The Dental Hygienist Associate Degree is a 71 Credit program. The following is a typical semester breakdown of the courses within the program.

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Gen Anatomy & Physiology (10806177)

4.00

Examines basic concepts of human anatomy and physiology as they relate to health sciences. Using a body systems approach, the course emphasizes the interrelationships between structure and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization. Intended to prepare health care professionals who need to apply basic concepts of anatomy and physiology to informed decision-making and professional communication in the clinical setting.Student is highly recommended to have completed two semesters of high school chemistry or one semester of college chemistry with a "C" or better. All third attempts for enrollment require Dean/Assoc. Dean approval.Keywords:General, General Anatomy, General Anatomy and Physiology, General Anatomy & Physiology

NTC Assessments Offered:

Dental Health Safety (10508101)

1.00

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.

College 101 (10890165)

1.00

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.

NTC Assessments Offered:

Intro To Biochemistry (10806186)

4.00

Provides students with skills and knowledge of organic and biological chemistry necessary for application within Nursing and other Allied Health careers. Emphasis is placed on recognizing the structure, physical properties and chemical reactions of organic molecules, body fluids and acids. Additional emphasis is placed on biological functions and their relationships to enzymes, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and DNA. Keywords: Biochem, Intro to Biochem

Conditions

Student has completed or is in process of completing all of the following course(s): SCIENCE 10806177 - Gen Anatomy & Physiology

NTC Assessments Offered:

Dental Hygiene Process 1 (10508105)

4.00

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.

Conditions

Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed or is in process of completing all of the following course(s): DENTAL 10508101 - Dental Health Safety, DENTAL 10508102 - Oral Anatomy, Embry, Histology, SCIENCE 10806186 - Intro To Biochemistry, SCIENCE 10806197 - Microbiology] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Dental Hygienist]

Microbiology (10806197)

4.00

Investigates historical perspectives of microbiology, microscopy, characteristics of procaryotic and eucaryotic microorganisms, control of microbial growth, microbial genetics, and classification of microorganisms, principles of disease, epidemiology, immunology and pathogenic microbiology. Keywords: Micro, Microbio

Conditions

Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): SCIENCE 10806177 - Gen Anatomy & Physiology] Or Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): ANIMALHU 10091172 - Veterinary Medical Terminology, ANIMALHU 10091214 - Vertebrate Anatomy & Phy 1]

NTC Assessments Offered:

Dental Radiography (10508103)

2.00

Prepares dental auxiliary students to operate x-ray units and expose bitewing, periapical, extra oral and occlusal radiographs. Emphasis is placed on protection against x-ray hazards. Students also process, mount and evaluate radiographs for diagnostic value. In this course students demonstrate competency on a manikin. In addition, students expose bitewing radiographs on a peer, role-play patient. Students gain further experience in exposing radiographs on patients in the clinical portion of their program. This course also provides the background in radiographic theory required for students to make informed decisions and adjustments.

Conditions

Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed any of the following course(s): DENTAL 10508101 - Dental Health Safety, DENTAL 10508102 - Oral Anatomy, Embry, Histology, DENTAL 31508304 - Dental & General Anatomy] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Dental Assistant (Short-Term), Dental Hygienist]

NTC Assessments Offered:

Oral Anatomy, Embry, Histology (10508102)

4.00

Prepares Dental Hygienist students to apply detailed knowledge about oral anatomy to planning, implementation, assessment and evaluation of patient care. Students identify distinguishing characteristics of normal and abnormal dental, head and neck anatomy and its relationship to tooth development, eruption and health.

Cariology (10508109)

1.00

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.

Conditions

Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): SCIENCE 10806186 - Intro To Biochemistry, SCIENCE 10806197 - Microbiology] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed or is in process of completing all of the following course(s): DENTAL 10508106 - Dental Hygiene Process 2] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Dental Hygienist]

Dental Hygiene Ethics & Profes (10508107)

1.00

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.

General & Oral Pathology (10508111)

3.00

Prepares the student dental hygienist to determine when to consult, treat or refer clients with various disease, infection or physiological conditions. Students learn to recognize the signs, causes and implications of common pathological conditions including inflammatory responses, immune disorders, genetic disorders, developmental disorders of tissues and cysts, oral tissue trauma and neoplasm of the oral cavity.

Conditions

Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): DENTAL 10508102 - Oral Anatomy, Embry, Histology, DENTAL 10508103 - Dental Radiography] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Dental Hygienist]

Written Communication (10801195)

3.00

Develops writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas and format and design documents based on subject matter and content. Also develops critical reading and thinking skills through the analysis of a variety of written documents. Keywords: Written Comm, Comm, Writing

NTC Assessments Offered:
National Exams Accepted:
  • CLEP® College Composition
  • AP English Language & Composition

English Composition 1 (10801136)

3.00

Learners develop and apply skills in all aspects of the writing process. Through a variety of learning activities and written documents, learners employ rhetorical strategies, plan, organize and revise content, apply critical reading strategies, locate and evaluate information, integrate and document sources, and apply standardized English language conventions.Keywords:English Comp, Comp 1, E Com, English 1, English

NTC Assessments Offered:
National Exams Accepted:
  • CLEP® College Composition
  • AP English Language & Composition

Periodontology (10508108)

3.00

Prepares student dental hygienists to assess the periodontal health of patients, plan prevention and treatment of periodontal disease and to evaluate the effectiveness of periodontal treatment plans. Emphasis is placed on the recognition of the signs and causes of periodontal disease and on selection of treatment modalities that minimize risk and restore periodontal health.

Conditions

Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): DENTAL 10508102 - Oral Anatomy, Embry, Histology, DENTAL 10508103 - Dental Radiography, SCIENCE 10806186 - Intro To Biochemistry, SCIENCE 10806197 - Microbiology] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed or is in process of completing all of the following course(s): DENTAL 10508106 - Dental Hygiene Process 2, DENTAL 10508111 - General & Oral Pathology] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Dental Hygienist]

Nutrition And Dental Health (10508110)

2.00

Prepares student dental hygienists to counsel patients about diet and its impact on oral health. Students learn to distinguish between balanced and unbalanced diets and to construct diets that meet the needs of patients with compromised dental/oral health. Students also learn to counsel patients about the effect of eating disorders on dental health.

Conditions

Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed or is in process of completing all of the following course(s): DENTAL 10508109 - Cariology, SCIENCE 10806186 - Intro To Biochemistry] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Dental Hygienist]

Dental Hygiene Process 2 (10508106)

4.00

This clinical course builds on and expands the technical/clinical skills student dental hygienists began developing in Dental Hygiene Process I. 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. Dental Hygiene Process II introduces the application of fluoride and desensitizing agents, whole mouth assessments, comprehensive periodontal examinations, application of sealants and patient classification. Students also begin performing removal of supragingival stain, dental plaque, calcified accretions and deposits. The course reinforces the application of Dental Health Safety skills.

Conditions

Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): DENTAL 10508102 - Oral Anatomy, Embry, Histology, DENTAL 10508103 - Dental Radiography, DENTAL 10508105 - Dental Hygiene Process 1] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed or is in process of completing all of the following course(s): DENTAL 10508109 - Cariology] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Dental Hygienist]

Intro To Psychology (10809198)

3.00

This introductory course in psychology is a survey of the multiple aspects of human behavior. It involves a survey of the theoretical foundations of human functioning in such areas as learning, motivation, emotions, personality, deviance and pathology, physiological factors and social influences. It directs the student to an insightful understanding of the complexities of human relationships in personal, social and vocational settings. Keywords: Psych, Intro to Psych

NTC Assessments Offered:
National Exams Accepted:
  • CLEP® Introductory Psychology
  • AP Psychology

Dental Hygiene Process 3 (10508112)

5.00

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.

Conditions

Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): DENTAL 10508106 - Dental Hygiene Process 2, DENTAL 10508108 - Periodontology, DENTAL 10508109 - Cariology, DENTAL 10508110 - Nutrition And Dental Health] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Dental Hygienist]

Dental Materials (10508113)

2.00

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.

Conditions

Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed any of the following course(s): DENTAL 10508101 - Dental Health Safety, DENTAL 10508102 - Oral Anatomy, Embry, Histology, DENTAL 31508304 - Dental & General Anatomy] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Dental Assistant (Short-Term), Dental Hygienist]

Dental Pharmacology (10508114)

2.00

Prepares student dental hygienists to select safe and effective patient premedication and within the scope of dental hygiene practice. Students will also learn to recognize potential pharmacological contraindications for specific patients and to take measures to avoid negative impact or alert other members of the dental team to possible negative impact.

Conditions

Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): DENTAL 10508106 - Dental Hygiene Process 2, SCIENCE 10806186 - Intro To Biochemistry, SCIENCE 10806197 - Microbiology] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed or is in process of completing all of the following course(s): DENTAL 10508112 - Dental Hygiene Process 3] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Dental Hygienist]

Community Dental Health (10508115)

2.00

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.

Conditions

Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed or is in process of completing all of the following course(s): DENTAL 10508112 - Dental Hygiene Process 3] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Dental Hygienist]

Intro To Sociology (10809196)

3.00

Introduces students to the basic concepts of sociology: culture, socialization, social stratification, multiculturalism and the five institutions, including family, government, economics, religion and education. Other topics include demography, deviance, technology, environment, social issues, social change, social organization and workplace issues.Keywords:Soc, Intro to Soc

NTC Assessments Offered:
National Exams Accepted:
  • CLEP® Introductory Sociology

Oral/interpersonal Communication (10801196)

3.00

Focuses upon developing speaking, verbal and nonverbal communication and listening skills through individual presentations, group activities and other projects. Keywords: Oral, Oral Comm, Comm, Speech

NTC Assessments Offered:

Speech (10801198)

3.00

Explores the fundamentals of effective oral presentation to small and large groups. Topic selection, audience analysis, methods of organization, research, supporting evidence, delivery techniques, active listening, and other essential elements of speaking successfully, form the basis of the course. Includes informative, persuasive, and occasion speech presentations. Audience requirements to be determined by individual colleges.

NTC Assessments Offered:

Dental Hygiene Process IV (10508117)

4.00

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.

Conditions

Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): DENTAL 10508112 - Dental Hygiene Process 3] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Dental Hygienist]

Developmental Psychology (10809188)

3.00

Developmental Psychology is the study of human development throughout the lifespan. This course explores developmental theory and research with an emphasis on the interactive nature of the biological, cognitive and psychosocial changes that affect the individual from conception to death. Application activities and critical thinking skills will enable students to gain an increased knowledge and understanding of themselves and others. Keywords: Psych, Developmental Psych

NTC Assessments Offered:
National Exams Accepted:
  • CLEP® Human Growth & Development

Introduction To Diversity Studies (10809172)

3.00

Introduces learners to the study of diversity from a local to a global environment using a holistic, interdisciplinary approach. Encourages self-exploration and prepares the learner to work in a diverse environment. In addition to an analysis of majority/minority relationships in a multicultural context, the primary topics of race, ethnicity, age, gender, class, sexual orientation, disability and religion are explored. Keywords: Diverse, Diversity

NTC Assessments Offered:

Dental Anxiety And Pain Management (10508118)

2.00

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.

Conditions

Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed or is in process of completing all of the following course(s): DENTAL 10508102 - Oral Anatomy, Embry, Histology, DENTAL 10508112 - Dental Hygiene Process 3, DENTAL 10508114 - Dental Pharmacology] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Dental Hygienist]

Test-Out Option Term Definitions

Test

An exam that is scored by faculty or staff in NTC’s Testing Center.

Skill Demonstration

A performance of your expertise that is evaluated by faculty.

Combination: Test & Skill Demonstration

A combination of both a test and a skill demonstration.

Portfolio

A collection and explanation of your past learning through work or life experience.

Have Questions?

If you have questions about this program, please contact our Career Coaches at 715.803.1645.

If you have further questions regarding our Credit for Prior Learning options, please contact Student Records at studentrecords@ntc.edu or 715.803.1796.