Dental Materials Syllabus for 2023-2024
Return to Syllabus List

Instructor Information

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

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-1219-001 Dental Materials

Prerequisites

Course Description

Physical and chemical properties of dental materials including the application and manipulation of the various materials used in dentistry.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(2 sem hrs; 1 lec, 4 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

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

Dental Materials: Clinical Applications for Dental Assistants and Dental Hygienists, Eakle and Bastin, 4th edition

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 up 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 etiquette 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, Scantron sheets, Paper, Pens, Markers
4. Additional Lab materials will be needed that are in your Dental Hygiene Kit

Student Performance

Course Meeting Day and Times

     Monday   Lecture: 10:00 am - 11:00 am (Jones Hall Room 111)

                     Lab: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm (Jones Hall Room 136)

Additional Laboratory Faculty:

Ashlie Lang, RDH, MS

Kara Webb, RDH, BS

End of Course Outcomes:  Differentiate between the various types of dental materials and their respective properties; and manipulate materials used in dentistry, Recognize various materials that have been used or placed for patients.

Instructor Objectives:  This course will enable the student to use dental materials in accordance with their design features and in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. In addition, the student will be taught safety precautions and OSHA compliance.  The class will include introduction to the Eaglesoft Dental Software that will be used in the Clinic along with the Casey patient education modules. 

 After studying the material presented in this course of study and completing the projects in the lab, the student will be able to do the following:

1. Identify the materials commonly used in dentistry for restorative and lab procedures.
2. Demonstrate safe and appropriate handling of these materials
3. Recognize the clinical appearance and intraoral presence of restorative materials
4. Begin to understand the reasoning of a Dentist in choosing different materials
5. Feel comfortable in answering basic questions from patients concerning dental materials
6. Apply your knowledge base of dental materials to problems or opportunities that arise to help make reasonable opinions or suggestions and to help educate your patients as to what action or treatments might be appropriate, to report or present your findings to the dentist for their diagnoses and treatment of the patients.
7. Evaluate Case Studies and understand how to begin to build a patient Chart in Eaglesoft.
8. Utilize Casey patient education system to better educate your patients about dental care.

Chapter Objectives:

After reading each chapter, the reader should be able to:

Chapter 1-Introduction to Restorative Dental Materials

1. Discuss the importance of the study of dental materials for the allied oral health practitioner.
2. Discuss why it is necessary that the allied oral health practitioner have an understanding of dental materials for the delivery of dental care.
3. Discuss evidence-based decision-making (EBDM) as it relates to dental materials; what questions might you ask yourself or your practice to make sure you are increasing the potential for successful patient care outcomes?
4. Review the historical development of dental materials.
5. List and compare the agencies responsible for setting standards and specifications of dental materials.
6. Discuss the requirements necessary for a consumer product to qualify for the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

Chapter 2-Oral Environment and Patient Considerations Objectives:

1. Discuss the qualities of the oral environment that make it challenging for long-term clinical performance of dental materials.
2. Describe the long-term clinical requirements of therapeutic and restorative materials.
3. List and give examples of the four types of biting forces and the tooth structures most ideally suited to them.
4. Define stress, strain, and ultimate strength and compare the ultimate strength of restorative materials during each type of stress to tooth structures.
5. Describe the effects of moisture and acidity on dental materials.
6. Describe the clinical significance of galvanism and how it can be prevented.
7. Define thermal conductivity and thermal expansion and contraction and compare the values of thermal expansion and conductivity of restorative materials with those of tooth structures.
8. Describe the process used to achieve mechanical, chemical adhesion, or bonding retention.
9. Describe the factors that determine successful adhesion, including wettability, viscosity, film thickness, and surface characteristics.
10. Describe microleakage and how the results of this process can lead to recurrent decay and postoperative sensitivity.
11. Define biocompatibility and discuss why requirements for biocompatibility may fluctuate.
12. Compare the three visible light wavelengths that are sensed when recognizing color.
13. Describe tooth color in terms of hue, value, and chroma.
14. Explain the importance of detection of restorations and methods for detection.

Chapter 3-Physical and Mechanical Properties of Dental Materials

1. Define primary and secondary bonds and give an example of how each determines the properties of the material.
2. Describe the three forms of matter and give a defining characteristic of each.
3. Define density and explain the relationship of density, volume, and crystalline structure.
4. Define hardness and describe how hardness contributes to abrasion resistance.
5. Define elasticity and give an example of when elasticity is desirable in dental procedures.
6. Relate stiffness and proportional limit, and describe how these properties apply to restorative dental materials.
7. Define ductility and malleability and explain how these characteristics contribute to the edge strength of a gold crown.
8. Differentiate between toughness and resilience.
9. Define brittleness and discuss how this property applies to restorative dental materials.
10. Define viscosity and thixotropic materials and describe the clinical significance of each.
11. Differentiate between therapeutic, preventive, and restorative materials.
12. Discuss the component classifications that may make up a dental material.
13. Describe the reaction stages a material undergoes to acquire its final state.
14. Describe the variables in the manipulation of a material.

Chapter 4-General Handling and Safety of Dental Materials in the Dental Office

1. Identify five job-related health and safety hazards for employees in dental offices, and explain the methods of prevention for each one.
2. Explain the components of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Hazard Communication Standard.
3. Describe the ways that chemicals can enter the body.
4. Describe the employee and employer responsibility for safety training.
5. Describe the basic infection control methods for the handling of dental materials in the treatment area.
6. Identify the concepts and benefits of going green in the dental practice.
7. Discuss how the ADA Top Ten Initiatives of sustainability can be incorporated into a general dental practice.

Chapter 5-Principles of Bonding

1. Discuss the effects of acid etching on enamel and dentin.
2. Describe the basic steps of bonding.
3. Explain the differences between bonding to enamel and bonding to dentin.
4. Discuss the significance of the smear layer.
5. Describe “wet” dentin bonding.
6. Compare total-etch and self-etch bonding techniques.
7. Explain how the hybrid layer is formed and its importance in bonding to dentin.
8. Discuss the factors that interfere with good bonding.
9. Discuss the adverse effects of microleakage at restoration margins.
10. Describe how to bond ceramic veneers.
11. Describe the bonding of orthodontic brackets.
12. Describe the bonding of endodontic posts.
13. Explain the differences in bonding to enamel, dentin, metal, and ceramic.
14. List the factors that contribute to tooth sensitivity after bonding.
15. Etch enamel and dentin with phosphoric acid as permitted by state law.
16. Apply a bonding system to etched enamel and dentin as permitted by state law

Chapter 6-Composites, Glass Ionomers, and Compomers 

1. Describe the various types of composite resin restorative materials.
2. Discuss the advantages, and disadvantages, of each type of composite resin.
3. Discuss the similarities and differences among chemical-cured, light-cured, and dual-cured composite resins.
4. Describe how fillers affect the properties of composites.
5. Explain why incremental placement of composite resin is recommended.
6. Describe the factors that determine how long an increment of composite resin should be light-cured.
7. Place a sectional matrix for a class II composite.
8. Select an appropriate type of composite for a class II cavity preparation.
9. As permitted by state law, place a composite in a class II cavity preparation.
10. Light-cure a composite resin restoration following recommended exposure times.
11. As permitted by state law, finish and polish a class III composite restoration.
12. Discuss the procedural differences between direct and indirect composite restorations.
13. Describe the composition of glass ionomer restoratives and their uses, advantages, and disadvantages.
14. Explain the effects of fluoride-releasing, resin-modified glass ionomer restorations in the prevention of recurrent caries.
15. List the components of compomers.
16. Describe the uses of compomers.
17. Compare the clinical applications of composite resin restorative materials with glass ionomer cement restorative materials

Chapter 7-Preventive and Desensitizing Materials

1. Describe the applications of fluoride in prevention.
2. Explain how fluoride protects teeth from caries.
3. Discuss the various methods of fluoride delivery.
4. Explain the benefit of using an antibacterial rinse in conjunction with fluoride.
5. Describe the antibacterial effects of chlorhexidine.
6. Apply topical fluoride gel, foam, or varnish correctly (as permitted by state law).
7. Describe how sealants protect pits and fissures from dental caries.
8. List the components of sealant material.
9. Recite the steps for applying sealants.
10. Apply sealants to teeth (as permitted by state law).
11. Recite causes of tooth sensitivity.
12. Explain how desensitizing agents work.
13. List the types of materials used to treat sensitive teeth.
14. Apply desensitizing agents to sensitive teeth (as permitted by state law).
15. Explain the process of remineralization of enamel.
16. Describe how products for remineralization work.
17. Explain how resin infiltration of the early white spot lesion works.
18. Apply remineralizing products (as permitted by state law).

Chapter 8-Teeth Whitening Materials and Procedures

1. Describe how whitening materials penetrate the tooth.
2. Explain the differences between professionally supervised home whitening and over-the-counter (OTC) systems.
3. Describe the precautions to take to protect the oral tissues when applying in-office power whitening products.
4. Compare the whitening materials used for in-office, take home, and OTC home use.
5. List the potential side effects of home whitening.
6. Describe the methods to whiten nonvital teeth.
7. Discuss the relative effectiveness of whitening products and whitening toothpastes in removing stains from teeth.
8. List the steps in the procedures for in-office power whitening.
9. Fabricate home whitening trays.
10. Demonstrate to a patient how home whitening products are used.
11. Describe clinical situations in which enamel microabrasion might be used.
12. Explain how enamel microabrasion works.

Chapter 9-Dental Ceramics

1. Discuss the attributes and shortcomings of dental porcelains.
2. Compare the clinical applications of restorations made from porcelain with those made from lithium disilicate.
3. Explain why crowns made from zirconia can be used to restore molars.
4. Describe the methods used to process ceramic restorations.
5. Present a rationale for the selection of ceramic materials for restorations used in the anterior and posterior parts of the mouth.
6. Describe how porcelain bonds to metal for porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns.
7. Select a cement for use with glass-based ceramic materials.
8. Describe common causes for failure of ceramic restorations.
9. Finish and polish ceramic restorations without generating too much heat or stress in the material.
10. Compare the relative strengths of feldspathic porcelain, lithium disilicate, and zirconium.
11. Explain how CAD/CAM technology is used to fabricate a ceramic crown.
12. List the clinical applications for all-ceramic restorations.
13. Prepare the ceramic restoration for bonding with a resin cement.
14. Assist the dentist in cementing an all-ceramic crown or veneers.
15. Define chroma, value, and hue.
16. Properly prepare the conditions in the operatory for shade taking.
17. Assist the dentist in shade taking.

Chapter 10-Dental Amalgam

1. Discuss the safety of amalgam as a restorative material.
2. List the main components in dental amalgam.
3. Describe the advantages of high-copper amalgams over low-copper amalgams.
4. Explain the role of the gamma-2 phase in corrosion of amalgam.
5. Describe the particle shapes in lathe-cut, admix, and spherical alloys, and discuss their effects on the condensation resistance of freshly mixed amalgam.
6. Define creep, corrosion, and tarnish.
7. Compare the strength of amalgam with that of composite resin or glass ionomer cement.
8. Discuss the effect of mixing time on the strength and manipulation of amalgam.
9. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of amalgam as a restorative material.
10. Perform safe mercury hygiene practices in the dental office.
11. Collect and process amalgam scrap for recycling.
12. Select an appropriate size of matrix band for a class II amalgam preparation.
13. Assemble a Tofflemire band in its retainer.
14. Evaluate a class II amalgam matrix setup for meeting proper placement criteria.
15. Assist with or place (as allowed by state law) amalgam in a class II cavity preparation.

Chapter 11-Casting Metals, Solders, and Wrought Metal Alloys

1. Describe the differences among the types of gold alloy used for dental restorations.
2. Define karat and fineness.
3. Differentiate among high-noble, noble, and base-metal alloys.
4. Describe the characteristics needed for porcelain bonding alloys.
5. Describe the characteristics of metals used for casting partial denture frameworks.
6. Explain the biocompatibility problems associated with some alloys.
7. Explain how solders are used.
8. List metals used for solders.
9. Describe how wrought metal alloys differ from casting alloys.
10. Describe the uses of wrought wire.
11. Explain the use of the different types of metal wire for orthodontic arch wire.
12. Prepare the surfaces of teeth for bonding of an orthodontic bracket.
13. Select and use a resin cement to bond an orthodontic bracket (as permitted by state law).
14. Explain the purpose of an endodontic post.
15. Describe the types of materials used for preformed endodontic posts.

Chapter 12-Dental Implants

1. Describe the components of an implant used for a crown.
2. Describe the most common materials used for dental implants.
3. Explain osseointegration of an implant.
4. Discuss the indications and contraindications for dental implants.
5. Explain the advantages of image-guided implant surgery.
6. Identify risks to the patient for implant surgery.
7. Describe the sequence of the one-stage surgical procedure.
8. Present postsurgical instructions to a patient.
9. Compare the one-stage, two-stage, and immediate surgical procedures.
10. Discuss the pros and cons of immediate loading of an implant.
11. Explain the process of taking an implant impression.
12. Compare the open-tray and closed-tray impression procedures.
13. Make an impression for an implant, using the open- or closed-tray procedure (as permitted by state law).
14. Identify the uses for mini-implants.
15. Define the types of bone grafting.
16. Describe the purpose of the sinus lift procedure.
17. Describe the assessments that should be done for dental implants at the hygiene visit.
18. Demonstrate to a patient the use of home care aids for dental implants.
19. Explain the rationale for the use of plastic instruments for cleaning titanium implants.
20. Perform periodontal maintenance around an implant (hygienists) using appropriate probes, scalers, curettes, and ultrasonic tips.

Chapter 13-Abrasion, Finishing, and Polishing

1. Define abrasion, finishing, polishing, and cleaning.
2. Discuss the purpose of finishing, polishing, and cleaning of dental restorations and tooth surfaces.
3. Identify and discuss the factors that affect the rate and efficiency of abrasion.
4. Compare the relative ranking of abrasives on restorations and tooth structures.
5. Describe methods by which dental abrasives are applied.
6. Discuss the contraindications to the use of abrasives on tooth structure and restorations.
7. Describe the clinical decisions made to determine which abrasive to use when finishing, polishing, or cleaning dental restorations or tooth structures.
8. Describe the abrasives and the procedures used for finishing and polishing metals, composite, and porcelain.
9. Describe the abrasives and the procedures used for polishing and cleaning metals, composite, ceramic, and gold alloys as part of oral prophylaxis.
10. Describe the safety and infection control precautions taken by the operator when using abrasives.
11. Relate the instructions given to patients to prevent and remove stain from tooth surfaces and restorations.
12. Finish and polish a preexisting amalgam restoration.
13. Polish a preexisting composite restoration.

Chapter 14-Dental Cement, Objectives

1. Compare the various types of cements and the uses of cements in dentistry for: • Pulpal protection • Luting • Restorations • Surgical dressing
2. Describe the properties of cement, and explain how these properties affect selection of cement for a dental procedure.
3. Identify the components of each dental cement.
4. Describe how these components affect the properties of the cement.
5. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of each cement.
6. Describe the manipulation considerations for mixing cements.
7. Describe the procedure for filling a crown with luting cement.
8. Describe the procedure for removing excess cement after cementation.
9. Apply the mixing technique for each type of cement.

Chapter 15-Impression Materials

1. Describe the purpose of an impression.
2. Describe the three basic types of impressions.
3. Explain the importance of the key properties of impression materials.
4. Define sol and gel and describe these states as they occur with hydrocolloids.
5. Explain why alginate is an irreversible hydrocolloid.
6. List the supplies needed to make an alginate impression and explain how they are used.
7. Select trays for alginate impressions for a patient.
8. Mix alginate, load and seat the tray, and remove the set impression.
9. Evaluate upper and lower alginate impressions, in accordance with the criteria for acceptability.
10. Disinfect alginate impressions and prepare them for transport to the office laboratory.
11. Troubleshoot problems experienced with alginate impressions.
12. Describe the various types of elastomers and explain why they are called elastomers.
13. Compare similarities and differences among the physical and mechanical properties of polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) and polyether impression materials.
14. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using polyether impression material for a crown impression.
15. Explain why polyvinyl siloxane impression material is so popular.
16. Explain the difference between a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic impression material.
17. Evaluate cord placement and gingival retraction for acceptability.
18. Use ferric sulfate astringent to control gingival bleeding before making an impression.
19. Make a registration of a patient’s bite in centric occlusion.
20. Assemble the cartridge of impression material with mixing tip and load into the dispenser.
21. Explain what a digital impression is.
22. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of digital impressions.
23. Disinfect PVS and polyether impressions and prepare them for transport to the dental laboratory.

Chapter 16-Gypsum and Wax Products

1. Differentiate between negative and positive reproduction.
2. Differentiate among diagnostic cast, working cast, and dies.
3. Describe the chemical and physical nature of gypsum products.
4. Explain the manufacturing process for gypsum products and how this affects their physical characteristics.
5. Compare the following properties and behaviors of gypsum products: strength, dimensional accuracy, solubility, and reproduction of detail.
6. List the American Dental Association–recognized gypsum products and their most appropriate uses.
7. Explain initial and final set of gypsum and the factors that affect the setting time, setting expansion, and strength.
8. Explain the procedure for mixing and handling gypsum products to create diagnostic casts.
9. Identify the common components of dental waxes.
10. Compare the properties of waxes.
11. Describe the clinical/laboratory significance of each of the properties of waxes.
12. Discuss the three classifications of waxes.
13. Differentiate between direct and indirect waxings and identify which property of dental waxes is most important in their difference.
14. Describe the usual color, form, and use of inlay, casting, baseplate, boxing, utility, and sticky waxes.
15. Prepare model plaster or stone for pouring.
16. Pour the anatomic portion of maxillary and mandibular diagnostic casts.
17. Pour the base portion of maxillary and mandibular diagnostic casts.
18. Trim maxillary and mandibular diagnostic casts.
19. Obtain a bite registration, using bite registration or utility wax.

Chapter 17-Polymers for Prosthetic Dentistry

1. Describe the formation of long-chain polymers from monomers.
2. Explain the effect that cross-linking has on the physical and mechanical properties of polymers.
3. Describe the stages of addition polymerization.
4. Explain the function of a free radical.
5. List the important properties of acrylic resins.
6. Describe the procedure for heat processing a denture.
7. Explain the importance of control of heat and pressure when processing a denture.
8. Compare the properties of hard and soft lining materials.
9. List the indications for long- and short-term soft liners.
10. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of chairside and laboratory-processed hard liners.
11. List the indications for the use of acrylic denture teeth versus porcelain teeth.
12. Repair a broken acrylic denture.
13. Use an ultrasonic cleaner for cleaning complete and partial dentures in the office.
14. Educate patients regarding the home care regimen they should follow for complete and partial dentures.
15. Inform patients of the precautions they should take when cleaning their dentures.
16. Fabricate custom impression trays for upper and lower arches.
17. Fabricate record bases for complete dentures, using light-cured material.
18. Provisional Restorations

Chapter 18-Provisional Restorations

1. Explain the purpose of provisional coverage.
2. Describe examples of circumstances that may require provisional coverage.
3. Identify the criteria necessary for a high-quality provisional restoration.
4. Describe the properties of provisional materials.
5. Distinguish among properties that are important for posterior coverage, anterior coverage, and both anterior and posterior coverage.
6. Distinguish between intracoronal and extracoronal restorations.
7. Summarize the advantages and disadvantages of preformed and custom crowns.
8. Differentiate among direct, indirect, and vacuum former fabrication techniques.
9. Summarize the advantages and disadvantages of acrylic and bis-acrylic composite provisional materials.
10. Describe the technique for fabrication of metal, polycarbonate, custom, and cement provisional restorations.
11. Summarize patient education and home care instructions.
12. Fabricate and cement a metal provisional crown.
13. Fabricate and cement a polycarbonate crown.
14. Fabricate and cement a custom provisional crown.
15. Place an intracoronal cement temporary restoration.

Chapter 19-Preventive and Corrective Oral Appliances

1. Describe the uses of mouth guards.
2. List the materials for the fabrication of mouth guards.
3. Explain to a patient how to care for a mouth guard.
4. Fabricate a sports mouth guard.
5. Describe what obstructive sleep apnea is.
6. Describe the use of oral appliances to prevent snoring or obstructive sleep apnea.
7. Explain how space maintainers prevent the drifting of teeth and loss of space.
8. Describe how thermoplastic orthodontic aligners work.

The student will know that these goals have been successfully completed if after evaluated by course instructor, a final grade of “C” or greater is earned. 

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 experience. Below are representative examples of professional standards which are not inclusive: 

• Students are concerned with excellence in learning rather than just meeting the 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 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 share 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 courses 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 a 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 Office Supervisor:   (806) 354-6050

Amarillo College Police:   (806) 371-5163

Academic Grievance Procedure

A student, who has a grievance concerning an academic course in which he or she is 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

The final course grade will be computed as follows:

Lecture and Chapter Quizzes given each week = 50%
Lab participation, projects and competency sheets = 30% 
Comprehensive Final (including case studies) = 20%

The following grade scale applies throughout this course:

A = 93 to 100
B = 83 to 92
C = 75 to 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.

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy

The tutoring for success policy applies to any student whose grades or performance falls below a minimum of 75% on any assigned assessment. The student will be required to complete mandatory remediation assigned by the 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 purposes of remediation is to strengthen the content area 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, plese do not hesitate to call or email me to schedule an appointment. I prefer to work with a schedule 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 make-up work may earn a maximum of 80% of the original point value.

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.

Attendance

"Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class." (Amarillo College Student's Rights and Responsibilities Publication).  Absences will be monitored and evaluated to determine the 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 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 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