Dental Hygiene Courses

Formerly DHYG 110, DHYG 301

This course introduces students to fundamental concepts related to tooth anatomy and terminology. Areas of emphasis include crown and root morphology in primary and permanent dentitions, nomenclature, eruption sequence, temporomandibular joint, occlusion, malocclusion patterns, and movements.

Formerly DHYG 111, DHYG 302

This course is an introduction to the embryology and histology of the head and neck region. Builds on basic sciences and prepares for the additional study of dental sciences as they relate to the clinical practice of dental hygiene.

Formerly DHYG 112, DHYG 303

This course accompanies DHYG 304 and is the first in a two-quarter series that focuses on radiation physics, biology, protection of the patient when radiographs are taken, recognition of anatomical landmarks, evidence of pathology, and abnormalities.

Formerly DHYG 101, DHYG 304

This course accompanies DHYG 303 and is the first in a two-quarter series and provides students the opportunity to apply principles of patient protection, radiographic film placement, and proper exposure and developing techniques. Students will identify oral structures in radiographs. $11.40 lab fee.

Formerly DHYG 113, DHYG 305

This course accompanies DHYG 306 and is the first in a series of clinical dental hygiene technique courses and introduces students to basic principles used in the practice of dental hygiene. Areas of emphasis include infection control standards (OSHA), universal precautions, patient assessment, and treatment standards. $135 per quarter Dental Hygiene clinic fee.

Formerly DHYG 102, DHYG 306

This course accompanies DHYG 305 and is the second in a series of clinical dental hygiene technique courses that provides students the opportunity to apply skills and knowledge in a pre-clinical setting. Areas of emphasis include: basic skills of infection control, patient assessment, and treatment in the pre-clinical setting. $10.72 per quarter malpractice insurance fee. $135 per quarter Dental Hygiene clinic fee.

Formerly DHYG 114, DHYG 307

This course explores the principles and practices of prevention and management of dental disease with emphasis on biofilm control, cardiology, patient motivation, oral hygiene education, and techniques.

Formerly DHYG 115, DHYG 308

This course accompanying DHYG 309 introduces students to history, composition, chemical and physical properties, and use of materials commonly used in the dental laboratory and dental operatory.

Formerly DHYG 103, DHYG 309

This course accompanies DHYG 308 and provides students an opportunity to practice skills related to common dental materials and procedures. $11.40 lab fee.

Formerly DHYG 116, DHYG 310

In this course students will study head and neck regions, identification of nerves, bones, muscles, and oral regions structure and function.

Formerly DHYG 120, DHYG 311

This course focuses on the study of commonly encountered medical emergencies in the dental setting that may involve systemic disease and etiology, presentation, treatment, and effects of dental treatment on patients who may present with these diseases and other medical conditions. The associated emergency procedures required to treat medical emergencies in the dental setting will be covered, as well as cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), first aid and safety training.

Formerly DHYG 121, DHYG 312

In this course students will study systemic diseases and their etiology, presentation of signs and symptoms of disease manifestation, inflammatory process, immune response, and healing. Includes current recommended treatments, morbidity, mortality, and the impact of oral inflammation and disease on systemic health.

Formerly DHYG 122, DHYG 313

The course accompanies DHYG 314 and is the second in a series of oral radiology. Students will be introduced to radiographic quality, techniques, interpretation of errors, and pathology.

Formerly DHYG 104, DHYG 314

The course accompanies DHYG 313 and is the second in a series of oral radiology labs. Students will have an opportunity to practice oral radiographic technique and apply knowledge to analyze radiographic technique and evaluation of films diagnostic quality and effectiveness. $11.40 lab fee.

Formerly DHYG 123, DHYG 315

This course accompanies DHYG 316 and the second in a series of clinical dental hygiene technique courses and introduces students to dental hygiene treatment planning, effective communication with patients, preventive dental patient education, and clinical skill development.

Formerly DHYG 105, DHYG 316

This course accompanies DHYG 315 and the second in a series of clinical dental hygiene technique courses and introduces students to dental hygiene treatment planning, effective communication with patients, preventive dental patient education, and clinical skill development. $10.72 per quarter malpractice insurance fee. $11.40 lab fee. $135 per quarter Dental Hygiene clinic fee.

Formerly DHYG 125, DHYG 318

This course accompanies DHYG 319 and is the first in a series of courses in restorative dentistry. Students will be introduced to composition and physical properties of amalgam, amalgam's use as a dental restorative material, amalgam safety, proper handling, and placement of amalgam with an emphasis on occlusion.

Formerly DHYG 106, DHYG 319

This course accompanies DHYG 318 and is the first in a series of laboratory courses in restorative dentistry and provides students an opportunity to apply skills for safe placement, handling, and manipulation of amalgam restorative materials to complete Class I restorations. $10.72 per quarter malpractice insurance fee. $11.40 lab fee.

Formerly DHYG 126, DHYG 320

This course accompanies DHYG 321 and includes the pharmacology and physiology of both local anesthetic agents and nitrous oxide sedation. Application of the knowledge of the nerves of the head, the physiology of nerve conduction, and the transmission of pain impulse are studied as well as the transient blockage of nerve transmission with local anesthetics. Knowledge of prevention and management of dental emergencies is included as well as the decision making of the selection of the appropriate injection to be given and the type of local anesthetic to be used. The use of nitrous oxide delivery and its application as an analgesic is also included.

Formerly DHYG 107, DHYG 321

This course accompanies DHYG 320 that gives students an opportunity to practice effective techniques in the delivery of nerve block and infiltration injections, including safe and effective delivery of nitrous oxide sedation. All injections and the delivery of nitrous oxide are completed on student partners. These skills are part of the expanded duties allowed for dental hygienists in Washington State. $11.40 lab fee.

Formerly DHYG 127, DHYG 322

This course explores the study of pharmacology as it affects the clinical practice of dentistry with an emphasis on drugs commonly used to treat medical conditions and their impact on dental treatment. Areas of emphasis include effects, administration, biotransformation, and toxicology as potential for emergency reactions, idiopathic reactions, and emergency treatment protocols.

Formerly DHYG 131, DHYG 323

The course introduces students to commonly encountered oral diseases including their etiology, presentation, recognition, treatment, impact on dental treatment, and the need for referral for further evaluation. Extensive and correct documentation is stressed as well as collaboration with a dentist for definitive diagnosis.

Formerly DHYG 132, DHYG 324

This course is the first of a two-quarter series on the study of periodontology. Students will explore fundamental concepts related to components of the gingival and periodontal structures, various health and disease states of the periodontium including peri-implantitis, contributing factors that cause gingivitis and periodontitis, development of disease, and oral-systemic link.

Formerly DHYG 134, DHYG 325

This course accompanies DHYG 326 and is the third in a series of clinical dental hygiene technique courses. Areas of emphasis include: dental hygiene techniques and the expanded development of clinical dental hygiene skills. $10.72 per quarter malpractice insurance fee.

Formerly DHYG 108, DHYG 326

This course accompanies DHYG 325 and is the third in a series of clinical dental hygiene technique courses that provides students the opportunity to apply skills and knowledge during direct patient care. Areas of emphasis include patient assessment, instrumentation, treatment, and continued development of procedures and techniques introduced in pre-clinical courses. $11.40 lab fee. $135 per quarter Dental Hygiene clinic fee.

Formerly DHYG 135, DHYG 327

This course accompanies DHYG 328 and is the second in the restorative series. This course introduces students to dental preparation design, isolation techniques, application of dental materials, amalgam restorations, and composite materials.

Formerly DHYG 109, DHYG 328

This course accompanies DHYG 327 and is the second in the restorative series. This course provides students the opportunity to learn and practice skills related to placement and finishing of Class I composite and Class II amalgam restorations. $10.72 per quarter malpractice insurance fee. $11.40 lab fee.

Formerly DHYG 136, DHYG 329

In this course students study characteristics of individual patients, motivation, and interpersonal communication. Areas of emphasis include exposure to diverse cultures and their attitudes and approaches to medical and dental care, modification of treatment planning for the young, geriatric, medically or mentally compromised patient, and patients who exhibit special needs.

Formerly DHYG 144, DHYG 330

This course accompanies DHYG 331 and is the fourth in a series of clinical dental hygiene technique courses and introduces students to dental hygiene techniques for the periodontally involved patient, advanced instrumentation techniques for root surfaces, powered scalers, treatment of the pregnant patient through menopause, geriatric patients, patients with dental prostheses, and edentulous patients.

Formerly DHYG 147, DHYG 331

This course accompanies DHYG 330 and is a continuation of DHYG 326. This course provides students an opportunity to apply learned skills, critical evaluation of dental hygiene treatment needs, and delivery of care on a variety of patients. $10.72 per quarter malpractice insurance fee. $11.40 lab fee. $135 per quarter Dental Hygiene clinic fee.

Formerly DHYG 246, DHYG 401

This course accompanies DHYG 402 and is the third in the restorative series. Areas of emphasis include Class II composite restorations and restoring anterior teeth.

Formerly DHYG 220, DHYG 402

This course accompanies DHYG 401 and is the third in the restorative series. Students will have the opportunity to practice skills related to placement and finishing of Class II amalgam and composite restorations, Class V glass ionomer restorations, and restoring anterior teeth. $10.72 per quarter malpractice insurance fee. $11.40 lab fee.

This course presents students with foundational knowledge of community health. Topics include local and national organizations related to community health, oral health discrepancies, access to dental care, determinants of health, epidemiology, and disease prevention.

Formerly DHYG 211, DHYG 404

This course reviews principles of nutrition with enhanced information on nutrition's relationship to oral health. Areas of emphasis include assessment of a patient's nutritional knowledge, eating habits, and impact that these have on the patient's overall oral health.

Formerly DHYG 214, DHYG 406

This course accompanies DHYG 407 and is the fifth in a series of clinical dental hygiene technique courses. Topics include case presentations and study of clinical cases, advanced clinical techniques of local anesthesia, and the role of the dental hygienist in tobacco cessation. $135 per quarter Dental Hygiene clinic fee.

Formerly DHYG 216, DHYG 407

This course accompanies DHYG 406 and is a continuation of DHYG 331. Areas of emphasis include: progressive clinical experience in patient assessment, dental hygiene treatment planning, continued development of clinical skills and knowledge, and restorative care on patients. $10.72 per quarter malpractice insurance fee. $135 per quarter Dental Hygiene clinic fee.

Formerly DHYG 215, DHYG 408

This course provides an understanding of ethical and legal concepts related to the practice of dental hygiene including: professional code of ethics, ethical dilemmas, organizational and professional issues, legal concepts, and law as it relates to the practice of dental hygiene. Students will also explore the role of the dental hygienist within the dental office, dental insurance, professional leadership attributes, and career preparation.

In this course students will be introduced to public health concepts and their impact on community health research, design elements included in research including selection of research topic, exploration of community partners and potential stakeholders, program/project development, preparation for implementation, and selection of evaluation methods. Students will implement, evaluate, and present their program/project in DHYG 415.

Formerly DHYG 222, DHYG 410

This course is the second of a two-quarter series on periodontology and focuses on treatment of periodontal disease including classification, treatment planning, procedure coding for dental hygiene therapies, reevaluation, maintenance, retreatment, determination of referral for out of scope treatment needs, surgical concepts, and the patient's role in periodontal therapy.

Formerly DHYG 224, DHYG 411

This course accompanies DHYG 412 and is the sixth in a series of clinical dental hygiene technique courses. Topics include assessment of the periodontally involved patient, evaluation of continued care needs, appointment intervals, risk assessment, discussion, and determination of restorative needs and care.

Formerly DHYG 218, DHYG 412

This course accompanies DHYG 411 and is a continuation of DHYG 407. Students have the opportunity to provide comprehensive clinical experiences in all phases of the dental hygiene process of care including clinical work that expands on procedures and techniques introduced in prior clinical courses including placement of restorations on patients. $10.72 per quarter malpractice insurance fee. $11.40 lab fee. $135 per quarter Dental Hygiene clinic fee.

Formerly DHYG 234, DHYG 413

This course accompanies DHYG 414 and is the final course in a series of clinical dental hygiene technique courses and provides expanded learning through discussion and exploration of patient scheduling and clinical practice in a variety of settings including community and public health clinics, private dental practices, and specialty practices. $10.72 per quarter malpractice insurance fee.

Formerly DHYG 219, DHYG 414

This course accompanies DHYG 413 and is a continuation of DHYG 412. Students will have the opportunity to continue clinical practice in dental hygiene services in a clinical setting with an emphasis on completing the dental hygiene process of care, implementation of patient care for a variety of patients, and placement of restorations on patients. $11.40 lab fee. $135 per quarter Dental Hygiene clinic fee.

This course is the final segment (capstone) in the community oral health series and provides students the opportunity to demonstrate their cumulative knowledge in the community health field by implementation and evaluation of a community program or project. This course takes place outside of the classroom in an experiential learning format and includes a final presentation of the students oral health program/project. $11.40 lab fee.

In this course students will be introduced to educational methodology. Topics include: pre-assessment strategies to determine participants' knowledge level, creation of an overview and objectives to provide learners with a context for learning including giving targeted feedback, performance evaluation to enhance continual learning goals, selection among direct instruction, inquiry-based learning, and cooperative learning.

This course is the final course in the restorative series and provides students an opportunity to practice skills related to placement and finishing of Class II, III, and IV amalgam and composite restorations, cusp build-ups, and restoring anterior teeth.