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Key to Course Descriptions

Abbreviations
(C) City Campus (N) North Campus (S) South Campus F Fall S Spring F/S Fall and Spring SS Summer Session F+ Offered every other Fall S+ Offered every other Spring N Non-Credit |
Course Descriptions by Curriculum
To view descriptions of courses in a curriculum, click the curriculum name.
Dental Hygiene | | | | DH-100 | | ORAL HEALTH SERVICES 1 | | This course provides an introduction to the theory and practice of dental hygiene. It includes a study of the origin and development of dental hygiene as a profession. Basic dental hygiene assessment and instrumentation techniques are introduced as well as a study of plaque induced dental diseases and their prevention. Topics include professionalism, ethics, cultural competence, current dental hygiene issues, the American Dental Hygienists Association and professional organizations, orientation to the dental operatory, ergonomics, infection control procedures, health history interpretation, oral and dental examination, dental charting, and methods used by the dental hygienist for the prevention of oral diseases. Clinical practice will include the use of models and classmates will serve as patients. Current guidelines for infection control and patient confidentiality procedures are presented and must be followed. Students must recruit patients for treatment. Minimum passing grade required is "C" for written evaluations in each module and "C" for clinical competency skill evaluations. Co-requisites: All required first semester courses in the dental hygiene curriculum. F (N). | | | | DH-110 | | HEAD, NECK AND ORAL ANATOMY | | An introduction to dental terminology, morphology and functional characteristics of teeth and occlusion will be presented. The embryologic development of the teeth and orofacial structures as well as the histogenesis, structure and function of dental tissues are studied. Individual tooth development and eruption patterns of primary and permanent teeth are compared. A detailed study of the bones, muscles, nerves, vascular supply and specialized tissues of the head and neck will be presented. Application to clinical dental hygiene is stressed. Minimum required passing grade is C-. Co-requisites: All required first semester courses in the dental hygiene curriculum. F (N) | | | | DH-120 | | DENTAL RADIOGRAPHY 1 | | The technical aspects of dental radiography are covered. Lectures include an overview of radiation history, radiation safety, infection control, a discussion of dental films, intra-oral techniques, film exposure factors and image formation, film processing and mounting, basic image interpretation, quality control techniques, and the care and maintenance of dental radiographic equipment. Minimum required passing grade is C-. Co-requisites: All required first semester courses in the dental hygiene curriculum. F (N) | | | | DH-121 | | LAB FOR DENTAL RADIOGRAPHY 1 | | This laboratory course provides practical application of knowledge gained in DH 120. Using training manikins, emphasis is placed on the paralleling technique of taking dental radiographs using film positioning devices such as XCP instruments and Stabe film holders. Film processing methods, film mounting, basic interpretation and self-evaluation of technique and processing errors are practiced. Radiation safety for patient and clinician will be stressed. Minimum required passing grade is C-. Co-requisite: DH 120. F (N) | | | | DH-150 | | ORAL HEALTH 11 | | Students will gain experience in the dental hygiene process of care by providing oral health services to patients. Clinical skills will include instrumentation techniques, care and sharpening of instruments, taking diagnostically acceptable radiographs, polishing of the teeth, topical application of fluorides, use of topical anesthetics, instructing patients on oral self-care, dental operatory maintenance, and use of electronic patient records. Lectures and practical experiences will prepare students with the verbal and motivational skills needed to provide effective oral health presentations to client groups of all ages. Discussions will include writing objectives and developing lesson plans for group specific oral health instruction and the use of audiovisual equipment. Students will work collaboratively in small groups to develop and deliver a presentation to a target audience in the community. Minimum required passing grade is C- for the written evaluations in each module and C- for clinical competency skill evaluations. Pre-requisites: All required first semester courses in the dental hygiene curriculum must be passed. Corequisites: All required second semester courses in the dental hygiene curriculum and current BLS certification. S(N) | | | | DH-160 | | PAIN AND ANXIETY CONTROL | | Effective pain and anxiety control are essential components of the management of dental patients. This course will present the didactic material required by the State of New York for a restricted certificate to administer local infiltration anesthesia and nitrous oxide analgesia during dental hygiene treatment procedures. The clinical requirements for this certificate will begin in Oral Health Services III. Topics include a review of dental neuroanatomy, respiratory anatomy and physiology, pharmacology of local anesthetic drugs and nitrous oxide, proper administration techniques, patient assessment, legal and ethical issues. Pre-requisites: All required first semester courses in the dental hygiene curriculum must be passed. Co-requisites: All required second semester courses in the dental hygiene curriculum. S(N) | | | | DH-170 | | DENTAL NUTRITION | | Basic principles of nutrition are studied including carbohydrates, minerals, proteins, fats and vitamins. Clinical applications to oral health and the effects of nutritional deficiencies are studied. Clients are provided with nutritional counseling to control dental caries using dietary evaluation systems and clinical salivary testing. Minimum required passing grade is C-. Pre-requisites: All required first semester courses in the dental hygiene curriculum must be passed. Co-requisites: All required second semester courses in the dental hygiene curriculum. S(N) | | | | DH-175 | | ORAL HEALTH SERVICES III | | Practical experience in applying the Dental Hygiene process of care in the treatment and management of dental hygiene patients and will include assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation. Experience in taking and interpreting film-based and digital dental radiographs, application of topical fluorides and use of topical anesthetics. Practical exercises in the management of medical emergencies will be conducted. A minimum of fifteen hours will be devoted to practicing local infiltration anesthesia and nitrous oxide analgesia. Current infection control and patient confidentiality procedures will be followed. Minimum required passing grade is C-. Prerequisites: All required second semester courses in the dental hygiene curriculum must be passed. Co-requisite: Current BLS certification. Summer Session I. (N) | | | | DH-180 | | DENTAL RADIOGRAPHY 11 | | A continuation of Dental Radiography I (DH 120). The fundamentals of dental radiography are explored in greater depth. Lectures will cover radiation physics and biology, radiographic interpretation and application to patient treatment. Supplemental techniques will be discussed and include extra-oral radiography, digital imaging, special needs patients and quality assurance methods. Minimum required passing grade is C-. Prerequisites: All required first semester courses in the dental hygiene curriculum must be passed. Co-requisites: All required second semester courses in the dental hygiene curriculum. S(N) | | | | DH-181 | | LAB FOR DENTAL RADIOGRAPHY 11 | | Practical application of the knowledge gained in DH 180 will include supplemental intra-oral techniques and panoramic radiography. Hands-on training in identification of anatomical landmarks, dental caries, calculus and commonly used restorative dental materials as seen on intra-oral and panoramic films and digital images. Minimum required passing grade is C-. Co-requisite: DH 180. S(N) | | | | DH-190 | | PERIODONTOLOGY | | A discussion of the diseases of the periodontium and their etiology, pathogenesis and host response. Emphasis will be placed on plaque induced diseases and their recognition through clinical history, oral assessment, radiographic analysis and occlusal evaluation. Surgical and non-surgical methods of treatment will be reviewed. The role of the dental hygienist in prevention, treatment and maintenance of the periodontal patient will be stressed. Minimum required passing grade is C-. Prerequisites: All required first semester courses in the dental hygiene curriculum must be passed. Corequisites: All required second semester courses in the dental hygiene curriculum. S(N) | | | | DH-200 | | ORAL HEALTH SERVICES 1V | | This course provides continued clinical experience in the management of the dental hygiene patient utilizing the dental hygiene process of care and an introduction to ultrasonic instrumentation techniques.. Patient assessment, dental radiography, recording of vital signs, patient education and motivation, application of sealants, treatment planning and developing a dental hygiene diagnosis, implementation of treatment, and evaluation of treatment. Lecture topics include smoking cessation, salivary testing, whitening agents, HIV disease, dentinal hypersensitivity, recognition and reporting of child abuse and neglect. A module on advanced periodontology will explore assessment and management of periodontal disease through instrumentation, ultrasonics, soft tissue management programs, systemic antibiotics, and locally applied chemotherapeutic agents. Another module will provide a comprehensive overview of patients with special needs and the factors which may complicate management and the delivery of dental hygiene services. Students will recruit patients for treatment and must recall their previously treated patients as appropriate. A minimum passing grade of C- is required for written evaluations in each module and C- for clinical competency evaluations. Pre-requisites: All required first year courses in the dental hygiene curriculum and DH 175 must be passed. Co-requisites: All required Fall semester, second year courses in the dental hygiene curriculum and current BLS certification. F(N) | | | | DH-220 | | DENTAL MATERIALS | | Theory and description of the materials used in general dental practice and relevant dental specialties will be presented. Lectures will include general composition, physical and chemical properties, and behavior of dental materials in the oral environment. The theoretical ideal dental restorative material will be described and existing materials will be compared to it. Sealant materials used in preventive dentistry will be discussed. Minimum required passing grade is C-. Prerequisites: All required first year courses in the dental hygiene curriculum and DH 175 must be passed. Co-requisites: All Fall semester, second year courses in the dental hygiene curriculum. F(N) | | | | DH-221 | | LAB FOR DENTAL MATERIALS | | Practical application of knowledge gained in DH 220. Commonly used dental materials are prepared to gain experience in manipulation techniques and to insure optimum results. Clinical and laboratory materials will be used including impression, restorative, sealant and polishing materials as well as dental model plaster and stone. An introduction to instrument set up, transfer, and assisting are part of the lab. Minimum passing grade is C-. Co-requisite: DH 220. F (N) | | | | DH-230 | | PATHOLOGY | | This course will examine the nature of disease, its causes, development and consequences. Three main topics will be covered a study of the basic principles of pathology; a survey of disorders affecting the oral and para-oral tissues; and a review of systemic diseases of importance in dental hygiene practice. Emphasis is placed on the recognition and understanding of common local and systemic disorders affecting the oral tissues and the impact of these findings on the treatment provided by the dental hygienist. Minimum required passing grade is C-. Prerequisites: All first year courses in the dental hygiene curriculum and DH 175 must be passed. Co-requisites: All Fall semester, second year courses in the dental hygiene curriculum. F(N) | | | | DH-250 | | ORAL HEALTH SERVICES V | | A continuation of clinical practice experiences with supporting lectures in professional and clinical issues. Application of patient assessment and management skills, use of local anesthesia and nitrous oxide analgesia, advanced instrumentation techniques, air polishing, chemotherapeutics and time management. Clinical radiography experiences include film-based and digital imaging techniques, film processing and image interpretation. Lecture topics will cover forensic dentistry, oral care products, legal aspects of dental hygiene practice, risk management, licensure requirements and procedures, healthcare provider/patient relationships, resume writing and job interviewing techniques, employee/employer rights and obligations. Case studies will be used to discuss a variety of clinical scenarios and students will work in small groups to develop, prepare and present a table clinic. Students will recruit patients for treatment and must recall their previously treated patients as appropriate. Minimum passing grade of C- is required for written evaluations in each module and C- for clinical competency evaluations. Prerequisites: All Fall semester, second year courses in the dental hygiene curriculum must be passed. Co-requisites: All required final semester courses in the dental hygiene curriculum and current BLS certification. S(N) | | | | DH-260 | | COMMUNITY DENTAL HEALTH | | General principles in the field of public health dentistry will be covered. The course will concentrate on methods to improve dental health through organized community efforts. Principles and techniques in the selection of data, appraisal of variability and correlation will be discussed along with the epidemiology of dental caries and periodontal disease. Other topics will cover the ways and means of developing community dental health programs as well as a study of existing programs. Students will receive field experience to develop or evaluate a community dental health program. Minimum required passing grade is C-. Prerequisite: All Fall, second year courses in the dental hygiene curriculum must be passed. Co-requisite: All required final semester courses in the dental hygiene curriculum. S(N) | | | | DH-270 | | PHAMACOLOGY | | An overview of pharmacologic principles will include drug absorption, bioavailability, metabolism and excretion, toxicity and side effects, routes of administration and placebo effect. Drug categories covered include anti-infectives, autonomic drugs, analgesics, anesthetics, anti-anxiety drugs, anti-plaque agents, anticonvulsants, antihistamines and cardiovascular medications. Additional topics will include prescription writing, alcohol and drug abuse, and drugs for emergency use. The impact of various drugs and drug combinations on the management of dental hygiene patients will be stressed. Minimum required passing grade is C-. Prerequisites: All required Fall, second year courses in the dental hygiene curriculum must be passed. Corequisites: All required final semester courses in the dental hygiene curriculum. S(N) | | |
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