Dental Hygiene (DH)

Selected Topics - Lab
DH 281 1-5 Credits/Units

10.0 hours of lab

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Selected topics in Dental Hygiene. Topics vary and course theme and content change to reflect new topics. Because the course varies in content, it is repeatable for credit. Individual topics are listed in the term class schedules.

Pharmacology I
DH 282 1 Credit/Unit

1.0 hours of lecture

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Introduction to the classification, pharmacodynamics, dosages, and therapeutic effects of drugs most commonly encountered or prescribed by the dental office. Topics include drugs of abuse, autonomic nervous system, gastrointestinal, respiratory, vitamin, and minerals. [GE]

Clinical Dental Hygiene Techniques I
DH 283 6 Credits/Units

3.0 hours of lecture / 6.0 hours of lab

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Basic theory and pre-clinical practice at the introductory level in patient assessment, care planning, management, and periodontal therapy. Includes prevention and control of oral disease and proper safety and infection control procedures. [GE]

Oral Medicine
DH 284 2 Credits/Units

2.0 hours of lecture

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Introduction to the evaluation of medical/dental histories in preparation for dental hygiene treatment. Includes the most commonly encountered oral and systemic diseases, pertinent drugs, and introduction in managing dental/medical emergencies. [GE]

Periodontics I
DH 285 3 Credits/Units

2.0 hours of lecture / 2.0 hours of lab

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Introduction to histological and clinical characteristics of normal and diseased periodontium. Introduction to tooth accumulated materials and preventive oral aids. [GE]

Dental Anatomy
DH 286 3 Credits/Units

3.0 hours of lecture

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Anatomy, embryology, and histology of the human dentition and surrounding oral structures as they apply to the practice of dental hygiene. Emphasis on tooth development and associated vocabulary, tooth identification and differentiation, and tooth numbering systems. [GE]

Special Projects
DH 290 1-15 Credits/Units

15.0 hours of lecture

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Opportunity to plan, organize and complete special projects approved by the department. [GE][PNP]

Introduction to Digital Management Systems
DH 292 1 Credit/Unit

2.0 hours of lab

Admission into the program required for enrollment. An introduction to axiUm - the digital management system designed for dental patient records, student clinical assessments, and radiography. Students will learn to navigate the system, enter data pertaining to clinical patient treatment, and track clinical skills assessments. [GE]

Introduction to Dental Materials/Assisting
DH 301 3 Credits/Units

2.0 hours of lecture / 2.0 hours of lab

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Introduction to properties and manipulation of basic restorative materials including resin, bases, liners, varnishes, cements, and sealants. Introduction to four-handed chairside assisting, study model preparation, and pit and fissure sealant application. Clinical practice through assisting in restorative situations. [GE]

Head and Neck Anatomy
DH 303 3 Credits/Units

3.0 hours of lecture

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Embryological, histological, and anatomical development of the head and neck as it applies to the practice of dental hygiene. [GE]

Educational Theory and Application
DH 304 2 Credits/Units

2.0 hours of lecture

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Survey of principles and concepts of teaching and learning and use of motivational techniques as they apply to both group and individual education and cultural differences. Students will develop skills as a dental health educator and dental health resource person. [GE]

Clinical Dental Hygiene Techniques II
DH 313 5.5 Credits/Units

1.5 hours of lecture / 8.0 hours of lab

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Emphasis on the principles of instrumentation and patient management. Clinical practice in oral prophylaxis, preventive procedures, and patient management at the introductory level. [GE]

Clinical Dental Hygiene Techniques III
DH 314 5.5 Credits/Units

1.5 hours of lecture / 8.0 hours of lab

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Clinical practice at the introductory and developmental levels in patient assessment, care planning, management, and periodontal therapy. Includes prevention and control of oral disease and proper safety and infection control procedures. [GE]

Clinical Dental Hygiene Techniques IV
DH 321 4 Credits/Units

8.0 hours of lab

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Clinical practice at the introductory and developmental levels in patient assessment, care planning, management, and periodontal therapy. Includes prevention and control of oral disease and proper safety and infection control procedures. [GE]

Oral Radiology I
DH 323 3 Credits/Units

2.0 hours of lecture / 2.0 hours of lab

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Radiographic theory, equipment, patient safety, and techniques for exposing, processing, and mounting dental radiographs. [GE]

Oral Radiology II
DH 324 1 Credit/Unit

2.0 hours of lab

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Second in a series on radiographic theory application and radiographic image interpretation. Continued experience in exposing, processing and mounting, and critiquing dental radiographs. [GE]

Oral Radiology III
DH 331 2 Credits/Units

2.0 hours of lecture

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Third in a series on radiographic theory application and image interpretation. Includes principles of radiation biology, quality assurance, radiation health and protection. Introduction of principles of contemporary panoramic radiographic techniques and comprehensive analysis of panoramic images. [GE]

General and Oral Pathology
DH 344 3 Credits/Units

3.0 hours of lecture

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Fundamentals of oral pathology including the inflammatory processes, tumor development, metabolic pathways and developmental disturbances. [GE]

Ethics and The Profession
DH 353 1 Credit/Unit

1.0 hours of lecture

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Basic ethical principles and ethical problem solving methods. Includes the Principles of Ethics of the American Dental Hygienist Association and Washington State Laws applicable to the practice of dental hygiene. These elements will enable the student to apply professional attitudes and judgments when treating clinical patients. [GE]

Local Anesthesia & Pain Control
DH 364 4 Credits/Units

2.0 hours of lecture / 3.0 hours of lab

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Integration of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and the most commonly encountered emergency procedures as they apply to the administration of local anesthesia. Clinical practice in the administration of local anesthesia is a required component of the course. Weekly clinical lab practice focuses on the 8 most commonly administered injections. [GE]

Cariology
DH 373 2 Credits/Units

2.0 hours of lecture

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Presentation of cause, progression, and prevention of dental caries with an emphasis on fluoride and other remineralization strategies. [GE]

Selected Topics
DH 380 1-9 Credits/Units

9.0 hours of lecture

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Topics vary and course theme and content change to reflect new topics. Because the course varies in content, it is repeatable for credit. Specific topics are listed in the quarterly class schedule. Please refer to course syllabus for details. [GE]

Pharmacology II
DH 383 1 Credit/Unit

1.0 hours of lecture

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Continuation of the classification, pharmacodynamics, dosages, and therapeutic effects for drugs most commonly encountered or prescribed by the dental office. Topics include antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral medications, opioid and non-opioid analgesics, and cardiovascular medications. [GE]

Pharmacology III
DH 384 1 Credit/Unit

1.0 hours of lecture

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Continuation of the classification, pharmacodynamics, dosages, and therapeutic effects for drugs most commonly encountered or prescribed by the dental office. Topics include endocrine, psychotherapeutic, sedative/hypnotic, anti-anxiety, anticonvulsants, ophthalmic, anti-neoplastic, immune function, anti-Parkinson, and Alzheimer's disease medications. [GE]

Special Projects
DH 390 1-9 Credits/Units

9.0 hours of lecture

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Opportunity to plan, organize and complete special projects approved by the department. [GE][PNP]

Clinical Dental Hygiene Techniques II Lab
DH 393 0.5 Credits/Units

1.0 hours of lab

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Clinical practice at an introductory level, evaluating the potential treatment needs of a diverse community including reviewing medical histories, current medications, and general oral and systemic health assessments. [GE]

Clinical Dental Hygiene Techniques III Lab
DH 394 0.5 Credits/Units

1.0 hours of lab

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Clinical practice at a developmental level, evaluating the potential treatment needs of a diverse community including reviewing medical histories, current medications, and general oral and systemic health assessments. [GE]

Dental Public Health - Research Methods I
DH 402 2 Credits/Units

1.0 hours of lecture / 2.0 hours of lab

Admission into the program required for enrollment. A systematic approach to the prevention and control of dental disease and the promotion of oral health through organized community efforts. Practical application of public health techniques in the assessment of the community to establish what types of oral health programs are needed. Basic principles of research and the development of the skills required for evaluation of professional research. [GE]

Dental Public Health - Research Methods II
DH 403 2 Credits/Units

1.0 hours of lecture / 2.0 hours of lab

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Continuation of Dental Public Health - Research Methods I. Advanced application of public health concepts to plan, implement and evaluate oral health programs that prevent and control dental disease and promote oral health for a designated population. Basic principles of research and the development of the skills required for evaluation of professional research. [GE]

Dental Public Health - Research Methods III
DH 404 1 Credit/Unit

2.0 hours of lab

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Continuation of Dental Public Health - Research Methods II. Implementation and evaluation of oral health programs at a variety of community settings. Basic principles of research and the development of the skills required for evaluation of professional research. [GE]

Behavior Modification
DH 410 1 Credit/Unit

2.0 hours of lab

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Fundamentals of behavior modification strategies to help patients progress toward healthier lifestyles. Develop a collaborative, patient-centered communication style and motivational skills to use while applying health behavior change theory. Communication skills involve using motivational interviewing, compassionate communication and goal setting to evoke change. [GE]

Clinical Dental Hygiene Techniques V
DH 412 8 Credits/Units

16.0 hours of lab

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Introduction to development level of advanced instrumentation and patient treatment techniques. [GE]

Clinical Dental Hygiene Techniques VI
DH 413 8 Credits/Units

16.0 hours of lab

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Developmental level of advanced instrumentation and patient treatment techniques. [GE]

Clinical Dental Hygiene Techniques VII
DH 414 8 Credits/Units

16.0 hours of lab

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Demonstration and integration of advanced skills and knowledge with an emphasis on preparation for the practice of dental hygiene. [GE]

Clinical Dental Hygiene Techniques V Lab
DH 422 1 Credit/Unit

2.0 hours of lab

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Clinical practice at a developmental level, evaluating the potential treatment needs of a diverse community including reviewing medical histories, current medications, and general oral and systemic health assessments. [GE]

Clinical Dental Hygiene Techniques VI Lab
DH 423 1 Credit/Unit

2.0 hours of lab

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Clinical practice at a developmental to DISK level, evaluating the potential treatment needs of a diverse community including reviewing medical histories, current medications, and general oral and systemic health assessments. [GE]

Clinical Dental Hygiene Techniques VII Lab
DH 424 1 Credit/Unit

2.0 hours of lab

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Clinical practice at a DISK level, evaluating the potential treatment needs of a diverse community including reviewing medical histories, current medications, and general oral and systemic health assessments. [GE]

Restorative Dentistry I
DH 431 2 Credits/Units

1.0 hours of lecture / 2.0 hours of lab

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Introduction to restorative techniques with emphasis on placement of amalgam and clinical experience with sealant application. [GE]

Restorative Dentistry II
DH 432 5 Credits/Units

2.0 hours of lecture / 6.0 hours of lab

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Laboratory practice in expanded duties as allowed by Washington State law. Emphasis on placement of amalgam and composite restorations. [GE]

Restorative Dentistry III
DH 433 2.5 Credits/Units

1.0 hours of lecture / 3.0 hours of lab

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Clinical and laboratory practice in expanded duties as allowed by Washington State law. Topics include restorative dentistry and associated procedures, dental analgesia, local anesthetic, current dental material evaluation and product selection for use in clinical practice. [GE]

Restorative Dentistry IV
DH 434 1.5 Credits/Units

1.0 hours of lecture / 1.0 hours of lab

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Mastery of restorative skills to include clinical and lab practice in expanded duties as allowed by Washington State law. Completion of restorative capstone project, encompassing depth and breadth of knowledge acquired from supportive course work. [GE]

Restorative Dentistry III Lab
DH 443 1.5 Credits/Units

3.0 hours of lab

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Clinical practice at an introductory to developmental level, treating a diverse population of community members. Skills include placing and finishing restorations, practicing local anesthesia, and evaluating dental materials for use in the clinical setting. [GE]

Restorative Dentistry IV Lab
DH 444 1.5 Credits/Units

3.0 hours of lab

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Clinical practice at a developmental to Demonstration-and-Integration-of-Skills-and-Knowledge (DISK) level, treating a diverse population of community members. Skills include placing and finishing restorations, practicing local anesthesia, and evaluating dental materials for use in the clinical setting. [GE]

Special Needs Populations I
DH 451 1 Credit/Unit

1.0 hours of lecture

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Issues regarding techniques and strategies for identifying, assessing, and treating patients with special needs and developing technological expertise to access special needs information through various media. [GE]

Dental Hygiene Senior Clinic Seminar
DH 463 1 Credit/Unit

2.0 hours of lab

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Emphasis on the principles of instrumentation, patient management, ethical problem solving, and interprofessional collaboration to prepare senior dental hygiene students for the challenges they may encounter in their professional careers. Cannot receive credit for both DH 463 & DH 452.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation
DH 471 1 Credit/Unit

0.8 hours of lecture / 0.4 hours of lab

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Exploration of nitrous oxide sedation as it applies to the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene. Emphasis on patient evaluation, pharmacodynamics, and administration methods and safety issues. Minimum of three clinical patient inductions and recoveries required. Meets multi state licensure requirements for the provisions of nitrous oxide and includes 10 hours of lecture, 3 clinical, and 1 hour written final for a total of 14 hours. [GE][PNP]

Periodontics II
DH 472 2 Credits/Units

2.0 hours of lecture

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Etiological factors in the periodontal disease process including host response, contributing and risk factors, classifications of periodontal diseases, and HIV and periodontitis. Current methods used to assess and evaluate periodontal disease in a patient will be covered. [GE]

Periodontics III
DH 473 2 Credits/Units

2.0 hours of lecture

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Evidence-based periodontal disease treatment modalities including non-surgical procedures, modulation of the host response, antimicrobials, lasers, and reevaluation and maintenance procedures. [GE]

Selected Topics
DH 480 1-9 Credits/Units

9.0 hours of lecture

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Topics vary and course theme and content change to reflect new topics. Because the course varies in content, it is repeatable for credit. Specific topics are listed in the quarterly class schedule. Please refer to course syllabus for details. [GE]

Capstone
DH 484 3 Credits/Units

3.0 hours of lecture

Admission into the program required for enrollment. The capstone course is an opportunity for students to demonstrate that they have achieved the learning outcomes established by the Clark College Dental Hygiene program. Designed to assess ethical, cognitive, affective, and psychomotor learning in a learner-centered and learner-directed manner. Students will create a resume and cover letter as well as develop their interview skills. The capstone course requires an e-portfolio, which serves as an instrument of program assessment. [GE]

Special Projects
DH 490 1-9 Credits/Units

9.0 hours of lecture

Admission into the program required for enrollment. Opportunity to plan, organize and complete special projects approved by the department. [GE][PNP]