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Credit Programs

Dental Hygiene

Semester schedule and course descriptions

Dental Hygiene is a five-semester program leading to an Associate in Applied Science degree. Courses within the curriculum must be taken in the order presented in the program planning guide, as illustrated in the following table.**

General education courses (all non-DEN courses) may be taken prior to entry into the program; if not, they must be completed no later than the semester in which they are listed in the guide. A grade of "C" or better is required for all curriculum courses in the program.

Curriculum by semester

Course number and title Class Lab Clinical Credit
First semester (hours per week)        
BIO 163 Basic Anatomy and Physiology I 4 2 0 5
DEN 110 Orofacial Anatomy 2 2 0 3
DEN 111 Infection/Hazard Control 2 0 0 2
DEN 112 Dental Radiography 2 3 0 3
DEN 120 Dental Hygiene Preclinic Lecture 2 0 0 2
DEN 121 Dental Hygiene Preclinic Lab 0 6 0 2
Total: 12 13 0 17
Second semester (hours per week)        
BIO 175 General Microbiology 2 2 0 3
ENG 111 Writing and Inquiry 3 0 0 3
DEN 124 Periodontology 2 0 0 2
DEN 130 Dental Hygiene Theory I 2 0 0 2
DEN 131 Dental Hygiene Clinic I 0 0 9 3
DEN 223 Dental Pharmacology 2 0 0 2
DEN 224 Materials and Procedures 1 3 0 2
Total: 12 5 9 17
Summer term (hours per week)        
CHM 130 General Organic & Biochemistry 3 0 0 3
COM 120 Interpersonal Communication 3 0 0 3
DEN 140 Dental Hygiene Theory II 1 2 0 2
DEN 141 Dental Hygiene Clinic II 0 0 6 2
Total: 7 2 6 10
Third semester (hours per week)        
PSY 150 General Psychology 3 0 0 3
DEN 123 Nutrition/Dental Health 2 0 0 2
DEN 125 Dental Office Emergencies 0 2 0 1
DEN 220 Dental Hygiene Theory III 2 0 0 2
DEN 221 Dental Hygiene Clinic III 0 0 12 4
DEN 222 General and Oral Pathology 2 0 0 2
Total: 9 2 12 14
Fourth semester (hours per week)        
DEN 230 Dental Hygiene Theory IV 1 0 0 1
DEN 231 Dental Hygiene Clinic IV 0 0 12 4
DEN 232 Community Dental Health 2 3 0 3
DEN 233 Professional Development 2 0 0 2
SOC 210 Introduction to Sociology 3 0 0 3
Humanities/Fine Arts Elective* 3 0 0 3
Total: 11 3 12 16

Total graduation requirement: 74 semester credit hours
*Preferred Course: HUM 115 Critical Thinking. Please see an advisor prior to registration for alternative Humanities/Fine Arts elective courses that may be accepted.
**This program planning guide is for advising purposes only and is subject to change. Only the Registrar's Office can clear students for graduation.

Course descriptions

  • DEN 100-107 apply to Dental Assisting only.
  • DEN 111 and 112 apply to both Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene.
  • DEN 110 and DEN 120-233 apply to Dental Hygiene only.

DEN-100: Basic Orofacial Anatomy

This course provides a basic introduction to the structures of the head, neck, and oral cavity. Topics include tooth morphology, head and neck anatomy, histology, and embryology. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of normal structures and development and how they relate to the practice of dental assisting.

Course Prerequisites:
None
Total Credits:2
Class Credits:2
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0

DEN-101: Preclinical Procedures

This course provides instruction in procedures for the clinical dental assistant as specified by the North Carolina Dental Practice Act. Emphasis is placed on orientation to the profession, infection control techniques, instruments, related expanded functions, and diagnostic, operative, and specialty procedures. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in clinical dental assisting procedures.

Course Prerequisites:
None
Total Credits:7
Class Credits:4
Lab Credits:6
Clinic Credits:0

DEN-102: Dental Materials

This course provides instruction in identification, properties, evaluation of quality, principles, and procedures related to manipulation and storage of operative and specialty dental materials. Emphasis is placed on the understanding and safe application of materials used in the dental office and laboratory. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in the laboratory and clinical application of routinely used dental materials.

Course Prerequisites:
None
Total Credits:4
Class Credits:2
Lab Credits:4
Clinic Credits:0

DEN-103: Dental Sciences

This course is a study of oral pathology, pharmacology, and dental office emergencies. Topics include oral pathological conditions, dental therapeutics, and management of emergency situations. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize abnormal oral conditions, identify classifications, describe actions and effects of commonly prescribed drugs, and respond to medical emergencies.

Course Prerequisites:
None
Total Credits:2
Class Credits:2
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0

DEN-104: Dental Health Education

This course covers the study of preventive dentistry to prepare dental assisting students for the role of dental health educator. Topics include etiology of dental diseases, preventive procedures, and patient education theory and practice. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in patient counseling and oral health instruction in private practice or public health settings.

Course Prerequisites:
None
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:2
Lab Credits:2
Clinic Credits:0

DEN-105: Practice Management

This course provides a study of principles and procedures related to management of the dental practice. Emphasis is placed on maintaining clinical and financial records, patient scheduling, and supply and inventory control. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate fundamental skills in dental practice management.

Course Prerequisites:
None
Total Credits:2
Class Credits:2
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0

DEN-106: Clinical Practice I

This course is designed to provide experience assisting in a clinical setting. Emphasis is placed on the application of principles and procedures of four-handed dentistry and laboratory and clinical support functions. Upon completion, students should be able to utilize classroom theory and laboratory and clinical skills in a dental setting.

Course Prerequisites:
Take DEN-101(S20496); Take previously. Required.
Total Credits:6
Class Credits:2
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:12

DEN-107: Clinical Practice II

This course is designed to increase the level of proficiency in assisting in a clinical setting. Emphasis is placed on the application of principles and procedures of four-handed dentistry and laboratory and clinical support functions. Upon completion, students should be able to combine theoretical and ethical principles necessary to perform entry-level skills including functions delegable to a DA II.

Course Prerequisites:
Take DEN-106(S14145); Take previously. Required.
Total Credits:5
Class Credits:1
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:12

DEN-110: Orofacial Anatomy

This course introduces the structures of the head, neck, and oral cavity. Topics include tooth morphology, head and neck anatomy, histology, and embryology. Upon completion, students should be able to relate the identification of normal structures and development to the practice of dental assisting and dental hygiene.

Course Prerequisites:
None
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:2
Lab Credits:2
Clinic Credits:0

DEN-111: Infection/Hazard Control

This course introduces the infection and hazard control procedures necessary for the safe practice of dentistry. Topics include microbiology, practical infection control, sterilization and monitoring, chemical disinfectants, aseptic technique, infectious diseases, OSHA standards, and applicable North Carolina laws. Upon completion, students should be able to understand infectious diseases, disease transmission, infection control procedures, biohazard management, OSHA standards, and applicable North Carolina laws.

Course Prerequisites:
None
Total Credits:2
Class Credits:2
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0

DEN-112: Dental Radiography

This course provides a comprehensive view of the principles and procedures of radiology as they apply to dentistry. Topics include techniques in exposing, processing, and evaluating radiographs, as well as radiation safety, quality assurance, and legal issues. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in the production of diagnostically acceptable radiographs using appropriate safety precautions.

Course Prerequisites:
None
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:2
Lab Credits:3
Clinic Credits:0

DEN-120: Dental Hygiene Preclinic Lecture

This course introduces preoperative and clinical dental hygiene concepts. Emphasis is placed on the assessment phase of patient care as well as the theory of basic dental hygiene instrumentation. Upon completion, students should be able to collect and evaluate patient data at a basic level and demonstrate knowledge of dental hygiene instrumentation.

Course Prerequisites:
Take DEN-121; Take either previously or concurrently. Required.
Total Credits:2
Class Credits:2
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0

DEN-121: Dental Hygiene Preclinical Lab

This course provides the opportunity to perform clinical dental hygiene procedures discussed in DEN 120. Emphasis is placed on clinical skills in patient assessment and instrumentation techniques. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the ability to perform specific preclinical procedures.

Course Prerequisites:
Take DEN-120; Take either previously or concurrently. Required.
Total Credits:2
Class Credits:0
Lab Credits:6
Clinic Credits:0

DEN-123: Nutrition/Dental Health

This course introduces basic principles of nutrition with emphasis on nutritional requirements and their application to individual patient needs. Topics include the study of Federal Nutritional Guidelines, nutrient functions, Recommended Daily Allowances, Adequate Intake, Tolerable Upper Intake Level, Estimated Average Requirement, and related psychological principles. Upon completion, students should be able to recommend and counsel individuals on their food intake as related to their dental health.

Course Prerequisites:
None
Total Credits:2
Class Credits:2
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0

DEN-124: Periodontology

This course provides an in-depth study of the periodontium, periodontal pathology, periodontal monitoring, and the principles of periodontal therapy. Topics include periodontal anatomy and a study of the etiology, classification, and treatment modalities of periodontal diseases. Upon completion, students should be able to describe, compare, and contrast techniques involved in periodontal/maintenance therapy, as well as patient care management.

Course Prerequisites:
Take DEN-110; Take previously. Required.
Total Credits:2
Class Credits:2
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0

DEN-125: Dental Office Emergencies

This course provides a study of the management of dental office emergencies. Topics include methods of prevention, necessary equipment/drugs, medicolegal considerations, recognition and effective initial management of a variety of emergencies. Upon completion, the student should be able to recognize, assess and manage various dental office emergencies and activate advanced medical support when indicated.

Course Prerequisites:
None
Total Credits:1
Class Credits:0
Lab Credits:2
Clinic Credits:0

DEN-130: Dental Hygiene Theory I

This course is a continuation of the didactic dental hygiene concepts necessary for providing an oral prophylaxis. Topics include deposits/removal, instrument sharpening, patient education, fluorides, planning for dental hygiene treatment, charting, and clinical records and procedures. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge needed to complete a thorough oral prophylaxis.

Course Prerequisites:
Take DEN-120; Take previously. Required.Take DEN-131; Take either previously or concurrently. Required.
Total Credits:2
Class Credits:2
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0

DEN-131: Dental Hygiene Clinic I

This course continues skill development in providing an oral prophylaxis. Emphasis is placed on treatment of the recall patients with gingivitis or light deposits. Upon completion, students should be able to assess these patients' needs and complete the necessary dental hygiene treatment.

Course Prerequisites:
Take DEN-121; Take previously. Required.Take DEN-130; Take either previously or concurrently. Required.
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:0
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:9

DEN-140: Dental Hygiene Theory II

This course introduces principles in treatment modification. Topics include modification of treatment for pain management and advanced radiographic interpretation. Upon completion, students should be able to differentiate necessary treatment modifications, radiographic abnormalities, and be certified in the administration of local anesthesia.

Course Prerequisites:
Take DEN-130; Take previously. Required.Take DEN-141; Take either previously or concurrently. Required.
Total Credits:2
Class Credits:1
Lab Credits:2
Clinic Credits:0

DEN-141: Dental Hygiene Clinic II

This course continues skill development in providing an oral prophylaxis. Emphasis is placed on treatment of patients with early periodontal disease and subgingival deposits. Upon completion, students should be able to assess these patients' needs and complete the necessary dental hygiene treatment.

Course Prerequisites:
Take DEN-131; Take previously. Required.Take DEN-140(S14315); Take either previously or concurrently. Required.
Total Credits:2
Class Credits:0
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:6

DEN-220: Dental Hygiene Theory III

This course introduces advanced principles of patient care. Topics include advanced periodontal debridement, subgingival irrigation, air polishing, special needs and case presentations. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of methods of treatment and management of periodontally compromised and special needs patients.

Course Prerequisites:
Take DEN-140(S14315); Take previously. Required.Take DEN-221; Take either previously or concurrently. Required.
Total Credits:2
Class Credits:2
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0

DEN-221: Dental Hygiene Clinic III

This course continues skill development in providing an oral prophylaxis. Emphasis is placed on treatment of patients with moderate to advanced periodontal involvement and moderate deposits. Upon completion, students should be able to assess these patients' needs and complete the necessary dental hygiene treatment.

Course Prerequisites:
Take DEN-141; Take previously. Required.Take DEN-220(S11191); Take either previously or concurrently. Required.
Total Credits:4
Class Credits:0
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:12

DEN-222: General & Oral Pathology

This course provides a general knowledge of oral pathological manifestations associated with selected systemic and oral diseases. Topics include developmental and degenerative diseases, selected microbial diseases, specific and nonspecific immune and inflammatory responses with emphasis on recognizing abnormalities. Upon completion, students should be able to differentiate between normal and abnormal tissues and refer unusual findings to the dentist for diagnosis.

Course Prerequisites:
Take BIO-163 BIO-165 or BIO-168(S11555); Take previously. Required.
Total Credits:2
Class Credits:2
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0

DEN-223: Dental Pharmacology

This course provides basic drug terminology, general principles of drug actions, dosages, routes of administration, adverse reactions, and basic principles of anesthesiology. Emphasis is placed on knowledge of drugs in overall understanding of patient histories and health status. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize that each patient's general health or drug usage may require modification of the treatment procedures.

Course Prerequisites:
Take BIO-163 BIO-165 or BIO-168(S11555); Take either previously or concurrently. Required.
Total Credits:2
Class Credits:2
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0

DEN-224: Materials and Procedures

This course introduces the physical properties of materials and related procedures used in dentistry. Topics include restorative and preventive materials, fabrication of casts and appliances, and chairside functions of the dental hygienist. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in the laboratory and/or clinical application of routinely used dental materials and chairside functions.

Course Prerequisites:
Take DEN-111; Take previously. Required.
Total Credits:2
Class Credits:1
Lab Credits:3
Clinic Credits:0

DEN-230: Dental Hygiene Theory IV

This course provides an opportunity to increase knowledge of the profession. Emphasis is placed on dental specialties, technological advances, and completion of a case study presentation. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of various disciplines of dentistry, technological advances and principles of case presentations.

Course Prerequisites:
Take DEN-220(S11191); Take previously. Required.Take DEN-231; Take either previously or concurrently. Required.
Total Credits:1
Class Credits:1
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0

DEN-231: Dental Hygiene Clinic IV

This course continues skill development in providing an oral prophylaxis. Emphasis is placed on periodontal maintenance and on treating patients with moderate to advanced/refractory periodontal disease. Upon completion, students should be able to assess these patients' needs and complete the necessary dental hygiene treatment.

Course Prerequisites:
Take DEN-221; Take previously. Required.Take DEN-230(S12882); Take either previously or concurrently. Required.
Total Credits:4
Class Credits:0
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:12

DEN-232: Community Dental Health

This course provides a study of the principles and methods used in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating community dental health programs. Topics include epidemiology, research methodology, biostatistics, preventive dental care, dental health education, program planning, and financing and utilization of dental services. Upon completion, students should be able to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate a community dental health program.

Course Prerequisites:
None
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:2
Lab Credits:3
Clinic Credits:0

DEN-233: Professional Development

This course includes professional development, ethics, and jurisprudence with applications to practice management. Topics include conflict management, state laws, resumes, interviews, and legal liabilities as health care professionals. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the ability to practice dental hygiene within established ethical standards and state laws.

Course Prerequisites:
None
Total Credits:2
Class Credits:2
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0