Program Codes:
DHY.AAS
Associate in Applied Science
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The program in Dental Hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of approval. Graduates of this program qualify to take the American Board of Dental Examiners Licensing Examination in Dental Hygiene (ADEX DH) and the Dental Hygiene National Board Examination (DHNBE) for licensure to practice.
Below are required courses and recommended course groupings and sequences for program completion. Courses may have prerequisite and corequisite requirements. Check course descriptions for details.
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.
Credit-by-examination available if the student is licensed to take radiographs in New Jersey.
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.
DHY-117 and DHY-118
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.
DHY-116 and DHY-118
This course examines, in detail, the teeth, both primary and permanent dentitions, and concepts of occlusion. Didactic materials are supplemented by laboratory exercises.
DHY-116 and DHY-117
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.
RDG-011 may be taken as a co-requisite if not previously completed with a grade of "C" or better.
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.
A grade of “C” or better in ENG-121
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.
BIO 112, DHY 203, DHY 207, DHY 211, DHY 215
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.
One year of high school laboratory chemistry or CHM-010
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.
BIO-111 with a minimum grade of “C”
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.
DHY 208
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.
DHY-208
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.
DHY 212
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.
DHY 212
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.
Contact Name: Michelle Roman, Department chair
Contact Phone: 732.906.2536
Contact Email: MRoman@middlesexcc.edu
Department Web: https://www.middlesexcc.edu/dental-hygiene/
The student can become a licensed professional who works under the supervision of a dentist and performs services that detect, prevent and treat diseases of the mouth. Services include performing oral examinations, oral cancer screenings, scaling, root planning, polishing, applying decay preventing agents, taking and processing dental X-rays, and providing patient education in preventive dentistry.
Some colleges and universities such as Thomas Edison, Montclair State University, UMDNJ, and New Jersey City University will apply the courses the student has taken toward a bachelor’s degree.
Students will study comprehensive didactic, laboratory and clinic courses in dental hygiene and the dental sciences presented by highly qualified dental hygienists and dentists. State-of-the-art equipment is used in the on-site dental hygiene clinic and laboratories. Students will have additional clinical experiences in local hospitals and public schools. Basic science and general education requirements complete the course of study.
Are there any special requirements that must be satisfied before taking courses in the major?
Once students complete developmental coursework (if needed), the degree can be completed in two years of full-time study.
Students must meet the Academic Standards of Progress outlined to progress through the curriculum. Students are also required to have completed CPR for the Health Care Provider and complete the health physical and required immunizations prior to starting classes.
Yes, there are practical considerations, health considerations and legal considerations that you should review before making the decision to choose dental hygiene as a career:
The following Practical Considerations are listed so the student may be better able to assess their career choice in terms of ability to succeed in the program and gain employment in the field:
1. Have written and oral communications skills in the English language to effectively and accurately communicate with patients, peers, supervisors, families and other healthcare members.
2. Have sufficient visual acuity to accurately assess patient conditions and treat patients safely.
3. Have motor skills and strength capable of fine and delicate manipulation and adjustments of patient equipment. The student must have the physical capability to withstand prolonged hours in a sitting position and repetitive upper body motions.
4. Demonstrate acceptable affective behaviors required by health care employees such as maintaining excellent attendance and integrity and being able to work under pressure.
5. Comprehend and follow clinical policies and procedures related to the profession you choose.
Heath Insurance - All students admitted to the dental hygiene program must have health insurance. Students will find information regarding the purchase of insurance coverage through the following - http://www.state.nj.us/dobi/division_insurance/ihcseh/shop_ihc.htm
Due to the nature of clinical experiences in the Dental Hygiene Program, students will be participating in a work environment that has the potential of exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious diseases. All students accepted into the Dental Hygiene Program are provided with instruction on infection control protocols specific to Dental Hygiene in order to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
A student is required to have a criminal background check performed with satisfactory results acceptable by Middlesex County College and the Dental Hygiene Department and/or participating clinical facilities as a consideration of admission, initial enrollment and/or continued enrollment. An offer of admission will not be final and enrollment not permitted until the completion of a satisfactory criminal background check. Admission may be denied or rescinded or enrollment terminated based on the results of the criminal background check.