Dental Hygienist Program Code 105081

Employment Potential

A registered Dental Hygienist may practice dental hygiene in a health department, private practice, long term care facility, or school. Graduates may find employment on a part-time or full-time basis.

With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may find other opportunities for employment.

. Dental Hygiene Instructor
. Public Health Dental Hygienist
. Dental Laboratory Technician
. Dental Sales
. Dental Insurance Review Analyst

Program Outcomes

. Incorporate into dental hygiene practice professional laws, regulations and policies established by the licensing state and regulatory agencies.
. Model dental hygiene professional code of ethics in a rapidly changing environment.
. Pursue lifelong professional growth and development through self-directed learning, participation in professional organizations, and continuing education.
. Counsel clients/patients to reduce health risks.
. Provide community oral health services in a variety of settings.
. Manage infection and hazard control.
. Assess data on all aspects of patient/client health using methods consistent with dental hygienist scope of practice and legal principles.
. Formulate a comprehensive dental hygiene care plan in collaboration with the client and other health professionals.
. Provide preventive and therapeutic services that promote oral health according to the needs of the patient/client.
. Evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented client/patient dental hygiene care plan and modify as needed.
. Evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented clinical and educational services and modify as needed.

Wisconsin Caregiver Law

NWTC is required to comply with the Wisconsin Caregiver Law (1997 WISCONSIN ACT 27). The completion of a caregiver background check includes the review of criminal records for convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behavior. Students accepted into this program must complete a background information form disclosing any acts, crimes, or convictions prior to program entry. The information provided in the background information form must be truthful and match any findings on the criminal record check. Students with a criminal history may be denied access to placement at the discretion of the clinical or practicum site. Consequently, should a student have a history of convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behaviors, NWTC cannot guarantee clinical/practicum placement or guarantee graduation within typical program timing.

Clinical Experience

Students will be required to purchase a uniform, instruments, pay for liability insurance, and cover any other expenses related to clinical experiences.

Accreditation

The Dental Hygienist program is accredited by the American Dental Association - Commission on Dental Accreditation
211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611-2678
(312) 440-2500

Board/Certification Examinations

Prior to licensure as a Registered Dental Hygienist, a student is required to pass the Dental Hygiene National Board Examination and the Central Regional Dental Testing Exam.

Requirements for Program Application

. Completed application.
. High school transcript or equivalent. (For a list of equivalents, go to www.nwtc.edu/gettingstarted.)
. Admission Assessment or equivalent or ACT assessment taken within the last three years. (For a list of equivalents, please contact a counselor.)
. Two semesters high school, or one semester of college Algebra, Advanced Math, Biology, and Chemistry. All required courses must be completed with a "C" or better.
. Applicants with documentation of completion of General Anatomy and Physiology, with a "B" or better, will receive priority standing among that year's applicant pool.

Requirements for Program Entry

. As a requirement for program entry, an Academic Skills Assessment (Accuplacer) with appropriate benchmark scores is necessary or the minimum standard composite score of 20 on the ACT (minimum of Math 18; Reading 21; English 21) must be achieved. Students must receive the following scores prior to program entry. Reading Comprehension: 90; Arithmetic: 80; Sentence Skills: 90; Algebra: 60. Remediation options are available to reach required scores. Proof of remediation must be demonstrated by an Academic Skills Assessment post-test or completion of an approved course in the content requiring remediation. To learn more about these assessments and program benchmark scores, please contact a counselor at (920) 498-5444 or (888) 385-6982.
. Attend mandatory spring Program Orientation.
. Complete physical and dental examinations within three months before entering program and maintain current immunization information.
. Complete an American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR course prior to program entry. Students are required to maintain a current CPR card to comply with affiliating agency requirements.
. Submit Caregiver Background Check paperwork.

Curriculum

The Dental Hygienist Associate Degree is a two-year, two-summer, six-semester program. Upon graduation, a student will have completed 70 credits.

SUMMER SEMESTER

FIRST SEMESTER

SECOND SEMESTER

SUMMER SEMESTER

THIRD SEMESTER

FOURTH SEMESTER

Curriculum Note
* No final grade lower than a "C" is acceptable in any of the courses marked with an asterisk. A student who withdraws or receives a grade lower than a "C" in a program course may apply for re-entry into the program. Consideration for re-entry will be at the discretion of the re-entry team.

Suggested Electives
DH-Dental Career Transition, 10-508-118
DH-Dental Hygiene Board Review, 10-508-119
Spanish for the Dental Team, 10-802-103

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

These courses provide an opportunity for students to develop the knowledge, skills, and understanding required for employment in this field.

10-508-101 DENTAL HEALTH SAFETY ...prepares dental auxiliary students to respond proactively to dental emergencies, control infection, prevent disease, adhere to OSHA Standards, and safely manage hazardous materials. Students also take patient vital signs and collect patient medical/dental histories. CPR certification is a prerequisite; students will be required to show proof of certification before beginning the course. (Prerequisite: Accepted into the Dental Hygiene or Dental Assistant Programs)

10-508-102 ORAL ANATOMY, EMBRYOLOGY AND HISTOLOGY ...prepares Dental Hygienist students to apply detailed knowledge about oral anatomy to planning, implementation, assessment, and evaluation of patient care. Students identify distinguishing characteristics of normal and abnormal dental, head, and neck anatomy and its relationship to tooth development, eruption and health. (Prerequisites: 10-806-177, General Anatomy & Physiology, 10-508-101, Dental Health Safety)

10-508-103 DENTAL RADIOGRAPHY APPLICATIONS ...prepares dental auxiliary students to operate x-ray units and expose bitewing, periapical, extra oral, and occlusal radiographs. Emphasis is placed on protection against x-ray hazards. Students also process, mount, and evaluate radiographs for diagnostic value. In this course students demonstrate competency on a manikin. In addition, students expose bitewing radiographs on a peer, role-play patient. (Prerequisites: 10-508-101, Dent Health Safety AND 10-508-102, Oral Anat & Hist OR 31-508-304, Dental and General Anat)

10-508-105 DENTAL HYGIENE PROCESS 1 ...introduces Dental Hygiene students to the basic technical/clinical skills required of practicing Dental Hygienists including use of basic dental equipment, examination of patients, and procedures within the dental unit. Under the direct supervision of an instructor, students integrate hands-on skills with entry-level critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The course also reinforces the application of Dental Health Safety skills. (Prerequisites: 10-806-186, Intro to Biochemistry; 10-508-101, Dental Health Safety; Corequisite: 10-508-102, DH-Oral Anatomy, Embry & Histology)

10-508-106 DENTAL HYGIENE PROCESS 2 ...this clinical course builds on and expands the technical/clinical skills student dental hygienists began developing in Dental Hygiene Process I. Under the direct supervision of an instructor, students apply patient care assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation skills to provide comprehensive care for perio case type 0, I, and II patients. (Prerequisite: 10-508-105, DH-Dental Hygiene Process 1)

10-508-107 DENTAL HYGIENE ETHICS & PROFESSIONALISM ...helps student dental hygienists develop and apply high professional and ethical standards. Students apply the laws that govern the practice of dental hygiene to their work with patients, other members of a dental team and the community. Emphasis is placed on maintaining confidentiality and obtaining informed consent. Students enhance their ability to present a professional appearance. (Prerequisite: Accepted in the Dental Hygienist Program)

10-508-108 PERIODONTOLOGY ...this course prepares student dental hygienists to assess the periodontal health of patients, plan prevention and treatment of periodontal disease, and to evaluate the effectiveness of periodontal treatment plans. Emphasis is placed on the recognition of the signs and causes of periodontal disease and on selection of treatments modalities that minimize risk and restore periodontal health. (Prerequisites: 10-806-197, Microbiology; 10-806-186, Intro to Biochemistry; 10-508-102, DH Oral Antmy, Histlogy & Embrylgy; Corequisites: 10-508-111, DH-Gen & Oral Pathology; 10-508-103, Dental Radigrphy App; 10-508-106, DH-Dental Hygiene Proc 2)

10-508-109 CARIOLOGY ...this course focuses on the characteristics and contributing factors of dental decay. Dental Hygiene students help patients minimize caries risk by developing treatment plans, communicating methods to patients, and evaluating treatment results. (Prerequisites: 10-806-186, Intro to Biochemistry; 10-806-197, Microbiology; Corequisite: 10-508-106, Dental Hygiene Process 2)

10-508-110 NUTRITION AND DENTAL HEALTH ...prepares student dental hygienists to counsel patients about diet and its impact on oral health. Students learn to distinguish between balanced and unbalanced diets and to construct diets that meet the needs of patients with compromised dental/oral health. Students also learn to counsel patients about the effect of eating disorders on dental health. (Prerequisites: 10-508-109, DH-Cariology; 10-806-186, Intro to Biochemistry)

10-508-111 GENERAL & ORAL PATHOLOGY ...this course prepares the student dental hygienist to determine when to consult, treat or refer clients with various disease, infection or physiological conditions. Students learn to recognize the signs, causes, and implications of common pathological conditions including inflammatory responses, immune disorders, genetic disorders, developmental disorders of tissues and cysts, oral tissue trauma, and neoplasm of the oral cavity. (Prerequisites: 10-508-102, Oral Anatomy, Embryology & Histology; Corequisite: 10-508-103, Dental Radiography Applications)

10-508-112 DENTAL HYGIENE PROCESS 3 ...this clinical course builds on and expands the technical/clinical skills student dental hygienists developed in Dental Hygiene Process II. In consultation with the instructor, students apply independent problem-solving skills in the course of providing comprehensive care for perio case type 0, I, II, and III patients. Dental Hygiene Process 3 introduces root detoxification using hand and ultra-sonic instruments, manipulation of files, selection of dental implant prophylaxis treatment options, and administration of chemotherapeutic agents. Students also adapt care plans in order to accommodate patients with special needs. (Prerequisites: 10-508-106, Dental Hygiene Process 2; 10-508-108, Periondontology; 10-508-109, Cariology; 10-508-110, DH-Nutrition & Dental Health)

10-508-113 DENTAL MATERIALS ...prepares dental auxiliary students to handle and prepare dental materials such as liners, bases, cements, amalgam, resin restorative materials, gypsum products, and impression materials. They also learn to take alginate impressions on manikins and clean removable appliances. (Prerequisites: 10-508-101, Dental Health Safety; 31-508-304, Dental & General Anatomy)

10-508-114 DENTAL PHARMACOLOGY ...prepares student dental hygienists to select safe and effective patient premedication, local anesthetic, chemo therapeutic and anti-microbial agents within the scope of dental hygiene practice. Students will also learn to recognize potential pharmacological contraindications for specific patients and to take measures to avoid negative impact or alert other members of the dental team to possible negative impact. (Prerequisites: 10-806-186, Intro to Biochemistry; 10-806-197, Microbiology; Corequiste: 10-508-112, Dental Hygiene Process 3)

10-508-115 COMMUNITY DENTAL HEALTH ...this course prepares the Dental Hygienist student to play a proactive role in improving the dental health of community members of all ages. Students perform and interpret dental health research to determine community dental health needs, they also participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of a community dental health program. (Corequisite: 10-508-112, Dental Hygiene Process 3)

10-508-116 DENTAL PAIN MANAGEMENT ...this course prepares the student dental hygienist to work within the scope of dental hygiene practice to manage pain for dental patients. Students learn to prevent and manage common emergencies related to administration of local anesthesia, prepare the armamentarium, and administer local anesthesia. The course also addresses the recommendation of alternative pain control measures. (Prerequisites: 10-508-102, Oral Anatomy, Embryology & Histology; 10-508-114, Dental Pharmacology; 10-508-112, Dental Hygiene Process 3)

10-508-117 DENTAL HYGIENE PROCESS 4 ...this clinical course builds on and expands the technical/clinical skills student dental hygienists developed in Dental Hygiene Process III. With feedback from the instructor, students manage all aspects of cases in the course of providing comprehensive care for perio case type 0 I, II, and III patients. Emphasizes maximization of clinical efficiency and effectiveness. Prepares student dental hygienists to demonstrate their clinical skills in a formal examination situation. (Prerequisite: 10-508-112, Dental Hygiene Process 3; Corequisite: 10-508-116, Dental Pain Management)

10-806-177 GENERAL ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY ...overview of the human anatomy/physiology using a body-systems approach, emphasizing the interrelationships between form/function at the gross and microscopic levels. (Prerequisite: 10-806-134, General Chemistry OR 10-806-155, Chemistry-Basic OR High School Chemistry with a "C" or better OR College Chemistry transfer credit with a grade of "C" or better) 4 cr.

10-806-186 INTRODUCTION TO BIOCHEMISTRY ...covers organic and biological chemistry necessary for application within Nursing and other Allied Health careers. Emphasis is placed on recognizing the structure, physical properties and chemical reactions of organic molecules, body fluids and acids. Discussion of biological functions and their relationship to enzymes, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and DNA. (Prerequisite: 10-806-134, General Chemistry or equivalent with lab component with a "C" or better within the past five years) 4 cr.

10-801-136 ENGLISH COMPOSITION 1 ...learners develop knowledge/skills in planning, organizing, writing, editing. Students will also analyze audience/purpose, use elements of research, format documents using standard guidelines, and develop critical reading skills. 3 cr.

10-806-197 MICROBIOLOGY ...history, morphology, physiology, nutritional growth requirements, metabolism, methods of identification. Focus on disease-causing microorganisms, appropriate prevention, treatment, control mechanisms. Specific/non-specific host defense mechanisms, applications of immunology examined. (Prerequisite: 10-806-177, General Anatomy & Physiology, with a "C" or better.) 4 cr.

10-801-196 ORAL/INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION ...the communication process, perception and self-concept, language, listening, nonverbal communication, interpersonal relationships, communication in groups and public communication; prepare and deliver an oral presentation. 3 cr.

10-809-198 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY ...survey of theoretical foundations of human behavior such as sensation and perception, motivation, emotions, learning, personality, psychological disorders, therapy, stress, and human diversity in personal, social and vocational settings. 3 cr.

10-809-172 RACE ETHNIC & DIVERSITY ...basic American values of justice and equality by teaching vocabulary, history of immigration/conquest, transcultural communication, legal liability, multicultural majority/minority relations, ageism, sexism, gender, sexual orientation, the disabled/ADA. 3 cr.

10-809-196 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY ...the nature and variety of groups; inequality, race and ethnicity; family, population, social integration, and change; collective behavior; politics, economics, religion, education, and the effects of technology. 3 cr.