinical per week. Students must also reserve two hours of additional time once a week to be spent further developing their clinical skills. All students must submit a comprehensive health history to the clinic coordinator prior to sitting as a practice patient in the clinic. A minimum grade of “C” is required.

Prerequisites: Dental Hygiene matriculation, CPR and First Aid certification, and current malpractice insurance.

Corequisites: Dental Radiology (DHYG 145) and Oral Anatomy (DHYG 156) or permission of instructor.

DHYG 158 CLINICAL DENTAL HYGIENE I

Spring, 5 credit hours

This course is a continuation of Pre-Clinical Dental Hygiene (DHYG 157) and Dental Radiology (DHYG 145). In addition to further developing the skills taught in the first semester, faculty will introduce several new skills. Students will practice dental charting, research medications in a patient’s history, differentiate normal from diseased gingival tissues, and will learn to expose panoramic films. Emphasis will be placed on instrument sharpening to aid in effective removal of deposits. Although the department has a database of patients to work with, students are ultimately responsible for finding and treating patients of all ages. Three hours lecture, eight hours clinical per week.

Prerequisites: Dental Hygiene matriculation, CPR and First Aid certification, and current malpractice insurance; Dental Radiology (DHYG 145), Infection Control (DHYG 155), Oral Anatomy (DHYG 156), Pre-Clinical Dental Hygiene (DHYG 157), and Histology & Embryology (DHYG 161).

Corequisites: Head & Neck Anatomy (DHYG 147), Dental Health Education (DHYG 159) and Dental Pathology (DHYG 160) or permission of instructor.

DHYG 159 DENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION

Spring, 2 credit hours

This course provides the necessary background for developing communication skills during individualized instruction in the clinic and group presentations within the community. Students will learn to assess the needs of a diverse population of patients; and will utilize that assessment information to critically develop a dental hygiene diagnosis and appropriate preventive treatment plans for a variety of patients. Throughout this course, students will be exposed to various preventive strategies that can be used to promote and maintain oral health. The student will be expected to develop either a patient education brochure that can be used chair side or design a bulletin board for the clinical area that portrays a preventive message to the observer. Minimum C grade is required. Two hours lecture per week.

Corequisite: Clinical Dental Hygiene (DHYG 158) or permission of instructor.

DHYG 160 DENTAL PATHOLOGY

Spring, 2 credit hours

This course begins with an introduction to the principles of inflammation and repair. The remainder of the course will be devoted to identifying variations of normal and abnormal tissue lesions found on the oral mucosa and surrounding dental tissues, as well as lesions that might be found on the head and neck. Students will be capable of describing the clinical features of each lesion and will identify the lesions on a slide. This course provides the foundation for identifying and documenting pathology when providing dental hygiene care to patients in the clinical setting. Two hours lecture per week.

Prerequisites: matriculation in the Dental Hygiene program; Oral Anatomy (DHYG 156) with a minimum grade of “C”.

Corequisite: Clinical Dental Hygiene I (DHYG 158) or permission of instructor.

DHYG 161 HISTOLOGY & EMBRYOLOGY

Fall, 1 credit hour

This course provides the foundation for assessing a patient’s oral health status in the clinical setting. During the assessment phase of care, the hygiene student must be capable of distinguishing normal, a variant of normal or a developmental abnormality from a pathology. This course contains basic, general histologic information with a focus on oral tissue components and oral facial development. One hour lecture per week.

Prerequisite: matriculation in the Dental Hygiene program or permission of instructor.

DHYG 215 PAIN MANAGEMENT

Fall, 1 credit hour

This course is designed to prepare the dental hygiene student with the necessary theory to appropriately carry out treatment plans and successfully administer topical anesthesia, local infiltration anesthesia and/or nitrous oxide analgesia to increase patient comfort and control pain when providing dental hygiene services. One hour lecture per week.

Prerequisite: matriculation in the Dental Hygiene program, Oral Anatomy (DHYG 156), Head & Neck Anatomy (DHYG 147), and Infection Control (DHYG 155) with a minimum C grade.

Corequisites: Dental Parmacology (DHYG 221) and Clinical Dental Hygiene II (DHYG 257) or permission of instructor.

DHYG 220 PERIODONTOLOGY

Fall, 2 credit hours

Emphasis is placed on the structural anatomy of the periodontium, microbiology of plaque, and the pathology of periodontal disease. The student will learn to identify risk factors for periodontal disease, the various components of a comprehensive periodontal chart, treatment modalities utilized in the management of periodontally involved patients, appropriate maintenance intervals, as well as the criteria for determining appropriate referral to a periodontal specialist. Two hours lecture per week.

Prerequisites: matriculation in the Dental Hygiene program.

Corequisite: Clinical Dental Hygiene II (DHYG 257) or permission of instructor.

DHYG 221 DENTAL PHARMACOLOGY

Fall, 2 credit hours

This course covers general concepts of drug therapy, drugs used in dentistry, and drugs that may alter dental treatment. The course also covers specific mechanisms of action and clinical applications of therapeutic agents which affect the central and peripheral nervous systems, the heart, the vascular and renal systems, the respiratory and GI systems and the endocrine system. Chemotherapeutic agents, anti-infective agents and anti-neoplastic agents are also discussed. Drugs used in emergencies in the office and special considerations such as drug interactions, pregnant patients and drug abuse are also covered in this course. Two hours lecture per week.

Prerequisites: matriculation in the Dental Hygiene program, Anatomy and Physiology I (BIOL 217) and II (BIOL 218) with a minimum grade of “C”, or permission of instructor.

DHYG 230 DENTAL MATERIALS

Fall, 3 credit hours

This course provides a general overview of the chemical and physical properties and structure of materials in dentistry. A combination of lectures, labs and clinic assignments will enable the dental hygiene student to develop the skills outlined in the NYS Dental Hygiene Practice Act. Skills are learned on a typodont in the lab prior to partner and/or patient practice in the clinical setting. Two hours lecture, three hours laboratory per week.

Prerequisites: Dental Hygiene matriculation, CPR and First Aid certification, and current malpractice insurance.

Corequisite: Clinical Dental Hygiene II (DHYG 257) or permission of instructor.

DHYG 257 CLINICAL DENTAL HYGIENE II

Fall, 6 credit hours

This course is a continuation of Clinical Dental Hygiene I (DHYG 158) with emphasis on the dental hygiene process of care. Theory will include extrinsic stain removal with the air polisher, dental hypersensitivity, anxiety and pain control, instruments and principles for nonsurgical periodontal therapy including use of the slim line ultrasonic tips, and prevention and management of medical and dental emergencies in the clinical setting. Students will not only provide continued care for patients treated in the second semester but will also procure and treat patients with advanced periodontal disease. Students are ultimately responsible for finding and scheduling their patients. Two hours lecture, three hours laboratory, and twelve hours clinical per week.

Prerequisites: matriculation in the Dental Hygiene program, CPR and First Aid certification, a current health form, and current malpractice insurance, Clinical Dental Hygiene I (DHYG 158), Dental Health Education (DHYG 159), Dental Pathology (DHYG 160), Histology & Embryology (DHYG 161).

Corequisites: Peridontology (DHYG 220), Dental Pharmacology (DHYG 221), and Dental Materials (DHYG 230), or permission of instructor.

DHYG 258 CLINICAL DENTAL HYGIENE III

Spring, 6 credit hours

This course is a continuation of Clinical Dental Hygiene II (DHYG 257). Students will provide comprehensive care to a diverse group of patients to prepare the student for entry level dental hygiene practice. Emphasis will be placed on time management, care of patients with special needs, the hygienist’s role in recognizing and reporting child, elder and partner abuse. Students will also expand upon the pain management skills taught in DHYG 257 through the administration of nitrous oxide analgesia. One hour lecture, three hours laboratory, and twelve hours clinical per week. Prerequisites: Dental Hygiene matriculation, CPR and First Aid certification, a current health form, and current malpractice insurance.

Prerequisites: Pain Management (DHYG 215), Peridontology (DHYG 220), Dental Pharmacology (DHYG 221), Dental Materials (DHYG 230), and Clinical Dental Hygiene II (DHYG 257).

Corequisites: Community Dental Health (DHYG 260), Dental Nutrition (DHYG 263), and Case Based Studies (DHYG 285), or permission of instructor.

DHYG 260 COMMUNITY DENTAL HEALTH

Spring, 2 credit hours

This writing intensive course is an introduction to the philosophy of community dental health and explores principles of community based oral health program assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. In addition, fluoridation, dental health education, epidemiology of dental diseases, and the use of biostatistical methods and materials for research, program planning, and assessment are discussed. Students are exposed to the community dental health environment through a shadow experience in a school or community-based organization with a public health dental hygienist. Two hours lecture per week.

Prerequisite: matriculation in the Dental Hygiene program.

Corequisite: Clinical Dental Hygiene III (DHYG 258) or permission of the instructor.

DHYG 263 DENTAL NUTRITION

Spring, 2 credit hours

Study of current topics in nutrition along with basic principles of nutrition. Dietary counseling in relationship to dental health and incorporation of nutrition education in a dental office practice. Diet modifications for clients (patients) with special needs will also be reviewed. Two hours lecture per week.

Prerequisite: matriculation in the Dental Hygiene program.

Corequisite: Clinical Dental Hygiene III (DHYG 258) or permission of the instructor.

DHYG 285 CASE BASED STUDIES

Spring, 1 credit hour

This capstone course emphasizes case based learning, which involves the integration of theory, knowledge, and research and its individualized practical application to patient care. Students will review cases and apply the knowledge accumulated in their two years of dental hygiene studies to plan and manage care for the pediatric, geriatric, adult periodontal, and the medically compromised patient. The course is designed to prepare students for the dental hygiene licensing exams. Two hours lecture per week.

Prerequisite: matriculation in the Dental Hygiene program, Clinical Dental Hygiene II (DHYG 257).

Corequisite: Clinical Dental Hygiene III (DHYG 258) or permission of the instructor.

DHYG 310 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN DENTAL HYGIENE

Spring, 3 credit hours

This course examines current societal and professional issues and their impact on dental hygiene practice. The student will discuss the graying of America and its impact on the delivery of dental care. Age-related changes that occur in the oral cavity will be identified and treatment considerations including access to
care will be discussed. Students will examine the roles of the dental hygienist and discuss the dental hygienists’ role in increasing access to dental care. Students will research and compare traditional and alternative practice model,
and propose changes to improve dental care delivery. Three hours lecture per week. Writing intensive course.

DHYG 340/BSAD 340 MANAGEMENT COMMUNICATIONS

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

This course introduces students to the foundations of effective management communication. It focuses on communicating strategically and persuasively in a professional environment. Skills such as advocacy, framing issues clearly and strategically, preparing a team for communicating in a competitive environment, facilitating meetings, and adapting arguments to audiences’ needs will be developed. Three hours lecture per week.

Prerequisite: Business Communications (BSAD 200) or another program specific writing intensive course or the permission of the instructor.

DHYG 350 CURRENT ISSUES IN PERIODONTICS

Fall, 3 credit hours

Students taking this course will research and discuss current studies in periodontology and related disciplines to identify factors which may modify theory or practice. Focus will be placed on the relationship of periodontal health
to systemic health, current concepts in etiology, risk factors, assessment, and treatment. Three hours lecture per week.

DHYG 360 DENTAL HYGIENE TEACHING METHODOLOGY

Fall, 4 credit hours

This course provides the dental hygienist with the background to become an effective classroom and clinical instructor. Students will discuss the current philosophy of dental hygiene education and the American Dental Associations’ accreditation requirements regarding course syllabi, instructional objectives,
learning experiences, evaluation procedures and remediation policies. Students will explore the various learning styles and classroom techniques that can be utilized to incorporate all learning styles, motivate the learner and enhance the learning process. Four hours lecture per week.

DHYG 370/NURS 370/SSCI 370 RESEARCH METHODS SOCIAL and HEALTH SCIENCES

Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours

This course provides an intense comprehensive study of the scientific research process utilized in the social and health sciences. Students will be trained to be critical consumers of published research and will be expected to complete a research project. Topics that will be covered include the underlying theory of research; and data management and presentation. Three hours lecture per week.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Psychology (PSYC 101), or Introduction to Sociology (SOCI 101), or Introduction to Science and Technology of Behavior (SSCI 245), or Principles of Macroeconomics (ECON 101), or Principles of Microeconomics (ECON 103); Statistics (MATH 141) or equivalent course work, and Expository writing (ENGL 101) or Oral and Written Expression (ENGL 102), or permission of the instructor. Additionally, students must have at least junior level status or permission of the instructor.

DHYG 385 ORIENTATION TO INTERNSHIP

Fall, 1 credit hour

An internship is required to complete degree requirements for the Bachelor of Technology in Dental Hygiene. This course is a pre-requisite course that will provide students with a clear sense of direction and will enhance success in DHYG 390. The instructor will discuss best practices when searching for internship opportunities as well as the fundamentals for developing an internship contract that meets SUNY Canton guidelines. Students are expected to identify their anticipated goals and will submit a proposed time schedule for completing the proposed internship. Students will also be provided with some guidance for documenting daily reflections and activities in a journal and tips for building a professional portfolio. One hour lecture per week.

DHYG 390 DENTAL HYGIENE INTERNSHIP

Spring, 6 credit hours

This internship course enables students to acquire practical experience in a variety of professional settings that draw on concepts and skills gained from the academic experience. Students will develop new knowledge and skills by taking an active role in the cooperating organization. Students will develop an internship contract based on personal interests and career aspirations. Internship proposals must be presented and approved prior to registration for the course. Students must complete a minimum of 240 hours of internship tudy. Placement cannot be in their workplace.