Preclinical Dental Hygiene Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

DHYG-1431-001 Preclinical Dental Hygiene

Prerequisites

Course Description

Foundational knowledge for performing clinical skills on patients with emphasis on procedures and rationale for performing dental hygiene care. Introduction to ethical principles as they apply to dental hygiene care.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(4 sem hrs; 2 lec, 6 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Required Course Textbooks

1.         Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist, Esther Wilkins; Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 11^th Edition.

2.         Fundamentals of Periodontal Instrumentation and Advanced Root Instrumentation, Jill Neild-Gehrig; Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 7^th Edition.

3.         Student Workbook for Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist 11^th Edition, Charlotte Wyche, Esther Wilkins; Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.

4.         Patient Assessment Tutorials: A Step-By-Step Guide for the Dental Hygienist, 3^rd Edition, Jill Neild-Gehrig; Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.

5.         Professionalism in Health Care: A Primer for Career Success, Sherry Makely; Pearson, 4^th Edition.

6.         Amarillo College DHYG 1431: Preclinical Dental Hygiene Learning Modules and Evaluations

7.         Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Program Manual

8.         Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Program: Work Ethics Program

Supplies

Course Supply List

1.    Library Card for AC and/or city library

2.    Computer and Internet Access, printer, print cartridges<

Student Performance

Course Description

Foundational knowledge for performing clinical skills on patients with emphasis on procedures and rationale for performing dental hygiene care. Introduction to ethical principles as they apply to dental hygiene care.

(4 semester hours; 2 lecture; 6 lab)

 

End-of-Course Outcomes

Explain the procedures and the rationale for dental hygiene care; demonstrate basic dental hygiene instrumentation skills; and define ethical principles related to dental hygiene care.

 

Course Meeting Days and Times

Lecture:         Mondays 9:00 - 11:00 Jones Hall, Room 110

Laboratory:    Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:30 - 4:30 Jones Hall, Dental Lab and/or Dental Clinic

 

Course Overview

DHYG 1431 is a course designed to teach the sequence and procedures that are followed to perform a preventive dental prophylaxis.  Areas of study will focus on the role of the dental hygienist, diseases of importance, management of medical emergencies, infection control, dental hygiene instrumentation, use of equipment, techniques of positioning, and preventive measures to teach the patient.  Unit and chapter learning objectives will be found in the student workbook at the beginning of each unit of study and each chapter.  The learning objectives will coordinate with the materials presented in lecture, handouts, reading assignments, online assignments, workbook exercises, quizzes, examinations and laboratory practicals. 

 

Students with Disabilities

"Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center Room 119, Phone 371 -5436) as soon as possible.”

 

The Amarillo College Catalog

The Amarillo College Academic Catalog can be viewed at:  http://catalog.actx.edu. 

 

Instructor Objectives for the Course

Chapter objectives will coordinate with the materials presented in lecture, handouts, reading assignments, and examinations.  Learning the objectives will be required of the student in order to be successful in the completion of the written and practical examinations and in laboratory exercises. Given the course textbooks, personal notes, handouts, and other course materials, the student should:

            1.         Learn the terminology, facts, theories, methods, and principles, associated with

                        dental radiology as outlined in the daily objectives and in the course schedule.

            2.         Apply the knowledge learned to a laboratory simulation or clinical patient.

            3.         Evaluate the learning experiences as measured by the course objectives.

 

The student will know that these goals have been successfully completed if after evaluated by course instructor, a minimal grade of 75 or greater is earned.

 

Course Objectives

Chapter 1 — The Professional Dental Hygienist

 1.        Identify and define key terms and concepts related to the professional dental hygienist

 2.        Define the scope of dental hygiene practice

 3.        Identify and define the components of the Dental Hygiene Process of Care

 4.        Identify and apply components of the Dental Hygiene Code of Ethics

 5.        Explain legal, ethical, and personal factors affecting dental hygiene practice

6.        Apply concepts in ethical decision making

Chapter 4 — Infection Control: Transmissible Diseases

1.          Identify and define key terms and concepts related to control of infectious diseases

2.          Explain the infectious process and discuss methods of preventing transmission of infection

3.          Identify and distinguish pathogens transmissible by the oral cavity

4.          Identify oral lesions related to various infectious agents

Chapter 5 — Exposure Control: Barriers for Patient and Clinician

1.          Identify and define key terms and concepts related to exposure control, clinical barriers, and latex allergies

2.          Apply and remove clinical barrier materials without cross-contamination

3.          Identify and explain the rationale for hand washing and other exposure-control techniques during patient care

4.          Identify criteria for selecting appropriate protective barrier materials

Chapter 6 — Infection Control: Clinical Procedures

1.          Identify and define key terms and concepts related to clinical procedures for infection control

2.          Identify basic considerations, guidelines, procedures, and methods for prevention of disease transmission

3.          Describe characteristics of an optimal treatment room and instrument-processing center

4.          Select appropriate disinfection, sterilization, and storage methods for clinical instruments and materials

5.          Identify procedures for management of an exposure incident

Chapter 7 — Patient Reception and Ergonomic Practice

1.          Identify and define key terms and concepts related to patient reception and ergonomic practice

2.          Prepare the treatment room for patient reception

3.          Identify and discuss components of safe and efficient patient positioning

4.          Identify and practice factors that contribute to ergonomic dental hygiene practice

Chapter 9 — Personal, Dental, and Medical Histories

1.          Identify and define key terms and concepts related to preparing patient histories

2.          Discuss the purposes of the personal, medical, and dental histories

3.          List and discuss the types, systems, forms used, question types, and styles used to collect patient history data

4.          Recognize considerations for patient care that are identified by various items recorded on the patient history

Chapter 10 — Vital Signs

1.          Identify and define key terms and concepts related to recording vital signs

2.          Identify four vital signs and describe the range of expected values

3.          Describe procedures for determining and recording a patient’s temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure

4.          Discuss the importance of regular determination of vital signs for a patient receiving dental hygiene care

Chapter 11 — Extraoral and Intraoral Examination

1.          Identify and define key terms and concepts related to providing an intraoral and extraoral patient examination

2.          List and describe the objectives of the examination of the oral cavity and adjacent structures by the dental hygienist

3.          List and describe the steps for a thorough examination

4.          Accurately describe conditions and lesions found during an oral examination

5.          List the warning signs of oral cancer and discuss the follow-up procedure for a suspicious lesion

Chapter 14 — The Periodontium

1.          Identify and define key terms and concepts related to the gingiva

2.          Identify the clinical features of the periodontal tissues that must be examined for a complete assessment

3.          List the markers for periodontal infection and classify them by type, degree of severity, and causative factors

4.          Identify gingival landmarks and discuss their significance

Chapter 15 — Periodontal Examination

1.          Identify and define key terms and concepts related to oral examination procedures

2.          Describe the purpose and procedure for the use of each instrument in a basic examination setup

3.          Discuss the implications of various oral findings identified during the examination

Chapter 16 — Periodontal Disease Development

1.          Identify and define key terms and concepts related to the development of periodontal disease

2.          Classify and describe periodontal diseases and conditions

3.          Discuss the development of gingival and periodontal infections

4.          Identify risk factors for development of periodontal disease

Chapter 17 — The Teeth

1.          Identify and define key terms and concepts related to the teeth

2.          Discuss various types of dental caries in terms of classification, development, and detection

3.          Describe noncarious dental lesions and their causes and appearance

4.          Describe a clinical examination of the teeth

5.          Detail the development and eruption of permanent teeth

6.          Identify various strategies for the recognition of carious lesions and describe tests for vitality

Chapter 19 — Dental Biofilm and Other Soft Deposits

1.          Identify and define key terms and concepts related to oral soft deposits

2.          Differentiate dental biofilm from pellicle, materia alba, and food debris in terms of composition, significance, and detection

3.          Discuss the implications of dental biofilm in terms of periodontal disease and caries

4.          Describe the essentials for dental caries as well as other contributing factors

Chapter 20 — Calculus

1.          Identify and define key terms and concepts related to dental calculus

2.          Describe calculus in terms of type, location, distribution, occurrence, appearance, and consistency

3.          Describe calculus formation, composition, and attachment

4.          Discuss the significance of calculus

Chapter 21 — Dental Stains and Discolorations

1.          Identify and define key terms and concepts related to dental stains and discolorations

2.          Classify and document various stains as to their location and source

Chapter 38 — Instruments and Principles for Instrumentation

1.          Identify and define key terms and concepts related to dental instruments and instrumentation

2.          Identify the components of dental instruments

3.          Describe the purpose, characteristics, and principles for use of a variety of types of dental instruments

4.          Describe methods for developing dexterity and preventing cumulative trauma injuries during dental hygiene instrumentation

5.          Identify techniques for maintaining sharp dental instruments

Chapter 39 — Nonsurgical Periodontal Instrumentation

1.          Identify and define key terms and concepts related to nonsurgical periodontal treatment

2.          Define the scope, purpose, and effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy

3.          Describe appointment preparation and follow-up procedures for nonsurgical periodontal treatment

4.          Identify and describe techniques used for nonsurgical periodontal instrumentation

5.          Identify the types and components of power-driven scalers

6.          Describe techniques for using and maintaining power-driven scalers and manual instruments

Chapter 8 — Introduction to Documentation

1.          Identify and define key terms and concepts that relate to written and computerized dental records and charting

2.          Describe concepts related to ensuring confidentiality and privacy of patient information

3.          Discuss the various components of the patient’s permanent, comprehensive dental record

4.          Compare three tooth-numbering systems

5.          Recognize and explain a systematic method for documenting patient visits

Chapter 18 — The Occlusion

1.          Identify and define key terms and concepts related to occlusion

2.          Classify malocclusions for both adult and child patients

3.          Discuss functional occlusion in terms of occlusal and proximal contacts

4.          Identify the types of trauma from occlusion, including clinical and radiographic findings

Chapter 27 — Oral Infection Control: Toothbrushes and Toothbrushing

1.         Identify and define key terms and concepts related to toothbrushes and toothbrushing

2.         Describe the characteristics, factors influencing selection, and proper care of manual toothbrushes

3.         Describe indications, procedures, and limitations for a variety of toothbrushing methods and select appropriate toothbrushing methods for individual patients

4.         Discuss indications for use of power toothbrushes and identify important design, technique, and patient instruction factors

5.         Identify indications and methods for supplemental brushing

6.         Select toothbrushing techniques for special conditions

Chapter 28 — Interdental Care and Irrigation

1.          Identify and define key terms and concepts related to interdental care

2.          Describe the interdental embrasures

3.          Describe the characteristics, indications, and procedures for use of a variety of interdental cleaning devices

4.          Include individualized recommendations for interdental care in dental hygiene care plans

Chapter 44 — Extrinsic Stain Removal

1.          Identify and define key terms and concepts related to removal of extrinsic dental stain

2.          Identify the science, effects, indications, contraindications, precautions, and procedures for selective dental polishing

3.          Describe polishing agents, instruments, and techniques used for removal of extrinsic stains

4.          Document removal of tooth stain in patient record

Chapter 69 — Emergency Care

1.          Identify and define key terms, abbreviations, and concepts related to emergency care

2.          List factors and procedures essential for preventing and preparing for a medical emergency in a dental setting

3.          Describe basic life support: external chest compression and rescue breathing

4.          Describe oxygen administration and AED defibrillation, and identify contraindications for use

5.          Recognize signs and symptoms of a medical emergency, and identify an appropriate response

Chapter 23 — Planning for Dental Hygiene Care

1.          Identify and define key terms and concepts related to planning dental hygiene care

2.          Identify and explain assessment findings and individual patient factors that affect patient care

3.          Identify additional factors that can influence planning for dental hygiene care

4.          The evidence-based decision-making process to determine patient care recommendations

Chapter 24 — The Dental Hygiene Care Plan

1.           Identify and define key terms and concepts related to the written dental hygiene care plan

2.           Identify the components of a dental hygiene care plan

                 

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

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Expected Student Behavior

Student Conduct and Responsibilities

A high standard of conduct is expected of all Amarillo College students.  The Student Code of Conduct is defined in the Amarillo College Student Rights and Responsibilities publication. This document may be located online at http://catalog.actx.edu/content.php?catoid=7&navoid=291#StudentConduct.

 

“Amarillo College expects a high standard of conduct from its students. Students are expected to comply with the law, respect proper constitutional authority, and obey College policies, rules and regulations. Unacceptable conduct is defined as an action or behavior that is contrary to the best interest of a fellow student or students, the faculty or staff, the College, or the teaching/learning process. Students failing to perform according to established standards may be subject to disciplinary action.  Policies, standards, rules and regulations apply to students attending College activities whether the activity takes place on or off campus. 

Each student shall be responsible for becoming knowledgeable of the contents and provisions of College policies, rules, and regulations concerning student conduct. In some cases, individual programs may have approved policies for student conduct which also apply to student conduct in those programs.”

 

The Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Program has specific policies which apply to student conduct within the program.  These policies may be implied or written.  The course syllabus and the program manual are sources for specific student conduct policies for dental hygiene students at Amarillo College.

 

Professional Standards

1.         Student is prompt to class.

2.         Student is prepared for class sessions.

3.         Student assumes responsibility for his/her own learning.

4.         Student is concerned with excellence in learning rather than just meeting minimal criteria.

5.         Student applies lecture material in the clinical setting.

6.         Student will seek faculty assistance if needed, and will monitor their own progress in meeting course requirements.

7.         Student maintains his/her composure, dealing with conflict in a constructive way.

8.         Student exhibits an attitude of respect for classmates, faculty, and staff.

9.         Students will not be disruptive or talk to each other during lectures, slide presentations, guest lectures, etc.  Should this occur, the student will be asked to leave the classroom immediately.

 

Electronic and Recording Devices

In order to maximize learning, all electronic recording devices and cell phones are prohibited in this course. If a student is caught texting, talking, or surfing the internet during a lecture or lab, the student will immediately be dismissed and will receive an absence for the day. Students may check cell phones at designated breaks given by the instructor. Those students who have children or who anticipate an emergency situation should give caretakers and family members the Office Supervisor’s phone number (806-354-6050) and have calls directed to her first. She will then act accordingly to inform the student.

 

Emergency Contacts

Phone numbers that family members may use to reach you only in case of emergencies are as follows:

Dental Hygiene Office Supervisor:  354-6050

Amarillo College Police:  371-5163

 

Academic Grievances

A student who has a grievance concerning an academic course in which he or she is enrolled is directed to appeal in the following order to the:  (1) Instructor (2) Department Chair/Program Director (3) Dean of Allied Health Sciences (4) Vice President of Academic Affairs (5) College President.

Grading Criteria

Assignments and Examinations

The following criteria will be used to determine the student’s grade:

The course will consist of four major examinations, several quizzes, homework and online assignments, laboratory practical examinations, and a comprehensive final examination.  Changes in the major examination schedule will be announced approximately one week in advance.  Quizzes may, or may not, be announced in advance.  Refer to the course calendar for the schedule of materials to be covered in each class or lab period and the tentative examination dates.  Also, please note the provisions of the Make-up Policy in this syllabus for missed examinations. 

Major examinations and quizzes will be objective in nature (true/false and multiple choice) with a few questions being subjective in nature (short answer, essay, and fill in the blank).  The final examination will be entirely objective in nature and will test information for the entire course.

 

Students with questions regarding examination results may review examinations, under the supervision of the course faculty.  Students, who feel that a question was scored improperly, must submit the following to the course director, in writing:

1.    Student name

2.    Exam number

3.    The examination question and the reason for requesting an instructor review of the score.

4.    The page and paragraph number, in the student’s course textbook or lecture notes, that verify that the student’s answer is correct.  

 

The request must be submitted to the course director within to one week after the graded examination is returned to the student.

 

Students will not have access to review and study prior quizzes or major examinations in preparation for the final examination.  Students should not rely on memorization of specific test questions; instead, the student should have a general knowledge of the course objectives to be successful in learning the material in preparation for the comprehensive Final Exam in this course and for the Dental Hygiene National Board Examination.

 

Laboratory Assignments

The laboratory sessions of this course will consist of exercises that coordinate with the reading assignments and lectures.  The students will first be introduced to the exercises by the faculty members demonstrating the processes and discussing the purposes for the steps to be followed during the exercises.  The students will then practice the exercises until a lab practical examination is given to test the student’s proficiency and level of competence.  It is suggested that each student use the practice time wisely as the course faculty members will be available during that time for guidance and assistance.  The practical examinations will be given randomly and each student is responsible for being ready for a practical examination on the next lab session after the material has be presented and practiced.

 

Grading Criteria

The final course grade will be computed as follows:

Major Exams – 40%

Workbook Assignments – 5%

Oral-B dentalcare.com Online Assignments – 10%

Quizzes, Homework Assignments, and Lab Practicals – 20%

Comprehensive Final Exam – 25%

 

The following grade scale applies throughout this course:

A = 93 ‑ 100%            

B = 83 ‑ 92%

C = 75 ‑ 82%

F = below 75%

Note:  A grade of "D" is not possible in this course.

 

In order to pass the course, a student must achieve a final grade of 75% and meet all requirements of the course.  All students are considered mature enough to seek faculty assistance and to monitor their own progress in meeting course requirements.  Students who continually fall below the minimal level of 75% on graded material should seek assistance from the course faculty. 

 

Faculty Assistance

All students are considered mature enough to seek assistance from the course director and to monitor their own progress in meeting course requirements.  If students have questions concerning assignments, content, etc., or if a problem arises that warrants instructor help, please do not hesitate to call or come by my office to schedule an appointment.  If I am unavailable, leave a note and I will contact you as soon as possible.  I prefer to work with a scheduled appointment so that I may devote the time and attention necessary to meet each student’s needs. 

 

Make‑up Policy

A student will not be allowed to make-up quizzes, as a zero will be given for each missed quiz.  If a student is absent on the day when a major examination is given, the student may make up the missed work as follows:

1.          It is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements with the instructor within 24 hours of returning from the absence to reschedule the examination.

2.         The missed work must be made up within TWO Amarillo College school days where the day ends at 4:00 p.m.

3.         The makeup work may earn a maximum of 80% of the original point value.          

Attendance

Attendance Policy

“Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class in accordance with the requirements of the course as established by the instructor.”  (Amarillo College Student’s Rights and Responsibilities Publication)

 

Due to the tremendous amount of information contained in this course, the student who plans to succeed should also plan to attend all course sessions regularly and promptly.  Without question, the instructor expects each student to be present at each session.  Unfortunately, no one has ever developed a short cut which will replace hours of actual experience needed to master a new skill; therefore, students must be present to acquire the specific knowledge in this subject. 

 

Absences will be monitored and evaluated to determine the student’s final course grade.  The student may have no more than 1 absence in this course without affecting the final grade.  Beginning with the 2^nd absence, 2 points will be deducted from the final grade; on the 3^rd absence, 3 points will be deducted; on the 4^th absence, 4 points will be deducted.  On the occurrence of the 5^th absence, the student will fail the course and be required to repeat the course.  Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each lecture and lab session.  Students not present when attendance is taken will be counted as absent. The student is expected to be present in class at the time class/lab is scheduled to begin. STUDENTS, WHO ARE LATE TO CLASS OR LAB OR WHO LEAVE CLASS OR LAB EARLY, WILL BE COUNTED AS ABSENT.  The student will receive 2 bonus points to the final grade of this course if the student has perfect attendance for the semester.  

Calendar

Additional Information

https://www.actx.edu/resources/

This website can be used to find those needed resources for Amarillo College students and their families.

Our goal is to provide as much information as possible for employees and students to be able to access campus and community resources when needed. There are many more resources in this community that are not listed on these pages. Some of these agencies and programs will change; so if you call and cannot get assistance, or cannot access a broken link, please contact me, Jordan Fajardo, for more updated information.

The website will be updated as often as possible; therefore, most will be current. If the resources listed do not serve the needs you have or if you have any questions concerning this website, please call or email: Jordan Fajardo, LMSW, Coordinator of Social Services, 806-371-5439, j0333462@actx.edu