Dental

This course provides the fundamental study of the primary, mixed and permanent dentition, including the morphology, function, and nomenclature. Eruption and exfoliation patterns and Angle’s classification of malocclusion will also be topics of study.

This course will introduce the student to the health and safety considerations for basic infection control and the disease process, including infectious diseases and disease transmission. Topics include occupational safety, personal protection, exposure control, infection control, sterilization and disinfection techniques, bloodborne pathogens standards and hazard and waste disposal as defined by governmental agencies such as OSHA, CDC, and EPA. This course will also study the prevention and treatment of common medical emergencies experienced in the dental office.

This course will provide dental hygiene or dental assisting students with a sound knowledge base in the science of dental materials. Emphasis will be placed on the properties, handling and manipulation of commonly used dental materials. The student will demonstrate knowledge of the properties and competence in the uses and manipulation of dental materials to include gypsum, restorative materials, dental cements, impression materials, acrylics and thermoplastics, waxes, abrasive agents and study casts/occlusal registrations. Laboratory safety and infection control measures will be utilized.

This course provides students with a comprehensive foundation for the safe and effective use of radiation in dental practice.  Radiation basics, including radiation protection, radiation equipment, and concepts of imaging in both intraoral and extraoral radiography will be presented. Normal anatomical landmarks and pathologies will be studied.

This course is designed to provide the dental assisting and dental hygiene student with an understanding of the political, social, environmental, and professional issues that affect the practice of the dental professional. These issues include cultural diversity, legal and ethical responsibilities, sexual harassment, problem solving and communication style. Case studies will be utilized to examine ethical dilemmas.