Dental Hygiene

This course is designed to prepare students to expose radiographs as part of patient dental treatment. Topics include the fundamentals of dental radiology including the characteristics, production and utilization of x-rays in producing diagnostic dental radiographic images, biologic effects of radiation, radiation safety and protection, intra- and extra-oral exposure techniques, patient management and radiograph interpretation. The laboratory component includes all aspects of exposure, processing, interpretation and mounting of Intra-oral dental radiographs. All radiographic exposures are made utilizing manikins.

Introduction to the primary dental hygiene services.  The basic sciences are related tot he performance of such services as taking medical and dental history, vital signs, oral inspection, periodontal instrumentation and patient education.  Laboratory and clinical experiences supplement didactic materials.   May not be audited.

This course examines in detail the histological structures of the oral cavity. There will be emphasis on the teeth, both primary and permanent dentitions, bones, muscles, nerves, glands, and blood vessels of the head and neck.

This course examines in detail the anatomical details of the head and neck. There will be emphasis on the bones, muscles, nerves, glands, and blood vessels of the head and neck. Didactic materials are supplemented by laboratory exercises.

This course examines, in detail, the teeth, both primary and permanent dentitions, and concepts of occlusion. Didactic materials are supplemented by laboratory exercises.

An introductory study of the microbial world with emphasis on the nature and behavior of microorganisms, the interrelationships that operate between microbes and the human host in health and disease and the principles of prevention and control of infectious disease. Laboratory experience develops techniques in the proper handling, observation and identification of microbial cultures. Recommended for students in the health sciences.

Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing documented essays. Extensive reading materials serve as structural models and as the bases for discussion and for the writing of essays involving response, analysis, and synthesis.

Didactically, an introduction to clinical dental hygiene skills as well as a general reference to the entire scope of the professional practice.  Clinically, the students will render services to patients with selected levels of diifficulty, encompassing the areas of:  patient assessment, patient education, oral prophylaxis and radiology.   May not be audited.

This course is designed to provide each dental hygiene student with an understanding of basic nutrition as it applies to general and oral health. Topics covered include the fundamental biochemical principles of nutrients, nutrient requirements, food sources and related diseases. Students learn nutritional concepts as they apply to preventative dentistry.  These concepts emphasize dietary analysis and counseling for caries susceptible and periodontally involved patients.  Students are introduced to the evaluation and use of nutritional references and educational materials to enhance patient treatment.

A study of the chemical and physical properties of those materials most commonly used in dental practice. Included are lectures on the materials and techniques used by dental hygienists who are providing expanded function services as outlined in the New Jersey Board of Dentistry Statute and Regulations 13:30 - 1A.2.   Student performance of basic laboratory and operatory procedures related to general dentistry and expanded functions for auxiliaries is an integral part of the course.

Detailed study of the principles and concepts of periodontal disease, including the tissues surrounding the teeth in both healthy and disease states.   Includes the etiology, histopathology, description, and treatment of periodontal diseases and emphasizes the dental hygienist's role initial therapy and as a disease control therapist in the maintenance of oral health.

A study of cellular transport mechanisms and tissues as they relate to organs and systems. Structural and functional features of the skeletal, muscular and nervous systems and special senses are examined. Recommended for students in the health sciences.

Dental Pharmacology introduces the dental hygienist to the study of drugs and how they affect biological systems.   This course will provide the student with a base of knowledge in the principles of pharmacology and the drugs used in the current therapy of disease states, as well as a solid foundation in the terminology and vocabulary that is associated with pharmacology.  Special emphasis is given to those drugs administered or prescribed in the dental practice, as well as those drugs whose actions, side effects, or interactions with other drugs may impact dental healthcare.

An introduction to basic concepts of inorganic, organic and biochemistry. Topics include the metric system, ionic and covalent bonding, acids, bases and salts, radioactivity, solutions, colloids, emulsions, gases and important organic compound classes such as alcohols, ethers, esters, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and enzymes. This course is required for students in Dental Hygiene, Pharmacy Assistant and Respiratory Care.

A continuation of BIO 111. A study of the structure and function of the body is continued by examining the endocrine, reproductive, circulatory, digestive, respiratory and excretory systems.

An introduction to the basic principles of pathology. A consideration of common diseases affecting the human body and knowledge of how to correlate basic principles of general pathology to oral diseases and lesions. Special attention focused on abnormal conditions of the oral cavity.

This course introduces educational concepts, objectives, and methodology in dental heatlh instruction at various levels.  It includes the materials and methods used in individual and group teaching of dental health, thus preparing the student to act as an educator in a clincial or classroom setting, in professional groups, and in a variety of community situations.  Changing demographics provide opportunities for students to interact with individuals from varied cultures and backgrounds.  Multicultural aspects of beliefs, habits, and communication are explored.

Continuation of DHY 108 emphasizing more challenging clinical skills and detailed patient assessment. An understanding of medical conditions and complications related to dental treatment is covered in lecture. May not be audited.

An expanded study of the principles and concepts of, and current research on, periodontal disease. In this advanced course the evaluation and monitoring of the periodontal disease process; the latest concepts in treatment; immunology; the relationship of periodontics to other dental specialties; and critique of related literature will be discussed. Various guest lecturers will share their expertise with the students, and practicum exercises will focus on the observation and treatment of periodontal disease, including the observation of periodontal procedures with an external periodontist.

This course is designed to prepare the student to administer local anesthesia to patients for pain management during the course of dental treatment.  The course will include instruction in the fundamental knowledge of the anatomy of the head and neck, pharmacology of anesthetic and analgesic agents, patient pre-evaluation including medical and dental history considerations, recognition of advetse events, management of emergency procedures and basic life support, selection of appropriate anesthetic agents and techniques for administering local anesthesia and the administration of local anesthetic reversal agents.   The clinical training component includes 25 monitored administrations of local anesthesia on laboratory partners.

Successful course completion prepares the student to take the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA) examination on the administration of local anesthesia and to be eligible to apply for a New Jersey State Board of Dentistry local anesthesia permit.

A basic course in the concept, scope and administration of public health programs. Emphasis on the needs of the population and the role of the dental hygienist within public health practice. Opportunity provided for field experience in analysis and planning of public health education projects.

Continuation of DHY 211 with emphasis on improving clinical skills on patients of higher level of difficulty. Prepares students for successful completion of board examinations and employment. May not be audited.

An interdisciplinary capstone course which integrates and synthesizes concepts and skills from preceding dental hygiene courses. Emphasis is on the development and presentation of a clinical case study and preparation for entry into the profession of dental hygiene. Activities include preparation for national and state licensing examinations, development of career portfolios and the discussion of current issues in the practice of dental hygiene and related dental professions.

Sociology is the systematic study of social behavior and human groups.   This course covers basic sociological theories and methods of social research, with special attention to the following topics:  culture, values and norms, socialization, social structure, deviance, stratification, social institutions and differentiation by region, race, ethnicity, gender, age and class.

Provides a psychological basis for the understanding of human behavior. A survey of fundamentals that are necessary for subsequent psychology courses. Topics include but are not limited to: learning, motivation, cognition, personality, abnormal behavior, development and social psychology.