Dental Hygiene (DEHY)
Courses
DEHY 100 Introduction to Dental Hygiene 1 Credit
Introduction to the basic knowledge, skills, and theory for first-year dental hygiene students, including instrument recognition, ethical standards, HIPAA, OSHA compliance, dental software, care planning, and documentation.
Prerequisites: Admission to Dental Hygiene Program.
Corequisites: DEHY 101 and DEHY 101L.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
DEHY 101 Preclinical Dental Hygiene 2 Credits
Introduction to basic dental hygiene theory, instrumentation, and patient care assessment. Focuses on the application of diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic procedures in a wide variety of areas related to clinical practice, health promotion, and disease prevention. Lab provides clinical learning experience with procedures and techniques for instrumentation, infection control, and patient assessment. Course fee may be nonrefundable.
Corequisites: DEHY 100 and DEHY 101L.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
DEHY 101L Preclinical Dental Hygiene Laboratory 3 Credits
Introduction to basic dental hygiene theory, instrumentation, and patient care assessment. Focuses on the application of diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic procedures in a wide variety of areas related to clinical practice, health promotion, and disease prevention. Lab provides clinical learning experience with procedures and techniques for instrumentation, infection control, and patient assessment. Course fee may be nonrefundable.
Corequisites: DEHY 100 and DEHY 101.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
DEHY 102 Dental Anatomy and Histology 3 Credits
Introduction to the foundational general anatomy of the face, including landmarks, terminology, and tooth identification, with emphasis on teeth anatomical and histologic features and oral cavity structures. Embryology of the face, oral and nasal cavities, and tooth development also introduced.
Prerequisites: Admission to the Dental Hygiene Program.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
DEHY 103 Dental Radiology 3 Credits
Introduction to the principles of x-radiation production and safety factors. Application and theory of properly exposing, processing, mounting, and evaluating radiographs. Identification of normal anatomic landmarks and pathologic conditions. Focuses on utilization of the laboratory in performing procedures necessary to produce quality radiograph.
Prerequisites: Admission to Dental Hygiene Program.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
DEHY 104 Dental Medical Emergencies 2 Credits
Extensive training in the practical skills applicable to dental hygienists and the scope of responsibility for medical emergency management, as dictated by state dental practice law. Includes content and use of emergency kits, oxygen support systems, ASA (injection) classification to evaluate risk, and emergency management simulations.
Prerequisites: Admission to the Dental Hygiene Program.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
DEHY 105 Periodontics I 2 Credits
Introduction to the principles of periodontics with a focus on the recognition of tissues in health and disease, macro and microanatomy of the periodontium, and histopathology of periodontal diseases and other related gingival conditions. Explains the theory and discussion of periodontal assessment, etiology, epidemiology, inflammatory process/immune response, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Periodontal Disease Classification System.
Prerequisites: Admission to the Dental Hygiene Program.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
DEHY 106 Head and Neck Anatomy 1 Credit
Analysis of the anatomy and function of the head and neck, with emphasis on the muscles of mastication and facial expression, bones of the head and neck, the temporomandibular joint, lymphatics, glandular system, vascular supply, nervous system, and the oral cavity.
Prerequisites: Admission to the Dental Hygiene Program.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
DEHY 107 Dental Materials 2 Credits
Exploration of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of materials used in dentistry. Emphasis on the selection, manipulation, and application of restorative, preventive, and laboratory materials to enhance clinical outcomes. Students will gain hands-on experience in material handling and develop an understanding of their role in patient safety, comfort, and long-term oral health.
Prerequisites: Admission to Dental Hygiene Program.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
DEHY 108 Applied Nutrition in Dentistry 2 Credits
Development of foundational knowledge in general nutrition, including nutrient functions, sources, and effects on the body, with a focus on the oral cavity. The integration of physiological and behavioral concepts through dietary assessment and nutritional intervention in dental hygiene care will also be covered.
Prerequisites: Admission to Dental Hygiene Program.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
DEHY 109 Clinical Theory of Dental Hygiene I 2 Credits
Knowledge and application of clinical dental hygiene principles, including patient assessment, infection control, and preventive care. Students will learn to apply theoretical concepts to clinical procedures, develop individualized treatment plans, and practice ethical, patient-centered care. The course prepares students to integrate evidence-based practices and professional standards into clinical settings.
Prerequisites: Admission to the Dental Hygiene Program.
Corequisites: DEHY 109L.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
DEHY 109L Clinical Practice of Dental Hygiene I 4 Credits
Knowledge and application of clinical dental hygiene principles, including patient assessment, infection control, and preventive care. Students will learn to apply theoretical concepts to clinical procedures, develop individualized treatment plans, and practice ethical, patient-centered care. The course prepares students to integrate evidence-based practices and professional standards into clinical settings.
Prerequisites: Admission to the Dental Hygiene Program.
Corequisites: DEHY 109.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
DEHY 200 Pain and Anxiety Management 2 Credits
Development of a working knowledge of the theory and practice of local anesthesia in dentistry and dental hygiene, with an emphasis on mastering the armamentarium and techniques of regional anesthesia. Covers the necessary knowledge and skills for proficient and safe administration of local anesthetics, as well as the equipment and methods used for nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation in the dental office.
Prerequisites: Admission to Dental Hygiene Program.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
DEHY 201 General and Oral Pathology 3 Credits
Fundamentals of general pathology and the disease process, with emphasis on oral pathology and recognizing and identifying common pathologic conditions in the oral cavity. Assists students in determining appropriate referral mechanisms for a definitive diagnosis.
Prerequisites: Admission to Dental Hygiene Program.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
DEHY 202 Clinical Practice of Dental Hygiene I-A 2 Credits
Facilitation of patient care opportunities for performing dental hygiene treatment for both periodontally-compromised and healthy patients, utilizing advanced instrumentation and power scaling. Development of foundational clinical skills, including patient assessment, oral hygiene instruction, and routine procedures like scaling and fluoride application.
Prerequisites: Admission to the Dental Hygiene Program.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
DEHY 203 Applied Dental Pharmacology 2 Credits
Examination of general pharmacology and relevant drugs that may influence the management of dental hygiene patients. Enables students to perform safe and effective patient evaluations for dental hygiene treatment.
Prerequisites: Admission to Dental Hygiene Program.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
DEHY 204 Periodontics II 2 Credits
Continued exploration of theoretical and clinical preparations of the dental hygiene process of care, treatment planning, non-surgical treatment, evaluation of treatment, and maintenance need. Research and decision-making skills developed related to risk factors, etiologic agents, and treatment modalities. Includes comprehensive periodontal assessment, supplemental diagnostics, periodontal pharmacology, and evidence-based treatment planning.
Prerequisites: DEHY 105.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
DEHY 205 Advanced Clinical Skills 1 Credit
Dental hygiene theory and laboratory experiences, with major topics related to advanced clinical skills, including advanced instrumentation fulcrums, root morphology, periodontal files, periodontal file sharpening, curettes, Nabors probe, universal focus spray ultrasonics, and scaling implants.
Prerequisites: Admission to the Dental Hygiene Program.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
DEHY 206 Periodontics III 1 Credit
Comprehensive dental hygiene clinical management techniques for periodontal patients, covering the general principles of periodontal surgery, the surgical management of soft tissues and osseous defects, wound healing, implants, and the role of occlusion in periodontal therapy.
Prerequisites: DEHY 105 and DEHY 204.
Terms Typically Offered: Summer.
DEHY 207 Ethics and Practice Management 2 Credits
Knowledge of ethical principles, legal responsibilities, and practice management strategies. Topics include: patient confidentiality, informed consent, and professional conduct. Skills in managing office operations, scheduling, financial planning, and team collaboration. Prepares students for ethical decision-making and efficient practice management.
Prerequisites: Admission to the Dental Hygiene Program.
Terms Typically Offered: Summer.
DEHY 208 Clinical Theory of Dental Hygiene II 2 Credits
Acquisition and application of management skills for operating a dental office, emphasizing self-exploration in developing personal and professional goals and examining professional ethics, legal issues, and the relationship to the licensed dental hygiene practice.
Prerequisites: DEHY 202.
Corequisites: DEHY 208L.
Terms Typically Offered: Summer.
DEHY 208L Clinical Practice of Dental Hygiene II 6 Credits
Acquisition and application of management skills for operating a dental office, emphasizing self-exploration in developing personal and professional goals and examining professional ethics, legal issues, and the relationship to the licensed dental hygiene practice.
Prerequisites: DEHY 202.
Corequisites: DEHY 208.
Terms Typically Offered: Summer.
DEHY 209 Community Dental Health and Field Experience 3 Credits
Development of knowledge in the concepts, methods, and social determinants of health related to improving oral health in the community. Emphasis placed on evidence-based strategies for the development of oral health promotion, oral disease prevention, and oral health management programs. Incorporates supervised field experiences in low-income, school, and other public facilities, as well as private health and education-oriented organizations.
Prerequisites: Admission to the Dental Hygiene Program.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
DEHY 210 Clinical Theory of Dental Hygiene III 2 Credits
Preparation for transition to provision of dental hygiene services in private practice and the ability to pass both written National Board examinations and regional dental hygiene clinical examinations. Major topics include: cosmetic bleaching, air-powered polishing, application of the re-evaluation process in treatment planning, application of effective tobacco cessation process, and techniques and processes for gingival curettage.
Prerequisites: DEHY 208/DEHY 208L.
Corequisites: DEHY 210L.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
DEHY 210L Clinical Practice of Dental Hygiene III 6 Credits
Preparation for transition to provision of dental hygiene services in private practice and the ability to pass both written National Board examinations and regional dental hygiene clinical examinations. Major topics include: cosmetic bleaching, air-powered polishing, application of the re-evaluation process in treatment planning, application of effective tobacco cessation process, and techniques and processes for gingival curettage.
Prerequisites: DEHY 208/DEHY 208L.
Corequisites: DEHY 210.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
DEHY 211 Advanced Dental Hygiene Theory 2 Credits
Care of patients with special needs, such as physical and mental disabilities or systemic conditions. Emphasizes patient management and treatment considerations.
Prerequisites: Admission to Dental Hygiene Program.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.