DENH 200 Introduction to Dental Hygiene
Provides the prospective dental hygiene student with an overview of the scope and responsibility of the dental hygiene profession. There are many facets to the profession of dental hygiene and understanding the full scope is essential to making an informed decision regarding entry into the profession. This course provides the student with the ability to make that decision.

DENH 205 Overview of the Dental Profession
Provides the student with an overview of the profession of dentistry. Included in this course are the history of dentistry, the moral and ethical responsibilities of health care providers and an introduction to various aspects of the health care delivery system.

DENH 210 Pre-Clinical Dental Hygiene
An introduction to the dental clinic. Presents both the theoretical basis and the clinical application of the numerous procedures performed by the dental hygienist. Includes infection control, patient management and positioning, ergonomics, data gathering and documentation, as well as an introduction to the basic dental instruments used by the dental hygienist.

DENH 211 Radiology I
Introduction to basic radiography, including the history of radiography and safety guidelines. The dental hygiene student will learn operation of the X-ray equipment, infection control and hazardous waste management. The student will learn types of film, exposure techniques and film processing. As the course progresses, dental anatomy and facial structure will be related to successful X-ray technique.

DENH 212 Dental Sciences
The study of dental terminology, tooth morphology and structures of the oral cavity, along with the histology and embryology of the oral tissues. Included is caries classification, and dental charting for the mouth and teeth. The emphasis will be on the aspects related to dental hygiene care. This course will prepare the dental hygiene student for both instrumentation and radiology. Tooth anatomy plays a part in periodontal disease. The embryology and histology portion covers the structure, composition and function of tissue along with the gestational development of that tissue. The dental hygiene student will study the cells that comprise the tissue along with the intercellular fluids and substance.

DENH 213 Ethics, Jurisprudence and Practice Management
Enables the dental hygiene student to apply advanced reasoning techniques to the ethics of dentistry. Provides the student with practical knowledge regarding job interviewing skills and office practices. These two topics combined allow the student to make decisions regarding employment. The student will develop the skills needed to establish his or her own set of values and ethics and to find a professional position aligned with those ethics.

DENH 214 Oral Health Education
Provides the dental hygiene student with the various techniques used in oral health education. It also introduces the student to educational theory and motivation; dealing with diverse cultures.

DENH 220 Clinical Dental Hygiene I
Entry level practical experience for the dental hygiene student in clinic. The student is expected to schedule his/her patient, perform medical/dental assessment (including periodontal assessment), perform oral cancer exam, take x-rays and perform prophylaxis at an entry level. Proficiency evaluations will be given to each student regarding his/her own technical expertise. In addition to technical aspects of dental hygiene, the student will be evaluated on professionalism, infection control and efficiency. The student will be evaluated as an entry level operator. Over the course of this term, the student will be presented with more information regarding patient education and health promotion.

DENH 221 Radiology II
Instructions of advanced techniques of dental radiolography, with emphasis on professionalism and ethics. The quality of the x-rays will be studied in the continued clinical experience. The radiographic appearance of normal and abnormal features of the oral cavity (including teeth and periodontium) will be discussed. The dental hygiene student will continue to gain experience in processing and mounting x-rays. Radiography techniques for special needs patients will be included. An in-depth discussion of digital radiography as compared with traditional methods is part of this course. Includes study of current dental trend such as photography and intra oral camera.

DENH 222 Oral Pathology
A study of the commonly encountered systemic and oral diseases, including the process of inflammation, wound healing, repair and immunological responses. Emphasis will be placed on the recognition of abnormalities. The student will gain the knowledge needed to make a reasonable differential diagnosis of any lesion, condition and disease encountered in a general practice.

DENH 223 Periodontics I
Covers the normal periodontium vs. periodontal pathology. The contributory factos to periodontal disease and enumerated and explained in depth. The hygienist's role in case management is explored and defined. The decision making process for treatment is discussed.

DENH 224 Head and Neck Anatomy
A study of the gross anatomical structure and function of the head and neck. Emphasis is on the clinical recognition of these structures including the bones, nerves, muscles, vasculature and glands of the orofacial region. This course reviews basic embryology, histology. The lab experience will provide the dental hygiene student with the ability to relate this information to clinical practice.

DENH 225 Medical Emergencies
Provides the dental hygiene student with the basis in prevention and management of medical emergencies in the dental office. The course will introduce the dental hygiene student to the emergency protocal and equipment in the College of San Mateo Dental Hygiene Clinic. The student will be prepared to administer anesthesia and nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation in the following semester.

DENH 226 Local Anesthesia and Nitrous Oxide
Provides the dental hygiene with both the theoretical knowledge and the practical skills to successfully perform the appropriate pain control measures to maintain patient safety and comfort. This includes the prevention and management of emergencies.

DENH 230 Clinical Dental Hygiene II
The intermediate dental hygiene student continues to perfect his/her techniques working with the patients. The topics included in Pre Clinical Dental Hygiene and Clinical Dental Hygiene I will be evaluated at a higher level. New topics include pit and fissure sealants, ultrasonic and sonic scaling, using computers in the dental setting, root planing and irrigation techniques. The course includes a review of case types, selective polishing, professionalism and ethics, nutritional counseling, radiography interpretation and pain management.

DENH 231 Pharmacology
Study of the physical and chemical properties of drugs, modes of administration, therapeutic/adverse effects, and drug actions and interactions. The dental hygiene student will study the clinical application of the therapeutic agents used in the practice of dentistry. Both online and library references will be included and the ethics surrounding pharmacology will be emphasized.

DENH 232 Dental Materials I
Study of the science, properties and use of materials used in dentistry. The course includes the history of dental materials, their indications and contra indications for use in dental procedures. The laboratory portion of this course provides the dental hygiene student with practical experience in the manipulation of various materials used in preventive and restorative dentistry.

DENH 233 Periodontics II
Provides and in depth study of periodontics for the dental hygiene student. In addition to reinforcing the concepts from Periodontics I, this class enumerates and explains the principles and types if periodontal surgeries and the reasons for referral to a periodontist; also introduces new technologies to the student.

DENH 234 Community Dental Health I
Introduces the student to the principles and practices of dental public health and community oral health. Topics included are health care financing, cultural diversity, state, county and federal oral health agencies and programs, epidemiology of oral diseases, and techniques for evaluating dentel research. Biostatistics is also included in this course. Includes field activity

DENH 235 Patients with Special Needs
Patients with special needs resulting from disability or medication conditions require special treatment. This course explores the treatment modifications of the medically compromised patients, including communication, appointment planning, environmental considerations and individualized home care. The safety precautions required for comprehensive dental hygiene care for the medically compromised patient will be presented. Communication with the family and/or caretaker is also discussed.

DENH 240 Clinical Dental Hygiene III
The advanced dental hygiene student/practitioner continues to perfect his/her clinical expertise with an evaluation at an even higher standard of proficiency. New topics to be introduced are: nicotine cessation, care of prosthodontic and orthodontic appliances, advanced periodontal treatment planning and instrumentation (both ultrasonic and hand instruments) and the use of lasers. There will be a continuous review of topics from previous dental hygiene clinical courses. There will be specific emphasis on nicotine cessation and referral to specialists and medical doctors. A portion of the lecture phase of this course will be devoted to preparation for the National Board and State Board, including selection of patient.

DENH 241 Comprehensive Case Presentation
Assists the dental hygiene student in the practical application of theoretical knowledge. A variety of dental hygiene cases are presented to the student. Students apply comprehensive dental knowledge and knowledge of the dental hygiene process of care to make presentations regarding these cases. The case presentation process builds dental hygiene planning skills, critical thinking skills and confidence in the student's ability to practice dental hygiene.

DENH 242 Dental Materials II
Continuation of Dental Materials I. Impressions will be covered along with polishing and abrasion. Dental cements and temporary restorations are also discussed. The dental hygiene student will manipulate a number of these materials, which will provide a more thorough understanding of their properties.

DENH 243 Career Opportunities for the Dental Hygienist
Provides the dental hygiene student with an understanding of the various dental specialties through guest speakers. Emphasizes the hygienist's ability to educate the patient and understand the reasons for referral. Opportunites for the dental hygiene student to continue his/her education and the potential venues of employment are explored. The student is encouraged to begin thinking and planning for future endeavors.

DENH 244 Community Dental Health II
Continuation of Community Dental Health I, with greater emphasis on community field activity. Practical experience in assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of a community dental health program in a variety of community health settings.