Catalog - Course Descriptions

This course assists entering college students adjust to college life and prepares them for success in college and in the work place.

This course prepares dental auxiliary students to respond proactively to dental emergencies, control infection, prevent disease, adhere to OSHA Standards, and safely manage hazardous materials. Students also take patient vital signs and collect patient medical/dental histories. CPR certification is a prerequisite. Students will be required to show proof of certification before beginning the course. This course is WTCS aligned.

Introduces dental hygiene students to the basic technical/clinical skills required for practicing dental hygienist including use of basic dental equipment, examination of patients, and procedures within the dental unit. Under the direct supervision of an instructor, students integrate hands-on skills with entry-level critical thinking and problems-solving skills. The course also reinforces the application of Dental Health Safety skills.

Prepares dental auxiliary students to handle and prepare dental materials such as liners, bases, cements, amalgam, resin restorative materials, gypsum products, and impression materials. They also learn to take alginate impressions and clean removable appliances.

Discuss and apply basic principles of the nature, effects, generation, control, and use of dental x-rays. Radiation safety, operation of eqipment, film placement, exposure, processing, mounting, and interpreting dental x-rays. Attainment of correct x-ray taking techniques on mannequins and clinical patients.

This clinical course builds on and expands the technical/clinical skills student dental hygienists develop in Dental Hygiene Process I. Under the direct supervision of an instructor, students apply patient care assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation skills to provide comprehensive care for calculus case type 1 and 2 patients and perio case type 0, I and II patients. Dental Hygiene Process II introduces the application of fluoride and desensitizing agents, whole mouth assessments, comprehensive peridontal examinations, application of sealants, and patient classification. Students also begin performing removal of supragingival stain, dental plaque, calcified accretions, and deposits. In addition, they gain further experience in exposing radiographs on patients. The course also reinforces the application of Dental Health Safety skills.

Prepares dental hygiene students to apply detailed knowledge about oral anatomy to planning, implementation, assessment, and evaluation of patient care. Students identify distinguishing characteristics of normal and abnormal dental, head, and neck anatomy and its relationship to tooth development, eruption, and health.

Co- or Prerequisite: DH212 (Process IV). This course prepares the learner or graduate for licensure. Simulated written and practical examinations, individualized study plans, stress/test anxiety management strategies, and dental hygiene licensure obtainment are addressed. Course goal is to strengthen learner performance on written board and clinical practical examinations. No challenge test is available for this course.

This clinical course builds on and expands the technical/clinical skills student dental hygienists developed in Dental Hygiene Process II. In consultation with the instructor, students apply independent problem-solving skills in the course providing comprehensive care for calculus case type 1, 2, and 3 patients and perio case type 0, I, II, and III patients. Dental Hygiene Process III introduces root detoxification using hand and ultrasonic instruments, manipulation of files, use of oral irrigators, selection of dental implant prophylaxis treatment options, and administration of chemotherapeutic agents. Students also adapt care plans in order to accommodate patients with special needs.

This clinical course builds on and expands the technical/clinical skills student dental hygienists developed in Dental Hygiene Process I, II, and III. With feedback from the instructor, students manage all aspects of cases in the course of providing comprehensive care for calculus case type 0, 1, 2, and 3 patients and perio case type 0, I, II, and III patients. This course also emphasizes the maximization of clinical efficiency and effectiveness. Prepares student dental hygienists to demonstrate their clincical skills in a formal examination situation.

This course encompasses basic and current concepts in administration of local anesthesia and pain management. Principles of drug interactions, emphasizing dental related therapeutics and drugs associated with common system disorders; information on the selection of professional anesthesia armamentarium; and principles necessary for administering local anesthesia will be incorporated in the learning process. Content for this course meets educational requirements for certification in the state of Kansas. There is no challenge test available for this course.

Provides students with skills and knowledge of organic and biological chemistry necessary for application within Nursing and other Allied Health careers. Emphasis is placed on recognizing the structure, physical properties and chemical reactions of organic molecules, body fluids, and acids. Additional emphasis is placed on biological functions and their relationships to enzymes, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and DNA.