Dental Hygiene Degree (DH13)  Degree


Campus Locations: Vidalia

The Dental Hygiene Degree program is a sequence of courses that prepare students for positions in the dental profession. Learning opportunities develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. Program graduates receive a Dental Hygiene Associate of Applied Science Degree.

The standard curriculum for the Dental Hygiene Degree program is designed for the semester system. Prospective students may begin taking prerequisite core courses any semester. Once the prerequisite core classes have been completed and students have been competitively admitted into the Dental Hygiene program, the program is six (6) semesters. A new cohort of Dental Hygiene students is competitively admitted into the Dental Hygiene program one (1) time per year, which is Summer semester. Students must achieve a minimum grade of “C” or higher in each course. To graduate, degree-seeking students must earn a minimum of 86 semester credit hours.

*For more detailed program information, please refer to the Catalog & Handbook.

Requirements

  • Prospective students seeking admission into the Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene will initially enroll in the Healthcare Management (HCM) Degree or Healthcare Professional Certificate – Dental Hygiene Option;
  • Submit a completed application & application fee;
  • Be at least 18 years of age;
  • Submit official high school/high school equivalent transcripts;
  • Submit official college transcripts, if applicable;
  • Satisfy Placement Testing requirements;
  • Attend a mandatory Dental Hygiene program informational session presented by the Dental Hygiene faculty on the Vidalia campus, Health Sciences Annex-Building C, Room 906. Informational sessions will be conducted on the following dates and times: Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at 4 p.m. and Monday, March 7, 2022, at 8 a.m. Prospective students must attend one (1) of the informational sessions;
  • Complete the following prerequisite courses (21 credit hours) with a minimum grade of "C" in each course and a cumulative prerequisite GPA of 3.0. CHEM and BIOL courses must have been completed within five (5) years.

    Course

    Hours

    ENGL 1101

    Composition and Rhetoric

    3

    MATH 1111

    College Algebra

    3

    BIOL 2113

    Anatomy and Physiology I

    3

    BIOL 2113 L

    Anatomy and Physiology I Lab

    1

    BIOL 2114

    Anatomy and Physiology II

    3

    BIOL 2114 L

    Anatomy and Physiology II Lab

    1

    PSYC 1101

    Introductory Psychology

    3

    CHEM 1151

    Survey of Inorganic Chemistry

    3

    CHEM 1151 L

    Survey of Inorganic Chemistry Lab

    1

  • If applicable, but not required, provide documentation of paid dental office experience, within the last two (2) years. This documentation must state the number of hours of paid experience that you have worked and must be signed by a licensed dentist. Submit documentation to the Dental Hygiene Program Director.
  • If applicable, but not required, provide documentation of graduation from a CODA Accredited Dental Assisting program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Submit documentation to the Dental Hygiene Program Director.
  • Obtain a Dental Hygiene Program Information Packet. Review, sign, and submit a "Statement of Interest in the Dental Hygiene Program" to the Dental Hygiene Program Director after the criteria stated above have been met. Deadline for submission of required documents is Monday, May 9, 2022, in order to be considered for admission into Summer semester 2022.
  • Note: Only one class will be accepted into the Dental Hygiene program each year, beginning Summer semester.

Program Costs

Costs are estimates and are subject to change.

  • Tuition/Fees: $10,117
  • Books/Supplies: $1,200 per Semester
  • Dental Hygiene National Board Exam: $430
  • CRDTS Examination: $1,025
  • Supplies/Site Fee for Clinical Boards: $175
  • Ultrasonic Scaler Rental Fee for Clinical Boards: $91
  • Georgia License Fee: $75
  • Instruments: $2,100
  • Misc. Supplies: $1,500
  • Dental Hygiene National Board Review Course $455
  • Loupes: $1000

Dental Hygiene Information Packet

The Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of approval without reporting requirements. The Commission is a specialized body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education that formally evaluates programs at regular intervals. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.

Curriculum Outline (86 hours)
General Core (25 hours) 25
COLL 1040

(Prerequisite: None) This course is designed to provide tools to assist students to acquire skills necessary to achieve academic and professional success in their chosen occupational/technical program of study. Topics include: Computer Applications/Technology Skills, Getting off to a Good Start, Learning and Personality Styles, Time and Money Management, Study and Test Taking Skills, Stress Management and Wellness, Communication Skills, and Career Exploration.

3
Area I: Language Arts/Communication
ENGL 1101

(Prerequisite: Appropriate English Placement Test Score AND Appropriate Reading Placement Test Score) Explores the analysis of literature and articles about issues in the humanities and in society. Students practice various modes of writing, ranging from exposition to argumentation and persuasion. The course includes a review of standard grammatical and stylistic usage in proofreading and editing. An introduction to library resources lays the foundation for research. Topics include writing analysis and practice, revision, and research. Students write a research paper using library resources and using a formatting and documentation style appropriate to the purpose and audience.

3
SPCH 1101

(Prerequisites: ENGL 1101- Institutional Requirement) Introduces the student to the fundamentals of oral communication. L Topics include selection and organization of materials, preparation and delivery of individual and group presentations, analysis of ideas presented by others, and professionalism.

3
Area II: Social/Behavioral Sciences
PSYC 1101

(Prerequisite: Appropriate Degree Level Writing (English) and Reading Placement Test Scores) Introduces the major fields of contemporary psychology. Emphasis is on critical thinking and fundamental principles of psychology as a science. Topics include research design, the organization and operation of the nervous system, sensation and perception, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, thinking and intelligence, lifespan development, personality, psychological disorders and treatment, stress and health, and social psychology.

3
SOCI 1101

(Prerequisite: Appropriate Degree Level Writing (English) and Reading Placement Scores) Explores the sociological analysis of society, its culture, and structure. Sociology is presented as a science with emphasis placed on its methodology and theoretical foundations. Topics include basic sociological concepts, socialization, social interaction and culture, social groups and institutions, deviance and social control, social stratification, social change, and marriage and family.

3
Area III: Natural Sciences/Mathematics
MATH 1111

(Prerequisites: Appropriate algebra placement test score) Emphasizes techniques of problem solving using algebraic concepts. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra, equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, and systems of equations; optional topics include sequences, series, and probability or analytic geometry.

3
CHEM 1151

(Prerequisites: None) (Co-requisites: MATH 11103 OR MATH 1111 AND CHEM 1151L)Provides an introduction to basic chemical principles and concepts which explain the behavior of matter. Topics include measurements and units, structure of matter, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, gas laws, liquid mixtures, acids and bases, salts and buffers, and nuclear chemistry.

3
CHEM 1151L

(Prerequisites: None) (Co-requisites: MATH 1103 OR MATH 1111 AND CHEM 1151) Selected laboratory experiments paralleling the topics in CHEM 1151. The lab exercises for this course include units of measurements, structure of matter, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, gas laws, liquid mixtures, acids and bases, salts and buffers, and nuclear chemistry.

1
Area IV: Humanities/Fine Arts
ENGL 2130

(Prerequisite: ENGL 1101) Emphasizes American literature as a reflection of culture and ideas. A survey of important works in American literature. Includes a variety of literary genres: short stories, poetry, drama, nonfiction, and novels. Topics include literature and culture, essential themes and ideas, literature and history, and research skills.

3
Non-General Education Courses (12 hours) 12
BIOL 2113

(Prerequisite: Regular Admission) (Co-Requisites: BIOL 2113L, ENGL 1101) Introduces the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Emphasis is placed on the development of a systemic perspective of anatomical structures and physiological processes. Topics include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous and sensory systems.

3
BIOL 2113 L

(Prerequisite: Regular Admission) (Co-Requisites: BIOL 2113, ENGL 1101) Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2113. The laboratory exercises for this course include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous sensory systems.

1
BIOL 2114

(Prerequisite: BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L) (Co-Requisites: BIOL 2114L) Continues the study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system.

3
BIOL 2114 L

(Prerequisite: BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L) (Co-Requisites: BIOL 2114) Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2114. The laboratory exercises for this course include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system.

1
BIOL 2117

(Prerequisite: BIOL 2113 and BIOL 2113L OR BIOL 1111 and BIOL 1111L) (Co-Requisites: BIOL 2117L) Provides students with a foundation in basic microbiology with emphasis on infectious disease. Topics include microbial diversity, microbial cell biology, microbial genetics, interactions and impact of microorganisms and humans, microorganisms and human disease.

3
BIOL 2117 L

(Prerequisite: BIOL 2113 and BIOL 2113L OR BIOL 1111 and BIOL 1111L) (Co-Requisites: BIOL 2117) Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2117. The laboratory exercises for this course include microbial diversity, microbial cell biology, microbial genetics, interactions and impact of microorganisms and humans, and microorganisms and human disease.

1
Occupational Courses (49 hours) 49
DHYG 1000

(Prerequisite: Program admission) Provides the student with a thorough knowledge of external and internal morphological characteristics of human primary and secondary dentition. Also introduces the student to various tooth identification systems, classifications of occlusion and dental anomalies. Topics include: oral cavity anatomy, dental terminology, external and internal tooth anatomy, tooth nomenclature and numbering systems, individual tooth and root morphology, occlusion and dental anomalies.

2
DHYG 1010

(Prerequisite: Program admission) Focuses on the study of cells and tissues of the human body with emphasis on those tissues that compose the head, neck, and oral cavity. Topics include: cellular structure and organelles, histology of epithelium, histology of the connective tissue, histology of muscle tissue, histology of nerve tissue, histology of oral mucosa and orofacial structures, embryological development of the head and neck, tooth development, and development of tooth supporting structures.

1
DHYG 1020

(Prerequisite: Program admission) Focuses on anatomy of the head and neck. Emphasis is placed on those structures directly affected by the practice of dentistry. Topics include: terminology, anatomic landmarks, osteology of the skull, temporomandibular joint, muscles of mastication, muscles of facial expression, nervous system, blood supply of head and neck, lymphatic system and immunology, endocrine and exocrine glands of the head and neck, nasal and paranasal sinuses, facial spaces and the spread of dental infections, and anatomy concerning local anesthesia.

2
DHYG 1030

(Prerequisite: Program admission) Focuses on the nature, qualities, composition and manipulation of materials used in dentistry. The primary goal of this course is to enhance the student's ability to make clinical judgments regarding the use and care of dental materials based on how these materials react in the oral environment. Topics include: dental materials standards, dental materials properties, impression materials, gypsum products, mouth guards and whitening systems, dental bases, liners and cements, temporary restorations, classifications for restorative dentistry, direct restorative materials, indirect restorative materials, polishing procedures for dental restorations, removable dental prostheses, sealants, and implants.

2
DHYG 1040

(Prerequisite: Program admission) (Co-requisite: DHYG 1050) Provides fundamental skills to be utilized in the delivery of optimum patient care by the dental hygienist. Topics include: patient assessment, instrumentation, charting, occlusion, caries, emergencies, ethics and professionalism, asepsis, and patient and clinician positioning.

2
DHYG 1050

(Prerequisite: Program admission) (Co-requisite: DHYG 1040) Provides fundamental skills to be utilized in the delivery of optimum patient care by the dental hygienist. Topics include: asepsis, ethics and professionalism, emergencies, patient assessment, patient and clinician positioning, instrumentation, charting, occlusion and caries.

2
DHYG 1070

(Prerequisite: Program admission) (Co-requisite: DHYG 1020) Emphasizes the application of radiology principles in the study of the teeth and their surrounding structures. Topics include: radiation physics principles, radiation biology, radiation safety, radiographic quality assurance, imaging theory, radiographic interpretation, radiographic need, legal issues of dental radiography, and digital radiography techniques and principles.

2
DHYG 1090

(Prerequisite: Program admission) (Co-requisite: DHYG 1020) Emphasizes the application of radiology principles in the study of the teeth and their surrounding structures. Topics include: radiation safety, radiographic quality assurance, imaging theory, radiographic interpretation, radiographic need, and digital radiography principles and techniques.

1
DHYG 1110

(Prerequisite: DHYG 1040) (Co-requisite: DHYG 1111) Continues the development of knowledge in patient care. Topics include: prevention, instrumentation, patient management, dental appliances, and treatment planning.

2
DHYG 1111

(Prerequisite: DHYG 1050) (Co-requisite: DHYG 1110) Continues the development of knowledge in patient care. Topics include: prevention, instrumentation, patient management, dental appliances, treatment planning, and applied techniques.

3
DHYG 1206

(Prerequisite: Program admission) Introduces principles of basic pharmacology as they pertain to the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene. Emphasizes actions and reactions of medications commonly used in the dental office or taken by dental patients. Topics include: pharmaceutical referencing, legal and ethical considerations, drug effects, contraindications, drug related emergencies, dental related anesthesia, and pain control.

3
DHYG 2010

(Prerequisite: DHYG 1070, DHYG 1110) (Co-requisite: DHYG 2020) Continues the development of student knowledge in treating patients and preventing oral disease. Topics include: instrument sharpening, patient assessment, antimicrobial use, pulp vitality testing, treatment of hypersensitivity, whitening, implant care, tobacco cessation, pit and fissure sealants, scaling, debridement and rootplaning, ultrasonics and air polishing and dietary analysis.

2
DHYG 2020

(Prerequisite: DHYG 1070, DHYG 1090, DHYG 1111) (Co-requisite: DHYG 2010) Continues the development of student knowledge in treating patients and preventing oral disease. Topics include: instrument sharpening, patient assessment, antimicrobial use, pulp vitality testing, treatment of hypersensitivity, whitening, implant care, tobacco cessation, pit and fissure sealants, scaling, debridement and root planning, ultrasonics and air polishing, dietary analysis, and applied techniques.

2
DHYG 2050

(Prerequisite: DHYG 1010, DHYG 1020) Introduces pathology as a specialty of dentistry and includes the etiology, pathogenesis, and recognition of various pathological conditions. Emphasis is placed on oral and paraoral pathology and systemic conditions affecting the head and neck. Topics include: terminology and biopsy procedures, inflammation, repair, and regeneration, soft tissue and dental anomalies, pathogenesis of caries and pulpal pathology, cysts and tumors of the head and neck, systemic conditions that affect the oral structures, infectious diseases, diseases of the salivary glands, diseases of bone, blood dyscrasias, vesiculo-erosive and autoimmune diseases, and genetic diseases and syndromes of the head and neck.

3
DHYG 2070

(Prerequisite: DHYG 1110) Provides students with a broad understanding of the healthcare system and an objective view of the significant social, political, psychological, and economic forces directing the system. Prepares students to promote oral health and prevent oral disease in a community, by meeting specific dental health needs of community groups. Topics include: epidemiology, community dental care assessment, community dental care provision, preventive counseling for groups, group oral health education, terminology, dental care systems, biostatistics, and concepts of dental research.

3
DHYG 2080

(Prerequisite: DHYG 2010) (Co-requisites: DHYG 2090) Continues the development of student knowledge necessary for treatment and prevention of oral diseases. Topics include: treatment of patients with special needs.

2
DHYG 2090

(Prerequisite: DHYG 2020) (Co-requisites: DHYG 2080) Continues the development of student skills necessary for treatment and prevention of oral disease. Topics include: special needs patients and applied techniques.

4
DHYG 2110

(Prerequisite: Program admission) Provides a basic introduction to organic chemistry and biochemistry. Familiarizes students with the role of nutrition in the human body with an emphasis on the dental hygienist's role as a nutritional educator. Topics include: molecular structure, carbohydrates, proteins, nutrition and digestion, bioenergetics, nutritional aspects, nutritional disorders, and diet assessment.

2
DHYG 2130

(Prerequisite: DHYG 2080) (Co-requisites: DHYG 2140) Focuses on the dental hygiene field and presents the fundamental concepts and principles necessary for successful participation in the dental profession. Topics include: employability skills, State of Georgia Dental Practice Act, office management, expanded duties, legal aspects, ethics, dental hygiene practice settings, and dentistry and dental hygiene regulation.

2
DHYG 2140

(Prerequisite: DHYG 2090) (Co-requisites: DHYG 2130) Continues the development of student skills necessary for treatment and prevention of oral disease. Topics include: applied techniques and time management.

4
DHYG 2200

(Prerequisite: DHYG 1010) Provides fundamental information on periodontal anatomy, pathogenesis of the periodontal diseases, and an introduction to modern rational periodontal therapy, including, preventative, non-surgical, and surgical methods. Topics include: tissues of the periodontium, periodontal pathology, periodontal diseases, assessment and treatment planning, periodontal disease therapy, and periodontal emergencies.

3
Faculty
Advisor

Dental Hygiene Program Director/Instructor
Vidalia Campus - Health Science Annex East, Dental Hygiene Lab, Office 908

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