Pharmacology for the Dental Hygienist Syllabus for 2025-2026
Return to Syllabus List

Instructor Information

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-1235-001 Pharmacology for the Dental Hygienist

Prerequisites

Course Description

Classification of drugs and their uses, actions, interactions, side effects, contraindications, with emphasis on dental applications.

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; 2 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Students are required to have the most current edition of the course textbook.  

• Applied Pharmacology for the Dental Hygienist,  Elena Bablenis,  and Haveles, 9th edition

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 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 netiquette when corresponding with faculty, staff, and peers.

Other Supplies

• Library Card for AC and /or city library
• Computer and Internet Access, Printer, Print Cartridges
• Index cards, Paper, Pens, Markers
• Additional Materials as needed

Student Performance

Course Meeting Day and Time

       Friday    10:00 am - 12:00 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 are posted by the course instructor on the course's Blackboard Announcements page. The course instructor will notify students by email.

Participation and Instructor Help

Homework assignments in this course are designed to enhance the understanding of the material. As a student, you must come to class prepared and participate appropriately. All students are considered mature enough to ask questions and to seek help from faculty and tutoring as needed.

End-of-Course Outcomes: 

Differentiate among drug classifications; identify the uses, actions, and contraindications of drugs; and recognize systemic and oral manifestations associated with their use.

Chapter Objectives

Chapter 1

1. Discuss the history of pharmacology and its relationship to the dental hygienist.

2. List where detailed and updated information on medications can be found.

3. Define how drugs are named and the significance of each.

4. Define generic equivalence and how it is related to drug substitution.

5. Describe the acts and agencies within the federal government designed to regulate drugs.

6. Identify the four phases of clinical evaluation involved in drug approval and the five schedules of drugs.

7. Discuss the history of drug legislation, including:

• List the five schedules of controlled substances

• Explain package inserts and black box warnings

• Differentiate between labeled and off-label uses

• Explain orphan drugs and drug recalls

Chapter 2

1. Differentiate dose, potency, and efficacy in the context of the actions of drugs.

2. Explain the pharmacologic effect of a drug.

3. Discuss the significant steps of pharmacokinetics: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

4. Explain how altering absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion can affect clinical pharmacokinetics.

5. Explain how half-life relates to clinical pharmacokinetics.

6. Provide an example of factors that may alter the effect of a drug.

7. Summarize the various routes of drug administration and the common dose forms used.

Chapter 3

1. Define an adverse drug reaction and name five categories of reaction.

2. Discuss the risk-to-benefit ratio of the use of a drug for therapeutic effect and its potential adverse reactions.

3. Explain how the toxic effects of drugs are evaluated.

4. Discuss the importance of recognizing adverse drug effects.

Chapter 4

1. Identify the major components and functional organization of the autonomic nervous system.

2. Discuss the pharmacologic effects, adverse reactions, contraindications, and dental considerations of cholinergic agents, which are part of the parasympathetic autonomic nervous system.

3. Discuss the pharmacologic effects, adverse reactions, contraindications, and dental considerations of anticholinergic agents, which are part of the parasympathetic autonomic nervous system.

4. Discuss the major neurotransmitters in the sympathetic autonomic nervous system and the importance of receptors.

5. Discuss the pharmacologic effects, adverse reactions, contraindications, and dental considerations of adrenergic agents and list several specific adrenergic agents.

6. Explain the workings of adrenergic blocking agents and neuromuscular blocking agents.

Chapter 5

1. Describe pain and its purpose and principal components.

2. Discuss the classification of analgesic agents and the chemistry, pharmacokinetics, pharmacologic effects, adverse reactions, toxicity, drug interactions, and uses of aspirin.

3. Define the term nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug and discuss the chemistry, pharmacokinetics, pharmacologic effects, adverse reactions, toxicity, drug interactions, uses, and several examples of these drugs.

4. Discuss the properties, pharmacologic effects, adverse reactions, drug interactions, uses, and dosing of acetaminophen.

5. Explain the disease known as gout and summarize the drugs used to treat it.

6. Explain the disease known as rheumatoid arthritis and summarize the mechanism of action of the classes of drugs used to treat it.

Chapter 6

1. Explain the classification, mechanism of action, and pharmacokinetics of opioids.

2. List and describe the pharmacologic effects and potential adverse reactions of opioids.

3. Discuss the addiction potential of opioids, including treatment.

4. Name and explain the analgesic actions of the most common opioid agonists.

5. Discuss the actions of and provide examples of the mixed opioids.

6. Summarize the mechanism of action and adverse reactions of tramadol.

7. Apply the use of opioids to dentistry.

Chapter 7

1. Outline the history and basic principles of infection and its relevance to dentistry, including:

• Define the terms pertinent to a discussion about infection.

• Identify the factors that determine the likelihood of an infection.

• Describe the importance of cultures and sensitivity in relation to infections.

• Discuss the reasons an understanding of "resistance" is essential for infections.

2. Summarize the principal indications for the use of antimicrobial agents.

3. Name and describe the significant adverse reactions and disadvantages associated with the use of antiinfective agents.

4. Discuss penicillins, macrolides, tetracyclines, cephalosporins—their chemical makeup, properties, mechanisms of action, uses, and potential adverse reactions—and name several specific types of each.

5. Name and describe two other types of antibiotics and antiinfectives, including their chemical makeup, properties, mechanism of action, potential adverse reactions, and uses.

6. Discuss the rationale for the use of antiinfective agents in dentistry.

7. Discuss antimicrobial agents for nondental uses, including their pharmacokinetics, mechanism of action, adverse reactions, and spectrum of use.

8. Describe the drugs used to treat tuberculosis and the difficulties this disease presents.

9. Discuss the use of topical antibiotics in dentistry.

10. Summarize the concept and practice of antibiotic prophylaxis in dentistry.

Chapter 8

1. Name several types of antifungal agents and discuss their indications in dentistry and potential adverse reactions.

2. Discuss the use of antiviral agents in the treatment of herpes simplex.

3. Describe the various drugs and drug combinations used to treat acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

4. Describe the various drugs used to treat chronic hepatitis.

Chapter 9

1. Discuss the value of patient relaxation in dentistry.

2. Describe the pharmacokinetics, mechanisms of action, pharmacologic effects, adverse reactions, drug interactions, medical uses, and dental relevance of the benzodiazepines and barbiturates.

3. Name and briefly describe the mechanism of action of the nonbenzodiazepine-nonbarbiturate receptor agonists.

4. Name a melatonin receptor agonist and summarize its actions.

5. Explain the workings of the centrally acting muscle relaxants and how they are used.

6. Name and briefly describe a few of the miscellaneous muscle relaxant agents that can be used.

7. Discuss some general precautions that the dental practitioner should be aware of when using antianxiety agents.

Chapter 10

1. Discuss the history and reasons for the use of local anesthetics in dentistry, including:

• List the properties an ideal local anesthetic would possess.
• Describe the importance of understanding the chemistry involved in local anesthetic agents.

2  Explain the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, pharmacologic effects, and adverse reactions of local anesthetics.

3  Describe the composition of each of the drugs used in local anesthetic solutions and summarize the factors involved in the choice of a local anesthetic.

4  Briefly discuss the use, types, and doses of topical anesthetics used in dentistry.

Chapter 11

1. Summarize the history of general anesthesia in dentistry.

2. Describe how general anesthesia works and the stages and planes involved, as well as possible adverse reactions associated with its use.

3. Compare and contrast the classifications of general anesthesia.

4. Discuss the use of nitrous oxide in dentistry, including how it works, the pharmacologic effects, adverse reactions, and contraindications.

5. Name and describe several types of halogenated hydrocarbons.

6. List the goals of surgical anesthesia and the importance of using balanced general anesthesia.

Chapter 12

1. Identify the dental implications of cardiovascular disease, including the contraindications to treatment, vasoconstrictor use, and its relationship to periodontal disease.

2. Define hypertension, describe the categories it is divided into, and identify its treatment wth the various types of antihypertensive agents, including:

• Describe the mechanisms of action, pharmacologic effects, adverse reactions, and uses of the various antihypertensive agents.
• Identify potential drug interactions and the dental implications of these drugs.
• Discuss the management of dental patients taking these drugs.

3. Describe heart failure and identify drugs commonly used to treat it, including mechanisms of action: pharmacological effects, and adverse reactions.

4. Discuss the use of doxorubicin and the management of dental patients taking it.  

5. Define angina pectoris and describe the type of drugs used to treat it; identify the dental implications of these drugs.

6. Define arrhythmia and dysrhythmia and describe how the heart maintains its normal rhythm.

7. Describe the classifications, mechanisms of action, adverse reactions, and uses of antiarrhythmic agents and identify the issues to consider in dental treatment.

8 Describe hyperlipidemia and hyperlipoproteinanemia and summarize the types of drugs used to restore cholesterol homeostasis in the body, including the dental implications of their use.

9. Describe the role of warfarin in blood coagulation and the potential adverse reactions and interactions associated with its use.

10. Identify several other drugs that affect blood coagulation.

Chapter 13

1  Summarize the most common types of gastrointestinal diseases and their impact on oral health care.

2  Name and describe the types of drugs used to treat gastrointestinal diseases, their uses, adverse reactions, drug interactions, and any implications to dentistry, including

• The role of H2-receptor blockers in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
• The role of proton pump inhibitors and antibiotics in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
• The role of antacids in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

3  Discuss several miscellaneous gastrointestinal drugs that can be used and their possible side effects.

4  List the different types of laxatives and know the advantages and disadvantages of each.

5  List the medications used to treat diarrhea.

6  Define the term antiemetic and give examples of drugs used to treat vomiting and nausea.

7  Discuss the medications used to manage chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Chapter 14

1. Define epilepsy, and briefly summarize the various types of seizures.

2. Describe the drug therapy of patients with epilepsy, and describe the general adverse reactions to antiepileptic agents.

3. Summarize the pharmacologic effects, adverse reactions, and drug interactions of the main antiepileptics: valproate, lamotrigine, and levetiracetam; oxcarbazepine, carbamazepine, and phenytoin.

4. Discuss ethosuximide and benzodiazepines (two miscellaneous antiepileptics), and describe the workings of each.

5. Provide several examples of new types of antiepileptics, including the mechanism of action, indications, and adverse reactions of each.

6. Outline the dental treatment of patients with epilepsy.

Chapter 15

1  Name and describe the three categories of functional disorders discussed in this chapter.

2  Outline some basic precautions that the dental health care professional should keep in mind when treating patients with psychiatric disorders.

3  Discuss antipsychotic agents and their mechanism of action, as well as the following:

• Identify first-generation antipsychotics, their adverse reactions, drug interactions, uses, and dental implications.
• Identify second-generation antipsychotics, their adverse effects, drug interactions, uses, and dental implications.

4.   Discuss antidepressant agents, including:

• Describe the mechanism of action and adverse reactions of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
• Describe the mechanism of action and adverse effects of serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.
• Describe the mechanisms of action, adverse reactions, and drug interactions of the tricyclic antidepressants.

5  Name several other types of antidepressants and their possible adverse reactions and dental implications.

6  List several drugs used to treat bipolar disease. 

Chapter 16

1. Define adrenocorticosteroids and describe how the body releases them.

2. Summarize the classification: administration, mechanism of action, and pharmacologic effects of adrenocorticosteroids.

3. Describe the various adverse reactions and uses of adrenocorticosteroids, including their application to dentistry.

4. List several examples of corticosteroid products and describe how they are differentiated.

5. List several dental implications of the use of steroids.

Chapter 17

1  Summarize the two groups of respiratory diseases.

2  Name and describe the mechanisms of action of several types of drugs used to treat respiratory diseases.

3  Discuss the types of drugs used to treat respiratory infections, including the implications for dentistry.

4  Define allergic rhinitis and describe the dental implications, pharmacologic effects, adverse reactions, and toxicity of antihistamines.

5  Describe the dental implications, pharmacologic effects, and adverse reactions of the intranasal corticosteroids.

6  Discuss montelukast, cromolyn sodium, and ipratropium bromide, and describe their role in treating allergic rhinitis. Also, explain the adverse reactions of ipratropium bromide.

7  Describe the use of decongestants, including 

• Discuss the pharmacologic effects, adverse reactions, and uses in treating allergies.
• Discuss the use of intranasal decongestants as an alternative to oral decongestants. 

Chapter 18

1. Describe the importance of the hormones released by the endocrine glands in maintaining homeostasis, including:

• Discuss the two primary hormones secreted by the pancreas and their role in relation to diabetes mellitus.
• Define diabetes mellitus and describe the two types of this disease, its complications, and tissues involved in dentistry, cautions, and contraindications in the treatment of patients with diabetes.

2. Describe the systemic complications of diabetes and the evaluation of the dental patient with diabetes.

3. Discuss the goals of therapy and describe the types of drugs used to treat diabetes.

4. Discuss four new drugs being used to treat diabetes and summarize their mechanism of action and possible adverse effects.

5. Discuss the treatment of hypoglycemia.

Chapter 19

1. Discuss the pituitary hormones and the functions of the anterior and posterior pituitary glands, and describe the negative feedback mechanism that takes place in endocrine glands.

2. Provide an overview of the thyroid hormones, conditions known as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, and antithyroid drugs.

3. Summarize the major female and male sex hormones and describe several types of hormonal contraceptives.

4. Discuss other agents that affect sex hormone systems.

Chapter 20

1  Discuss antineoplastic agents and summarize their use, mechanisms of action, and classification.

2  Describe several adverse drug effects associated with antineoplastic agents.

3  Discuss the dental implications of patients planning to take or actively taking antineoplastic drugs. 

Chapter 21

1  Summarize the general measures a dental professional should follow to train for an emergency, including:

• Describe the necessary preparation for treatment in the event of an emergency.
• List what can be done to help minimize the occurrence of an emergency in a dental office.
• List the steps that should be followed if an emergency does occur in the dental office.

2  Name and describe several categories of emergencies and provide common examples within each category.

3  List the critical drugs to include in a dental office emergency kit and several examples of second or third-level drugs that would be optional.

4  Name several pieces of equipment that would be included in the emergency kit.

Chapter 22

1. List the two main concerns in the administration of drugs during therapy.

2. Describe the pregnancy trimesters in relation to dental treatment, define teratogenicity, outline the US Food and Drug Administration's prescription drug use in special populations, including pregnancy, lactation, and females and males of reproductive potential, and discuss how breastfeeding affects dental drug use.

3. Name several types of local anesthetics, antiinfectives, and antianxiety agents, and state their indications or contraindications for pregnant women.  

Chapter 23

1. Define substance use disorder.

2. Name several types of central nervous system depressants that are commonly abused, and outline the typical pattern of abuse, treatment, adverse reactions, management of overdose and withdrawal, and dental treatment implications of each.

3. Identify several types of central nervous system stimulants that are commonly abused.

4. Describe the pattern of abuse and the withdrawal and treatment options associated with tobacco use and summarize the role of the dental hygienist in tobacco cessation.

5. Discuss several psychedelic hallucinogens, and recognize the symptoms produced by their use.

6. Discuss ways in which the dental hygienist can identify patients or colleagues who may be abusing drugs. 

Chapter 24

1. Discuss why people choose herbal products over traditional medicine.

2. Discuss federal legislation governing herbal and dietary products.

3. Discuss the safety of herbal and nutritional products, and explain the adverse effects associated with their use and their impact on oral health care.

4. Explain the drug interactions associated with herbal products and their impact on oral health care.

5. Discuss the standardization of herbal products and the Good Manufacturing Practice standard introduced by the US Food and Drug Administration.

6. Discuss the herbal supplements used in oral health care.

Chapter 25

1. Name several common infectious lesions of the oral cavity and summarize the treatments for each.

2. Describe immune reactions resulting in canker sores and lichen planus and discuss treatments for each.

3. Name several oral conditions that result from inflammation and the measures used to treat them.

4. Discuss treatment options for xerostomia and name several other possible drug-induced oral side effects.

5. Discuss the pharmacologic agents most commonly used to treat oral lesions.

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:

- as given in the 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

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

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 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. 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 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 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 the confidentiality of ALL patient information.

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

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."

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 student 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 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

The course will consist of weekly homework assignments, chapter tests, a midterm, and a final exam. 

The final course grade will be computed as follows:

Homework Assignments:  15%

Chapter Tests: 35%

Mid-Term Exam:  25%

Final Exam:  25%

The following grade scale applies throughout this course:

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

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

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 has 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 seven (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 a10% 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.

Make-up Policy for Missed Work

If a student is absent on the day when a major examination is given, the student may make up the missed work as follows: 

• It is the student's responsibility to meet with the instructor within 24 hours of returning from the absence to reschedule the examination.
• The missed work must be made up within TWO Amarillo College school days, where the day ends at 4:00 pm.
• The make-up work may earn up to 80% of the original point value.

Electronic Testing Procedures:
In this course, all tests will be administered electronically through the Blackboard platform. To facilitate a smooth testing process, students are required to bring their own fully charged tablets or laptops to each scheduled test. 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/or leaving the classroom. Failure to submit within the designated timeframe 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 in accordance with 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 in accordance with the requirements of the course 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 clinic grade for perfect attendance, with a prior passing minimum average of 75%.

Calendar

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 help Amarillo College students and their families find the resources they need.

Our goal is to provide as much information as possible to help employees and students access campus and community resources when needed. Many more resources in this community are not listed on these pages. Some of these agencies and programs will change, so if you call and cannot get assistance or access a broken link, please get in touch with me, Jordan Herrera, for more up-to-date information.

The website will be updated as often as possible; therefore, most will be up to date. 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