Dental Hygiene
Denise Bowers, RDH, PhD, Chair
Phone: (419) 995-8385
Email: bowers.d@RhodesState.edu
Office: 122 Cook Hall
A Career in Dental Hygiene
A registered dental hygienist is a licensed member of the oral health team who is responsible for assessing the oral health status of his/her patient and providing individualized preventive treatment. Men and women 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. (Approved 2013)
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.
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 issued personnel monitoring devices to wear 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 |
| CHM 1120 | Introductory Organic and Biochemistry | 4 |
| DTN 1220 | Principles of Nutrition | 2 |
| MTH 1370 or MTH 1151 | College Algebra or Quantitative Reasoning | 3-4 |
| Term Hours | 13-14 | |
| 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 |
| PSY 1010 | General Psychology | 3 |
| Term Hours | 13 | |
| Spring | ||
| DHY 2020 | Dental Hygiene Clinic III | 4 |
| DHY 2540 | Dental Hygiene Capstone Course | 1 |
| DHY 2770 | Community Dental Health | 2 |
| SOC 1010 | Sociology | 3 |
| DHY 2662 | Current Concepts | 1 |
| Term Hours | 11 | |
| Total Hours | 72-73 | |
| | Portfolio Course |
| | Capstone Course |
Prerequisites:
Students should check course prerequisites before registering. Prerequisites are listed in the Course Description section.
DHY 1010 — Dental Hygiene Preclinic
4 Credit hours
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
0.5 Credit hours
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
3 Credit hours
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
2 Credit hours
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
3 Credit hours
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
3 Credit hours
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
0.5 Credit hours
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
3 Credit hours
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
3 Credit hours
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
0.5 Credit hours
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
2 Credit hours
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
2 Credit hours
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
1-3 Credit hours
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
4 Credit hours
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, CHM 1120, DTN 1220, DHY 1030, DHY 1301, DHY 1521, DHY 1660
Corequisites: DHY 2140, DHY 2340, DHY 2510, PSY 1010.
DHY 2020 — Dental Hygiene Clinic III
4 Credit hours
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, PSY 1010.
Corequisites: DHY 2540, DHY 2662, DHY 2770, SOC 1010.
DHY 2140 — Dental Materials
2 Credit hours
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, CHM 1120, DTN 1220, DHY 1030, DHY 1301, DHY 1521, DHY 1660.
Corequisites: DHY 2010, DHY 2340, DHY 2510, PSY 1010.
DHY 2340 — Periodontology
2 Credit hours
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, CHM 1120, DTN 1220, DHY 1030, DHY 1301, DHY 1521, DHY 1660.
Corequisites: DHY 2010, DHY 2140, DHY 2510, PSY 1010.
DHY 2510 — Preventive Concept III
2 Credit hours
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, CHM 1120, DTN 1220, DHY 1030, DHY 1301, DHY 1521, DHY 1660.
Corequisites: COM 2110, DHY 2010, DHY 2140, DHY 2340, PSY 1010.
DHY 2540 — Dental Hygiene Capstone Course
1 Credit hour
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. Other elements are a final electronic portfolio writing assignment and the completion of selected Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency tests. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: DHY 2010, DHY 2140, DHY 2340, DHY 2510.
Corequisites: DHY 2020, DHY 2662, DHY 2770, SOC 1010.
DHY 2662 — Current Concepts
1 Credit hour
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, PSY 1010.
Corequisites: DHY 2020, DHY 2540, DHY 2770, SOC 1010.
DHY 2770 — Community Dental Health
2 Credit hours
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, PSY 1010
Corequisites: DHY 2020, DHY 2662, SOC 1010.
All students who apply for acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program have their name placed on a qualified list after they meet the program qualifications listed below.
Students seeking admission are encouraged to review the qualification requirements early due to the amount of time required to complete the process. Names are listed on the qualified list, in order, using the date on which the documentation was received, verifying that the admission criteria is met. In the event that two or more students qualify on the same day, the date of application to the College is used to rank order these students.
In addition to the general admission requirements for all students, the following specific requirements must be completed before being added to qualified list:
- Attend a mandatory program specific orientation.
- Have a minimum 2.75 grade point average (GPA) for any previous college level course work at the time of selection and matriculation.
- Complete all required college level or developmental level math, writing and reading courses and prerequisites with a grade or D or higher, and all college level or development level science requirements and prerequisites with a grade of C or higher; or equivalent placement.
Once the student is admitted into the Dental Hygiene program, the program admitted students must show completion of the below requirements three weeks prior to start of term:
- Complete SDE 1010 First Year Experience or have previous college prior to admission to the program.
- 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 patient in the Dental Hygiene Clinic. Waiver for dental office experience will be considered on an individual basis by the chairperson.
- Attend a mandatory Dental Hygiene comprehensive orientation with the dental hygiene department chairperson.
- Provide written results of physical and dental examinations, completion of required laboratory tests and completion of required immunizations to include the first two hepatitis B inoculations.
- Complete the American Heart Association (Healthcare Provider) or American Red Cross (Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers) course. CPR certification must be maintained through to graduation.
Dental Hygiene program admits students once a year in Fall Semester. Note: Two seats in each class will be designated for Tech Prep and/or College Credit Plus students who have met the minimal qualifications.
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: http://www.ada.org/100.aspx. The program has held this accreditation status since inception in 1976.