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Dental Hygiene Degree (DH13) Degree
Our Dental Hygiene Degree program is designed to prepare students with essential skills for success in the dental profession. We prioritize a humanistic culture and positive learning environment, providing ample opportunities for both technical expertise and professional development. With a focus on compassionate care, effective communication, and ethical practice, we instill values of integrity, empathy, and service to humanity. Graduates earn a Dental Hygiene Associate of Applied Science Degree, reflecting their readiness for a fulfilling career characterized by excellence and compassion.
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, during the summer semester. To graduate, degree-seeking students must earn a minimum of 86 semester credit hours.
Scope of Practice and Employment Opportunities
Registered dental hygienists work in a variety of professional settings. The public is most familiar with dental hygienists in the private dental office, where they perform numerous critical services designed to detect, prevent, and treat diseases of the mouth. These include but are not limited to oral prophylaxis; treating periodontal disease; examining the head, neck, and oral cavity for signs of disease and infection; educating patients about oral hygiene and treatment options; exposing and interpreting dental radiographs; obtaining impressions and performing whitening procedures; and applying fluoride and sealants. Registered dental hygienists play a vital role in protecting the oral health of the American public as well as function as a vital member of the dental community. Other employment settings include hospitals, military bases, correctional facilities, health departments, dental supply companies, insurance companies, colleges, and universities.
The Georgia Career Information System projects a growing demand for dental hygienists in the near future, with the outlook for this profession indicating rapid expansion. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, "employment of dental hygienists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations." Furthermore, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median salary for dental hygienists stands at $81,400 annually.
Dental Hygiene Program Mission Statement
The mission of the Dental Hygiene Program at Southeastern Technical College is to educate students through the transmission of dental science knowledge acquired from formal didactic and clinical study, self-directed research, and client/patient care. The program is committed to excellence in the theory and practice of dental hygiene and in the development of competent, socially sensitive, and ethically responsible healthcare professionals.
*For more detailed program information, please refer to the Catalog & Handbook.
Dental Hygiene Program Goals
- To equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values required to deliver professional dental hygiene patient care to the public.
- To provide an environment which will foster respect for the Dental Hygiene Professional Code of Ethics and Conduct and assure recognition and acceptance of the responsibilities of the profession of dental hygiene.
- To prepare the graduates of the basic two-year curriculum in dental hygiene to fulfill the dental hygienist’s role in community oral health services.
- To teach students to conduct critical reviews of current literature as a means of research and life-long learning.
Dental Hygiene Program Outcomes
- The program demonstrates evidence of students’ achievement in completing the Dental Hygiene program. At least 65% of students will graduate within the expected timeframe from their entry into the program.
- The program demonstrates evidence of graduates’ achievement on the licensure examinations.
- The program demonstrates evidence of graduates’ achievement in job placement. At least 90% of graduates will be employed as a Dental Hygienist within 6-12 months of graduation.
a. At least 90% of graduates will pass the CRDTS on the first attempt.
b. At least 90% of graduates will pass the NBDHE on the first attempt.
Dental Hygiene Program End of Program Student Learning Outcomes (EOPSLO)
EOPSLO #1:
Graduates will be able to apply the dental hygiene process of care and problem-solving strategies to provide dental hygiene care to all client/patient population.
Program Competencies:
C 1.1 Assessment: Accurately collect, analyze and record data on the general, oral and psychosocial health status of a variety of patients/client/patient/patients. C 1.2 Diagnosis: Utilize critical decision-making skills to reach conclusions about the client/patient's dental hygiene needs based on all available assessment data. C 1.3 Planning: Collaborate with the client/patient, and/or health professionals, to formulate a comprehensive dental hygiene care plan that is client/patient-centered and based on current scientific evidence. C 1.4.1 Implementation: Provide specialized treatment that includes preventive and therapeutic services designed to achieve and maintain oral health. C 1.4.2 Assist in achieving oral health goals formulated in collaboration with the client/patient. C 1.5 Evaluation: Evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented clinical, preventive, and educational services and modify as needed.
EOPSLO #2:
Graduates will demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate scientific evidence and integrate it into dental hygiene practice to effectively deliver evidence-based care among all patient populations and prepare for lifelong learning.
Program Competencies:
C 2.1 Provide dental hygiene care to promote client/patient health and wellness using critical thinking and problem solving in the provision of evidenced-based practice. C 2.2 Use evidence-based decision making to evaluate and incorporate emerging treatment modalities. C 2.3 Assume responsibility for dental hygiene actions and care based on accepted scientific theories and research as well as the accepted standard of care.
C 2.4 Participate in professional activities that promote life-long learning and professional development. C 2.5 Develop awareness of the oral health needs of the community and the quality and availability of resources and services. C 2.6 Engage in activities related to research, community involvement, and professional development.
EOPSLO #3:
Graduates will demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills to promote optimal oral health outcomes among a diverse population of patients.
Program Competencies:
C 3.1 Communicate effectively with individuals and groups from diverse populations both verbally and in writing. C 3.2 Provide accurate, consistent and complete documentation for assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation of dental hygiene services. C 3.3 Identify individual and population risk factors and develop strategies that promote health related quality of life. C 3.4 Evaluate factors that can be used to promote client/patient adherence to disease prevention and/or health maintenance strategies.
EOPSLO #4:
Graduates will demonstrate ethical behavior, professionalism, and adherence to legal regulations and professional codes of conduct governing dental hygiene practice.
Program Competencies:
C 4.1 Understand and apply professional values and ethics in all endeavors. C 4.2 Adhere to state and federal laws, recommendations and regulations in the provision of dental hygiene care. C 4.3 Provide care to all clients/patients using an individualized approach that is humane, empathetic, and caring.
Dental Hygiene Program Curriculum Summer Semester 2023 Cohort
Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
*COLL 1040 | College Foundations (Not included in competitive admission GPA calculation, but must be taken in the first semester attending STC.) |
3 |
ENGL 1101 | Composition and Rhetoric | 3 |
MATH 1111 | College Algebra | 3 |
PSYC 1101 | Introductory Psychology | 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 |
CHEM 1151 | Survey of Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
CHEM 1151 L | Survey of Inorganic Chemistry Lab | 1 |
or | ||
CHEM 1211 | Chemistry I | 3 |
CHEM 1211 L | Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
Summer Semester #1 | ||
---|---|---|
Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
BIOL 2117 | Introductory Microbiology | 3 |
BIOL 2117 L | Introductory Microbiology Lab | 1 |
ENGL 2130 | American Literature | 3 |
SPCH 1101 | Public Speaking | 3 |
DHYG 2110 | Biochemistry/Nutrition Fund | 2 |
Fall Semester #2 | ||
DHYG 1040 | Preclinical Dental Hygiene Lecture | 2 |
DHYG 1050 | Preclinical Dental Hygiene Lab | 2 |
DHYG 1000 | Tooth Anatomy/Root Morphology | 2 |
DHYG 1010 | Oral Embryology and Histology | 1 |
DHYG 1020 | Head and Neck Anatomy | 2 |
Spring Semester #3 | ||
DHYG 1070 | Radiology Lecture | 2 |
DHYG 1090 | Radiology Lab | 1 |
Summer Semester #4 | ||
DHYG 1110 | Clinical Dental Hygiene I Lecture | 2 |
DHYG 1111 | Clinical Dental Hygiene I Lab | 3 |
DHYG 2050 | General and Oral Pathology/Pathophysiology | 3 |
DHYG 2200 | Periodontology | 3 |
Fall Semester #5 | ||
DHYG 2010 | Clinical Dental Hygiene II Lecture | 2 |
DHYG 2020 | Clinical Dental Hygiene II Lab | 2 |
DHYG 1030 | Dental Materials | 2 |
DHYG 1206 | Pharmacology and Pain Control | 3 |
Spring Semester #6 | ||
DHYG 2080 | Clinical Dental Hygiene III Lecture | 2 |
DHYG 2090 | Clinical Dental Hygiene III Lab | 4 |
DHYG 2070 | Community Dental Health | 3 |
SOCI 1101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
Summer Semester #7 | ||
DHYG 2130 | Clinical Dental Hygiene IV Lecture | 2 |
DHYG 2140 | Clinical Dental Hygiene IV Lab | 4 |
Program Admission Criteria – Effective Immediately for Admission into SUMMER 2025
- Prospective students seeking admission into the Dental Hygiene program 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;
- Complete the following prerequisite courses (25 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. GPA calculation includes all transfer and repeated classes (taken within the last 5 years/60 months). If a student chooses to repeat a class in which they have already earned credit within the past 5 years, and then withdraws, the course will need to be repeated, and a letter grade earned, before the student’s competitive admission GPA can be calculated.
Course Number |
Course Name
|
Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
*COLL 1040 | College Foundations (Not included in competitive admission GPA calculation but should be taken in the first semester attending STC.) |
3 |
ENGL 1101 |
Composition and Rhetoric |
3 |
MATH 1111 |
College Algebra |
3 |
PSYC 1101 | Introductory Psychology | 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 |
BIOL 2117 L |
Introductory Microbiology |
3 |
BIOL 2117 L | Introductory Microbiology Lab | 1 |
CHEM 1151 |
Survey of Inorganic Chemistry |
3 |
CHEM 1151 L |
Survey of Inorganic Chemistry Lab |
1 |
or | ||
CHEM 1211 | Chemistry I | 3 |
CHEM 1211 L | Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
- Complete a total of 20 unpaid observation/volunteer hours with a single licensed dental hygienist in at least two (2) different dental practice areas such as: general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, periodontal clinic, or community health center. Observing/volunteering at your place of current/previous employment will not count for hours. Hours should occur within one (1) year of the date of the application deadline for the year in which you wish to enroll.
Note: One cohort will be accepted into the Dental Hygiene program annually for the Summer semester.
Competitive Selection Process
Admission to the Dental Hygiene program follows a competitive selection process based on a 3.0 GPA of prerequisite core classes. Slots are allocated starting from the highest prerequisite grade point average and proceeding downward until the maximum enrollment of approximately 12 students is reached.
In the event of a tie between candidates, the slot will be awarded to the student who earns the most points on the Tiebreaker Scoring Rubric, which considers the following criteria:
- Official transcript verifying completion of a technical certificate of credit, diploma, or degree from a regionally accredited college or university. (45%)
- Official transcript verifying graduation from a CODA accredited Dental Assisting program with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. (20%)
- Documentation of paid dental experience within the last two (2) years. This documentation must specify the number of hours worked and must be signed by a licensed dentist. (35%)
- *If more than one applicant possesses paid dental experience, the individual with the most hours worked will be selected.
If applicable, documentation of the tiebreaker criteria must be submitted by the application deadline.
Program Progression
Students admitted the Dental Hygiene program are required to earn a minimum grade of “C” in all DHYG courses. Students earning less than a “C” in any DHYG course will not be allowed to continue in the program, and must reapply for admission to the program. No guarantee of readmission is made.
Program Readmission
Students who withdraw from any Dental Hygiene course have the option of reapplying for admission into a future cohort for the following reasons:
- Attendance
- Failure to complete a course with a grade of C or better
- Personal
Readmission to the program will be granted ONCE; however, readmission is not guaranteed. Selection for readmission is based on the student’s GPA at the current institution and space availability. Readmission may be denied due to, but not limited to, any of the following circumstances:
- Grade point average is less than 2.0 from DHYG courses completed at the current institution.
- Twelve months have elapsed since the student was enrolled in a DHYG course.
- Students dismissed from the previous program for disciplinary reasons and/or unsafe/unsatisfactory patient care in the clinical area will not be allowed readmission to the program.
A maximum of one slot per cohort can be filled with a readmission. In the event more than one student meets the requirements for readmission, the following criteria will be utilized to determine the best candidate for readmission:
- Grade Point Average of prerequisite courses. (45%)
- Official transcript verifying completion of a technical certificate of credit, diploma, or degree from a regionally accredited college or university. (20%)
- Written documentation verifying paid dental experience within the last two (2) years. This documentation must state the number of hours of paid experience worked and signed by a licensed dentist. (35%)
- *If more than one applicant possesses paid dental experience, the individual with the most hours worked will be selected.
Because of the structure of the Dental Hygiene program, students are required to repeat all Dental Hygiene courses. Students will not have the opportunity to take a written exam or a clinical skills competency exam as an alternative. Advanced standing cannot be attained.
Advanced Standing/Transfer Policy
The Dental Hygiene program at STC does not offer advanced standing for students with prior dental education or work experience, nor does it accept transfers from other Dental Hygiene programs. These policies are in place due to the rigorous board examinations and accreditation requirements within the dental hygiene profession. While students with previous dental education or work experience are welcome to apply for admission to the Dental Hygiene program, they are not granted advanced standing or exemptions for Dental Hygiene courses completed at other institutions.
Program Costs
Students will be responsible for the following expenses. Most of these requirements must be completed prior to the beginning of clinical or laboratory activities.
Costs are estimates and are subject to change.
- Tuition/Fees: $10,514 (tuition $100 per credit hour; fees $319 each semester)
- Textbooks: approximately $1,200.00 for entire program
- Dental Hygiene National Board Exam: $565
- CRDTS Examination: $1,025
- Supplies/Site Fee for Clinical Boards: $175
- Georgia Board of Dentistry Application Fee: $175
- Instruments: $2,100
- Dental Hygiene National Board Review Course: $425
- Loupes: $1,000 and up
- Uniform Costs: $300 detailed information regarding uniforms will be provided at the mandatory program orientation.
- Background check, drug screen and immunization tracker: (approximately $127.95; paid to PreCheck) (Effective Summer 2025)
- American Heart Association BLS Provider certification and First Aid (must cover 1-person, 2-person, infant, child and adult CPR and AED): $65.00
- Liability Insurance: $12 per year
- Vision Exam: $100 (cost varies by provider)
- Dental Exam: $100 (cost varies by provider) (Effective Summer 2025)
- Physical Exam: $200 (cost varies by provider) (Effective Summer 2025)
- Recommended Immunizations/Laboratory Tests:
- MMR vaccination: $64
- Measles titer: $20
- Mumps titer: $20
- Rubella titer: $20
- Varicella titer: $20
- Hepatitis B titer: $20
- Varicella vaccination: $117
- Tuberculin Skin Test (TST)/PPD - Two-step: $25 per step
- Tdap: $40
- Tetanus vaccination: $20
- Hepatitis B Series: $264 or signed declination
- Hepatitis A and B: $163 for 3-shot series (this option may be chosen instead of the Hepatitis B series)
- Seasonal Influenza vaccination: $25 or signed declination
Special Note: A single charge may apply to more than one titer being drawn at the same time.
- Laptop Computer: 200+ (Effective Summer 2025)
Specifications should include:
- Processor i5 or i7
- Memory 8GB or higher
- Hard Drive 250GB or larger
- DVD Drive either internal or external
- Webcam with microphone
- Reliable Internet Connection required (Mobile Hotspots are not allowed)
- Test your internet speed using www.speedtest.net
- Graduation Application Fee: $40 (if student participates); Print diploma fee: $10 and cover is $10.
- Dental Hygiene Pin for pinning ceremony: $10
Fees are to be paid on or before the deadline established by the College or program faculty.
Professional Licensure/Certification
This program prepares students for the opportunity to pursue an occupational license.
The following information comes from American Dental Association (ADA) and can be found at www.ada.org.
Licensure of dental hygienists in the United States is the responsibility of an individual state, district, or dependency. A license issued by one such jurisdiction is applicable only within the geographic confines of that particular jurisdiction. Agencies in state government that administer dental hygiene licensure under laws adopted by state legislatures typically are called state boards of dentistry. A list of state boards can be found at: http://dentalboards.org/links/. Specific dental hygiene licensure requirements vary among states, but all states have three types of requirements: an educational requirement, a written examination requirement and a clinical examination requirement. All states accept graduates of dental hygiene programs accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association as fulfilling the educational requirement.
While every effort is made by the college and faculty to ensure the student’s success on both the written and clinical board, acceptance into the dental hygiene program and subsequent completion does not imply that the student will be successful on these licensure examinations. It is the responsibility of the individual student to study and prepare for both examinations. The student must follow all established policies established by the testing agencies regarding registering, payment, scheduling time to take the exam, and all expenses incurred for the examinations.
Criminal Arrest History/Record
Arrest or conviction of a misdemeanor (excluding minor traffic violations) or arrest or conviction of a felony could result in the student being denied licensure by the state dental board. Early communication with the state dental board is suggested.
Visit the Georgia Board of Dentistry website (http://gbd.georgia.gov/) for additional information on requirements and restrictions for Dental Hygiene licensure in Georgia.
Bloodborne/Airborne Pathogen Exposure
An inherent risk with any health science profession is the possibility for exposure to blood borne and infectious diseases. Southeastern Technical College's Exposure Control Plan is designed to provide the faculty and students with recognition of tasks, procedures, and activities which present the potential for occupational exposure to blood and air-borne pathogens and a means of eliminating or minimizing exposures in the performance of their instructional duties or activities. A complete manual of our compliance policies and procedures is available in each classroom and laboratory or upon request.
Notification About Exposure to Hazardous Materials
Participation in the Dental Hygiene program includes exposure to hazardous materials. These materials are essential to various dental procedures and practices that you will learn and perform throughout your education. A complete manual of our compliance policies and procedures is available upon request.
Notification About Exposure to Ionizing Radiation
As part of the Dental Hygiene program, students will participate in clinical activities that involve the use of ionizing radiation, such as taking and interpreting dental X-rays. It is important to understand that exposure to ionizing radiation, although minimal and controlled, is an integral component of dental diagnostic procedures. A complete manual of our compliance policies and procedures is available in upon request.
Dental Hygiene Program Accreditation
The Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation. 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 or by calling (800) 621-8099, extension 4653.
Third Party Comments
The Commission on Dental Accreditation regularly solicits third party comments relative to the accreditation status of the Dental Hygiene at Southeastern Technical College. Comments may be submitted by interested parties such as faculty, students, program administrators, Commission consultants, specialty and dental related organizations, patients and/or consumers. The deadline for receipt of third-party comments is 60 days prior to the accreditation site visit which will occur September 10-11, 2024. Comments must pertain only to the standards for dental hygiene program or policies and procedures used in the Commission’s accreditation process. A copy of the accreditation standards and/or Commission’s policy on third party comments may be obtained by contacting the Commission on Dental Accreditation, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 or by calling (800) 621-8099, extension 4653. Website: https://coda.ada.org. Staff emails are found at: https://coda.ada.org/about-coda/coda-staff.
Complaint Policy
If a student feels that the Southeastern Technical College Dental Hygiene Program is not in compliance with the Dental Accreditation Commission standards or required accreditation procedures, he/she has the right to file a complaint with the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The Commission will review complaints that relate to a program’s compliance with the accreditation standards. The Commission is interested in the sustained quality and continued improvement of dental and dental-related programs but does not intervene on behalf of individuals or act as a court of appeals for individuals in matters of admission, appointment, promotion or dismissal of faculty, staff or students. A copy of the accreditation standards and/or Commission’s policy on third party comments may be obtained by contacting the Commission on Dental Accreditation, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 or by calling (800) 621-8099, extension 4653. Website: https://coda.ada.org/policies-and-guidelines/file-a-complaint. Staff emails are found at: https://coda.ada.org/about-coda/coda-staff.
The Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation. 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 or by calling (800) 621-8099, extension 4653.
Curriculum Sequence Upon Acceptance Into the Dental Hygiene Curriculum | |
---|---|
Summer Semester #1 | |
ENGL 2130American Literature
(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 |
SOCI 1101Introduction to Sociology
(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 |
SPCH 1101Public Speaking
(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 |
DHYG 2110Biochem/Nutrition Fundamentals for Dental Hyg
(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 |
Fall Semester #2 | |
DHYG 1000Tooth Anatomy & Root Morphology
(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 1010Oral Embryology & Histology
(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 1020Head & Neck Anatomy
(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 1040Preclinical Dental Hygiene Lecture
(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 1050Preclinical Dental Hygiene Lab
(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 |
Spring Semester #3 | |
DHYG 1030Dental Materials
(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 1070Radiology Lecture
(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 1090Radiology Lab
(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 1110Clinical Dental Hygiene I Lecture
(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 1111Clinical Dental Hygiene I Lab
(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 1206Pharmacology & Pain Control
(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 |
Summer Semester #4 | |
DHYG 2010Clinical Dental Hygiene II Lecture
(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 2020Clinical Dental Hygiene II Lab
(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 2050General & Oral Pathology/Pathophysiology
(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 2200Periodontology
(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 |
Fall Semester #5 | |
DHYG 2070Community Dental Health
(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 2080Clinical Dental Hygiene III Lecture
(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 2090Clinical Dental Hygiene III Lab
(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 |
Spring Semester #6 | |
DHYG 2130Clinical Dental Hygiene IV Lecture
(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 2140Clinical Dental Hygiene IV Lab
(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 |
Faculty
Administrative Assistant
Vidalia Campus - Health Science Annex East, Dental Hygiene Clinic
Dental Hygiene Instructor & Acting Program Director
Vidalia Campus - Health Science Annex East, Dental Hygiene Lab, Office 909
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Programs of Study
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The statements set forth in this catalog are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as the basis of a contract between a student and this institution. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the material stated herein, we reserve the right to change any provision listed in the catalog, including, but not limited to, entrance requirements and admissions procedures, academic requirements for graduation, and various fees and charges without actual notice to individual students. Every effort will be made to keep students advised of such changes.
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