DH - Dental Hygiene

DH111 Introduction to Dental Hygiene

Credits 3Fall

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program.

An introductory course emphasizing the following: professional roles and responsibilities, principles of dental health education, etiology and management of selected oral conditions, dental deposits, techniques for assessing general and oral health, patient management, principles of infection control and professional environmental safety.

DH112 Principles of Clinical Dental Hygiene

Credits 3Fall

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program.

This course introduces principles of instrument design and application. Techniques will be related to oral anatomy and clinical dental hygiene therapy first on manikins, then with lab partners.

Additional Course Fee: $600.00

DH113 Dental/Oral Anatomy (Course offered online)

Credits 2Fall

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program.

A lecture course on the development, function, eruption, morphology and clinical considerations for both the primary and permanent dentitions. The class consists of discussion and identification of all types of teeth.

DH114 Oral Microbiology

Credits 2Fall

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program. A background in chemistry and microbiology is important for success in the course.

This course introduces students to the microorganisms that colonize the oral cavity with special emphasis on those bacteria and fungi that contribute to pathogenesis of major oral disease and by extension to certain systemic diseases. Specific bacterial roles, in the production of periodontitis and dental caries, are examined in detail. This course also includes interventions to oral diseases. The role of defense mechanisms of the mouth, such as salivary antibodies, and gingival crevicular fluid is examined and discussed.

DH115 Professionalism and Cultural Competency

Credit 1Fall

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program.

This is an introductory course in professionalism and cultural competency for first year dental hygiene students. The role of the dental hygienist as a healthcare provider and the relationship of the clinician to various diverse patient populations are explored. Development of professional traits and sensitivity to cultural differences are emphasized. Other topics include the accreditation process for dental hygiene education and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

DH121 Dental Hygiene Clinical Theory I

Credits 3Winter

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into and completion of previous program courses with a grade of "C" or better.

A lecture series providing the theoretical basis for dental hygiene clinical practice in DH122. A research project may be required.

DH122 Dental Hygiene Clinic I

Credits 3Winter

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into and completion of previous program courses with a grade of "C" or better.

Clinical experience in basic dental hygiene therapy with emphasis on patient assessment, oral prophylaxis and patient education techniques.

Additional Course Fee: $600.00

DH123 Oral Histology and Embryology (Course offered online)

Credits 2Winter

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into and completion of previous program courses with a grade of "C" or better.

This course covers the embryology and histology of the teeth, oral and craniofacial structures and histopathology of dental diseases.

DH124 Oral Radiology I

Credits 3Winter

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into and completion of previous program courses with a grade of "C" or better.

Electrophysics of the X-ray machine; exposing, processing and mounting dental X-ray films; application of safe radiographic techniques and quality assurance methods for diagnostic purposes; evaluation of films and recognition of oral landmarks. Digital capture, processing, and recordkeeping are emphasized.

Additional Course Fee: $600.00

DH125 General Pathology (Course offered online)

Credits 3Winter

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into and completion of previous program courses with a grade of "C" or better.

This course covers basic pathologic processes, interrelationship of developmental defects and systemic disease, principles of inflammation, as well as degeneration and repair.

DH131 Dental Hygiene Clinical Theory II

Credits 2Spring

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into and completion of previous program courses with a grade of "C" or better.

A lecture series providing the theoretical basis for dental hygiene clinical practice in DH132.

DH132 Dental Hygiene Clinic II

Credits 3Spring

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into and completion of previous program courses with a grade of "C" or better.

Continuation of DH122, clinical experience in dental hygiene therapy.

Additional Course Fee: $600.00

DH134 Oral Radiology II

Credits 2Spring

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into and completion of previous program courses with a grade of "C" or better.

Continuation of DH124. Clinical application of radiographic techniques for diagnostic purposes and interpretation of films to identify pathology and oral landmarks.

Additional Course Fee: $600.00

DH135 Oral Pathology

Credits 2Spring

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into and completion of previous program courses with a grade of "C" or better.

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.

DH136 Pharmacology

Credits 3Spring

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into and completion of previous program courses with a grade of "C" or better.

Basic dental pharmacopeias, drug actions and interactions, uses of cardiovascular agents, neurological agents, chemotherapeutic agents and agents affecting the autonomic nervous system. Includes local anesthetic agents, emergency drugs and procedures and chemical dependencies.

DH137 Head and Neck Anatomy

Credits 4Spring

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into and completion of previous program courses with a grade of "C" or better.

This course studies the head and neck from regional and systemic points of view. Anatomy focus is related to dental and dental hygiene therapy.

DH211 Dental Hygiene Clinical Theory III (Course offered online)

Credits 2Fall

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into and completion of previous program courses with a grade of "C" or better.

A lecture series providing the theoretical basis for dental hygiene clinical practice in DH212. Investigates issues related to basic science, dental science and social science as they relate to clinical activities.

DH212 Dental Hygiene Clinic III

Credits 5Fall

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into and completion of previous program courses with a grade of "C" or better.

Continuation of DH132 clinical experience in dental hygiene therapy with further emphasis on scaling, debridement, root desensitization, caries prevention and instrument sharpening. Integrates radiographic procedures and analysis in clinical care of patient and provides continuing practice in expanded functions and conservative periodontal therapy.

Additional Course Fee: $600.00

DH213 Expanded Functions

Credit 1Summer

Registration Requirement: Recommended Acceptance into and completion of previous program courses with a grade of "C" or better.

This laboratory course prepares students to perform the expanded functions identified in the Oregon State Dental Practice Act. Selected procedures that may be delegated to dental hygienists in other licensing jurisdictions are included.

Additional Course Fee: $600.00

DH214 Periodontology for Dental Hygienists I

Credits 2Fall

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into and completion of previous program courses with a grade of "C" or better.

Study of the pathogenesis of periodontal disease, its clinical manifestation, rationale and techniques for periodontal therapy, assessment of disease activity and patient management. Concepts will be applied in the clinical setting.

DH215 Dental Materials

Credits 3Summer

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into and completion of previous program courses with a grade of "C" or better.

This course emphasizes the chemical and physical properties of materials commonly used in dentistry. Professional environmental safety is stressed.

DH216 Community Dental Health

Credits 2Fall

Registration Requirement: Concurrent enrollment in DH212 is required.

Introduces the role of the dental health educator and involves students in community activities as such. Preventive measures are explored and methods for teaching prevention in the community include assessment, diagnosing, planning, implementing, evaluating and documenting health programs and oral health surveys. Exploration of epidemiology, dental indices, preventive dentistry, and fluoridation also is included in this course.

DH217 Local Anesthesia

Credits 2Fall

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into and completion of previous program courses with a grade of "C" or better.

This course introduces principles related to local anesthetic injections and provides for the clinical application of techniques. Reviews related anatomical, neurophysiological and pharmacological considerations. Prevention and treatment of local and systemic complications of local anesthesia are stressed.

Additional Course Fee: $600.00

DH218 Introduction to Restorative Dentistry

Credits 2Fall

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into and completion of previous program courses with a grade of "C" or better.

This course introduces the practice of restorative dentistry functions for dental hygienists as allowed by Oregon and Washington State law. Included are safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials, proper identification and use of restorative armamentarium, placement of both amalgam and composite filling materials in typodont teeth.

Additional Course Fee: $600.00

DH219 Nitrous Oxide-Oxygen Sedation

Credit 1Summer

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into and completion of previous program courses with a grade of "C" or better.

This course provides the student dental hygienist with knowledge of nitrous oxide-oxygen sedation as it applies to the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene. The course places emphasis on theory and clinical practice, patient evaluation, pharmacodynamics and safety in administration.

Additional Course Fee: $300.00

DH221 Dental Hygiene Clinical Theory IV (Course offered online)

Credits 2Winter

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into and completion of previous program courses with a grade of "C" or better.

A lecture series providing the theoretical basis for dental hygiene clinical practice in DH222.

DH222 Dental Hygiene Clinic IV

Credits 5Winter

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into and completion of previous program courses with a grade of "C" or better.

Continuation of DH212 clinical experience. Integrates radiographic procedures and analysis in clinical care of patients and provides continuing practice in expanded functions and periodontal therapy.

Additional Course Fee: $600.00

DH223 Public Health and Dental Research

Credits 2Winter

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into and completion of previous program courses with a grade of "C" or better.

Presents principles of dental public health and dental research including design, basic statistical procedures and techniques for evaluating research. A research paper is required.

DH224 Periodontology for Dental Hygienists II

Credits 2Winter

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into and satisfactory standing in the program.

Continuation of DH214 with a more in-depth study and clinical application of periodontal therapy with emphasis on surgical procedures, referral, supportive maintenance, chemotherapeutic agents and wound healing.

DH225 Restorative Dentistry Lab

Credits 2Winter

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into and completion of previous program courses with a grade of "C" or better.

This class includes continued laboratory practice in expanded dental hygiene restorative functions and associated procedures as allowed by Oregon and Washington State law. Placement, carving, and finishing amalgam restorations with emphasis on composite adhesive restorative materials and procedures; includes the use of high-speed and low-speed hand-pieces. Preparation and procedures for adult and pediatric patient treatment is also included.

Additional Course Fee: $600.00

DH231 Dental Hygiene Clinical Theory V (Course offered online)

Credits 2Spring

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into and completion of previous program courses with a grade of "C" or better.

A lecture series providing the theoretical basis for dental hygiene clinical practice in DH232.

DH232 Dental Hygiene Clinic V

Credits 5Spring

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into and completion of previous program courses with a grade of "C" or better.

Continuation of DH222 clinical experience. Integrates critical thinking and problem-solving in assessing and practicing clinical dental hygiene therapy. Includes continuing experience in expanded functions and a Mock Board Exam in preparation for licensure examinations.

Additional Course Fee: $600.00

DH233 Ethics and Jurisprudence (Course offered online)

Credit 1Spring

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into and completion of previous program courses with a grade of "C" or better.

Study of ethics and the law and its application to dentistry and the practice of dental hygiene. Review of the Oregon State Dental Practice Act. A research paper and class presentation are required.

DH234 Practice Management and Dental Hygiene Issues

Credits 2Spring

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into and completion of previous program courses with a grade of "C" or better.

Includes resume writing, job search strategies and interviewing skills. Variations in the practice of dental hygiene and dentistry and avenues for career development are explored. Personal finance and taxes are introduced and current issues in dental hygiene are investigated. A portfolio is required.

DH235 Restorative Dentistry Clinic

Credits 3Spring

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into and completion of previous program courses with a grade of "C" or better.

Clinical practice in expanded duties, restorative dentistry and associated procedures as allowed by Oregon State law. This course emphasizes the placement of amalgam and composite restorations. Supporting activities include the administration of local anesthesia, rubber dam placement, use of high-speed handpieces, application of chemotherapeutic agents and appropriate patient education.

Additional Course Fee: $600.00

Course fees are subject to change. Additional section fees (web, hybrid, etc.) may apply.

Online option regularly offered

Cultural Literacy course