Dental Hygiene Practice Syllabus for 2020-2021
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As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

DHYG-2153-001 Dental Hygiene Practice

Prerequisites

Course Description

Emphasis on the laws governing the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene, moral standards and the ethical standards established by the dental hygiene profession. Practice settings for the dental hygienist, office operations and preparation for employment.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(1 sem hr; 1 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

 Required Course Textbooks

Students are required to have the most current edition of textbooks.

1. Ethics, Jurisprudence, & Practice Management in Dental Hygiene, Vickie J. Kimbrough and Charla J. Lautar, 3rd edition, Pearson Education, Inc.,  2012.
2. Legal and Ethical Issues for Health Professions, 4th edition, Elsevier, 2019
3. State Board of Dental Examiners Rules and Regulation and Occupations Code (Online at www.tsbde.state.tx.us)

 

                            

 

 

 

Supplies

 Course Supply List

1.  Library Card for AC and/or city library

2.  Computer and Internet Access, Printer, Print Cartridges

3.  Index Cards, Paper, Pens, Markers

4.  Additional Materials as Needed

Student Performance

Course Description

Emphasis on the laws governing the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene, moral standards, and the ethical standards established by the dental hygiene profession.  Practical settings for the dental hygienist, office operations, and preparation for employment.

End-of-Course Outcomes

Explain the Dental Practice Act governing the dental and dental hygiene profession; evaluate ethical and moral issues affecting dental hygiene practice; describe traditional and non-traditional dental hygiene practice settings; and prepare for employment.

Teaching Methods:

A variety of teaching methods may be employed to facilitate the goals and learning objectives of this course to include:  reading assignments; lectures; learning activities; case studies, homework assignments and written exams.  The following media may be used to support classroom activities:  text, professional journal articles; PowerPoint presentations; internet use; and others that may be indicated.  

Participation and Instructor Help:

Learning activities in this course are designed to enhance the understanding of concepts.  As a student, you are expected to prepare in advance for these sessions and to participate in an appropriate manner.  All students are considered mature enough to ask questions and to seek help and asssitance from faculty and encouraged to ask questions during class sessions. 

Course Objectives

Chapter 1:  Introduction to Moral Philosophy and Reasoning

1.   Define the term ethics.       
2.   Define the terms deontology (deontology approach) and teleology (teleological approach).
3.   Distinguish between the ethical theory of utilitarianism and Kant's ethical theory.
4.   Compare rule utilitarianism with act utilitarianism.
5.   Contrast a right with a duty and a right with a privilege.
6.   Discuss the role of social justice in determining ethical behavior.

Chapter 2:  Core Values and Additional Ethical Principles

1.   Identify the core values found in the Code of Ethics of the American Dental Hygienists' Association.
2.   Define the terms autonomy, confidentiality, societal trust, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, veracity, fidelity, paternalism, and utility.

Chapter 3:  Informed Consent

1.   Discuss the criteria necessary for informed consent.
2.   Relate conditions for not obtaining informed consent.
3.   Compare the ethical principles found in codes of ethics, informed consent, patients' bill of rights, and other documents related to patient care.

Chapter 4:  Decision Making

1.   Define the term ethical dilemma.
2.   List the steps involved in ethical decision making.
3.   Solve ethical dilemmas using a decision-making process.
4.   Determine core values and principles used to solve an ethical dilemma.
5.   Discuss the role of laws in determining alternatives for solving an ethical dilemma.

Chapter 5:  Jurisprudence

1. Compare the concepts of civil law with criminal law, utilizing examples found in dental hygiene practice.
2. List the types and circumstances of supervision (or absence of supervision) found in the Dental/Dental Hygiene Practice Act of the jurisdiction in which you reside or attend school, or where you would like to practice dental hygiene. 
3. State the conditions necessary for a contract between a patient and a dental hygienist with regard to dental hygiene services.
4. Define and distinguish between the following terms:  a.  Intentional tort and Unintentional tort; b.  Malpractice and Negligence; c.  Libel and Slander; d.  Assault and Battery and e.  Implied Contract and Expressed Contract
5. Discuss the rights of patients protected by law and duties of providers regulated by law from both ethical and legal perspectives.
6. Discuss the role of lobbying in developing legislation for the practice of dental hygiene.

Chapter 6:  Social Issues

1. Identify legislation that protects and aids the patient and the dental hygienist against discrimination in dentistry.
2. Recognize the signs of abuse (child, spouse, and elderly).
3. List barriers to access to care and reasons for disparities in oral health care.
4. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various reimbursement or insurance plans (Medicaid, Medicare, and mangaged care) as they pertain to access to care and distributive justice issues.
5. Discuss the role of the dental hygienist as an advocate for oral health care.

Chapter 7:  Aspects of Practice Management

1. Discuss the need for practice management in the dental office.
2. Identify different management styles.
3. Differentiate between oral health care and the business of oral health care.
4. Discuss the team concept.
5. Identify the benefits of cross training.
6. Differentiate types of staff meetings.
7. Differentiate between employer expectations and employee expectations.
8. Identify uses of public relations and image for the dental/dental hygiene practice.
9. Identify  patient needs as they relate to dental hygiene.
10. Discuss how marketing relates to the dental/dental hygiene practice.
11. Identify advantages and disadvantages of profit centers.

Chapter 8:  The Business of Dental Hygiene and Leadership

1. Describe the scope of the dental hygiene diagnosis as it relates to building a practice.
2. Discuss business aspects for dental hygiene.
3. Discuss time management issues and plan a treatment hour.
4. Identify leadership traits.

Chapter 9:  Alternate Practice Modes

1. Describe different models for alternate practice.
2. Discuss legislative barriers to alternate practice.
3. List different duties for dental hygienists in alternative practice and dental therapists.
4. Develop a business plan for an alternative practice model.

Chapter 10:  Seeking the Dental Hygiene Position and Resume Preparation

1. Discuss aspects of job searching.
2. Identify different employment opportunities for dental hygienists.
3. Discuss the process of interviews between employers and employees.
4. Identify the advantages and disadvantages of working interviews.
5. Identify contents and needs for office policy manuals.
6. Discuss benefits as they relate to the dental hygienist.
7. Identify negotiating skills related to employee benefits.

Chapter 11:  Planning for the Future and Career Longevity

1. Describe the differences between stocks, mutual funds, and IRAs.
2. Explain the meaning of portfolio.
3. Describe CD investments.
4. Explain liability insurance.
5. Explain disability insurance.
6. Identify the need for self-care and physical health.
7. Describe the benefits of professional membership.

Texas State Board of Dental Examiners Rules and Regulations

1. Understand the laws governing the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene.

The student will know that these objective have been successfully completed if he or she earns a final course grade of "C" or higher as evaluated by the instructor.

The standard for the objectives may be one or any combination of the following:

• As given in lecture
• As demonstrated, discussed in the clinic experience
• As given in handouts
• As stated in the course texts
• As given on exams                                                          

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

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 www.actx.edu.

"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 have been implied or written.  The course syllabi and the Program Manual are sources for student conduct policies for Dental Hygiene students at Amarillo College.

Professional Standards

All dental hygiene students are expected to demonstrate professionalism in behavior, manner, and judgment while in the dental hygiene program.   Guidelines for professionalism and professional appearances are discussed in the AC Dental Hygiene Clinic Manual.  Professionalism will be evaluated on a continual basis throughout the program.  Students will exhibit professional maturity and an acceptable level of clinical judgment as determined by the  faculty.  Unprofessional behavior may be defined as a continual pattern of misconduct and/or an egregious act that endangers the health of the patients, students, faculty, and/or College.  Documentation may also include reporting via the Amarillo College Student Behavior Alert Form.

Students must be competent in the application of the principles of ethical reasoning, ethical decision making and professional responsibility as they pertain to patient care.  Dental hygienists should understand and practice ethical behavior consistent with the professional code of ethics throughout the educational experiences.  Below are representative examples of professional standards which are not inclusive:

• Students are concerned with excellence in learning rather than just meeting minimal criteria.
• Students maintain composure, dealing with conflict in a constructive way.
• Students exhibit an attitude of respect for classmates, faculty, and staff.  
• If a student has a conflict with a grade given by the instructor, the student must follow the outlined grievance procedure.  Faculty will not change a grade given to a student from another faculty member.

Safety:  Individual Responsibility

This course supports the Amarillo College policies regarding responsibility for a safe environment.

Amarillo College is in compliance with environmental, health and safety regulations, and therefore requires that all AC employees, students, and visitors comply to maintain a safe environment.

Report hazardous conditions and safety concerns immediately to their supervisors, instructors, staff, and/or emergency management personnel, as appropriate.

Abide in safe practices and procedures established by the College.

Adhere to and cooperate fully with all local, state, and federal regulations concerning environmental, health, and safety issues.

Take action to resolve workplace issues when appropriate.

Statement of Confidentiality

Confidentiality is the duty owed by dental hygiene professionals, including students enrolled in Dental Hygiene accredited programs, to protect the privacy of ALL patient information.  Dental Hygiene professionals clearly have an obligation to keep MEDICAL and PERSONAL information about patients in the strictest confidence at all times.  Unless disclosure is mandated by patient consent, statute, a duty to inform third parties, or special circumstances, dental hygiene professionals have a clear duty to maintain confidentiality of ALL patient information.

Breach of duty to hold such information in the strictest confidence, may cause liability for the individual student such as fines, imprisonment, and dismissal from the program.  In the professional “Code of Ethics”, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association Code of Ethics for dental hygienists has published the following statement which all dental hygiene professionals (including students) must always follow:

“We respect the confidentiality of client information and relationships as a demonstration of the value we place on individual autonomy.  We acknowledge our obligation to justify any violation of confidence.”

Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Mentoring Program

The student has a very important role in the mentoring process.  Each student will be assigned a mentor at the beginning of the semester.  The mentor/mentee list will be posted in the locker room and emailed to each student.  As partners in the mentoring relationship, students have responsibilities to:

• Contact mentors and arrange for a mentoring appointment:  1 in February and 1 in April
• Be aware of their mentoring needs and discuss these needs with mentors
• Maintain regular communication with their assigned mentors

Prepare for mentoring meetings by:

• Setting daily and weekly goals for program progression
• Assessing attainment of these goals
• Identifying  impediments to achieving these goals

It is the student’s responsibility to contact mentors and arrange appointments.  Failure to arrange and/or keep appointments will result in a two-point deduction from the final course grade for each occurrence in the semester.

Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy

Cell phones and other electronic devices may detract from the learning environment.  For this reason, phones should be silenced and put away out of view before entering the classroom.  The personal use of cell phones in the classroom is not permitted.  Cell phones may be checked at designated break times.  Students who choose to violate the cell phone policy in class will receive a 0 in the gradebook for the day.  

Mailboxes

Each student is assigned a mailbox located inside the student locker room.  Students are required to check his/her mailbox daily for various communication from faculty.

Emergency Contacts

Phone numbers that family members may use to reach a student in case of an emergency are as follows:

Dental Clinic Office Supervisor:  354-6050

Amarillo College Police:  371-5163

Academic Grievance Procedure

A student who has a grievance concerning an academic course in which he/she is enrolled is directed to appeal in the following order to the:  (1) Instructor (2) Department Chair/Program Director (3) Assistant Dean of Health Sciences (4)Dean of Health Sciences (5) Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs and (6) Vice President of Academic Affairs and (7) President  in that order.  

Grading Criteria

Course Requirements and Learning Activities:

Assignments are designed to assist you in relating the subject matter of this course.  The due date and time for all assignments is indicated in the course calendar and related handouts.  Students need to make note of these dates and times with consideration that assignments will not be accepted and a zero will be issued for late submission.  

Assignments and Examinations 

The course will consist of weekly tests, a mid-term exam, homework assignments including adaptive quizzing and online CE assignments from the Crest website www.dentalcare.com,  preparation of a professional resume, an interview with AC Career Services,  a leadership writing and reflection assignment and a final examination.  Written examinations will be developed and distributed by the Course Director during regularly scheduled class times.  One examination will consist of the State Board of Dental Examiners (SBDE) Jurisprudence Examination over the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners Rules and Regulations.    The Jurisprudence Examination requirement can only be met by submitting proof of the successful completion of the State Board of Dental Examiners (SBDE) Jurisprudence Examination as required for licensure.  A copy of the certificate of completion is required and students must take this examination to pass the course.   

Learning Activities

Resume:  You will be required to prepare your own personal resume, and introduction/cover letter and a follow-up thank-you letter/note.

Online P&G Courses:  Students will complete four (4) CE courses on the Crest website www.dentalcare.com.  The course assignments and due dates are located in Blackboard Assignments.     Late submissions will not be accepted and will receive a grade of zero.  Material from these courses will be included on the final exam. 

Leadership Reflection Paper:  Students will be required to complete a reflection paper on leadership.  The course assignment and due date is located in Blackboard Assignments.

Please refer to the course calendar for the schedule of materials to be covered in each class and the examination dates. Please note:  the instructor reserves the right to make changes on the course calendar.  Students will be notified via Blackboard should this occur.

Grading Criteria

The final course grade will be computed as follows:

• Tests:   40%  
• Homework Assignments:  10%
• Resume:  5%   
• Leadership Assignment 5%
• Final Examination :  40%                 

 The following course 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 for the course. 

Missed or Late Work:

Because all information in the course is built upon the last, it is imperative that assignments are not missed or late.  Missed or late assignments will not be accepted for grading and a zero will be issued for the late submission.   

 

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.  It is expected of each student to complete the reading assignments and to review the power points associated with the chapters prior to class.  

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 2nd absence, 2 points will be deducted from the final grade; on the 3rd absence, 3 points will be deducted; on the 4th absence, 4 points will be deducted.  On the occurrence of the 5th absence, the student will fail the course and be required to repeat the course.  Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class.  Students who are not present when attendance is taken will be counted as absent.  Students are expected to be present in class at the time it is scheduled to begin.  Students who are late to class or who leave early will be counted absent. "Late" is defined as the student not being in his/her seat and ready for class to start at the scheduled class time. The student will receive 2 bonus points to the final grade in this course if the student has perfect attendance for the semester.

Calendar

Additional Information