Dental Hygiene (DH)
DH 100 Introduction to Dental Hygiene 1 Hour
Exploratory course for pre-dental hygiene majors. This course will expose students interested in dental hygiene to the field and introduce them to the professional role of a dental hygienist. Communication and personal interaction skills will play a significant role during the course. During the course, students will be introduced to the clinic setting and will conduct a personal plaque control program.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Dental Hygiene-Prep (Assoc) (226P) or Dental Hygiene-Prep (Bac) (524P)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
DH 115 Independent Clinical Study 0.5-3 Hours (repeatable max of 9 hrs)
Designed to allow students to complete clinical requirements remaining from the previous semester. Note: Permission of instructor required.
Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2021
DH 201 Dental Radiology I 2 Hours (repeatable max of 2 hrs)
The concepts of radiation physics and production are presented as a basis for understanding dental radiology and radiography. Receptor properties and processing are detailed and supplemented with clinical practice sessions. Lecture and laboratory sessions provide the student the opportunity to understand, produce, and evaluate radiographs. Radiographic techniques including panoramic radiographs and computer technology are also introduced. Infection control for the patient and the operator are emphasized along with current exposure limits and recommendations.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Dental Hygiene (226) or Dental Hygiene (524)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
DH 204 Periodontics 3 Hours
The role of the dental hygienist in the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease is stressed in this course. A study of the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the normal periodontium is presented to facilitate the recognition of changes in the gingiva and supporting tissues produced by periodontal pathology. The epidemiology, classification, etiology and prevention of periodontal disease will be covered. Clinical determinations in patient examination and the objectives and techniques in periodontal therapy will be emphasized.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Dental Hygiene (226) or Dental Hygiene (524)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023
DH 206 Dental Pharmacology 3 Hours
A course that acquaints students with the origin of drugs and their physical and chemical properties, modes of administration and effects upon the body systems. Drug classes, actions, interactions and adverse effects are discussed. Emphasis in this course is given to drugs that the dental professional actively prescribes in the practice of dentistry. All major drug groups, management of dental and medical emergencies from a pharmacological standpoint and pain control are included.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 109 and BIOL 131
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Dental Hygiene (226) or Dental Hygiene (524)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023
DH 210 Dental Materials and Expanded Functions in Restorative Dentistry I 2 Hours
The first of two courses designed to introduce the student to dental materials and to the basic concepts of operative dentistry and the dental specialties, including the implementation of expanded functions. The course will include a study of the characteristics, physical and chemical properties, manipulation, uses and care of dental materials used in the practice of dentistry. Topics include rubber dam placement and removal, direct and indirect restoration placement and finishing, provisional restorations, cements and other expanded functions. A proficiency level will be acquired through laboratory and clinical experiences.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Dental Hygiene (226) or Dental Hygiene (524)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
DH 212 Oral Anatomy 3 Hours
A study of the visible anatomy of the oral cavity and the underlying structures. The basic concepts of the anatomy of cranial and facial bones, muscles, nerve supply, blood supply and lymphatic drainage of the head and neck is covered. A study of the eruption, arrangement, function and morphological characteristics of both the permanent and deciduous dentition is presented.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Dental Hygiene (226) or Dental Hygiene (524)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
DH 222 Preventive Dental Hygiene Care 2 Hours
Basic concepts of health promotion and oral disease prevention. Communication and behavior modification skills are presented to facilitate the role of the dental hygienist as an educator.
Corequisite(s): DH 270
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
DH 226 Dental Materials and Expanded Functions in Restorative Dentistry II 2 Hours (repeatable max of 2 hrs)
The second of two courses covering the utilization of the dental hygienist in expanded functions in operative dentistry. The more advanced concepts and procedures in restorative dentistry implemented to reinforce and expand the previously learned skills. The course will include the study of the characteristics, physical, and chemical properties, manipulation, uses and care of dental materials used in the practice of dentistry. Topics to be covered will include dental impressions, manipulation of gypsum materials, sealant placement, oral appliances, whitening and custom tray fabrication as well as discussion of dental specialties. A proficiency level will be acquired through laboratory and clinical experiences.
Prerequisite(s): DH 210
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Dental Hygiene (226) or Dental Hygiene (524)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023
DH 230 Oral Histology and Embryology 3 Hours (repeatable max of 3 hrs)
This course covers the development and growth of the face and oral cavity, including a detailed study in the development of the teeth and their supporting structures. An abbreviated study of General Histology and Embryology and a microscopic study of the primary human tissues precedes the study of Oral Histology, including a detailed study of the tissues of the teeth and surrounding structures.
Prerequisite(s): DH 212
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Dental Hygiene (226) or Dental Hygiene (524)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023
DH 270 Pre-Clinical Dental Hygiene 3 Hours
This course will introduce students to the field of dentistry and prepare them for the clinical aspects of dental hygiene practice. This course is designed to develop knowledge of theoretical principles associated with oral prophylaxis and patient education, to develop proficiency in the performance of specific oral prophylaxis procedures, and to further develop awareness of ethical and professional responsibilities in preventive service. Ethics are emphasized in relation to patients, peers and the profession.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Dental Hygiene (226) or Dental Hygiene (524)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
DH 271 Clinical Dental Hygiene I 4 Hours
This course is designed to further develop clinical skills and techniques. The student is introduced to instrument sharpening, maintenance of dental appliances, and pedodontic and adolescent patient management. Reviews of selected topics from pre-clinical content are also included with major emphasis on patient education, patient evaluation, treatment planning and maintenance. The clinical sessions will apply techniques learned in pre-clinical courses and dental radiology and dental materials courses.
Prerequisite(s): DH 270 and DH 212 and DH 201
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Dental Hygiene (226) or Dental Hygiene (524)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023
DH 302 Dental Radiology II 2 Hours
This second course in radiology is designed to discuss advanced techniques in radiography including extraoral techniques and continue to develop technical skills that result in radiographs of interpretive quality. Emphasis is placed on identification of normal anatomy and abnormal findings. Radiographic manifestations of dental diseases are taught.
Prerequisite(s): DH 201
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Dental Hygiene (226) or Dental Hygiene (524)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
DH 303 Community Dental Health 4 Hours
Community dental health is that portion of the dental hygiene curriculum that prepares students to promote oral health and prevent oral disease in a community. The approach taken within the course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet specific oral health needs of community groups as distinct from the traditional clinical approach that is designed to meet the needs of individual patients. Instructional methods for individual and group presentations are developed and implemented through extramural experiences.
Prerequisite(s): DH 271
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Dental Hygiene (226) or Dental Hygiene (524)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
DH 304 Advanced Periodontology 4 Hours (repeatable max of 4 hrs)
This course is designed to provide the dental hygiene student or dental hygienist with advanced knowledge in periodontics. It will provide students with the conceptual framework and clinical skills to treat periodontal infections. Note: Open only to matriculated dental hygiene students or registered dental hygienists who have completed all attempted dental hygiene program courses with a grade of "C" or better.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Dental Hygiene (226) or Dental Hygiene (524)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023
DH 307 General and Oral Pathology 3 Hours
This course will be devoted to oral and general pathological conditions of the head and neck. This course encompasses an abbreviated coverage of genral pathology to prepare the student for clinical diagnostic procedures in oral pathology, oral medicine, and radiology. The biology of the basic pathologic processes and how these processes produce diseases will be presented. Diseases that require special attention or require alterations in normal dental treatment planning will be emphasized.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Dental Hygiene (226) or Dental Hygiene (524)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
DH 309 Pain Control in Dentistry 4 Hours
This course is designed to prepare the dental hygiene student to administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation at a clinical level of competency. Students will study and perform various local anesthetic injection techniques and will administer nitrous oxide and oxygen to achieve conscious sedation. Students will also study the pharmacology of nitrous oxide and local anesthetic agents.
Prerequisite(s): DH 206 and DH 271
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Dental Hygiene (226) , Dental Hygiene-Prep (Assoc) (226P) or Dental Hygiene (524)
Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2021; summer 2021; summer 2022; summer 2023
DH 323 Research Methods 3 Hours
This course involves study of the research process and its application to dental hygiene education and practice. Emphasis is placed on critical analysis of selected research in dental hygiene and dentistry, including theory of research design, bibliographical and data gathering technique, and interpretation of results. Note: Permission of instructor.
Prerequisite(s): DH 303
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Dental Hygiene (226) or Dental Hygiene (524)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023
DH 324 Practice Management and Ethics 3 Hours
A course that emphasizes present day concerns of the oral health provider and career management for dental hygienists. Foundations and application of ethical and legal concepts, cultural competence and dental office management are presented in the course.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023
DH 330 Clinical Teaching I 4 Hours
Integration of previous knowledge and concepts in the supervision of first year dental hygiene students in the pre-clinical and laboratory setting. Note: Current Kentucky Dental Hygiene License required.
Prerequisite(s): DH 371 and FACS 381
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
DH 340 Clinical Teaching II 4 Hours
Integration of previous knowledge and concepts in the supervision of first year dental hygiene students in the laboratory and clinical setting. Note: Current Kentucky Dental Hygiene License required.
Prerequisite(s): DH 330
Corequisite(s): DH 350
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
DH 350 Clinical Teaching III 4 Hours
Clinical teaching experience in classroom areas as selected by the student under the direction of a supervising professor. The student develops behavioral course objectives, test and examination items, classroom teaching areas. The student my select teaching assignments in one of the developed externship student teaching programs. Conferences will be held in conjunction with the course. Note: Current Kentucky Dental Hygiene License required.
Prerequisite(s): DH 330
Corequisite(s): DH 340
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
DH 360 International Health and Human Services Learning Program 3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
The purpose of this study abroad/service-learning course is to enhance student learning through the integration of academic and co-curricular experiences. This will be accomplished with active service to community partners, while encouraging civic engagement, community awareness, interdisciplinary teamwork and pesonal leadership development. Note: Permission of instructor.
Prerequisite(s): DH 270 and DH 210
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Dental Hygiene (226) or Dental Hygiene (524)
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
DH 370 Clinical Dental Hygiene II 5 Hours
This course consists of fourteen (14) hours of clinical experience, one hour lecture, and one hour seminar each week. The course concentrates on the dental patients’ conditions beyond the routine prophylaxis procedures. The student is introduced to dietary counseling and supplemental instrumentation skills. Course emphasis is also placed on patients with special needs; including the diabetic patient, the cardiovascular disease patient, the older adult patient, and the patient with mental and/or physical handicaps. This course also contains case study preparatory work, dietary counseling reviews, and poster presentation preparation.
Prerequisite(s): DH 271
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Dental Hygiene (226) or Dental Hygiene (524)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
DH 371 Clinical Dental Hygiene III 5 Hours (repeatable max of 5 hrs)
Prerequisite(s): DH 370. Students are required to perform a specified number of oral prophylaxis, under supervision, on pediatric and adult patients, to administer a given number of topical fluoride treatments, take, process and review dental radiographs and overall accomplish every clinical procedure that a licensed dental hygienist is expected to provide.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023