General and Oral Pathology Syllabus for 2025-2026
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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-1239-001 General and Oral Pathology

Prerequisites

Course Description

Disturbances in human body development, diseases of the body and disease prevention measures with emphasis on the oral cavity and associated structures.

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, 1 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Required Textbook:

• Oral Pathology for the Dental Hygienist, 8th edition, Ibsen and Peters.

Supplies

Technical Skills and Requirements

Students will need access to a laptop, computer, or tablet for quizzes, tests, and assignments.

Students are required to have regular, reliable access to a stable internet connection.

Students need to be proficient in sending and receiving emails with attachments, uploading documents, and participating in discussion boards.

Computers can break, servers can crash, and electric power can go out. It is your responsibility to identify solutions for unexpected catastrophes by thinking ahead about solutions to potential problems. Possible solutions for each of the above scenarios include using a friend or relative's computer and accessing a computer in one of the computer labs on campus. Students will be responsible for bringing their tablets or laptops to every class session. Please have the battery charged and ready to go. Students will ensure that the Respondus Lockdown Browser has been installed on the computer. 

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 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. Index cards, Paper, Pens, Markers

4. Additional Materials as needed

Student Performance

Course Meeting Day and Time

        Monday     12:00 pm - 3:00 pm  (Jones Hall Room 110)

Additional Laboratory Assistants:

        Dr. Dennis Plunk, DDS

        Kara Webb, RDH, BS

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 and all changes will be posted on the Blackboard Announcements page of the course and students will also be notified by email.

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

Recognize anatomical signs of pathology and play an important role in oral health care by identifying and describing abnormal oral findings.

Course Outcomes (CODA-Aligned)

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

1.     Apply oral pathology terminology and diagnostic vocabulary accurately in clinical documentation and professional communication.

2.     Identify and differentiate normal anatomic variations, developmental conditions, and pathologic lesions of the oral and maxillofacial region.

3.     Classify oral lesions using established diagnostic categories to support preliminary diagnosis and clinical decision-making.

4.     Analyze clinical features of oral lesions (e.g., color, size, location, surface texture) to distinguish between normal, inflammatory, infectious, immune-mediated, developmental, and neoplastic conditions.

5.     Explain and correlate the biological mechanisms of inflammation, immune response, and tissue repair with their clinical manifestations in the oral cavity.

6.     Differentiate acute and chronic disease processes and interpret their relevance to oral health and patient management.

7.     Identify and compare infectious diseases of the oral cavity, including fungal, viral, and systemic conditions, and relate findings to patient risk factors.

8.     Explain and evaluate genetic and developmental disorders affecting oral tissues, including patterns of inheritance and clinical presentation.

9.     Distinguish and evaluate benign and malignant neoplasms and recognize potentially malignant disorders requiring further investigation.

10.   Correlate systemic diseases with their oral manifestations and assess implications for dental hygiene care and treatment modifications.

11.   Evaluate disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and analyze their impact on function, patient symptoms, and clinical management.

12.   Analyze and interpret patient assessment data to formulate preliminary clinical impressions and determine the need for referral or further diagnostic evaluation.

Chapter Objectives

Chapter One: Introduction to Preliminary Diagnosis of Oral Lesions

• Define the vocabulary words
• List and define the eight diagnostic categories that contribute to the diagnostic process
• Name a diagnostic category and give an example of a lesion, anomaly, or condition for which this category greatly contributes to the diagnosis
• Describe the clinical appearance of Fordyce granules, torus palatinus,  mandibular tori, and lingual varicosities
• Define “variant of normal”
• List and Describe median rhomboid glossitis, geographic tongue, fissured tongue, leukoedema, and linea alba 

Chapter Two: Inflammation and Repair

• Define the vocabulary words
• List the five classic signs of inflammation
• Describe three major systemic signs on inflammation
• List the microscopic events of inflammation
• Describe the differences between acute and chronic
• Describe and contrast attrition and abrasion and erosion 

Chapter Three: Immunity

• Define the vocabulary words
• Describe the differences between an immune response and inflammatory response
• Describe different types of lymphocytes
• Describe differences between active and passive immunity
• Define autoimmunity
• Describe oral manifestations of diseases in this chapter

Chapter Four: Infectious Diseases

• Define the vocabulary words
• Describe the opportunistic infection process
• List and describe four forms of oral candidiasis
• Describe herpes labialis
• Compare and contrast herpes with aphthous ulcers
• Describe the spectrum of HIV/AIDS 

Chapter Five: Developmental Disorders

• Define the vocabulary words
• Recognize developmental disorders of the dentition
• Define anomalies that affect the number of teeth
• Define anomalies that affect the size of teeth
• Define anomalies that affect the shape of teeth
• Contrast normal eruption, impaction, embedded, ankylosed teeth 

Chapter Six: Genetics

• Define the vocabulary words
• State the purpose of mitosis and meiosis
• Define gross chromosomal abnormalities and examples
• Explain X-linked inheritance
• Compare and contrast, dentinogenesis imperfecta, amelogenesis imperfecta, and dentin dysplasia
• State inheritance patterns of many conditions in this chapter

Chapter Seven: Neoplasia

• Define the vocabulary words
• Explain the difference between benign and malignant
• Define differences between leukoplakia and erythroplakia
• Define and describe the various neoplasms in the chapter 

Chapter Eight: Non-neoplastic Diseases of Bone

• Define the vocabulary words
• Define fibro-osseous lesions
• List the benign lesions that occur
• Describe Paget disease of the bone
• Describe osteomalacia and rickets 

Chapter Nine: Oral Manifestations of Systemic Diseases

• Define the vocabulary words
• State oral manifestations of Hyperthyroidism
• List manifestations of uncontrolled diabetes
• Define Addison's disease and changes in the skin and oral mucosa
• Contrast the different anemias
• Describe acute verses chronic leukemias
• Define hemophilia and oral manifestations
• Describe radiation induced xerostomia
• List two drugs that are associated with gingival enlargement

Chapter Ten: Diseases Affecting the Temporomandibular Joint

• Define the vocabulary words
• Describe the anatomy of the Temporomandibular joint
• Describe normal joint function
• Describe disorders of the TMJ
• Discuss treatment of the disorders
• List 2 tumors of the TMJ
• Analyze clinical situations and scenarios

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

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

Professional Standards

All dental hygiene students are expected to demonstrate professionalism in behavior, manner, and judgment while in the dental hygiene program. The area of professionalism includes appearance, asepsis, patient management, peer, faculty and staff interaction, and documentation. Guidelines for professionalism and professional appearance are discussed in the Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Program Manual. Professionalism will be evaluated on a continual basis throughout the program.

Students will exhibit professional maturity and an acceptable level of clinical judgment as determined by faculty. Unprofessional behavior may be defined as a continual pattern of misconduct and/or an egregious act that endangers the health of patients, students, faculty, and/or College. Documentation may also include reporting via the Amarillo College Student Behavior Alert form with the college.

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

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

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 duty to hold such information in the strictest confidence may cause liability for the individual student such as fines, imprisonment, and dismissal from the program. 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."

Mandatory Skills Building/Tutoring

To increase student success in the DHYG course and assist students with difficulty understanding complex subject areas, any student who scores below a 75% on any exam (excluding the final) must complete a mandatory skills-building assignment before taking the next exam. 

Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy

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

Mailboxes

Each student is assigned a mailbox located inside the student locker room. Students are required to check his/her mailbox daily for various communication from 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 various 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) the College President, in that order.

Grading Criteria

Assignments and Examinations:

The course will consist of Chapter exams, Lab Projects, Discussion Boards, Case Studies, a Midterm exam, and a comprehensive Final exam.  Refer to the course calendar for the schedule of materials to be covered in each class or lab period and the tentative examination dates.  Also, please note the provisions of the Make-up Policy in this syllabus for missed examinations. Examinations will be objective in nature (true/false, multiple choice, matching).  Case-based questions will be utilized to simulate patient experiences and critical thinking. The final examination will be mostly objective in nature and will test information for the entire course. Lab projects are to be completed and signed as acceptable and/or graded.

The final course grade will be computed as follows:

Chapter Tests     35%

Lab Projects, Quizzes, Presentation    10% 

Discussion Board Assignments     5%

Homework Assignments - Case Studies, dentalcare.com and Colgate.com assignments, and Guided Reading Worksheets    10%

Midterm Exam     20%

Comprehensive Final Exam     20%

The following grade scale applies throughout this course:

A = 93 - 100%

B = 83 - 92%

C = 75 - 82%

F = Below 75%                       

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

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

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy

The Tutoring for Success Policy applies to any student whose grade or performance falls below a minimum of 75% on any assigned assessment. The student will be required to complete a mandatory remediation assigned by the course instructor. A student will receive a remediation ticket with the instructor keeping the duplicate copy. Students will be required to complete a hand-written assignment that is to be turned in the following week. Remediation will not change the student's grade. The initial grade will stand. The purpose of remediation is to strengthen the content area the student failed. 

Faculty Assistance

All Students are considered mature enough to seek assistance from the course director and to monitor their progress in meeting course requirements. If you have any questions concerning assignments, content, etc., or if a problem arises 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

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 responsibility of the student to make arrangements 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 makeup work may earn a maximum of 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. It is imperative that all students submit their completed tests on Blackboard before closing their laptops and/or 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 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). Absences will be 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. The instructor will take roll for each class and note absences for each student. Students who are not present for roll call are counted absent. Students must report any anticipated class/lab absence to the instructor. 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.acts.edu.

https://www.acts.edue/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 acces a broke 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