Community Dentistry Syllabus for 2025-2026
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Instructor Information

Office Location

West Campus Jones Hall 123

Office Hours

Student Office Hours:  Monday and Wednesday 11:00 am to 12 noon or  By Appointment as needed

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

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:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

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-1215-001 Community Dentistry

Prerequisites

Course Description

The principles and concepts of community public health and dental health education emphasizing community assessment, educational planning, implementation and evaluation including methods and materials used in teaching dental health education in various community settings.

Student Resources Student 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

(2 sem hrs; 1 lec 4 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

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

  • Dental Public Health and Research-Contemporary Practice for the Dental Hygienist,  Christine Nielsen Nathe, 4th edition, Pearson, 2023 Update

Supplies

Technical Skills and Requirements 

Using the computer is an integral part of this course. Students will be responsible for bringing their tablets or laptops to every class session. Please have the battery charged up and ready to go. Students must ensure that the Respondus Lockdown Browser is installed on their computers by the first day of class. Utilize CTL resources for technical help. CTL Student Help Center: (806) 371-5992 or ctlstudenthelp@actx.edu

Communication

The best way to contact me is through your student email in Blackboard. I will check my email Monday-Friday, first thing in the morning and throughout the day as time allows. I will respond to your email within 24 hours. I will answer emails sent over the weekend the following Monday morning. Please remember to use netiquette when corresponding with faculty, staff, and peers.

Other Supplies

  1. Library Card for AC and/or city library
  2. Computer and Internet  Access, Printer, Print Cartridges
  3. Additional Materials as Needed

Student Performance

Course Meeting Day and Time

The course is designed in a lecture-lab format. The class will meet on Tuesday from 12:00 to 3:00 and on Thursday from 12:00 to 2:00 in Jones Hall, Room 111. The course calendar indicates these days.

Lab Instructor:

Ms. Ashlie Lang, R.D.H., M.S.

Email:  a0300958@actx.edu

Office:  West Campus, Jones Hall, Room 128

Phone:  806-356-3667

Changes to the Syllabus and the Course:

The instructor reserves the right to change the Syllabus and the course as deemed necessary. All changes will be posted by the course director on the course's Blackboard Announcements page, and students will be notified by email.

Participation and Instructor Help

Learning activities in this course are designed to enhance the understanding of concepts. You are expected to prepare for these sessions and participate appropriately as a student. All students are considered mature enough to ask questions, seek assistance from faculty, and are encouraged to do so during class sessions.

End-of-Course Outcomes- Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM)

Design a community dental health education program that meets the needs of a target population; differentiate the community's governmental, sociological, environmental, and cultural concerns; and describe the principles and concepts of community dental health education and evaluation.

Specific Course Outcomes

In alignment with the standards of the Commission on Dental Accreditation, upon successful completion of this course, the student will demonstrate competency in community oral health through the following measurable outcomes:

  1.  Community Assessment and Epidemiology

Outcome:  Students will conduct a community oral health assessment using epidemiologic principles by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to identify priority oral health needs. 

Measurable Criteria

  • Collect and analyze community data (demographics, risk factors, access to care)
  • Interpret indices (e.g., prevalence, incidence, DMFT)
  • Identify three priority oral health needs based on data

2.  Program Planning

Outcome: Students will design a comprehensive community oral health program using evidence-based strategies and SMART objectives.

Measurable Criteria

  • Write SMART objectives
  • Design at least one evidence-based intervention
  • Include target population, resources, timeline, and evaluation method

3.  Implementation of Oral Health Education

Outcome:  Students will deliver an oral health education session using appropriate teaching strategies and materials tailored to a defined population.

Measurable Criteria

  • Present a 10-20 minute educational session
  • Use a minimum of two teaching methods/materials  appropriate to the audience
  • Demonstrate cultural competence and communication skills

4.  Program Evaluation

Outcome:  Students will evaluate community oral health programs using appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods.

Measurable Criteria

  • Utilize pre/post-test assessment tools
  • Analyze results and recommend two improvements

5.  Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

Outcome:  Students will apply preventive strategies to improve oral health outcomes in populations.

Measurable Criteria

  • Identify three preventive modalities ( e.g., fluoride, sealants, education)
  • Justify selection using current evidence
  • Apply strategies appropriately to target populations

6.  Cultural Competency

Outcome:  Students will demonstrate culturally competent care in community dental settings.

Measurable Criteria

  • Identify cultural factors affecting oral health behaviors
  • Modify education strategies for diverse populations
  • Demonstrate culturally appropriate communication

7.  Advocacy and Professional Responsibility

Outcome:  Students will advocate for improved access to oral health care and identify barriers to care.

Measurable Criteria

  • Describe local, state, or national oral health policies
  • Identify barriers to care and propose a minimum of two solutions

8.  Interprofessional Collaboration

Outcome:  Students will collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals in community-based settings.

Measurable Criteria

  • Identify roles of other health disciplines
  • Demonstrate teamwork in community projects
  • Reflect on collaboration outcomes

9.  Evidence-Based Practice

Competency:  Students will evaluate and apply scientific literature to community oral health decisions. 

Measurable Criteria

  • Critically appraise a research article
  • Differentiate between valid and unreliable resources
  • Apply findings to program planning or education

10.  Ethics and Professionalism 

Outcome:  Students will apply ethical principles and professional standards in community practice.

Measurable Criteria

  • Identify ethical dilemmas in case scenarios
  • Apply ethical decision-making models
  • Demonstrate professionalism in community interactions

Chapter Objectives:

Chapter One:  Dental Public Health:  An Overview

Chapter Objectives:  After studying this chapter, the dental hygiene student will be able to:

1. Define public health

2. Describe the evolution of public health science and practice

3. Define dental public health

4. Describe factors affecting dental public health

Chapter Two:  The Prevention Movement

Chapter Objectives:  After studying this chapter, the dental hygiene student will be able to:

1. Describe the history of dental hygiene and public health

2. Define the historical development and mission of the American Dental Hygienists' Association

3. List and describe the current public health preventive modalities practiced today

4. Defend the need for preventive modalities in dental public health practice

Chapter Three:  Dental Care Delivery in the United States

Chapter Objectives:  After studying this chapter, the dental hygiene student will be able to:

1. Describe the state of dental health in the United States

2. Identify the government agencies related to dental hygiene

3. Compare the functions of federal, state, and local government in dental care delivery

4. Describe dental workforce issues

5. Define need, supply, demand, and utilization

Chapter Four:  Dental Hygiene Care Delivery in the Global Community

Chapter Objectives:  After studying this chapter, the dental hygiene student will be able to:

1. Describe the evolution of dental hygiene in countries other than the United States

2. Identify global oral health challenges and the positioning of dental hygiene care

3. Describe the global workforce distribution and access to dental hygiene care

4. Explain global dental hygiene education and work roles

5. Explain professional regulation models

6. Describe the portability of licensure and other professions providing care

7. List and define the international professional organizations involving dental hygiene

Chapter Five:  Financing of Dental Care

Chapter Objectives:  After studying this chapter, the dental hygiene student will be able to:

1. Describe current methods of payment for dental care

2. Define and apply terminology associated with financing dental care

3. Identify the different insurance plans available for dental care

4. Describe the role of the government in financing dental care

Chapter Six:  Federal and State Legislation Affecting Dental Hygiene Practice

Chapter Objectives:  After studying this chapter, the dental hygiene student will be able to:

1. Explain the legislative process in the United States

2. Identify the central bodies of the law in the United States

3. Describe the entity responsible for the regulation of the dental hygienist

4. Advocate for the utilization of a dental hygienist without restrictive barriers

5. Describe the legislative  initiative affecting dental hygienists in the United States

Chapter Seven:  Advocacy for Dental Care

Chapter Objectives:  After studying this chapter, the dental hygiene student will be able to:

1. Identify four roles that the dental hygienist can assume as an agent of change

2. Describe the various levels of change agent performance

3. Utilize tools and resource models to implement change

4. Identify the role of the change agent in policy-making

5. Promote partnership  and coalition development

6. Describe inter-and intra-professional collaborations

7. Identify components of grant writing

Chapter Eight:  Dental Health Education and Promotion

Chapter Objectives:  After studying this chapter, the dental hygiene student  will be able to:

1. Define dental health education and promotion

2. Describe health education and promotion principles

3. Describe the involvement of the population's  values in behavior

4. Outline different learning and motivation theories

Chapter Nine:  Lesson Plan Development

Chapter Objectives:  After studying this chapter, the dental hygiene student will be able to:

1. Explain the dental hygiene process of care

2. Describe the process of lesson plan development

3. Develop goals and objectives for a lesson plan

4. Describe learning levels and domains

5. Identify and describe teaching methods

6. Identify characteristics of an effective teacher

7. Develop a lesson plan

Chapter Ten:  Target Populations

Chapter Objectives:  After studying this chapter, the dental hygiene student will be able to:

1. Define target populations to whom dental hygienists may provide services

2. Describe faith-based initiatives

3. Define target profiles

4. Identify barriers to dental hygiene care

5. Identify governmental resources for target populations

Chapter Eleven:  Cultural Competency

Chapter Objectives: After studying this chapter, the dental hygiene student will be able to:

1. Describe how cultural values regarding health care can affect oral health habits

2. Identify how culture influences people

3. Describe cultural diversity in the United States

4. Define cultural competency and its significance in treating a culturally diverse population

Chapter Twelve:  Program Planning

Chapter Objectives:  After studying this chapter, the dental hygiene student will be able to:

1. Define the dental hygiene process of care program planning paradigm

2. Describe the various program planning paradigms

3. Describe various dental public health programs

4. Develop a dental public health program plan

Chapter Thirteen:  Program Evaluation

Chapter Objectives:  After studying this chapter, the dental hygiene student will be able to:

1. Describe the mechanisms of program evaluation

2. Compare qualitative and quantitative evaluation

3. Identify various dental indices and their  purposes

4. List the governmental evaluation resources for oral health

Chapter Fourteen:  Research in Dental Hygiene

Chapter Objectives:  After studying this chapter, the dental hygiene student will be able to:

1. Explain the purpose of dental hygiene research

2. Describe the role of research in dental hygiene

3. Discuss the use of evidence-based practice in dental hygiene

4. Explain the connection between research and private practice

5. Describe the role of research in professional development

Chapter Fifteen:  Ethical Principles in Research

Chapter Objectives:  After studying this chapter, the dental hygiene student will be able to:

1. Describe the evolution of ethics in research

2. Defines standard ethical principle  terminologies

3. Describe the role of ethics in research

4. Identify the role of government and private entities in research

Chapter Sixteen:  The Research Process

Chapter Objectives:  After studying this chapter, the dental hygiene student will be able to:

1. Describe and compare various research approaches

2. Describe various research designs used in oral epidemiology

3. Describe methods used to conduct research studies

4. List the parts of a research design

Chapter Seventeen:  Biostatistics

Chapter Objectives:  After studying this chapter, the dental hygiene student will be able to:

1. Define and describe data analysis and interpretation

2. Identify data by their type and scale of measurement

3. Define and describe descriptive, correlation, and inferential statistics

4. Select and compute appropriate measures of central tendency and measures of dispersion for various types of data

5. Describe and construct frequency distributions and graphs for various types of data

6. Identify and describe a study's research (alternate) hypothesis, null hypothesis, and the process involved with making a statistical decision

7. Interpret correlation statistics

8. Select appropriate inferential statistical tests for various types of data

9. Interpret research results

Chapter Eighteen:  Oral Epidemiology

Chapter Objectives:  After studying this chapter, the dental hygiene student will be able to:

1. Define oral epidemiology and describe the uses of epidemiology

2. Relate epidemiology to evidence-based practice

3. Define standard epidemiologic terms

4. Relate measurement to epidemiology

5. List and describe various publications that report oral epidemiology in the United States

6. Apply surveillance data to the planning of strategies to improve oral health

7. Compare and contrast various types of epidemiologic studies and the usefulness of the results of the studies

8. Describe ways to increase the validity of epidemiologic research methods

Chapter Nineteen:  Current Oral Epidemiological Findings

Chapter Objectives:  After studying this chapter, the dental hygiene student will be able to:

1. Describe the current epidemiological issues of diseases and conditions

2. Describe the current risk factors of diseases

3. Describe prevention by dental care utilization

Chapter Twenty:  Evaluation of Scientific Literature and Dental Products

Chapter Objectives:  After studying this chapter, the dental hygienist will be able to:

1. Describe how to evaluate dental care products

2. Defend the dental hygienists' value in advocating the use of effective dental care products and treatment modalities

3. Educate the public in evaluating dental care products

4. Effectively critique dental research reported in dental and lay publications

Chapter Twenty-Three:  Dental Public Health Review

Chapter Objectives:  After studying the chapter, the dental hygiene student will be able to:

1. Describe the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination dental public health format

2. Identify topics that may appear on this examination

3. Identify strategies for studying for the dental public health section of the boards

4. Review sample test items

5. Utilize critical thinking skills to take a mock NBDHE examination  (Amarillo College utilizes the HESI Exam in the last semester of the program), consisting of community cases for practice, and increase the level of personal confidence in preparing for the NBDHE

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

The Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Program has specific policies regarding student conduct, which may be implied or written. The course syllabi and the program manual are sources for particular student conduct policies for dental hygiene students at Amarillo College. 

Expected Student Behavior 

The Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Program requires all students to consistently demonstrate professionalism in every aspect of their education. These expectations apply throughout your time in the program and are detailed in the course syllabi and the Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Program Manual. Policies may be written or implied and are essential for preparing students for clinical and professional success. 

Professional Standards and Expectations 

As a dental hygiene student, you are expected to maintain professional conduct at all times. This includes how you present yourself, look, speak, and act with classmates, instructors, and staff. You’re professionalism is continuously observed and evaluated throughout the program. 

Professional Appearance  

As a representative of the Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Program, your appearance must reflect professionalism at all times. This includes: 

  • Wearing clean, well-fitting attire that complies with the program dress code 

  • Maintaining personal hygiene and a polished, professional presentation 

Examples of prohibited items include, but are not limited to: 

  • House shoes, slippers, or inappropriate footwear 

  • Bare midriffs, low-cut tops, or revealing clothing 

  • Torn, stained, or excessively casual clothing such as hoodies and pajamas  

  • Excessive jewelry or accessories 

  • Hair must be neat, well-groomed, and a natural human hair color (no bright or unnatural shades). 

Your appearance should promote confidence, safety, and respect. Failure to meet appearance standards may result in dismissal from class until corrected. 

Interactions and Communication 

  • Communicate clearly, respectfully, and professionally in all situations—whether with classmates, faculty, or staff. 

  • Manage disagreements and conflicts calmly and maturely. 

  • Use professional language in all verbal and written communication. 

Ethics and Responsibility 

  • Take responsibility for your actions, clinical outcomes, academic performance, and professional growth. 

Academic and Program Conduct 

  • Strive for excellence, going beyond the minimum requirements. 

  • Support a positive, collaborative learning environment. 

  • Maintain composure and professionalism under pressure, during conflicts, or when receiving constructive feedback. 

If you disagree with a grade: 

  • Follow the official grievance procedure in the program manual and course syllabus. 

  • Maintain professionalism throughout the appeals process, including in all related communications. 

Examples of Professional Behavior 

  • Consistently following the program’s appearance and hygiene standards. 

  • Communicating respectfully and clearly with all individuals. 

  • Accepting feedback and taking accountability for your performance and decisions. 

  • Demonstrating resilience, professionalism, and maturity when facing challenges. 

  • Appropriately addressing grade concerns or program issues by following the formal grievance process as outlined in the program manual and course syllabus. 

Unprofessional Behavior 

Behaviors that are considered unprofessional and may lead to disciplinary action, including documentation through the college’s Student Behavior Alert form, include but are not limited to: 

  • Repeated misconduct, such as chronic lateness, poor attitude, or failure to follow program rules. 

  • Any behavior that jeopardizes the health or safety of others. 

  • Failure to maintain appropriate hygiene or dress code 

  • Disrespectful, unprofessional, or inappropriate communication in any form. 

  • Violating ethical guidelines

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 must keep patients' medical and personal details in the strictest confidence. Unless disclosure is mandated by patient consent, statute, a duty to inform third parties or exceptional circumstances, dental hygiene professionals have a clear duty to maintain the confidentiality of ALL patient information.  

Breach of duty to hold such information in the strictest confidence may cause liability for the individual student, resulting in fines, imprisonment, and dismissal from the program. The American Dental Hygienists' Association has published that all dental hygiene professionals (including students) must always follow the "Code of Ethics."

"We respect the confidentiality of client information and relationships to demonstrate our value on individual autonomy. We acknowledge our obligation to justify any violation of confidence."

Cell Phone Policy Classroom/Lab

Cell phones, including smart watches, are not allowed in the classroom or lab.  If a student is found with a cell phone, they will be immediately dismissed and marked absent.  Students with children or those expecting urgent calls must provide the Office Supervisor's number (806-354-6050) to caregivers and have calls directed there.  If you have a personal situation that requires you to have your cell phone, you must see your instructor.

Mailboxes

Each student is assigned a mailbox located inside the locker room. Students are required to check their mailboxes daily for various communications from the faculty. 

Bulletin Board

First—and second-year dental hygiene students have designated areas on a shared bulletin board inside the student locker room where they may post various announcements.

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:   (806) 354-6050

Amarillo College Police:   (806) 371-5163

Academic Grievance Procedure

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

Grading Criteria

Course Requirements and Learning Activities

The course calendar and related handouts indicate all assignments' due dates and times. Students must note these dates and times, as late assignments are not accepted. Students will receive a grade of 0 for late work.

Assignments and Examinations

The course will consist of weekly chapter tests, assigned and graded homework, a mid-term exam,  lab projects, an epidemiology research paper, the development of a community dental health program (self-project), and a final examination.   Refer to the course calendar for the schedule of material to be covered and the examination dates. Also, please note the provisions of the Makeup Policy in this syllabus for missed examinations. 

Specific instructions  and rubrics  regarding Lab Project Assignments and due dates  are located in the Content Section of your Blackboard and include the following:

  • Interdisciplinary Project and Presentation
  • Self Project ( Must get prior faculty approval before proceeding with the project) and Presentation 
  • Epidemiology Research Paper
  • Community Service Learning Projects and Discussion

Grading Criteria

The final course grade consists of the following:

Chapter Tests,  20%

Community Service Lab Projects and Discussion  10%

Epidemiology Research Paper 10 % 

Development of a Community Dental Health Program (Self-Project) 15%

Homework Assignments  5%

Mid-Term Exam  20%

Final Exam  20% 

The following grade scale applies through this course:

A= 93-100%
B = 83-92%
C = 75-82%
F = Below 75%

Note: A " D " grade is impossible in this course.

To pass the course, a student must achieve a final grade of 75% and meet ALL  course  requirements.

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy

The Tutoring for Success Policy applies to any student whose grades or performance fall below 75% on any assigned assessment.  The student will be required to complete mandatory remediation assigned by the course instructor.  Remediation will not change a student's grade.  The initial grade will stand.  The purpose of the remediation assignment is to strengthen the content area that the student failed.

Classroom/Lab Remediation Policy

To support student success and ensure mastery of course material, any student scoring below 75% on a test (excluding the final exam) must complete a remediation process.  Within (7) calendar days of receiving the grade, the student must schedule and attend a tutoring session with the program tutor.  The course instructor will email a targeted remediation assignment.  The remediation assignment must be completed and submitted to the instructor before the next scheduled test.  Failure to complete any part of the remediation process, including timely tutoring and assignment submission, will result in a 10% deduction from the total possible points on the next test.  Repeated non-compliance within a semester will result in a meeting with the Program Director and may lead to further academic action.  This policy is designed to provide timely support and promote ongoing success in the Dental Hygiene Program.

Makeup Policy for Missed Work
If a student is absent on the day with a scheduled exam,  the student may make up the missed work as follows:

  • The student must make arrangements with the instructor to reschedule the examination within 24 hours of returning from an absence.
  • The missed work must be made up within TWO Amarillo College school days, which ends at 4:00 pm.
  • The makeup work may earn 80% of the original point value.

Electronic Testing Procedures:

In this course, all tests will be administered electronically through the Blackboard Ultra platform. Students must bring their own fully charged tablets or laptops to each scheduled test to facilitate a smooth testing process. Testing will utilize the Respondus LockDown Browser, so please ensure it is installed on your device beforehand. All students must submit their completed tests on Blackboard before closing their laptops and leaving the classroom. Failure to submit within the designated time frame may result in a grade penalty. Upholding academic integrity is paramount in this course, and any form of cheating, plagiarism, or unauthorized collaboration during tests will be strictly addressed under the AC Rights and Responsibilities policies. By participating in electronic testing, students acknowledge and agree to comply with these procedures.  

Attendance

"Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class per the course requirements as established by the instructor."  (Amarillo College Student's Rights and Responsibilities Publication).  

The Health Sciences Division follows established attendance requirements for all classroom, lab, and clinical experiences.  Students should refer to their program handbook or course syllabus for specific attendance standards.

Attendance is defined as being present, alert, and engaged for the entire class or lab session.  Students who fall asleep or fail to participate may be asked to leave and will be marked absent.  The policy applies to both in-person and virtual formats.  

Absences are monitored and evaluated to determine a student's final course grade.  A student with less than 90% attendance in class or lab may fail the course.  Student absenteeism jeopardizes the completion of the course.  Students must report any anticipated class/lab absence to the instructor.  Students who are not present for roll call are counted absent.  A student who leaves class or lab early is counted absent.  

Calendar

DHYG 1215-001 – Community Dentistry

2026 Spring Calendar

Date

Chapter

Assignment

Tuesday January 20

 

Review Course Syllabus

Chapter 1:  Dental Public Health:  An Overview

 

Lab Meeting with Ms. Lang

Thursday January 22

 

Chapter 2:  The Prevention Movement

Work on Community Projects and Homework Assignments

 

 

 

Tuesday January 27

**Please note:  We will not meet on this day. Instead, we will have class on Monday, January 26, at 8:30 AM. You will be mentoring the first-year students in the clinic on Tuesday, January 27. 

Chapter 3: Dental Care Delivery in the United States

 

 

TEST over Chapters 1 and 2

 

Work on Community Projects and Homework Assignments

Thursday January 29

Please note:  We will not meet on this day. Instead, we will have class on Monday, February 1, at 8:30 AM. You will be mentoring first-year students in the clinic on Thursday, January 29.

Chapter 4:  Dental Hygiene Care Delivery in the Global Community

Work on Community Projects and Homework Assignments

 

 

 

Tuesday February 3

 

Chapter 5:  Financing of Dental Care

 

 

TEST over Chapters 3 and 4

Work on Community Projects and Homework Assignments

Thursday February 5

Chapter 6:  Federal and State Legislation Affecting Dental Hygiene Practice

Work on Community Projects and Homework Assignments

 

 

 

Tuesday February 10

Chapter 7:  Advocacy for Dental Care

 

TEST over Chapters 5 and 6

 

Interdisciplinary Project Due and Lab Meeting with Ms. Lang

*Interdisciplinary Project Presentations TBD

Thursday February 12

Chapter 8:  Dental Health Education and Promotion

Work on Community Projects and Homework Assignments

 

 

 

Tuesday February 17

Chapter 9:  Lesson Development

TEST over Chapters 7 and 8

 

Work on Community Projects and Homework Assignments

Thursday February 19

Chapter 10:  Target Populations

Work on Community Projects and Homework Assignments

 

 

 

Tuesday February 24

Chapter 11:  Cultural Competency

TEST over Chapters 9 and 10

 

Work on Community Projects and Homework Assignments

Thursday February 26

Chapter 12:  Program Planning

Work on Community Projects and Homework Assignments

 

 

 

Tuesday March 3

Chapter 13:  Program Evaluation

TEST over Chapters 11 and 12

Work on Community Projects and Homework Assignments

Thursday March 5

Chapter 14:  Research in Dental Hygiene

Work on Community Projects and Homework Assignments

 

 

 

Tuesday March 10

Chapter 15:  Ethical Principles in Research

TEST over Chapters 13 and 14

 

Lab Meeting with Ms. Lang

Thursday March 12

Mid-Term Exam

Chapters 1-15

 

Mid-Term Exams

Chapters 1-15

Tuesday March 17

 

Spring Break

Spring Break

Thursday March 19

Spring Break

Spring Break

Tuesday March 24

Chapter 16:  The Research Process

Work on Community Projects and Homework Assignments

Thursday March 26

Chapter 17:  Biostatistics

 

Work on Community Projects and Homework Assignments

 

 

 

 Tuesday, March 31

 

 

Chapter 18:  Oral Epidemiology

TEST over Chapters 16 and 17

Work on Community Projects and Homework Assignments

Thursday April 2

Chapter 19: Current Oral Epidemiological Findings

 

Work on Community Projects and Homework Assignments

 

 

 

Tuesday April 7

Self-Project Due and Presentation with Ms. Lang

Self-Project Due and Presentation with Ms. Lang

 

Thursday April 9

Chapter 2O:  Evaluation of Scientific Literature and Dental Products

Work on Community Projects and Homework Assignments

 

 

 

Tuesday April 14

Practice Testlets

TEST over Chapters 18 and 19

Thursday April 16

Work on Community Projects and Homework Assignments

Work on Community Projects and Homework Assignments

 

 

 

Tuesday April 21

Practice Testlets

TEST over Chapter 20

Thursday April 23

Work on Community Projects and Homework Assignments

Work on Community Projects and Homework Assignments

 

 

 

Tuesday April 28

Lab Meeting with Ms. Lang

 

Service Learning Project Hours and Discussion Due with Ms. Lang

 

Epidemiology Research Paper Due

Lab Meeting with Ms. Lang

 

Service Learning Project Hours and Discussion Due with Ms. Lang

 

Epidemiology Research Paper Due

Thursday April 30

Work on the Completion of all Community Projects and Homework Assignments

Work on the Completion of all  Community Projects and Homework Assignments

 

 

 

Tuesday May 5

 

Comprehensive Final Exam

Comprehensive Final Exam

May 8 and May 9

CRDTS Clinical Board

CRDTS Clinical Board

 

 

 

 

Additional Information

The Amarillo College Catalog

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

 

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 Herrera, 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 Herrera, LMSW, Coordinator of Social Services, 806-371-5439, jordan@amarillocollege.com

 

Syllabus Created on:

12/30/25 3:22 PM

Last Edited on:

04/07/26 11:47 AM