Dental Hygiene

Jill M. Hay, RDH, M.Ed, Coordinator
Phone: (419) 995-8327
Email: hay.j@rhodesstate.edu
Office: CK 122

A Career in Dental Hygiene

Registered dental hygienists are licensed members of the oral health team who are responsible for assessing the oral health status of patients and providing individualized preventive treatment. Individuals choose this caring profession because it is a challenging and rewarding career with the security of a professional license and the responsibility of direct patient care. Treatment often provided by a dental hygienist includes: taking social, medical and dental histories; assessing the patient's oral health and planning preventive treatment; making radiographic surveys (x-rays); providing individual oral health care instructions; removing deposits from teeth (cleaning); administering fluoride therapy; and placing dental sealants. Most dental hygienists practice in a private dental office. However, some seek employment in public health settings, specialty practices, school systems, industry, federal services and higher education. The need for licensed dental hygienists continues to grow as the demand for access to preventive oral health care increases.

The Associate Degree program at Rhodes State College provides the student with an excellent dental hygiene education, encouraging personal and professional growth. The faculty are committed to offering the highest level of instruction to each student. All clinical instruction, assessment and evaluation is provided by licensed dental hygienists and dentists in the modern, well-equipped Dental Hygiene Clinic. Dental health activities are integrated throughout the program preparing graduates to be vital members of the community. The curriculum is a combination of classroom, laboratory and clinical courses providing the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to practice dental hygiene. Emphasis is given to assisting the student to appreciate the value of comprehensive dental hygiene care.

Mission Statement

The Dental Hygiene Program prepares students to become competent oral healthcare professionals.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, the student will be able to:

Demonstrate entry-level competence necessary to provide educational, clinical, and consultative services to individuals of all ages and from any population by assuming the role of a dental hygienist in clinical and non-clinical practice settings.
Assess the overall health of all patients and develop individualized comprehensive dental hygiene care plans.
Apply biomedical science and general education knowledge to the practice of dental hygiene.
Apply dental and dental hygiene science knowledge in the provision of safe and effective dental hygiene care within the scope of the Ohio Revised Code and established professional standards of dental hygiene practice.
Participate in community activities which promote the importance of oral and general health.
Assume the responsibility of life-long learning through continued credit and non-credit education by being a participating member in dental hygiene professional associations.
Analyze current research and apply information to the practice of dental hygiene in private and public health settings.

Notice to Prospective or Current Dental Hygiene Students

You are at risk if you have been convicted of a prior felony and/or some misdemeanors. You may not be able to participate in clinical education experiences required to complete the program. A criminal record may also prevent you from obtaining a license or certificate in your chosen healthcare profession.

Bloodborne Pathogens

Dental hygiene students provide services in the oral cavity where they come in contact with blood and saliva. Although diseases may be encountered, research indicates that risks are negligible when optimal infection control is practiced. Upon entering the program, current infection control measures and practice are presented to the students by qualified faculty. Compliance of these practices is assessed and evaluated throughout the students' clinical experience to ensure a safe working environment.

Prior to entering the program, all new Health Sciences Division students will receive the Division of Health Sciences Infectious Disease Policy. This comprehensive document demonstrates the College's commitment to protecting students' rights, to educating students about infectious diseases, and to taking every reasonable precaution to provide a safe educational and work environment.

Dental Hygiene Licensure

Graduates of the program are awarded an Associate Degree of Applied Science. Upon successful completion of the program, the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) Dental Hygiene Examination, and the Ohio Jurisprudence Examination, graduates will be eligible to apply for state licensure.

Reentry or Admission with Advanced Standing

Students seeking reentry to the Dental Hygiene Program may be accepted one time on a space-available basis. A student who withdrew or was academically disqualified from the previous academic year must be in good standing with the College and follow the prescribed procedures stated in the program's Re-entry Policy. This document is published in the Clinic Manual and is available upon request from the Office of the Chairperson of Dental Hygiene.

Advanced standing may be granted to a transfer student when courses are equivalent and were completed within the accepted time frame:

Dental Hygiene courses: within the previous academic year

Related (Basic) Studies courses: within the previous five years

Technical Standards
See here for details.

Tech Prep Partner
See here for details.

“C” grade policy

A minimum 2.0 GPA is required for graduation.
A grade of “C” or higher must be achieved in all courses carrying the specific program prefix such as DHY, EMS, MAT, NSG, OTA, PNS, PTA, RAD, RES and SRG.
All programs and certificates require a grade of “C” (2.0) or better in required science courses and in required basic/related health science (BHS) courses as well as in selected general education and basic/related science courses (see program requirements).

All of the following required coursework needs to have been completed within five years of matriculation into a Health Sciences program or certificate.

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
BIO 1000	Basic Human Structure and Function	3
BIO 1110	Anatomy and Physiology I (The age requirement may be waived by the Program Chair or Coordinator if the applicant is currently working in a healthcare field. )	4
BIO 1120	Anatomy and Physiology II (The age requirement may be waived by the Program Chair or Coordinator if the applicant is currently working in a healthcare field. )	4
BIO 1400	Microbiology	4
BHS 1390	Medical Terminology	2
BHS 2110	Growth and Development: Lifespan	2
CHM 1120	Introductory Organic and Biochemistry	4
DTN 1220	Principles of Nutrition	2
NSG 1721	Pharmacology for Nursing	2

Criminal Background Checks and Drug Screening

To meet the expanding requirements of our clinical affiliates, both a criminal background check and a drug screen will be mandatory prior to clinical experiences for most students within the Division of Health Sciences and Public Service. Some program exceptions may apply. You are at risk if you have been convicted of a prior felony and/or some misdemeanors. Students with certain felony, misdemeanor, or drug-related convictions will be ineligible for admission into clinical experiences. A criminal record may also prevent you from obtaining a license or certificate in your chosen healthcare profession or to obtain employment post-graduation. Students admitted to a program containing off-campus clinical/practicum experiences will be required to submit to drug screening. Positive drug screenings may result in dismissal from all clinical courses. Any student who refuses/fails to cooperate or complete any required drug screening will be considered “positive” and dismissed from the clinical component of their program. All students requiring drug screening may be subject to random drug screens and for cause during the program.

Recommended High School Coursework

Students are encouraged to complete college prep classes in high school. Although not required, the courses provide a better understanding of college-level work. Recommended college prep courses include:
English: 4 units
Math: 4 units
Natural Science: 3 units
Social Science: 3 units

Health Insurance

The Division of Health Sciences and Public Service is committed to protecting students, faculty, and patients from infectious diseases during clinical practice and taking every reasonable precaution to provide a safe educational and work environment. All new students entering the health-related programs will be informed of the risks of blood-borne and other infectious diseases. Students with a high risk of infectious diseases should be aware of their own health status and risk of exposure to other students, employees, or patients involved in the clinical environment. All students are required to provide their own health insurance coverage for the duration of their program and be able to provide proof of insurance if requested.

Radiation Monitoring

For educational and training purposes, students under the age of 18 are held to the same radiation exposure limits as members of the general public (1mSv/year). This limit is 1/50 that of the occupational exposure limit which is 50mSv/year (National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements). The occupational radiation exposure of radiologic personnel engaged in general x-ray activity are typically considerably lower exposures than this limit. All students are monitored while in areas of possible radiation exposure.

Dental Hygiene
Associate of Applied Science Degree

Structured Course Sequence (5 Semester Plan)

First Year
Fall		Hours
BIO 1110	Anatomy and Physiology I	4
COM 1110	English Composition	3
DHY 1010	Dental Hygiene Preclinic	4
DHY 1200	Orofacial Anatomy	2
DHY 1460	Oral Radiography	3
DHY 1511	Preventive Concepts I	3
	Term Hours	19
Spring
BHS 1330	Foundations in Pharmacology	1
BIO 1120	Anatomy and Physiology II	4
DHY 1030	Dental Hygiene Clinic I	3
DHY 1301	Oral Histology and Pathology	3
DHY 1521	Preventive Concepts II	3
DHY 1660	Pain Control Management	2
	Term Hours	16
Summer
BIO 1400	Microbiology	4
DTN 1220	Principles of Nutrition	2
SOC 1010	Sociology	3
MTH 1370 or MTH 1151	College Algebra or Quantitative Reasoning	3-4
	Term Hours	12-13
Second Year
Fall
DHY 2010	Dental Hygiene Clinic II	4
DHY 2140	Dental Materials	2
DHY 2340	Periodontology	2
DHY 2510	Preventive Concept III	2
CHM 1120	Introductory Organic and Biochemistry	4
	Term Hours	14
Spring
DHY 2020	Dental Hygiene Clinic III	4
DHY 2540 	Dental Hygiene Capstone Course	1
DHY 2770	Community Dental Health	2
DHY 2662	Current Concepts	1
PSY 1010	General Psychology	3
	Term Hours	11
	Total Hours	72-73

	Capstone Course
¹	Dental Hygiene courses must be completed within the previous academic year, otherwise, they must be retaken.

Prerequisites:

Students should check course prerequisites before registering. Prerequisites are listed in the Course Description section.

DHY 1010 — Dental Hygiene Preclinic

Credit Hours: 4.00 Total Contact Hours: 12.00 Lab Hours: 12.00

Provides clinical application procedures in prevention, recognition, and treatment of oral diseases. Emphasis is placed on infection control, instrumentation, and basic clinical skills. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene Program.
Corequisites: BIO 1110, COM 1110, DHY 1511, DHY 1200, DHY 1460.

DHY 1019 — Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Credit Hours: 0.50 Total Contact Hours: 0.50 Lecture Hours: 0.34 Clinical/Other Hours: 0.16

Provides basic principles of nitrous oxide minimal sedation for dental professionals. Emphasis is given to assessing patients and the clinical set up for dental assistant monitoring and/or dental hygienist administration of nitrous oxide in accordance with the Ohio State Dental Board (OSDB) requirements. Must have current CPR for the Healthcare Provider Certified or BHS-1131 as per OSDB. Must have instructor or program chair permission to register. The course satisfies 7.5 hours of continuing education (CE) requirements for Ohio license renewal. This course is graded S/U.

DHY 1030 — Dental Hygiene Clinic I

Credit Hours: 3.00 Total Contact Hours: 9.00 Clinical/Other Hours: 9.00

Provides an opportunity for the student to develop the ability to assess individual patient needs, plan and provide dental hygiene care and instruction necessary to treat and/or prevent oral diseases. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: BIO 1110, DHY 1010, DHY 1200, DHY 1460, DHY 1511, COM 1110.
Corequisites: BHS 1330, BIO 1120, DHY 1301, DHY 1521, DHY 1660.

DHY 1200 — Orofacial Anatomy

Credit Hours: 2.00 Total Contact Hours: 2.00 Lecture Hours: 2.00

Provides a study of orofacial anatomy with emphasis on dental nomenclature, head and neck anatomy, and dental anatomy. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene Program.
Corequisites: BIO 1110, COM 1110, DHY 1010, DHY 1460, DHY 1511.

DHY 1301 — Oral Histology and Pathology

Credit Hours: 3.00 Total Contact Hours: 3.00 Lecture Hours: 3.00

Provides a study of the growth, development, and microscopic anatomy of the teeth and surrounding structures as well as a study of the pathological processes of the human body and their manifestations in the oral cavity. Emphasis is placed on recognition and identification of oral lesions and conditions utilizing clinical, radiographic, and histologic media. Interpreting case studies and the development of a case study portfolio enhance students' understanding and applicability of course material. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: BIO 1110, DHY 1010, DHY 1200, DHY 1460, DHY 1511, COM 1110.
Corequisites: BHS 1330, BIO 1120, DHY 1030, DHY 1521, DHY 1660.

DHY 1460 — Oral Radiography

Credit Hours: 3.00 Total Contact Hours: 4.00 Lecture Hours: 2.00 Lab Hours: 2.00

Provides a study of the concepts of radiobiologic imaging including components of the x-ray machine, x-ray production, and attenuation. Instruction on and practice with exposing, processing, mounting, assessing, interpreting and duplicating extraoral and intraoral radiographs with emphasis on the parallel technique is incorporated into this course. Principles of radiation safety and protection in conjunction with quality assurance are stressed. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene Program.
Corequisites: BIO 1110, COM 1110, DHY 1010, DHY 1200, DHY 1511.

DHY 1469 — Oral Radiography for the Dental Team

Credit Hours: 0.50 Total Contact Hours: 0.50 Lecture Hours: 0.50

Provides a study of oral radiographic principles and interpretation leading to certification of the dental assistant through the Ohio State Dental Board. The clinical requirement must be met at the participant's dental office under the supervision of the employer dentist within 60 days of the completion of this course. Application then must be made to the Ohio State Dental Board. Must have instructor or program chair permission to register. In addition, this course satisfies 7.5 hours of continuing education requirements for license renewal for dental hygienists and dentists. This course is graded S/U.

DHY 1511 — Preventive Concepts I

Credit Hours: 3.00 Total Contact Hours: 3.00 Lecture Hours: 3.00

Provides and introduction to the principles and techniques used in the recognition and primary treatment in oral diseases. Additionally, this course assists the student in developing skills to treat a diverse population of individuals including those that are physically and mentally compromised.
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program.
Corequisites: BIO 1110, COM 1110, DHY 1010, DHY 1200, DHY 1460.

DHY 1521 — Preventive Concepts II

Credit Hours: 3.00 Total Contact Hours: 3.00 Lecture Hours: 3.00

Provides a continuation of the study of principles and techniques used in the prevention, recognition, and initial treatment of oral diseases. Emphasis is placed on the further development of skills to communicate, plan treatment for, manage, and educate the physically and mentally compromised patients. Additionally, the role of research and its importance to dental hygiene will be introduced. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: BIO 1110, DHY 1010, DHY 1200, DHY 1460, DHY 1511, COM 1110.
Corequisites: BHS 1330, BIO 1120, DHY 1030, DHY 1301, DHY 1660.

DHY 1529 — Oral Health Access Supervision

Credit Hours: 0.50 Total Contact Hours: 0.53 Lecture Hours: 0.53

Prepares dental hygienists to properly and safely practice dental hygiene under the Oral Health Access Supervision Program in accordance with the Ohio State Dental Board requirements. Student must be a graduate dental hygienist or dentist. Must have permission of instructor or program chair to register. This course satisfies 8 hours of continuing education (CE) requirements for Ohio license renewal. This course is graded S/U.

DHY 1660 — Pain Control Management

Credit Hours: 2.00 Total Contact Hours: 3.00 Lecture Hours: 1.00 Lab Hours: 2.00

Provides the basic concepts of pain anxiety for the provision of safe and effective dental hygiene treatment. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: BIO 1110, DHY 1010, DHY 1200, DHY 1460, DHY 1511, COM 1110.
Corequisites: BHS 1330, BIO 1120, DHY 1030, DHY 1301, DHY 1521.

DHY 1669 — Local Anesthesia for Hygienist

Credit Hours: 2.00 Total Contact Hours: 2.00 Lecture Hours: 1.00 Clinical/Other Hours: 1.00

Provides the basic concepts of the administration of local anesthesia for pain control for the licensed dental professional. Within 18 months of the completion of this course, participants must successfully complete a state or regional written examination on local anesthesia approved by the Ohio State Dental Board. Must have RDH or DDS valid license, current CPR for the Healthcare Provider Certified or BHS-1311 as per OSDB and permission of instructor or program chair to register. This course satisfies 15 hours of continuing education (CE) requirements for Ohio license renewal. This course is graded S/U.

DHY 1990 — Independent Study in DHY

Credit Hours: 0.00 Total Contact Hours: 0.00

Provides an opportunity for additional instruction to enhance the success of students earning an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene. This course is graded S/U.

DHY 2010 — Dental Hygiene Clinic II

Credit Hours: 4.00 Total Contact Hours: 12.00 Clinical/Other Hours: 12.00

Provides a continuation of DHY 1030 and increases the student's theoretical knowledge and application of techniques used in the treatment and prevention of oral diseases. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: BHS 1330, BIO 1120, BIO 1400, DTN 1220, DHY 1030, DHY 1301, DHY 1521, DHY 1660, SOC 1010
Corequisites: DHY 2140, DHY 2340, DHY 2510, CHM 1120.

DHY 2020 — Dental Hygiene Clinic III

Credit Hours: 4.00 Total Contact Hours: 12.00 Clinical/Other Hours: 12.00

Provides a continuation of DHY 2010 and expands upon the student's theoretical knowledge in the application of techniques with emphasis on providing total patient care and preventing oral disease. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: DHY 2010, DHY 2140, DHY 2340, DHY 2510, CHM 1120
Corequisites: DHY 2540, DHY 2662, DHY 2770, PSY 1010.

DHY 2140 — Dental Materials

Credit Hours: 2.00 Total Contact Hours: 3.00 Lecture Hours: 1.00 Lab Hours: 2.00

Provides a study of the composition, chemical and physical properties and application of dental materials commonly used in the dental office and laboratory. This knowledge is essential if the student is to communicate properly with other members of the dental team and to adequately perform thorough patient education and preventative oral health care. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: BHS 1330, BIO 1120, BIO 1400, DTN 1220, DHY 1030, DHY 1301, DHY 1521, DHY 1660, SOC 1010
Corequisites: DHY 2010, DHY 2340, DHY 2510, CHM 1120.

DHY 2340 — Periodontology

Credit Hours: 2.00 Total Contact Hours: 2.00 Lecture Hours: 2.00

Provides a study of clinical assessment of periodontal disease, its etiology, classification, principles of treatment, and prevention of periodontal disease. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: BHS 1330, BIO 1120, BIO 1400, DTN 1220, DHY 1030, DHY 1301, DHY 1521, DHY 1660, SOC 1010
Corequisites: DHY 2010, DHY 2140, DHY 2510, CHM 1120.

DHY 2510 — Preventive Concept III

Credit Hours: 2.00 Total Contact Hours: 2.00 Lecture Hours: 2.00

Provides a study of advanced theory and practice used in the treatment and prevention of oral disease. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: BHS 1330, BIO 1120, BIO 1400, DTN 1220, DHY 1030, DHY 1301, DHY 1521, DHY 1660, SOC 1010
Corequisites: DHY 2010, DHY 2140, DHY 2340, CHM 1120.

DHY 2540 — Dental Hygiene Capstone Course 

Credit Hour: 1.00 Total Contact Hour: 1.00 Lecture Hour: 1.00

Provides an opportunity for the prospective graduate to demonstrate achievement of the program's learning outcomes and competencies as well as the college's general education core skills and abilities. A major component of this course will facilitate a team approach to patient care and cultural diversity through an interdisciplinary team case study project. Psychomotor skills will also be demonstrated. 'C' grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: DHY 2010, DHY 2140, DHY 2340, DHY 2510, CHM 1120
Corequisites: DHY 2020, DHY 2662, DHY 2770, PSY 1010.

DHY 2662 — Current Concepts

Credit Hour: 1.00 Total Contact Hour: 1.00 Lecture Hour: 1.00

Prepares students to take licensing examinations and to better understand and appreciate the legal and ethical responsibilities of licensure. Current trends and issues impacting the profession of dental hygiene as well as career opportunities in traditional and non-traditional settings are discussed. The advantage of advanced education and necessity for life-long learning are expounded upon. At the end of this course, students will develop, solve, and present an ethical case study for submission to his/her college electronic portfolio. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: DHY 2010, DHY 2140, DHY 2340, DHY 2510, CHM 1120
Corequisites: DHY 2020, DHY 2540, DHY 2770, PSY 1010.

DHY 2770 — Community Dental Health

Credit Hours: 2.00 Total Contact Hours: 2.00 Lecture Hours: 2.00

Provides an introduction to basic principles of public health as they relate to the profession of dental hygiene. Methods of dental biostatistics and epidemiology will be introduced as well as the purposes and functions of public health agencies. Emphasis is given to assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating community dental health projects. Additionally, the methodology and resources for teaching dental health to groups in various community settings will be introduced. Extramural experiences consist of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of dental education programs as well as participation in scheduled community activities. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: DHY 2010, DHY 2140, DHY 2340, DHY 2510, CHM 1120
Corequisites: DHY 2020, DHY 2662, PSY 1010.

Prerequisites:

Students should check course prerequisites before registering. Prerequisites are listed in the Course Description section (p. 102).

In addition to the general education admission requirements for all students, students who are seeking entry into the Dental Hygiene Program will have their name placed on a qualified list after they meet the program qualifications listed below:

Attend a program specific briefing.
Have a minimum of 2.75 grade point average (GPA) for any previous college level course at the time of selection and matriculation.
Be remediation free in math, writing, reading, and science.

Names are listed on the qualified list, in order, using the date on which the documentation was received. In the event that two (2) or more students qualify on the same day, the date of the application to the College is used to rank order.

Students admitted into the Dental Hygiene Program must show completion of the following requirements prior to the first day of classes:

Complete SDE 1010 First Year Experience or have previous college experience.
Complete 16 hours of observation of a dental hygienist in a dental office. Four (4) of these hours can be earned by completing treatment as a patient in the Dental Hygiene Clinic.
Attend mandatory Dental Hygiene comprehensive orientation.
Provide written results of physical and dental examinations, completion of required laboratory tests and completion of required immunizations.
Complete the American Heart Association (Healthcare Provider) or American Red Cross (Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers) course. CPR certification must be maintained through graduation.

Dental Hygiene Program admits students once a year in Fall Semester.

The program in dental hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission’s web address is: https://coda.ada.org/. The program has held this accreditation status since inception in 1976.