Clinical Dental Hygienist II 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-1360-001 Clinical Dental Hygienist II

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: DHYG 1260

Course Description

A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional.

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

(3 sem hrs;18 clinic)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

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

• Fundamentals of Periodontal Instrumentation and Advanced Root Instrumentation, Jill Neild-Gehrig; Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 8th Edition. (Available in Hard Copy Text)
• Patient Assessment Tutorials: A Step-By-Step Guide for the Dental Hygienist, 3rd Edition, Jill Neild-Gehrig; Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins. (Available in Hard Copy Text)
• Wilkins' Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist, 13th Edition, Linda D. Boyd, Lisa F. Mallonee, and Charlotte J. Wyche, Jones and Bartlett Publisher
• Health Professional and Patient Interaction, Ruth Purtilo, Amy Haddad, Regina Doherty;Elsevier, Saunders Publisher (Available in E-book or Hard Copy Text)
• Ethical Dimensions in the Health Professions, Ruth B. Purtilo, Regina F. Doherty; Elsevier, Saunders Publisher (Available in E-book or Hard Copy Text)
• Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office, Stanley F. Malamed, 7th Edition; Elsevier, Saunders Publisher (Available in E-book or Hard Copy Text)

Supplies

Technical Skills and Requirements

• Students will need access to either a laptop, computer, or tablet for quizzes, assignments and competencies.
• 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 to the clinic every session.  Please have the battery charged and ready to go.  Students will need to 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

Other Supplies

1. Each student will supply his/her instruments and disposable products.
2. Students may be required to print some materials.
3. Library Card for AC or city library
4. Flash Drive (1)

Student Performance

Course Meeting Days and Times

Clinic (Jones Hall Dental Clinic Room 112)

• Monday-Thursday  7:30am-11:00am; 11:50am-3:20pm
• Friday  7:30am-11:00am
• Afternoon Report (Jones Hall Lab 136)-Tuesdays 3:30-4pm

Communication

Email is the preferred method of communication for all instructors. Faculty members strive to respond to emails within 24-48 hours during the workweek. Response times may vary based on instructor schedules, especially for part-time faculty. Emails sent on weekends or holidays will typically be answered on the next scheduled workday. Please communicate respectfully and professionally when emailing faculty, staff, and classmates.

Students are required to monitor their AC email and Blackboard course announcements on a regular basis throughout the semester. Instructors will routinely provide course updates, clinic information, reminders, and important announcements through these platforms. Weekly afternoon report minutes posted in Blackboard are considered official program communication and are the responsibility of the student to review. Failure to read emails, Blackboard announcements, or posted minutes does not exempt students from program expectations, deadlines, or policy changes. Effective communication is a shared responsibility between faculty and students.

Afternoon Report will be held each week to discuss clinical issues and present additional clinical procedures and materials. The forum setting is mandatory.  You will be counted absent for the entire day if you do not attend clinic forums. You will also be counted absent for the day if you are not present when the roll is called.  Student input is encouraged.

Clinic Manager:  Kara Webb, RDH, BS

In our clinical courses, the Clinic Manager is your main contact for anything related to the clinic. The manager oversees daily operations and can help you with clinic procedures and expectations. They also facilitate morning and afternoon reports. The Clinic Manager’s role is to provide guidance, organization, and support throughout your clinical experience.

Additional Faculty

• Misty Brown, RDH
• Lacey Briscoe, RDH, BS
• Donna Cleere, RDH, M.Ed
• Ashlie Lang, RDH, MS
• Lynette Hayhurst, RDH, M.Ed
• Haley Epperson, RDH
• Folger Vallette, DDS
• Rick Dunham, DDS
• John Sparkman, DDS
• Dennis Plunk, DDS
• Rachel Rubalcaba, RDH
• Mitzi Leonard, RDH
• Becca Fronk, RDH
• Carli Ogburn, RDH, BSDH
• Charlene Mastick, RDH, BA
• Amanda Lester-Chisum, RDH, M.Ed

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 Blackboard Announcements page of the course and students will also be notified by email.

Clinical Dental Hygiene

Clinical Dental Hygiene is the portion of the dental hygiene curriculum focused on developing the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills necessary to deliver of preventive, educational, and therapeutic services to the public.  The delivery of patient-centered comprehensive care is accomplished through adherence to the process of care:  assessment of patient needs, formulation of a dental hygiene diagnosis, planning for the prevention and treatment of oral disease, implementation of various dental hygiene interventions (services) and evaluation of both the patient and practitioner efforts and oral health outcomes. The patient care experiences are required for all students to attain clinical competence and complete the dental hygiene program.  This education is provided in the program's clinical facilities as defined in the Accreditation Standards and is supervised and evaluated by program faculty according to predetermined criteria.

End-of-Course Outcomes

A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills and concepts. The instructor's primary role will be to function as a facilitator to aid the student through functional assessment and quality patient-centered treatment of clients. This competency-based clinical course uses the process of care model of assessment, dental hygiene diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Critical thinking skills, time management, and self-assessment are emphasized for the practical application of dental hygiene theory. Patient cases include medically compromised, complex treatment cases, and pediatric and special needs populations. Students will serve as patients for their classmates in the clinical setting, complete manikin exercises, treat all patients without discrimination, and attend all assigned rotations. 

DHYG 1360 – Clinical Dental Hygiene II

Competency-to-Evaluation Mapping Matrix

The AC Dental Hygiene Program has clearly defined graduation competencies that establish the expected knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors students must demonstrate upon program completion. These competencies guide curriculum development and form the basis for instruction and assessment throughout the program.

Each course in the curriculum contributes to the development of these competencies. Learning activities are structured to progressively build knowledge and skill toward entry-level dental hygiene practice. Evaluation methods vary across courses and may include written exams, laboratory or clinical skill assessments, case-based evaluations, reflective writing, and formal competency testing.

This course evaluates the following graduation competencies:

• Program Competency #1: Demonstrate systematic planning and management of patient treatment by applying the Dental Hygiene Process of Care.
  • Measurement Method:
    • TalEval Clinical Evaluation
• Program Competency #2: Recognize medical and dental conditions requiring special precautions.
  • Measurement Method:
    • Case Study Project
• Program Competency #3: Analyze and interpret assessment data to formulate a dental hygiene diagnosis.
  • Measurement Method:
    • TalEval Clinical Evaluation
• Program Competency #6: Critically and effectively synthesize scientific information.
  • Measurement Method:
    • Nutritional Counseling Skill Evaluation
• Program Competency #8: Demonstrate professionalism and self-responsibility.
  • Measurement Methods:

Chapter Assessments: Ethics and ProfessionalismMethod of Instruction

In the clinic setting, the ratio of faculty to students never exceeds 1:5.  Individual feedback will be provided for the students verbally and in Upscale and Blackboard.   Direct observation will be utilized through process performance evaluations, while indirect observation will be used in end-product evaluations.

Clinical Dental Hygiene:  Primary Educational Goals

Clinical dental hygiene experience provides preventive and therapeutic care according to the process of care: 

• Assessment 
• Dental hygiene diagnosis
• Planning
• Implementation 
• Evaluation
• Documentation (including electronic health records)

This requires critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making skills that guide the provision of dental hygiene care within a focused scope of practice.  Upon the completion of the clinical curriculum, the student will be able to:

• Apply the process of care to preventive and therapeutic oral health management to a diverse patient population.
• Assess and analyze objective and subjective patient findings to formulate an evidence-based, patient-centered dental hygiene diagnosis.
• Plan, implement and evaluate intervention strategies that will promote and maintain oral health, including oral self-care behaviors.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and skill in applying dental hygiene methodology of care.
• Apply the principles of professional and ethical behavior in providing care to individuals of all populations.

Special Learning Objectives

1. A comprehensive collection of data and assess a comprehensive health history, including social history.
2. Perform and record extraoral and intraoral examinations, clinical and radiographic assessment of the periodontium and dentition, and assessment of occlusion.  
3. Assess the need for, expose, develop, evaluate and interpret dental radiographs to support the clinical examination.
4. Expose, assess, and transmit intraoral photography.
5. Formulate a dental hygiene diagnosis and supportive dental hygiene treatment plan.
6. Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate a dental hygiene treatment plan for the prevention and/or treatment plan for the prevention of oral diseases.
7. Assess the need for and perform a periodontal risk assessment and initial and supportive therapies.
8. Assess the need for and perform therapeutic hand and ultrasonic periodontal debridement therapies.
9. Perform care and maintenance of procedures for dental implants.
10. Assess the need for and perform extrinsic stain removal procedures.
11. Assess the need for and apply adjunctive topical chemotherapeutic and controlled released agents.
12. Assess the need for and apply pain and anxiety management strategies.
13. Assess the caries risk and plan appropriate interventions and therapies.
14. Assess the need for and application of professional topical fluorides and/or self-applied fluoride
15. Apply principles of nutritional and/or tobacco cessation counseling to the management of oral and systemic health.
16. Assess the need for and place pit and fissure sealants.
17. Assess, plan and perform patient oral self-care education.
18. Apply standard precautions for the prevention of disease transmission.
19. Follow all state and federal regulatory requirements when rendering patient care.
20. Apply principles of comprehensive record keeping.
21. Apply principles of professional and ethical behavior.
22. Apply principles of evidence-based decision-making.
23. Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills when providing patient care.
24. Demonstrate professional communication skills in all aspects of patient care that includes interacting with diverse populations and other members of the health care team.
25. Demonstrate concern and understanding of a variety of patient needs based on overall health, oral health, cultural, social, and economic circumstances.
26. Recognize those patients whose medical, physical, psychological, or social situations make it necessary to modify normal dental routines in order to provide dental treatment for that individual.  These individuals include, but are not limited to, people with developmental disabilities, complex medical problems, and significant physical limitations.
27. Obtain informed consent by discussing with the patient his/her oral health findings, goals and comprehensive treatment needs.  Patients that are accepted for dental hygiene care must be advised of the scope of dental hygiene care available in the Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Clinic.
28. Recommend a re-care schedule for continued supportive care.
29. Recommend referral for additional assessment and/or treatment.
30. Assess overall patient satisfaction with care provided.
31. Self-assess ability to perform dental hygiene services at a high standard of care.
32. Value patient confidentiality and patient rights according to HIPAA guidelines.
33. Evaluate the relevancy and accuracy of new information in order to provide evidence-based client care.
34. Accept constructive criticism and peer review as a learning experience that contributes to professional knowledge and growth.
35. Apply basic, dental and behavioral sciences to clinical practice.
36. Use the dental hygiene process of care to render comprehensive preventative oral health services.
37. Demonstrate appropriate time management strategies when rendering dental hygiene services to patients.
38. Demonstrate clinical emergency medical protocol procedures.
39. Comply with the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines for the prevention of disease transmission during the rendering of dental hygiene services to patients.
40. Provide specialized treatment that includes preventative and therapeutic services designed to achieve and maintain oral health and assist in helping the patient formulate and achieve oral health goals.
41. Evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of dental hygiene services and make modifications as needed.
42. Demonstrate accurate, consistent and complete documentation skills.
43. Evaluate the effectiveness of sterilization procedures, and identify and demonstrate the need for accurate documentation, i.e. biological indicators.
44. Develop awareness and sensitivity for the scope of health and dental health needs in the community.
45. Provide dental hygiene services to an under-served population
46. Observe and appreciate the role of dental support staff in managing patient communication and care.
47. Develop an appreciation for the different roles and responsibilities of each person within private practice, and how they work together for the successful management of the office.
48. Recognize, experience, and understand the front office/receptionist's role and function in the dental setting, including phone skills, greeting patients, scheduling, and using EagleSoft and Weave to create treatment plans.

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

Professional Standards

All dental hygiene students are expected to demonstrate professionalism in behavior, manner, and judgment while in the dental hygiene program. The area of professionalism includes appearance, asepsis, patient management, peer, faculty, and staff interaction, and documentation. Guidelines for professionalism and professional appearances 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 the clinical faculty. Unprofessional behavior will be documented in written form by the faculty to the Clinic Manager. Unprofessional behavior may be defined as a continual pattern of misconduct and/or an egregious act that endangers the health of the patients, students, and/or College. Egregious acts also include violations of the Texas Dental Hygiene Practice Act and falsification of patient records and/or faculty signatures. Documentation may also include reporting via the Amarillo College Student Behavior Alert form with the college.

Students must be competent in applying 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 their educational experiences. Below are representative examples of professional standards which are not inclusive:   

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

Safety: Individual Responsibility

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

Amarillo College complies with environmental, health, and safety regulations, and therefore requires that all AC employees, students, and visitors comply to maintain a safe environment:

• Report hazardous conditions and safety concerns immediately to their supervisors, instructors, staff, and emergency management personnel, as appropriate.
• Abide by safe practices and procedures established by the College.
• Adhere to and cooperate fully with all local, state, and federal regulations concerning environmental, health, and safety issues.
• Take action to resolve safe workplace issues when appropriate.

Statement of Confidentiality

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

Breach of the 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."

Instructor Help and Student Participation

• You must seek faculty input regarding your performance so that you may:
  • Gain confidence in your performance
  • Identify problem areas and determine methods for correcting deficiencies
  • Attain competency in your clinical skills
• All students are considered mature enough to seek faculty assistance and to monitor their progress.
• All students are expected to meet with the Clinic Manager if they have any questions or difficulties in this course.  The faculty is committed to supporting your success; please remember that you are the only person who can make us aware that you need assistance.

Guidance and Student Support

Due to the accelerated nature of the Summer Clinic II semester, formal advising meetings may not be scheduled for every student. However, the Program Director or faculty may request individual student conferences as needed to discuss academic progress, clinical performance, professionalism, patient management, attendance, or other concerns related to student success.

Students are encouraged to communicate with the Program Director or Clinic Manager whenever guidance, clarification, or support is needed.

Communication between students and faculty is considered an essential component of professional growth, clinical development, and student success within the dental hygiene program.

Mentoring

Clinical instructors play a crucial role in providing mentorship, guidance, and hands-on training to dental hygiene students. They bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, helping students develop the skills and competencies required to become successful dental hygienists.

The essential roles and responsibilities of mentoring:

• Supervision and Guidance: Oversee students' practical experiences in dental hygiene clinics.
• Skill Development: Teach instrumentation, dental procedures, radiography, patient assessment, and hygiene techniques.
• Patient Interaction: Instruct students on effective communication and patient interaction skills.
• Critical Thinking: Encourage students to make decisions based on patient assessments and treatment plans.
• Ethics and Professionalism: Instill professionalism, ethics, and infection control practices.
• Problem-Solving: Challenge students with real-world dental cases to enhance problem-solving abilities.
• Feedback and Evaluation: Provide constructive feedback on clinical performance and set improvement goals.
• Adaptation to Changes: Keep students updated on industry trends and evolving dental practices.
• Student Support: Offer emotional support and guidance throughout the clinical journey.
• Role Modeling: Demonstrate professionalism, technical skills, and patient-centered care.

Overall, clinical instructors in a dental hygiene program play a vital role in shaping the future dental hygienists' clinical skills, professionalism, and overall patient care abilities. They contribute to the education and development of well-rounded and competent dental hygiene professionals.

Assigning clinic instructors as mentors to students in a dental hygiene program is a vital process that contributes to student success and growth. At the beginning of each semester, students will be assigned a new clinic instructor mentor. This consistent practice ensures that students benefit from diverse perspectives and guidance throughout their program.

Email Instructions for Scheduling a Mentor Meeting:

• Express that you'd like to schedule a meeting to discuss progress, seek advice, or address questions.
• Offer a selection of dates and times for the meeting.
• Ensure your proposed times consider both your availability and your mentor's office hours.
• Flexibility increases the chances of finding a suitable time.
• Politely request confirmation of the meeting time and convey appreciation for their time and guidance.

By following these steps, you'll effectively request a mentor meeting through email while being clear, respectful, and considerate of your mentor's schedule.

Mandatory Skills Building and Clinical Remediation

To support student success and the development of clinical competence, students who score below 75% on a clinical assessment, competency, process evaluation, or other graded clinical assignment, or below 80% on a Care Assessment Grade in Upscale, may be required to complete mandatory remediation or skills-building assignments before participating in additional clinical evaluations or patient care experiences.

Students who demonstrate recurrent clinical errors, critical errors, professionalism concerns, or repeated deficiencies may also receive remediation assignments at the discretion of the clinical faculty. Students will receive notification through Upscale and AC email regarding required remediation activities, deadlines, and faculty recommendations.

Remediation activities may include, but are not limited to, manikin practice, additional skill assessments, clinical reflections, case study review, faculty-guided instruction, or other learning activities designed to strengthen clinical judgment, patient care, professionalism, and technical skills.

Remediation assignments are considered mandatory course requirements and are subject to strict deadlines. Failure to complete assigned remediation activities by the designated deadline may result in dismissal from clinic and/or inability to participate in patient care activities until remediation requirements have been satisfactorily completed.

Course Failure-Remediation Policy

If you fail to attain the required minimum requirements for each Clinic and have less than three absences during the semester, an I (Incomplete) may be given.  The "I" (Incomplete) will be removed, and a grade of "C" will be given for the course after you have completed the required work.  If an "I" is received in the first (spring) semester, it must be removed by the end of the first four weeks of the next second (summer) semester.  If an "I" (incomplete) is received in the summer session, it must be removed during the fall session before you can register for the subsequent academic year.  If you fail to remove the "I" grade from your record in the allotted time, a grade of "F" will be posted automatically.  No, "I" s can be given the final semester before graduation.

The Clinic Manual

The Dental Hygiene Clinic Manual contains information pertaining to but not limited to, the following:

• Our Program's Mission/Goals/Philosophy
• Clinic Curriculum 
• Code of Ethics
• Standards for Professional Responsibility
• Bloodborne Infectious Diseases
• Clinic Operations
• Professional Appearance Standards
• Clinic Rotations
• Emergency Management
• Infection Control
• Hazard Communication Policy
• Competencies

Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy

Cell phones are prohibited in this course to maximize learning.

If a student is caught with a cell phone in hand,  in a uniform pocket or the clinic bay, actively texting, talking, or surfing the internet during a clinic session, the student will immediately be dismissed from the Clinic and receive a grade of "0" for the patient session or rotation, and an absence for the day. This includes cell phones in the hallways outside the clinic bays, on all rotations, and anywhere in the Clinic. The only approved area for cell phone use is in the locker room before or after the Clinic.  Those students who have children or who anticipate an emergency should give caretakers and family members the Office Supervisor's phone number  (806-354-6050) or the Clinic Supervisor at 467-4099 and have calls directed to her first.  The office supervisor will act accordingly to inform the student. 

Your children will not be allowed in the Clinic.  Please, no exceptions.

Upscale & Blackboard

Students can communicate with clinical faculty and check their progress in the Clinic through the web-based system Upscale. Blackboard is a web-based learning management system provided by Amarillo College.  Students can access their grades through Blackboard as well as many resources for this course.

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. Faculty will also correspond via email and announcements on Amarillo College Blackboard.

Bulletin Board

First and second-year dental hygiene students have designated areas on a common 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 Office Supervisor:   (806) 354-6050
• Amarillo College Police:   (806) 371-5163

Emergency Management: In the Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Clinic we have medical emergency management procedures and safety policies.  Please refer to the program manual for further detail regarding these procedures and policies.

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)  Department Chair/Program Director  (3) Dean of Health Sciences/Division Committee   (4)  Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs  (5)   Vice President of Academic Affairs and (6)  College President in that order.

Grading Criteria

Grading Criteria

General Clinic Guidelines

Please see the Grading Criteria in the Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Clinic Manual Regarding Upscale.  

Although the Department of Dental Hygiene maintains a system for recalling patients and providing maintenance oral hygiene care, students will be responsible for recruiting new patients to the Dental Hygiene Clinic to meet the student's needs for various dental hygiene requirements.  Additionally, students will be expected to recruit and maintain a list of potential patients who are available and willing to make an appointment on short notice.  Students will also be required to select a patient who meets the criteria for CRDTS or another regional clinical board to pursue licensure to practice dental hygiene.

• Each student must understand the necessity of taking a proactive and responsible role in obtaining his/her education.  Your signature on the "syllabus documentation form" is evidence that you understand your responsibility in recruiting the type(s) of patients you will need to complete requirements/competencies to graduate from the Dental Hygiene Program at Amarillo College.
• In a competency-based clinical system, dental hygiene students are expected to demonstrate the mastery of skills and a progressive continuum toward entry-level competence.  Once you have demonstrated mastery of skill, you are expected to maintain that level of mastery.  Each skill assessment serves as the foundation for your continued skill development.  Therefore, your maintenance of the base skills will be evaluated on a continual basis.
• All Screening Assessments are due to the instructor by the end of the clinic session. 
• Radiograph and Rotation Assessments are due to the instructor by 5pm Monday-Thursday and 12pm on Friday. 
• Sealant placement will be graded as either satisfactory or unsatisfactory. 
• Radiographs will be graded as outlined in the Program Manual and must be critiqued and submitted by 5pm Monday-Thursday and 12pm on Friday.  An instructor must grade all radiographs. 
• Clinic requirements must be completed by the final clinic day of the semester.  A student who does not complete all clinic requirements in Clinic II by the last clinic day of the semester will receive an (I) incomplete.
• The course will also consist of clinical assessments, quizzes and other online/computer assignments.  Quizzes may or may not be announced in advance.  All grades will be counted and will not be dropped.
• Critical Errors may drop a student's grade.  Examples of critical errors may include breach of infection control, critical Medical History error, dismissing or re-appointing a patient without faculty approval, unprofessional conduct toward a patient, student, or faculty/staff member, a breach of confidentiality, scheduling a fictitious patient(s) or phone number (s), canceling or moving a patient without the patient's permission and or faculty member, failure to accept a patient assignment from the front office supervisor or faculty, clocking in or out of the clinic/lab for a classmate.

Minimum Number of Successful (75% or greater) Learning Experiences Required for Clinic II:

Journaling: You will be responsible for journaling after every assigned clinical session.  Journal assignments for the week will be due each Friday at noon.  The rubric for journaling is in Blackboard.  Journaling is mandatory in this course and will go towards the quiz grade

Nutritional Counseling:  The student will complete the nutritional counseling project on video.  A peer and self-assessment will critique the video prior to the due date.  This project must be handed in by June 22, 2026. The rubric for Nutritional Counseling and the forms are uploaded into Blackboard.

Capstone Exam Overview

As a culmination of your hard work throughout the Fall and Spring semesters, you will be required to take a comprehensive Capstone exam. This exam is designed to assess your knowledge and skills across all subjects covered during these semesters, ensuring that you are well-prepared for your future national written board exam.

Exam Details:

• Format: The Capstone exam will consist of 200 questions.
• Content: The exam will cover all topics from both the Fall and Spring semesters, integrating knowledge from various subjects to test your comprehensive understanding and critical thinking abilities.
• Availability: The exam will be offered virtually with Respondus LockDown Browser Monitoring. It will be open from June 15th and will close at midnight on June 23rd.
• Preparation Tips:
• Review Materials: Revisit your notes, textbooks, and any supplementary materials from all courses taken during these semesters. Also, your Darby Board Review Book and online resources.
• Practice Case Studies: Focus on practicing case studies as they will be a significant part of the exam, requiring you to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• Study Groups: Consider forming study groups with your peers to discuss and review key concepts and case studies.
• Your success on the Capstone exam is a critical step in demonstrating your readiness to enter the professional field. Approach your preparation with diligence and confidence, and utilize the resources available to you.

FINAL GRADE DETERMINATION

The Clinical Grade is obtained successfully by completing procedures in the following categories:

• Care Assessment Grade (includes screenings) – 80%
• Radiographs – 10%
  • Panoramics 5%
  • All Other X-rays 5% 
• Process Evaluations – 5%
• Quizzes, Rotations, and Special Assignments – 5%

Where You Will See Your Grades

You will check grades in two places:

Upscale (95% of your final grade)

• Care Assessment Grade (includes screenings) – 80%
• Radiographs – 10%
• Process Evaluations – 5%

Blackboard (5% of your final grade)

• Rotation evaluations
• Reflective journal
• Quizzes
• Special Assignments

The final course grade will be computed as follows:

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 for remediation.

Care Assessment Grade Requirement (Upscale-Clinic II)

In Clinic II, your Care Assessment Grade determines whether a patient appointment counts toward your required patient experiences and competencies.

To meet competency and have the appointment count as a required patient care experience, you must earn a minimum Care Assessment Grade of 80% in Upscale.

• 80% or higher on the Care Assessment Grade = the appointment counts toward your patient requirements/competencies.
• Below 80% on the Care Assessment Grade = the appointment does not count toward your patient requirements/competencies (even if the patient was seen and treatment was completed) and will be recorded as a critical fail.

This requirement is in place to ensure that patient care experiences reflect the standard of performance expected for Clinic II and for entry-level clinical practice. If you score below 80%, you should review the instructor feedback on the evaluation, identify what needs improvement, and develop a plan for improvement at your next patient visit.

Make-Up Policy

Students are required to make up all missed quizzes and assignments.  A zero will be given for each missed quiz or online assignment. 

Radiograph Procedures

Images must be critiqued on the same day as the appointment and are due by 5pm Monday-Thursday and 12pm on Friday. All images must be submitted for grading.

Nondiagnostic

If the panoramic image is determined to be nondiagnostic, a grade of 0 will be assigned for that image. Please see your instructor for assistance with the retake.

Retakes

The student must have the instructor's permission to retake an image. 

Evaluation

• It is the students responsibility to email your instructor and advise them that you have completed your self-assessment and are ready for them to evaluate your images. 
• To be counted toward program requirements, radiographs must earn a competency score of 75% or higher and will be graded according to the Program Manual. All radiographs must be critiqued on the day of the appointment and submitted by 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday or by 12:00 p.m. on Friday.

Screening Radiographs must be critiqued and self-assessed by the end of the appointment.

Patient No-Show and Short-Notice Cancellation Policy for DH Students
Purpose: To promote student accountability in patient communication, scheduling, and clinic preparedness while managing patient no-shows and short-notice cancellations efficiently.

1. Patient Communication & Confirmation

• Students are responsible for confirming all patient appointments at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled clinic session.
• All reasonable efforts (e.g., phone, text, email) should be made to ensure patients are aware of and committed to their scheduled appointment.
• Students are strongly encouraged to have a backup patient ready in the event of a last-minute cancellation or no-show.

2. No-Show Tracking and Limits

• Students are allowed up to three no-shows per clinic semester without academic penalty.
• The office supervisor will document all no-shows in the patient records, and these occurrences will also be tracked as downtime in Upscale.
• After the third no-show, the student will receive a 1% deduction from their total course grade for each additional occurrence.

3. Short-Notice Cancellations and Rescheduling Policy

• If a patient no-shows or cancels within 24 hours of their appointment, that patient will not be rescheduled with the same student.
• These patients will be moved to the extra patient column and assigned to an available student on the day of their next appointment.
• This is to preserve limited clinic time and ensure all students can meet clinical requirements.

4. Student Responsibilities and Consequences

• Students must clearly communicate to patients the importance of keeping scheduled appointments and the impact of late cancellations or no-shows.
• Students may not reschedule a no-show or short-notice cancellation with the same patient without the clinic manager’s permission. Doing so will result in a 1% deduction from their total course grade for poor patient management.
• Students should explain to patients that repeated missed appointments may limit their ability to be seen in the future.

Rationale:
This policy is intended to reinforce the value of professional responsibility, time management, and patient care. It ensures that students understand the importance of planning ahead, proactively confirming appointments, and managing their clinical schedules effectively—critical skills for success in real-world dental hygiene practi

Attendance

Clinic Attendance Policy
Regular attendance is essential for satisfactory progress and achievement. It is the student’s responsibility to attend all scheduled class and clinic sessions in accordance with course and program requirements. Students are required to complete 100% of assigned clinical hours. Clinical experience is a critical part of the Dental Hygiene Program, and any absences may jeopardize successful completion of course outcomes. Failure to report an absence prior to the clinic session may result in failure of the course. These guidelines are in place to ensure efficient clinic operations and to support students in their clinical training.

1. Absences & Make-Up Policy

• Students must make up the missed clinic session at the discretion of the Clinic Manager.
• Missed sessions may not be made up during a regularly scheduled clinic rotation.
• The Clinic Manager will determine the type of experience that qualifies as make-up time.
• The maximum grade a student can earn for a make-up clinic session is 85%.
• If a student misses more than three clinic sessions, their record will be reviewed by the Dental Hygiene Attendance Committee, which may result in disciplinary action, up to and including failure of the course.

2. Reporting Absences

    Students must report all clinical absences in advance to the following:

• Clinic Manager: (Ms. Webb)
  • Office Manager (Ms. Rubalcaba)
  • Clinic Supervisor (Mrs. Leonard)
  • Clinic Instructor (Mrs. Ogburn)

3. Tardiness & Early Departures

• Students who arrive late may be dismissed from clinic, as punctuality is essential to ensure safe and effective patient care.
• Leaving clinic early without prior approval is treated the same as a late arrival.

4. Arriving Late & Leaving Early will result in the following point deductions:

• 1 to 15 minutes late/early: -5 points from session grade
• 16 to 30 minutes late/early: -10 points from session grade
• Over 30 minutes late/early: Counted as an absence and subject to the absence policy

5.  Afternoon Report

• Student attendance is mandatory for  Afternoon Report every Tuesday  from 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm.

• Being late or absent for Afternoon Report will result in a point deduction in Upscale or be treated as a clinic absence.

6.  Perfect Attendance Bonus

• Students who maintain perfect attendance (no absences, tardies, early departures, or clock-in/out errors) and have a minimum average of 75% in clinic will receive 1 bonus point added to their final clinic grade.

Attendance Tracking through GoTrak
Students are responsible for clocking in and out independently.

Clinic Arrival and Departure

• Login Requirements: 
  • Students must scan their student ID at the front office computers no later than 30 minutes before the start of their clinic session and log out no earlier than the scheduled end time.
  • Morning session: Login by 7:30 am and Logout no earlier than 11:00 am
  • Afternoon session: Login by 11:50 am and Logout no earlier than 3:20 pm 
• Technical Errors:
  • Students must promptly report any technical issues with GoTrak to Mrs. Ogburn to request corrections.
• Failure to Clock- In or Out:
  • Results in a 10-point deduction in Upscale for that session.

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 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