Dental Hygiene

Associate in Applied Science Degree

(575) 528-7216

Information based on the 2009-10 DACC Catalog

A dental hygienist is a vital member of a team of dental professionals dedicated to improving oral health and supporting the general health of individuals and groups. As licensed professionals, dental hygienists provide educational, clinical, and therapeutic services and may be involved in research, administration, client/patient advocacy, marketing or consulting. Dental hygienists may practice in a variety of settings such as private dental offices, public health facilities, schools, nursing homes and hospitals. They may also work in correctional facilities, business and industry and other settings.

Dental hygienists in a clinical setting perform oral and general health assessments such as: medical history, vital signs, oral cancer screening, dental charting, examination of the gums and supporting structures of teeth. They provide oral health instruction, counseling regarding nutrition and healthy lifestyle and their impact on oral and general health. Dental hygienists take and interpret radiographs and provide many types of preventive services such as removing deposits from teeth, applying fluoride, placing sealants and more. Infection control and emergency management are also important functions. In New Mexico and other states, dental hygienists may be certified to provide local anesthesia.

Dental hygienists enjoy working with people, have good manual dexterity and enjoy working with their hands. They possess the maturity and critical thinking skills to provide current, quality, professional care. They have strong interpersonal skills to motivate and educate patients of all ages. Dental hygienists are life-long learners and are dedicated to continuing education, enhancing the profession and practicing ethical decision-making and behavior.

Dental hygienists are generally well paid and are highly thought of as professionals in their communities. The profession is one of the fastest growing occupations in the country and is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through 2014. The number of people seeking preventive dental hygiene care, the expansion of an older population who retain their teeth, and a trend in group practices that stress effective and productive use of office personnel, will provide increasing opportunities for employment. Graduation from this program qualifies students to take national and state examinations to become a licensed dental hygienist anywhere in the United States and there are international employment opportunities for dental hygienists educated in the U.S.

Students wishing to pursue a Bachelor’s degree should consult with an advisor regarding transferability of courses in the prerequisite list as well as the dental hygiene curriculum.

Required Skills and Abilities

Students will need to demonstrate good oral expression (speech clarity) and written comprehension in English, critical thinking skills, near vision, and physical stamina (e.g., the ability to sit for long periods of time and move about freely), as well as the ability to manipulate dental/medical equipment, move/lift equipment up to 30 pounds without assistance, and perform patient care procedures with manual precision.

Program Admission Special Requirements

This is a limited entry program. Criteria for selection are available from the program director. Successful candidates generally have a GPA of 3.0 of higher. Student faculty ratio in the clinical setting is 1-to-5 thus allowing for individualized instruction.

NOTE: Students must receive a final grade of C or higher to remain in the program. Courses appearing in italics, both here and in the “Program Prerequisites” section above, may be applied toward a bachelor’s degree at NMSU.

Program Prerequisites

General education and related classes are required prior to applying to the Dental Hygiene Program (30 Credits):

Program Prerequisites      30 Credits

	ENGL 111GENGL 111G: Rhetoric and Composition - 4 cr. Skills and methods used in writing university-level essays. Prerequisite: ACT standard score in English of 16 or higher during regular semester (20 or above during summer) or successful completion of a developmental writing course or the equivalent. – Rhetoric and Composition	4
OR	MATH 120MATH 120: Intermediate Algebra - 3 cr. Linear and algebraic functions as they arise in real world problems. Exponential and logarithmic functions. Equations and inequalities and their solutions considered symbolically, graphically and numerically. Prerequisite: adequate score on the Mathematics Placement Examination (see note above.) – Intermediate Algebra OEHO 116OEHO 116: Math for Health Occupations - 3 cr. Principles of math and pharmacology necessary for administration of medications. Prerequisite(s): CCDM 114N or equivalent. Restricted to: All Community Colleges. – Math for Health Occupations	3
	OEHO 153OEHO 153: Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology I - 4 cr. (3+3P) Survey of human anatomy and physiology. Prerequisite: high school biology or high school chemistry, or CHEM 110G, or consent of instructor. – Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology I	4
	OEHO 154OEHO 154: Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology II - 4 cr. (3+3P) Continuation of OEHO 153. Prerequisites: CHEM 110G and OEHO 153, or consent of instructor. – Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology II	4
	CHEM 110GCHEM 110G: Principles and Applications of Chemistry - 4 cr. (3+3P) A survey of the properties and uses of the elements and their compounds. In addition to classical chemistry, attention is paid to the materials from which consumer products are made, to the production of energy, and to environmental considerations. Prerequisite: 3 years of high school math or CCDM 114N. – Principles and Applications of Chemistry	4
	CHEM 210CHEM 210: Chemistry for the Allied Health Sciences - 3 cr. Discussion and application of the established facts and concepts of general organic chemistry and biochemistry to acquire a molecular understanding of a variety of health related issues, from atmospheric ozone holes to human nutrition. Prerequisite: CHEM 110G or CHEM 111G. – Chemistry for the Allied Health Sciences	4
	OEHO 253OEHO 253: Microbiology for Health Occupations - 4 cr. (3+3P) Study of the relationship between pathogenic organisms and disease processes. Prerequisites: high school biology and high school chemistry, CHEM 110G, and OEHO 153 or equivalent or consent of instructor. Corequisite: OEHO 154 or equivalent. – Microbiology for Health Occupations	4
	OEHO 225OEHO 225: Nutrition for Health Occupations - 3 cr. Principles of normal and clinical nutrition for health professions. Prerequisites: high school biology and high school chemistry and CHEM 110G and OEHO 153 or equivalent or consent of instructor. Corequisite: OEHO 154 or consent of instructor. – Nutrition for Health Occupations	3

Associate Degree (69 credits)

Core Requirements      9 Credits

OR	COMM 253GCOMM 253G: Public Speaking - 3 cr. Principles of effective public speaking, with emphasis on preparing and delivering well-organized, logical, and persuasive arguments adapted to different audiences. – Public Speaking COMM 265GCOMM 265G: Principles of Human Communication - 3 cr. Study and practice of interpersonal, small group, and presentational skills essential to effective social, business, and professional interaction. – Principles of Human Communication	3
	PSY 201GPSY 201G: Introduction to Psychology - 3 cr. (3+3P) Methods and principles of behavior. Topics include human evolution and development, biopsychology, perception, learning, thinking, motivation, social interaction, and the diagnosis and treatment of abnormal behavior. – Introduction to Psychology	3
	SOC 101GSOC 101G: Introductory Sociology - 3 cr. Introduction to social theory, research, methods of analysis, contemporary issues in historical and cross-cultural contexts. Covers groups, deviance, inequality, family, gender, social change, and collective behavior. – Introductory Sociology	3

Related Requirements      3 Credits

OEHO 202OEHO 202: Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Care - 3 cr. Consideration of legal and ethical issues in modern health care delivery. – Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Care

3

Technical Requirements      57 Credits

	NOTE: All DHYG classes are restricted to students who have been accepted into the Dental Hygiene program.
	DHYG 110DHYG 110: Preclinical Dental Hygiene - 3 cr. Basic scientific principles and current theory, prevention of disease transmission, ethical and professional treatment of patients, clinical learning preparation, and introduction to comprehensive patient care. Offered concurrently with DHYG 112 to provide dental hygiene students with introductory knowledge, skills and attitudes to function in the clinical setting. Prerequisites: ENGL 111G, MATH 120 or OEHO 116, CHEM 210, OEHO 154, OEHO 225, OEHO 253. – Preclinical Dental Hygiene	3
	DHYG 112DHYG 112: Preclinical Dental Hygiene Lab - 3 cr. (9P) Clinical application to basic theories and procedures used in dental hygiene practice. Techniques of instrumentation used in performing diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic services utilized when providing comprehensive patient care. Student will practice these techniques on manikins and student partners in the clinic. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 111G, MATH 120 or OEHO 116, CHEM 210, OEHO 154, OEHO 225, OEHO 253. Corequisite(s): DHYG 110, DHYG 114, DHYG 116, DHYG 118. Restricted to: Community Colleges only. Restricted to DHYG majors. – Preclinical Dental Hygiene Lab	3
	DHYG 114DHYG 114: Oral Histology and Embryology - 2 cr. Introduction and description of general histology and embryology with emphasis on the microscopic structures of enamel, dentin, pulp, cementum, periodontal ligament, bone, oral mucosa, epithelial attachment and development of orofacial structures. Restricted to DHYG majors. Corequisites: DHYG 110, DHYG 112, DHYG 116, DHYG 118. Prerequisites: ENGL 111G, MATH 120 or OEHO 116, CHEM 210, OEHO 154, OEHO 225, OEHO 253. Restricted to Community Colleges only. – Oral Histology and Embryology	2
	DHYG 116DHYG 116: Head, Neck, Dental Anatomy - 4 cr. (3+3P) Comprehensive study of the anatomy of the head and neck regions, including skeletal, nervous, circulatory, lymphatic, and muscular systems. A detailed study of nomenclature, morphologic characteristics, and physiologic relationships of human primary and permanent teeth as related to the clinical practice of dental hygiene. Laboratory activities develop observation and dexterity skills. Restricted to: DHYG majors. Corequisites: DHYG 110, DHYG 112, DHYG 114, DHYG 118. Prerequisites: ENGL 111G, MATH 120 or OEHO 116, CHEM 210, OEHO 154, OEHO 225, OEHO 253. Restricted to: Community Colleges only. – Head, Neck, Dental Anatomy	4
	DHYG 118DHYG 118: Dental Radiology - 3 cr. (2+3P) Study of radiation physics, hygiene and safety theories. Fundamentals of oral radiographic techniques and interpretation of radiographs. Includes exposure of intra-oral radiographs, quality assurance, radiographic interpretation, patient selection criteria, ancillary radiographic techniques and application to dental hygiene treatment. Restricted to: DHYG majors. Corequisites: DHYG, 110, DHYG 112, DHYG 114, DHYG 116. Prerequisites: ENGL 111G, MATH 120 or OEHO 116, CHEM 210, OEHO 154, OEHO 225, OEHO 253. Restricted to: Community Colleges only. – Dental Radiology	3
	DHYG 120DHYG 120: Dental Hygiene Theory I - 3 cr. Continuation of the theoretical basis for dental hygiene clinical practice. Emphasis on emergency care, planning dental hygiene care, health promotion and disease prevention, oral rehabilitation and care of appliances, modifications of dental hygiene care through the life-span, and an introduction to medically comprised patients. Prerequisites: C or above in DHYG 110, DHYG 112, DHYG 114, DHYG 116, DHYG 118. – Dental Hygiene Theory I	3
	DHYG 122DHYG 122: Clinical Dental Hygiene I - 3 cr. (12P) Application of dental hygiene procedures on a variety of clinical patients under direct supervision of faculty. Emphasis on patient assessment and diagnosis, treatment procedures, appointment planning and prevention techniques. Theory is simultaneously related to practical experience. Offered concurrently with DHYG 120. Prerequisites: C or above in DHYG 110, DHYG 112, DHYG 114, DHYG 116, DHYG 118. – Clinical Dental Hygiene I	3
	DHYG 124DHYG 124: General and Oral Pathology - 3 cr. Introduction to general pathology with focused study of diseases and disorders of the oral cavity and their interrelationship with body systems; developmental anomalies of the teeth and jaws; manifestations of disease in the oral cavity, head and neck. Prerequisites: C or above in DHYG 110, DHYG 112, DHYG 114, DHYG 116, DHYG 118. – General and Oral Pathology	3
	DHYG 126DHYG 126: Periodontology - 3 cr. Study of normal and diseased periodontium to include the structural, functional and environmental factors. Emphasis on etiology, pathology, evaluation of disease, treatment modalities, and therapeutic and preventative periodontics relative to the hygienist's role as a co-therapist in a contemporary practice setting. Prerequisites: C or above in DHYG 110, DHYG 112, DHYG 114, DHYG 116, DHYG 118. – Periodontology	3
	DHYG 132DHYG 132: Clinical Dental Hygiene II - 1 cr. (0.5+3.5P) Continuation of clinical skills, patient assessment and diagnosis, treatment and appointment planning, preventive techniques and application of dental hygiene procedures at an intermediate level under the direct supervision of faculty. Clinical-based instruction helps students synthesize new knowledge, apply previous knowledge, and gain experience managing the workflow. Theory is simultaneously related to practical experience. Prerequisites: C or above in DHYG 120, DHYG 122, DHYG 124, DHYG 126. – Clinical Dental Hygiene II	1
	DHYG 134DHYG 134: Dental Materials - 3 cr. (2+3P) Study of the composition, chemical and physical properties, manipulations, and uses of dental materials. Emphasis on materials and procedures for which the dental hygienist is directly responsible. Laboratory experiences include application and manipulation of various materials used in dentistry. Prerequisites: C or above in DHYG 120, DHYG 122, DHYG 124, DHYG 126. – Dental Materials	3
	DHYG 210DHYG 210: Dental Hygiene Theory III - 2 cr. Advanced theory of dental hygiene and information on periodontal therapies relative to the hygienist's role as a co-therapist in clinical practice. Continuation of the study of dental hygiene care for medically comprised patients and an introduction to special needs patients. Restricted to DHYG majors. Offered concurrently with DHYG 212. Corequisites: DHYG 212, DHYG 214, DHYG 216, DHYG 218. Prerequisites: C or above in DHYG 132, DHYG 134, and SOC 101 (or equivalent). – Dental Hygiene Theory III	2
	DHYG 212DHYG 212: Clinical Dental Hygiene III - 4 cr. (16P) Continuation of clinical skills, patient assessment and diagnosis, treatment and appointment planning, preventive techniques and applications of dental hygiene procedures at the intermediate to competent level under supervision of faculty. Emphasis on dental hygiene treatment for the medically compromised and periodontally involved patients. Theory is simultaneously related to practical experience. Offered concurrently with DHYG 210. Restricted to DHYG majors. Corequisites: DHYG 210, DHYG 214, DHYG 216, DHYG 218. Prerequisite: C or above in DHYG 132, DHYG 134, and SOC 101 (or equivalent). – Clinical Dental Hygiene III	4
	DHYG 214DHYG 214: Dental Pharmacology - 3 cr. Study of the pharmacologic aspects of drugs and drug groups with which the dentist and dental hygienist are directly and indirectly concerned. Emphasis is placed on nomenclature, origin, physical and chemical properties, preparation, modes of administration and effects of drugs upon the body systems. Restricted to DHYG majors. Corequisites: DHYG 210, DHYG 212, DHYG 216, DHYG, 218. Prerequisites: C or above in DHYG 132 and DHYG 134. – Dental Pharmacology	3
	DHYG 216DHYG 216: Dental Public Health Education - 3 cr. Study of principles and concepts of community public health and dental health education. Emphasis on dental epidemiology and statistical methods, community assessment, educational planning, implementation, and evaluation, scientific review of literature, and classroom presentation. Restricted to DHYG majors. Corequisites: DHYG 210, DHYG 212, DHYG 214, DHYG, 218. Prerequisites: C or above in DHYG 132 and DHYG 134. – Dental Public Health Education	3
	DHYG 218DHYG 218: Pain and Anxiety Management - 3 cr. (2+4P) Study of the application of various physical, chemical, and psychological modalities to the prevention and treatment of preoperative and postoperative patient anxiety and pain. Emphasis on administration of local anesthesia and nitrous oxide. Restricted to DHYG majors. Corequisites: DHYG 210, DHYG 212, DHYG 214, DHYG, 216. Prerequisites: C or above in DHYG 132 and DHYG 134. – Pain and Anxiety Management	3
	DHYG 220DHYG 220: Dental Hygiene Theory IV - 3 cr. Theoretical preparation for advanced clinical practice. In-depth study of dental hygiene care for patients with special needs. Case Study presentations and a Board Review are utilized to demonstrate the synthesis of comprehensive dental hygiene knowledge, skills and attitudes. The most current dental and dental hygiene technology will be reviewed as it related to clinical practice. Prerequisite(s): 'C' or above in DHYG 210, DHYG 212, DHYG 214, DHYG 216, and DHYG 218. Corequisite(s): DHYG 222, DHYG 224, DHYG 226. Restricted to: Community Colleges only. Restricted to DHYG majors. – Dental Hygiene Theory IV	3
	DHYG 222DHYG 222: Clinical Dental Hygiene IV - 4 cr. (16P) Clinical sessions combine basic and advanced dental hygiene skills with time management techniques essential for private practice. Comprehensive patient care to include assessment, dental hygiene diagnosis, treatment planning, implementation and evaluation of dental care, nonsurgical periodontal therapy, adjunct clinical procedures, ultrasonic instrumentation, patient management, sealants, and comprehensive programs for control of oral diseases will be emphasized. Theory is simultaneously related to practical experience. Students are encouraged to develop independent decision-making with minimal faculty supervision. Prerequisite(s): 'C' or above in DHYG 210, DHYG 212, DHYG 214, DHYG 216, and DHYG 218. Corequisite(s): DHYG 220, DHYG 224, DHYG 226. Restricted to: All Community Colleges. Restricted to DHYG majors. – Clinical Dental Hygiene IV	4
	DHYG 224DHYG 224: Principles of Practice - 2 cr. Examination of the dental hygienist's role in both traditional and non-traditional employment settings. Career planning, resume preparation and interviewing are practices. An understanding of the law, professional ethics of dental hygiene and the need for lifelong learning are emphasized. Future roles of the dental hygienist and emerging issues in dental hygiene will be explored. Prerequisite(s): 'C' or above in DHYG 210, DHYG 212, DHYG 214, DHYG 216, and DHYG 218. Corequisite(s): DHYG 220, DHYG 222, DHYG 226. Restricted to: All Community Colleges. Restricted to DHYG majors. – Principles of Practice	2
	DHYG 226DHYG 226: Community Oral Health - 2 cr. (1+3P) Students assess, plan, implement, and evaluate a community oral health project. Dental specialties and the dental hygienist's role in referrals and in interdisciplinary patient care are presented. Students participate in a variety of community health projects and practicum and observe in dental specialty practices. Prerequisite(s): 'C' or above in DHYG 210, DHYG 212, DHYG 214, DHYG 216, and DHYG 218. Corequisite(s): DHYG 220, DHYG 222, DHYG 224. Restricted to: Community Colleges only. Restricted to DHYG majors. – Community Oral Health	2