Examine the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and diagnosis of dental caries. Through advanced diagnostic techniques and evidence-based strategies, students learn to assess and manage caries risk factors. Emphasis is placed on understanding various interventions' impact on oral health outcomes, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to promote optimal oral health in diverse patient populations.
Explore advanced infection control measures, occupational safety protocols, and regulatory compliance standards relevant to the dental therapy profession. Students defend the dental profession's ethical standards. This course delves into advanced principles and practices of dental health safety within the context of dental therapy practice.
Examine head and neck anatomy, including CBCT interpretation, odontogenesis, and tooth morphology. Create two-dimensional tooth drawings and three-dimensional tooth models to gain a deeper appreciation for the dentition's form, functions and esthetics as well as the developmental basis of orofacial structures and our dentitions.
Focuses on the characteristics and contributing factors of dental decay. Dental Hygiene students help patients minimize caries risk by developing treatment plans, communicating methods to patients and evaluating treatment results.
Examines proven strategies designed to help learners achieve greater personal, academic, and professional success. Learners will apply personal responsibility thinking and behaviors; self- management, awareness, and motivation strategies; as well as interdependence skills to develop a proactive life plan.
Prepares the Dental Hygienist student to play a proactive role in improving the dental health of community members of all ages. Students perform and interpret dental health research to determine community dental health needs. They also participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of a community dental health program.
Prepares dental assistant students to apply fundamentals of general and dental anatomy to informed decision-making and to professional communication with colleagues and patients.
This course prepares the student dental hygienist to work within the scope of dental hygiene practice to manage anxiety and pain for dental patients. Students learn to prepare and administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide safely. The course also addresses the recommendation of alternative pain control measures.
Prepares dental assistant students for professional success in a dental practice or another dental health care environment. Students develop professional appearance and image. More importantly, they learn to work within ethical guidelines and legal frameworks. In preparation for entering the work force, dental assistants customize or develop their portfolios and lay out an on-going professional development plan.
Prepares dental assistant students to chart oral cavity structures, dental pathology and restorations and to assist a dentist with basic dental procedures including examinations, pain control, amalgam restoration and cosmetic restoration. Students will also develop the ability to educate patients about preventive dentistry, brushing and flossing techniques and dental procedures, using lay terminology.
Prepares dental auxiliary students to respond proactively to dental emergencies, control infection, prevent disease, adhere to OSHA Standards and safely manage hazardous materials. Students also take patient vital signs and collect patient medical/dental histories. CPR certification is a prerequisite; students will be required to show proof of certification before beginning the course. This course is a WTCS aligned course required in both the Dental Hygienist and Dental Assistant programs. This course must be taken at NTC, no transfers, because the content of this course is specific for this program/site.
This course provides a review of introductory level clinical and treatment sequencing. Topics include infection control protocol practice, peer instrumentation, radiographic application on a manikin, as well as ethical practice in the clinic environment. Learners will participate in components of a timed peer prophy. This course requires successful completion of Dental Hygiene Process 1.
Helps student dental hygienists develop and apply high professional and ethical standards. Students apply the laws that govern the practice of dental hygiene to their work with patients, other members of a dental team and the community. Emphasis is placed on maintaining confidentiality and obtaining informed consent. Students enhance their ability to present a professional appearance.
Introduces Dental Hygiene students to the basic technical/clinical skills required of practicing Dental Hygienists including use of basic dental equipment, examination of patients and procedures within the dental unit. Under the direct supervision of an instructor, students integrate hands-on skills with entry-level critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The course also reinforces the application of Dental Health Safety skills.
This clinical course builds on and expands the technical/clinical skills student dental hygienists began developing in Dental Hygiene Process 1. Under the direct supervision of an instructor, students apply patient care assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation skills to provide comprehensive care for calculus case type 1 and 2 patients and perio case patients.
This clinical course builds on and expands the technical/clinical skills student dental hygienists developed in Dental Hygiene Process II. In consultation with the instructor, students apply independent problem-solving skills in the course of providing comprehensive care for calculus case type I, II and III patients and case type 0, I, II and III patients. Dental Hygiene Process III introduces root detoxification using hand and ultra-sonic instruments, laser bacterial reduction, selection of dental implant prophylaxis treatment options and administration of chemotherapeutic agents. Students also adapt care plans in order to accommodate patients with special needs.
This clinical course builds on and expands the technical/clinical skills student dental hygienists developed in Dental Hygiene Process III. With feedback from the instructor, students manage all aspects of cases in the course of providing comprehensive care for calculus case type 0, 1, 2, and 3 patients and for perio case type 0 I, II, and III patients. Emphasizes maximization of clinical efficiency and effectiveness. Prepares student dental hygienists to demonstrate their clinical skills in a formal examination situation.
This course prepares the learner or graduate for licensure. Simulated written and practical examinations. Individualized study plans, stress/test anxiety management strategies, and dental hygiene license obtainment are addressed. Course goal is to strengthen learner performance on written board and clinical practical examinations. No challenge test available.
Prepares dental auxiliary students to handle and prepare dental materials such as liners, bases, cements, amalgam, resin restorative materials, gypsum products and impression materials. They also learn to take alginate impressions on manikins and clean removable appliances. This course is aligned to serve students in the Dental Hygienist Associate Degree and Dental Assistant Technical Diploma programs.
