Allied Health: Dental Hygiene

BIOL& 160: General Biology W/ Lab

Basic biological concepts with emphasis on biological molecules, cell structures and processes; diversity, phylogeny and ecology of living organisms; and an exploration of molecular genetics.

5 Units

BIOL& 211: Majors Cellular Biology W/ Lab

Major's Cell is the first course in a three-quarter sequence that introduces fundamental biology concepts to students pursuing careers in medicine, dentistry, cell biology, microbiology, or veterinary medicine. BIOL&211 focuses on the cellular and molecular basis of life, cellular metabolism, genetic inheritance, and the expression and regulation of genes. Includes Lab.

5 Units

CHEM& 121: Introduction to Chemistry W/ Lab

Introduction to Chemistry (CHEM&121) is intended for non-science and allied health majors. Completion of CHEM&121 along with either CHEM&131 or CHEM&122 fulfills the chemistry requirement for many health science majors (e.g. nursing, dental hygiene, etc). This lab science course covers the fundamentals of chemistry, including the following topics: measurements, atomic structure, types of reactions, thermodynamics, stoichiometry, equilibrium, kinetics, and acid-base chemistry.

5 Units

CHEM& 161: General Chemistry W/ Lab I

For science majors. A three-quarter sequence introducing basic concepts of chemistry: structure and bonding, chemical reactivity, physical measurement, stoichiometry, structure of matter, gas laws, intermolecular forces, solutions, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, acid/base, thermodynamics, redox and electrochemistry. Satisfies the general chemistry requirement for science and engineering majors, pre-Med, pre-Pharmacy, pre-Veterinary, etc. Lab included.

6 Units

CHEM& 122: Introduction to Organic Chemistry W/ Lab

Continuation of organic chemistry and intro to biochemistry. Lab included.

5 Units

CHEM& 131

5 Units

HUM 105: Intercultural Communication

Examines the skills in communication and empathy required for intercultural communication. Includes an interdisciplinary study of diverse cultures and perspectives in the United States in the context of economic, political, and cultural globalization.

5 Units

CMST 205

5 Units

Visual, Literary and Perf Arts or Visual, Literary and Perf Arts

5 Units

MATH& 146: Introduction to Statistics

(Formerly MATH 109) Covers descriptive methods, probability and probability distributions, samples, decisions, hypothesis testing and statistical inferences. Fulfills QSR requirement for A.A. degree.

5 Units

MATH 136

5 Units

MATH 109

5 Units

BIOL& 241: Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 W/ Lab

Covers fundamental principles and establishes a basis for advanced study of anatomy and physiology and clinically related subjects in the paramedical fields. Includes lab.

5 Units

BIOL& 242: Human Anatomy and Physiology 2 W/ Lab

Fundamentals of human anatomy and physiology presented in lecture and laboratory. Designed to establish a basis for studying clinically related subjects in the paramedical fields. Includes lab.

5 Units

BIOL& 260: Microbiology W/ Lab

Fundamentals of microbiology. Topics include bacterial cell biology, growth and growth control, metabolism, genetics, identification, viruses, human innate and adaptive immune systems, host-bacteria interactions, immunization, infectious disease epidemiology, and antibacterial drugs. Includes lab.

5 Units

ENGL& 101: English Composition I

English 101 is a college-level writing course that emphasizes academic writing and major strategies of reading and writing analytically. Writing assignments focus on engaging with and responding to a variety of texts. Instruction encourages students to develop, through revision and reflection, as readers, writers, and critical thinkers.

5 Units

ENGL& 102: Composition II

Continuation of the composition sequence with further instruction and practice in the writing process, concentrating on critical reading and writing techniques needed for the preparation and completion of documented essays.

5 Units

NUTR& 101: Nutrition

Introduction to human nutrition with an emphasis on the relationship of nutrition to growth, development, health, and physical and mental functioning across the lifespan. Sources, functions, interrelationships, and human requirements of proteins, carbohydrates, fat, minerals, vitamins and water will be examined. Topics also include analysis of personal dietary habits, public health issues such as obesity and access to food and food security, and the role of nutrition in chronic disease.

5 Units

PSYC& 100: General Psychology

Introduction to the scientific study of human behavior including research methods, brain and behavior, learning, cognitive psychology, development, personality, abnormal psychology, and social thinking and behavior. Additional topics may include: emotions, perception, motivation, intelligence, genes and evolution, and health.

5 Units

AHE 128: Introduction to Healthcare Practice

Covers elements of professionalism, ethical principles and basic assessment techniques for allied health practitioners in Washington state. Includes role of the healthcare practitioner, health history taking, vital signs assessment, patient management and infection control.

4 Units

AHE 129: Introduction to Healthcare Appplied Practice

Covers professionalism, ethical principles and basic assessment techniques, including patient health history, vital signs assessment, patient management, Infection control, and the role of the healthcare auxiliary.

1 Units

DHY 250: Oral Biology

Study of oral histology including developmental origins and microscopic organization of selected oral and facial structures. Includes embryonic development of the face and palate, and common craniofacial malformations. Examines the formation, eruption and histological organization of the teeth and their supporting tissues as well as the oral mucosa and salivary glands.

2 Units

DHY 251: Human Pathophysiology

Study of human pathophysiology includes the etiology, predisposing factors, mechanisms of disease, and characteristics of the disease process in each body system. Emphasizes specific disease entities most commonly seen in the clinical dental hygiene setting or that may influence an individual's dental care.

3 Units

DHY 252: Fundamentals of Dental Hygiene I

Examines the theory and scientific principles underlying the clinical practice of dental hygiene. Emphasis on oral screening, infection control, and professionalism.

3 Units

DHY 253: Clinical Dental Hygiene I

Apply the theory and scientific principles underlying dental hygiene practice. Covers professionalism, clinical preparation of the examining area, safety, patient privacy, documentation, and screening techniques.

3 Units

DHY 254: Health Promotion

Intro to dental health education, patient education, health promotion, and the process of health-related behavioral change. Emphasizes assessment of educational needs, client-provider interaction, communication skills, cultural competence in healthcare delivery, and motivation to change.

2 Units

DHY 255: Dental Radiology I

Principles of oral radiology imaging stressing the physics of x-ray production and biologic effects of ionizing radiation. Includes radiation safety and protection, dental radiographic examination, and radiographic interpretation of anatomical structures of the head and oral cavity.

2 Units

DHY 256: Dental Radiology I Practice

Intro to dental x-ray equipment, processes and techniques. Emphasizes patient and operator safety, evaluation of technique and imaging quality, darkroom and digital operations, beginning level proficiency in exposing and analyzing intra-oral dental radiographs.

2 Units

DHY 257: Head and Neck Anatomy

Didactic sessions teaching anatomy and function of the head and neck. Course draws on concepts taught in general anatomy and physiology classes. Students are introduced to the location, characteristics and function of all anatomical structures, including all hard and soft tissues and all components of the circulatory system and cranial nerves.

2 Units

DHY 258: Dental Anatomy & Morphology (Didactic)

Intro to nomenclature, anatomy, morphology and functions of the primary and permanent dentition. Focuses on healthy, normal end of the health/disease continuum and provides foundation for further dental science, clinical and restorative dental hygiene practice.

2 Units

DHY 259: Dental Anatomy & Morphology (Lab)

Apply the theory and scientific principles of specific anatomical characteristics to lab drawings and wax carving. Intro to fine hand-skills and basic instrumentation used for hygiene and restorative procedures.

1 Units

DHY 260: Emergency Management

Introduced to the role of the dental team in the identification and treatment of medical emergencies, including prevention, patient assessment, stress reduction protocol, safe use of emergency drugs and equipment. Participate in class simulations of emergency treatment for common medical emergencies in the dental office.

1 Units

DHY 261: Preventive Dentistry

Intro to primary prevention methods within the scope of dental hygiene practice. Emphasizes the relationship between oral disease processes and oral health preventive measures, home-care education of the patient, and methods of preventive care implemented by dental hygienists.

2 Units

DHY 300: Clinical Dental Hygiene II

Apply the theory and scientific principles underlying dental hygiene practice. Intro to assessment of gingival and oral soft tissues, selected instrumentation, and periodontal and dental charting.

4 Units

DHY 303: Fundamentals of Dental Hygiene II

Examines the theory and scientific principles underlying the clinical practice of dental hygiene with emphasis on integration of screening information to formulate goals for planning dental hygiene treatment needs.

3 Units

DHY 306: Restorative Practice & Materials I (Didactic)

This is the first of two didactic courses focusing on the physical, chemical, mechanical and biological properties of dental materials used in both direct and indirect restorative procedures.

2 Units

DHY 307: Restorative Practice & Materials I (Lab)

Covers clinical restorative dentistry focusing on the chemical, physical, mechanical properties of commonly used dental materials and their uses, manipulation and application. Learn to handle and manipulate different types of restorative filling materials into prepared cavities.

1 Units

DHY 313: Periodontology I

Examines periodontal structures of the mouth from health to disease including clinical and histological aspects of periodontal disease. Includes various classifications of periodontal diseases, and disease progression as it relates to microbiology, etiology, and host response. Learn techniques of periodontal therapy using adjunctive chemotherapeutic agents and oral hygiene aids.

3 Units

DHY 314: Dental Radiology II

Study of dental radiology including the principles and application of a full range of intra-oral, extra-oral, digital and film radiographic examinations, advanced interpretation for diagnosis of dental anatomy, trauma, lesions, caries and pathology.

2 Units

DHY 315: Dental Radiology II Practice

Learn application of basic radiographic examination techniques for dental patients stressing adaptation of techniques, consideration of presenting problems, variations of normal, supplemental radiographic procedures, analysis of outcomes, and advanced interpretation of diagnostic information.

1 Units

DHY 311: Pain Control Anesthesia

Theory of pain control in dental hygiene and restorative dentistry including nitrous oxide administration, topical anesthesia, and nerve block, field and infiltration local anesthesia applications.

2 Units

AHE 401: Principles of Research

General principles of research design and methodology with emphasis on applications for allied health practice.

5 Units

DHY 301: Clinical Dental Hygiene III

Apply the theory and scientific principles underlying dental hygiene practice. Intro to patient management, treatment planning, and dental hygiene treatment techniques.

4 Units

DHY 304: Fundamentals of Dental Hygiene III

Examines the theory and scientific principles underlying the clinical practice of dental hygiene with emphasis on principles of instrumentation, dental hygiene diagnosis, and professional development activities.

2 Units

DHY 308: Restorative Practice & Materials Theory II

This is the second and final didactic course focusing on the physical, mechanical, chemical and biological properties of dental materials commonly used in direct and indirect restorative procedures, and basic knowledge in materials used in preventive, periodontics, restorative and other specialty fields in dentistry.

2 Units

DHY 309: Restorative Practice & Materials II

This is the second lab course focusing on the physical, mechanical, chemical and biological properties of dental materials commonly used in direct and indirect restorative procedures, and basic knowledge in materials used in preventive, periodontics, restorative and other specialty fields in dentistry.

1 Units

DHY 312: Pain Control Anesthesia Practice

Practice of pain control in dental hygiene and restorative dentistry including nitrous oxide administration, topical anesthesia, and nerve block, field and infiltration local anesthesia applications.

2 Units

DHY 323: Pharmacology

Study the general pharmacological and therapeutic actions of drugs with emphasis on those used in dentistry. Includes nomenclature, dosage, routes of administration, drug interactions, drug effects on the oral cavity, indications, contraindications, factors in patient treatment planning and legal factors involved in dispensing.

3 Units

DHY 302: Clinical Dental Hygiene IV

Apply the scientific principles underlying the assessment, planning and implementation of clinical procedures. Emphasizes biochemistry of food, nutritional counseling in dental hygiene practice and personal, professional and community issues related to HIV/AIDS.

8 Units

DHY 305: Fundamentals of Dental Hygiene IV

Focuses on the fundamental scientific principles underlying the assessment, planning and implementation of nutrition in dental hygiene. Emphasizes biochemistry of nutrients, nutritional counseling in dental hygiene practice, and personal, professional, and community issues. Prereq: Permission.

2 Units

DHY 310: Advanced Restorative Practice I

Covers restorative dental practice and materials, focusing on correct placement of dental restorations on mannequins and in the clinic on patients. Practice and develop manipulative and carving skills in the placement of amalgam and composite restorations as allowed by Washington State law.

2 Units

DHY 413: Periodontology II

Study of advanced periodontal diseases, including cause, recognition, prevention, and treatment planning. In addition, this course covers periodontal surgery and implant care. Reviews periodontal concepts through case studies.

2 Units

DHY 391: Community Dental Health I

Introduction to public dental health. Presents strategies to improve oral health outcomes through evidence-based research techniques, planning, and implementation of public health program models. Provides a foundation for a group community oral health project. Emphasis on community needs assessment and choosing a target population.

2 Units

DHY 400: Advanced Practicum In Dental Hygiene I

Supervised clinical experiences with patient care involving the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of clinical procedures in dental hygiene.

8 Units

DHY 404: Principles of Dental Hygiene Practice I

This course focuses on the scientific principles underlying the assessment, planning and implementation of clinical procedures in dental hygiene. This course emphasizes higher level concepts needed for successful board certification and national examinations.

3 Units

DHY 407: Strategies of Capstone Project

This course is an introduction to a culminating educational experience whereby students have the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of learning in the field of dental hygiene. The course integrates experiential learning, coursework knowledge, clinical application, self-analysis along with strategies for completion and presentation of a Capstone project.

1 Units

DHY 410: Advanced Restorative Practice II

Focuses on correct placement of dental restorations on mannequins and in the clinic on patients. Students practice and develop manipulative and carving skills in the placement of amalgam and composite restorations as allowed by Washington State law.

2 Units

DHY 318: Oral Pathology

Study lesions, pathologies, and abnormal conditions of the head, neck and oral cavity of significance in the clinical practice of dental hygiene

2 Units

DHY 401: Advanced Practicum In Dental Hygiene II

Supervised clinical experiences with patient care involving the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of clinical procedures in dental hygiene.

8 Units

DHY 405: Principles of Dental Hygiene Practice II

This course focuses on the scientific principles underlying the assessment, planning and implementation of clinical procedures in dental hygiene. This course emphasizes higher level concepts needed for successful board certification and national examinations.

2 Units

DHY 409: Ethics and Jurisprudence

Focuses on the ethical, legal and regulatory issues facing the dental hygienist practicing in a private dental office, in a community agency, or in independent practice. Examines professional traits, theories of moral development, ethical principles, the state dental practice act, the relationship with patients and employers, and risk management.

2 Units

DHY 411: Advanced Restorative Practice III

Focuses on correct placement of dental restorations on mannequins and in the clinic on patients. Students practice and develop manipulative and carving skills in the placement of amalgam and composite restorations as allowed by Washington State law.

2 Units

DHY 414: Selective Populations

Introduction to etiologies, signs and symptoms, prognoses, medications, and oral healthcare strategies to optimize oral health outcomes for patients with selective medical conditions.

1 Units

DHY 415: Selective Populations Practice

This course consists of various laboratory externships through existing community organization affiliate agreements which provide supervised student experiences. Students will adapt the Dental Hygiene Process of Care for medically compromised high-risk patients to optimize oral health outcomes and provide caregiver oral health education as appropriate.

1 Units

DHY 419: Community Dental Health II

This course is the study of public and community health methodologies in oral disease prevention and program development. Students will establish contact with populations to develop presentations targeted to a specific demographic as a community health program or project. Students will learn the basics of research including data collection, dental indices application, biostatistics utilization, and program evaluation.

2 Units

DHY 402: Advanced Practicum In Dental Hygiene III

Supervised clinical experiences with patient care involving the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of clinical procedures in dental hygiene.

8 Units

DHY 406: Principles of Dental Hygiene Practice III

This course focuses on the scientific principles underlying the assessment, planning and implementation of clinical procedures in dental hygiene. This course emphasizes higher level concepts needed for successful board certification and national examinations. Course pre- and co-requisite: enrollment into the dental hygiene program.

1 Units

DHY 408: Capstone

This course concludes the culminating educational experience whereby students have the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of learning in the field of dental hygiene. The course integrates experiential learning, program coursework knowledge, clinical application, self-analysis allowing the student to integrate and evaluate their overall educational experience.

1 Units

DHY 412: Advanced Restorative Practice IV

Focuses on correct placement of dental restorations on mannequins and in the clinic on patients. Students practice and develop manipulative and carving skills in the placement of amalgam and composite restorations as allowed by Washington State law.

2 Units

DHY 416: Professional Issues

This course will explore issues encountered in a variety of dental hygiene employment settings including resume preparation, interview success techniques, malpractice insurance, employment contract negotiation, conduct and professional licensure, fundamentals of dental practice business concepts, employment team concepts, personal practice philosophy development, and the creation of a personal professional development plan.

1 Units