Student Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday 11:00 am to 12 noon or By Appointment as needed
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.
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.
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 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.
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
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.
Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016
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.
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 .
DHYG-2153-001 Dental Hygiene Practice
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 Resources Student Resources Website
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.
(1 sem hr; 1 lec)
On Campus Course
Students are required to have the most current edition of textbooks.
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 emails 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 the use of netiquette when corresponding to faculty, staff, and peers.
Other Supplies
Course Meeting Day and Time
Thursday 2:00 - 3:00 pm (Jones Hall Room 111)
Changes to the Syllabus and the Course: The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the Syllabus and the course as deemed necessary. Any changes will be posted on the course's Blackboard Announcements page, and students will be notified by email.
End-of-Course Outcomes ( Workforce Education Course Manual WECM)
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.
Course Outcomes (CODA-Aligned)
In alignment with the standards of the Commission on Dental Accreditation, upon successful completion of this course, the student will demonstrate competency in dental hygiene practice through the following measurable outcomes:
1. Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Outcome: Interpret and apply the Dental Practice Act and regulatory requirements to clinical and professional scenarios.
Measurable Criteria:
2. Ethical Decision Making
Outcome: Analyze and resolve ethical dilemmas using a structured ethical decision-making model.
Measurable Criteria:
3. Professionalism and Role Development
Outcome: Demonstrate professional behavior, accountability, and effective communication.
Measurable Criteria:
4. Risk Management and Documentation
Outcome: Apply risk management principles, including accurate documentation and informed consent.
Measurable Criteria:
5. Patient-Provider Relationships
Outcome: Evaluate and apply principles of patient rights, informed consent, and provider responsibilities.
Measurable Criteria:
6. Employment Readiness
Outcome: Develop professional employment materials and demonstrate effective interview skills.
Measurable Criteria:
7. Interprofessional Collaboration
Outcome: Apply principles of interprofessional communication and teamwork in healthcare settings.
Measurable Criteria:
Chapter Objectives
Chapter 1: Risk Management
After reading Chapter 1, the dental hygiene student will be able to:
1. Describe the concept of risk management and its place in dental hygiene.
2. Identify strategies that can be used to identify and reduce risk in dental practice.
3. List the recommended dental record-keeping elements and describe practices to consider in maintaining dental documentation.
4. Distinguish between paper and electronic dental record keeping.
5. Discuss the role of verbal and nonverbal communication in the patient-provider relationship.
6. Explain how dental hygienists should manage their professional credentials and competency.
7. List recommendations for the appropriate use of social media, personally and professionally.
Chapter 2: Ethics and Professionalism
After reading Chapter 2, the dental hygiene student should be able to:
1. Describe the role of the dental hygienist in healthcare.
2. Explain the relationship between the healthcare provider and the patient.
3. Describe the aspects of a true profession as they apply to dentistry and dental hygiene.
4. Explain inter professionalism and its impact on healthcare education and practice.
5. Discuss the theory of competence and skill acquisition for the dental hygienist.
6. Compare educational competencies and practice standards.
7. Identify the traits of a professional dental hygienist.
Chapter 3: Ethical Theory and Philosophy
After reading Chapter 3, the dental hygienist will be able to:
1. Explain the main components of moral growth.
2. Describe the theories of moral development and the role of cognitive growth.
3. Discuss the character and the contribution of character development to ethical conduct for the healthcare provider.
4. Compare the three theories of ethical thinking and give examples of each from oral health care.
Chapter 4: Ethical Principles and Values
After reading Chapter 4, the dental hygiene student will be able to:
1. Identify the four fundamental ethical principles.
2. Define autonomy, confidentiality, societal trust, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, and fidelity.
3. Describe the difference between a choice and an ethical dilemma.
4. Explain the role of principles in the decision-making process of the dental hygienist.
5. Identify the components of informed consent.
6. Discuss the three types of informed consent.
7. Compare the values and ethical concepts that support the principles of ethics.
Chapter 5: Codes of Ethics
After reading Chapter 5, the dental hygiene student will be able to:
1. Discuss the role of a code of ethics for the healthcare professions.
2. Explain the value of a professional code of ethics to the lay public.
3. Describe how a code of ethics can assist in the professional duty of self-regulation.
4. Compare the 1927 version and the current version of the ADHA Code of Ethics for Dental Hygienists.
5. List and describe the nine sections identified under the Standards of Professional Responsibilities of the Code of Ethics for Dental Hygienists.
6. Be familiar with the code of the American Dental Association.
Chapter 6: Ethical Decision-Making in Dental Hygiene and Dentistry
After reading Chapter 6, the dental hygiene student will be able to:
1. Describe the difference between an issue of right and wrong and a true ethical dilemma.
2. Identify the goal of ethical decision-making in dental hygiene.
3. List the six steps provided in the ethical decision-making model.
4. List and discuss common ethical dilemmas for dental hygienists.
5. Apply the decision-making model to a hypothetical situation.
Chapter 7: Social Responsibility
After reading Chapter 7, the dental hygiene student will be able to:
1. Describe the dental hygienist's role in meeting the public's oral healthcare needs.
2. Relate the importance of the Surgeon General's Report on Oral Health to the profession of dental hygiene.
3. List several facts about oral health disparities in America.
4. Describe the issue of access to care and social responsibility.
5. Describe dental therapists and their role in addressing access to dental care.
6. Identify several strategies a dental hygienist can implement to strive for social justice.
Chapter 8: Society and the State Dental Practice Act
After reading Chapter 8, the dental hygiene student will be able to:
1. Describe the state's role in governing healthcare professions.
2. Identify the provisions likely to be included in state statutory law for dental hygiene practice.
3. Describe the different categories of licenses available for dental hygiene licensure.
4. List why a dental hygiene license may be denied, suspended, restricted, or revoked.
5. Compare and contrast direct supervision, indirect supervision, general supervision, and independent practice.
6. Recognize the responsibility of the dental hygienist for understanding and observing the state statutory and regulatory provisions.
Chapter 9: Dental Hygienist-Patient Relationship
After reading Chapter 9, the dental hygiene student will be able to:
1. Describe the professional obligation between the dental hygienist and the patient.
2. Recognize the difference between civil and criminal law in the United States.
3. Compare intentional torts and persons, intentional torts and property, and unintentional torts of negligence.
4. List and evaluate the rights and responsibilities of the dental hygienist in the provider-patient relationship.
5. State the patient's responsibilities when receiving oral health care.
6. Describe the elements of informed consent.
7. Define malpractice and contributory negligence.
Chapter 10: Dental Hygienist-Dentist Employer Relationship
After reading Chapter 10, the dental hygiene student will be able to:
1. Describe the legal parameters of the employer-employee relationship and state the two general employment categories.
2. Identify the recommended strategies for preparing for a dental hygiene employment interview.
3. List the items that can and cannot legally be asked during the application and interview process for a dental hygiene position.
4. Describe the federal laws prohibiting discrimination and protecting worker safety.
5. Explain the concepts of sexual harassment and hostile work environment in the dental practice setting.
Texas State Board of Dental Examiners Rules and Regulations
The student will know that these objectives have been completed if they earn 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:
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".
The Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Program has specific policies regarding student conduct, whether written or implied. The course syllabi and program manual are sources of particular student conduct policies for dental hygiene students at Amarillo College.
Professional Standards
Expected Student Behavior
The Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Program requires all students to demonstrate professionalism in every aspect of their education consistently. 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, whether written or implied, are essential for preparing students for clinical and professional success.
Professional Standards
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. Your professionalism is continuously observed and evaluated throughout the program.
Professional Appearance
As a representative of the Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Program, you must maintain 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 the issue is 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 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 constantly keep MEDICAL and PERSONAL information about patients in the strictest confidence at all times. Under the law, dental hygiene professionals are mandated to disclose patient information only with patient consent, by statute, to fulfill a duty to inform third parties, or in extenuating 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 result in liability for the individual student, including fines, imprisonment, and dismissal from the program. The American Dental Hygienists' Association has published the following statement: 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 for 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 direct calls to that number. 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 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 in the student locker room where announcements may be posted.
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.
The final course grade will be computed as follows:
Weekly Chapter Tests: 30%
Homework Assignments: 10%
Resume: 10%
Mid-Term Exam: 25%
Comprehensive Final Examination: 25%
The following course grade scale applies throughout 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 remediation is to strengthen the content area that the student failed.
Classroom 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 to the student.
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.
Faculty Assistance
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 minimum 75% on graded material should seek help from the course faculty.
Course Requirements and Learning Activities:
Assignments are designed to help you with the subject matter of this course. The course calendar and related handouts indicate all assignments' due dates and times. Students need to note these dates and times, as late assignments will not be accepted and a zero will be issued for late submissions.
Assignments and Examinations
The course will consist of weekly chapter tests, homework assignments, professional resume preparation utilizing the AC Career Services, a mid-term exam, and a comprehensive final examination.
Faculty Assistance
All students are considered mature enough to seek the course director's assistance and monitor their progress in meeting course requirements. If you have any questions concerning assignments, content, etc., or a problem that warrants instructor help, please do not hesitate to call or email me to schedule an appointment. I prefer to work with a scheduled appointment to devote the time and attention necessary to meet each student's needs.
Make-up Policy for Missed Work
Suppose a student is absent on the day a significant examination is given. In that case, the student may make up the missed work as follows: The student must arrange with the instructor to reschedule the examination within 24 hours of returning from the absence.
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 addressed strictly in accordance with the AC Rights and Responsibilities policies. By participating in electronic testing, students acknowledge and agree to comply with these procedures.
Attendance Policy
"Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the student's responsibility to attend class according to the course's 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.
A student will receive ONE bonus point to the final grade for perfect attendance with a prior passing minimum average of 75%.
DHYG 2153 - Dental Hygiene Practice
2026 Spring Semester
Month
| Day | Chapter and Topics Covered |
January | 22 | Review the Course Syllabus and Overview of the Course Reading: Chapter 1: Risk Management Complete Homework Assignments |
January | 29 | *** Please note this class and content will be moved to Monday, February 2nd. Students are mentoring first-year students. Chapter Test 1 Reading: Chapter 2: Ethics and Professionalism Complete Homework Assignments |
February
| 5 | Chapter Test 2 Reading: Chapter 3: Ethical Theory and Philosophy Complete Homework Assignments |
February | 12 | Chapter Test 3 Reading: Chapter 4: Ethical Principles and Values Complete Homework Assignments |
February | 19 | Chapter Test 4 Reading: Chapter 5: Code of Ethics Complete Homework Assignments |
February | 26 | Chapter Test 5 Reading: Chapter 6: Ethical Decision-Making in Dental Hygiene and Dentistry Complete Homework Assignments |
March | 5 | Chapter Test 6 Reading: Chapter 7: Social Responsibility Complete Homework Assignments |
March | 12 | Chapter Test 7 Reading: Chapter 8: Society and the State Dental Practice Act Review Licensure Requirements in the State of Texas Complete Homework Assignments |
March | 19 | Spring Break
|
March | 26 | Mid-Term Exam Chapters 1-8 |
April | 2 | Reading: Chapter 9: Dental Hygienist - Patient Relationship Complete Homework Assignments |
April | 9 | Chapter Test 9 Reading: Chapter 10: Dental Hygienist-Dentist Employer Relationship Complete Homework Assignments |
April | 16 | Chapter Test 10 Reading: Dental Practice Act Complete Homework Assignments Testlets 1-5 in Textbook |
April | 23 | Reading: Dental Practice Act Complete Homework Assignments Testlets 6-10 in Textbook Resume Due |
April | 30 | Reading: Dental Practice Act Complete Homework Assignments Practice Case Studies |
May | 7 | Comprehensive Final Exam |
May | 8, 9 | CRDTS Clinical Board |
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
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