Some sample course descriptions and syllabus for courses encountered in a dental hygienist program are shown below.
Theory and Practice Course in Dental Hygiene:
A course in the theory and practice of dental hygiene is typically required at the beginning of a dental hygienist program as an introductory or overview course. Students learn about dental equipment, sanitation issues and the procedures performed by dental hygienists. Data collection and infection control are also covered. This course might be comprised of both lecture and laboratory work.
Oral Physiology and Anatomy Course:
All dental hygiene programs require students to study the anatomy and physiology of the oral cavity. In this course, students learn about teeth and supporting structures, including roots and primary and permanent teeth. Other topics covered include nomenclature, annotation, calcification and exfoliation patterns. Some dental hygiene programs offer anatomy and physiology courses that integrate classroom and laboratory work, providing students with hands-on opportunities.
Oral Pathology Course:
An oral pathology course teaches future dental hygienist about the diseases and disease symptoms that are commonly found in the oral cavity. The course covers microorganisms, inflammation and immunology. Students also learn identification techniques for recognizing abnormal oral conditions. A pathology course for dental hygiene students might also cover patient diagnosis and treatment methods.
Periodontal Course:
Students learn about the periodontal structure and the diseases and infections commonly encountered by dental hygienists. Topics covered include gingivitis and bacterial-induced oral afflictions. Through lectures and lab work, students learn how to diagnosis and treat periodontal disease. Measures that patients can use to prevent the onslaught of disease are also covered. Some courses examine the dental hygienist's role in the treatment of periodontal disease, including surgical and chemotherapeutic treatments. This course is sometimes taken concurrently with anesthesia and dental nutrition courses
Dental Hygienist Syllabus as per DCI
Theory and Practice Course in Dental Hygiene:
A course in the theory and practice of dental hygiene is typically required at the beginning of a dental hygienist program as an introductory or overview course. Students learn about dental equipment, sanitation issues and the procedures performed by dental hygienists. Data collection and infection control are also covered. This course might be comprised of both lecture and laboratory work.
Oral Physiology and Anatomy Course:
All dental hygiene programs require students to study the anatomy and physiology of the oral cavity. In this course, students learn about teeth and supporting structures, including roots and primary and permanent teeth. Other topics covered include nomenclature, annotation, calcification and exfoliation patterns. Some dental hygiene programs offer anatomy and physiology courses that integrate classroom and laboratory work, providing students with hands-on opportunities.
Oral Pathology Course:
An oral pathology course teaches future dental hygienist about the diseases and disease symptoms that are commonly found in the oral cavity. The course covers microorganisms, inflammation and immunology. Students also learn identification techniques for recognizing abnormal oral conditions. A pathology course for dental hygiene students might also cover patient diagnosis and treatment methods.
Periodontal Course:
Students learn about the periodontal structure and the diseases and infections commonly encountered by dental hygienists. Topics covered include gingivitis and bacterial-induced oral afflictions. Through lectures and lab work, students learn how to diagnosis and treat periodontal disease. Measures that patients can use to prevent the onslaught of disease are also covered. Some courses examine the dental hygienist's role in the treatment of periodontal disease, including surgical and chemotherapeutic treatments. This course is sometimes taken concurrently with anesthesia and dental nutrition courses
Dental Hygienist Syllabus as per DCI