Dental Hygiene (D H)
D H 50 • ORIENTATION TO DENTAL HYGIENE
| Units: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 1 lecture, 1 laboratory per week (24 total per quarter) |
| Prerequisite: | D H 200L. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
This course offers an introduction to the field of dental hygiene, focusing on essential topics that prepare students for success in the dental hygiene program and their future career. Foundations of infectious diseases, standard precautions and management of hazardous materials and waste in a dental environment are covered. Students will be introduced to key dental terminology for effective communication in the field. Students will also learn basic instrumentation skills and apply the skills on a typodont. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 70R • INDEPENDENT STUDY IN DENTAL HYGIENE
| Units: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 3 laboratory per week (36 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade (Request for Pass/No Pass) |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Provides an opportunity for the student to expand their studies in Dental Hygiene beyond the classroom by completing a project or an assignment arranged by agreement between the student and instructor. The student is required to contract with the instructor to determine the scope of assignment and the unit value assigned for successful completion. Students may take a maximum of 6 units of Independent Study per department.
D H 71R • INDEPENDENT STUDY IN DENTAL HYGIENE
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 6 laboratory per week (72 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade (Request for Pass/No Pass) |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Provides an opportunity for the student to expand their studies in Dental Hygiene beyond the classroom by completing a project or an assignment arranged by agreement between the student and instructor. The student is required to contract with the instructor to determine the scope of assignment and the unit value assigned for successful completion. Students may take a maximum of 6 units of Independent Study per department.
D H 72R • INDEPENDENT STUDY IN DENTAL HYGIENE
| Units: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 9 laboratory per week (108 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade (Request for Pass/No Pass) |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Provides an opportunity for the student to expand their studies in Dental Hygiene beyond the classroom by completing a project or an assignment arranged by agreement between the student and instructor. The student is required to contract with the instructor to determine the scope of assignment and the unit value assigned for successful completion. Students may take a maximum of 6 units of Independent Study per department.
D H 73R • INDEPENDENT STUDY IN DENTAL HYGIENE
| Units: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 12 laboratory per week (144 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade (Request for Pass/No Pass) |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Provides an opportunity for the student to expand their studies in Dental Hygiene beyond the classroom by completing a project or an assignment arranged by agreement between the student and instructor. The student is required to contract with the instructor to determine the scope of assignment and the unit value assigned for successful completion. Students may take a maximum of 6 units of Independent Study per department.
D H 200L • INTRODUCTION TO DENTAL HYGIENE
| Units: | 1.5 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 1.5 lecture, 1 laboratory per week (30 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | None |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Introduction to the profession of dental hygiene. Emphasis on dental terminology, communication skills, legal and ethical aspects of dental hygiene practice and licensing requirements. An overview of dental hygiene clinical and lab technique including infection control and examination of the head and neck. This course is a prerequisite for the BS degree in Dental Hygiene and is intended for students in that program.
D H 300A • ORAL BIOLOGY I
| Units: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 3 lecture per week (36 total per quarter) |
| Advisory: | Not open to students with credit in D H 52A. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
First in the series of oral biology courses for dental hygiene students, this course provides a comprehensive overview of head and neck anatomy, including the skull, blood vessels, lymphatic system, muscles, and nerves. Dental anatomy will be covered in detail, including tooth morphology, classification of occlusion, eruption schedules, and numbering systems. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 300B • ORAL BIOLOGY II
| Units: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 3 lecture per week (36 total per quarter) |
| Advisory: | Not open to students with credit in D H 52B. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Second in the series of oral biology courses for dental hygiene students. This course explores the embryologic development of the head, neck, teeth, and oral cavity, along with the histology of hard and soft oral tissues. Key areas of study include tooth development, periodontal tissues, oral mucous membranes and salivary glands, as well as developmental and structural variations within the oral cavity and teeth. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 302 • ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES IN DENTAL HYGIENE
| Units: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 3 lecture per week (36 total per quarter) |
| Advisory: | Not open to students with credit in D H 53. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Introduces the principles and rationale of patient assessment as the initial phase of the dental hygiene process of care. Emphasizes the collection and interpretation of clinical data, including medical and dental histories, vital signs, extra/intraoral examinations, periodontal and dental charting, and radiographic interpretation. Integrates analysis of current evidence-based literature to support clinical decision-making. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 304 • PRE-CLINICAL DENTAL HYGIENE
| Units: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 1 lecture, 9 laboratory per week (120 total per quarter) |
| Advisory: | Not open to students with credit in D H 54. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
This is the first course in the clinical series in the dental hygiene program. Students will begin to apply scientific principles in a clinical context with hands-on experience in the dental hygiene clinic. Students will acquire and refine clinical skills in patient assessment procedures, including disease transmission prevention, health history documentation, extra- and intraoral examinations, gingival evaluations, periodontal assessments, and caries detection. These techniques will be practiced in the pre-clinical setting, utilizing typodonts and peer classmates to ensure hands-on learning and skill development. Clinical performance, focused on the demonstration of skill acquisition and competency with assessment procedures, will be evaluated in the pre-clinic setting. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 305A • INTRODUCTION TO DENTAL RADIOGRAPHY I
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter) |
| Advisory: | Not open to students with credit in D H 60A. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
This is the first in the series of four courses in dental radiography for dental hygiene students. This course provides a foundation for understanding the various components, functions, and operation of dental x-ray units with an emphasis on radiation safety. Radiation physics and biology are covered, and students will learn how to analyze the relationships between anatomical structures and radiographic landmarks through interactive lectures, videos, and discussions. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 305B • DENTAL RADIOGRAPHY II
| Units: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 3 laboratory per week (36 total per quarter) |
| Advisory: | Not open to students with credit in D H 60B. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
This is the second in the series of four courses in dental radiography for dental hygiene students. This course provides an introduction to the radiology laboratory, focusing on essential skills in dental x-ray techniques on mannequins. Radiation safety protection is practiced for all laboratory procedures to ensure a safe learning environment. Students will engage in self-critiques and receive constructive feedback through the evaluation of their images. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 305C • DENTAL RADIOGRAPHY III
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter) |
| Advisory: | Not open to students with credit in D H 68A. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
This is the third in the series of four courses in dental radiography for dental hygiene students. This course focuses on advanced applications of radiology in dental care. Students will learn to interpret intraoral and panoramic radiographs. Emphasis is on identifying normal, atypical, and pathological structures. The course covers identification of dental anatomy and dental materials along with disease interpretation. Additionally, students will analyze of the progression of dental caries, periodontal disease, and periapical lesions to enhance their diagnostic radiographic interpretation skills. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 305D • DENTAL RADIOGRAPHY IV
| Units: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 1 lecture per week (12 total per quarter) |
| Advisory: | Not open to students with credit in D H 60D. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
This is the fourth in the series of four courses in dental radiography, for the second year dental hygiene student. Emphasis is on the mastery of radiographic localization techniques using knowledge of anatomical structures to identify tubehead positioning and optomizing image quality. Students will develop the expertise to identify and correct technical errors in radiographic images and apply evidence-based strategies to enhance diagnostic accuracy to use in clinical practice. This course supports an inclusive learning environment to build advanced skills for delivering patient-centered care. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 306 • PHARMACOLOGY FOR THE DENTAL HYGIENIST
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
This course is designed to introduce students to the foundational concepts of pharmacology with a specific focus on drugs relevant to dental hygiene practice. The course emphasizes the dental considerations of commonly prescribed medications, including their oral health implications, potential interactions with dental treatments, and the impact on patient care and treatment planning. Topics include local anesthetics, antibiotics, analgesics, cardiovascular drugs, and endocrine drugs. Students will learn to integrate pharmacological knowledge into clinical dental hygiene practice to ensure safe and effective patient care. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 308 • CLINICAL TECHNIQUE
| Units: | 6 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 3 lecture, 9 laboratory per week (144 total per quarter) |
| Advisory: | Not open to students with credit in D H 61A. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Continuation of foundational clinical skills with an emphasis on instrumentation techniques for scaling and root debridement. Adjunctive procedures include selective polishing, fluoride application, and instrument sharpening. Clinical activities include the use of typodonts and student partners providing opportunities for skill development and peer learning to enhance technical proficiency in preparation for patient care. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 310 • DENTAL MATERIALS
| Units: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 2 lecture, 3 laboratory per week (60 total per quarter) |
| Advisory: | Not open to students with credit in D H 72. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade (Request for Pass/No Pass) |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
This course examines the properties, characteristics, and safe handling of dental materials, with an emphasis on their application in dental hygiene care. Students will learn techniques for manipulating dental materials and become familiar with related dental equipment. Essential topics include caries risk assessment, hazardous waste management, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and regulatory standards for dental materials. Students will also explore basic diagnostic procedures to support clinical decision-making involving dental materials. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 312 • EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
| Units: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 1 lecture per week (12 total per quarter) |
| Advisory: | Not open to students with credit in D H 71. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
This course is a study of common medical emergencies that may occur during delivery of dental care. Emphasis is placed on methods to prevent emergencies from occurring and procedures to manage emergency situations. Ethical and legal aspects in assisting during emergencies are also discussed. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 314 • DENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter) |
| Advisory: | PSYC C1000 or C1000H; not open to students with credit in D H 73. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Health communication and learning theories applied to patient education. Topics include: communication theory, health literacy, working with interpreters, development of client/clinician relationships, patient motivation with particular attention to psychological, social, and economic, cultural and life stage factors. Emphasis on prevention of dental diseases through effective patient education, such as: mechanical plaque removal techniques, antimicrobial therapies, nutritional counseling for dental hygiene, and smoking cessation counseling. Preventive dental products will be reviewed and analyzed using current evidence based literature. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 316A • PERIODONTICS I
| Units: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 3 lecture per week (36 total per quarter) |
| Advisory: | Not open to students with credit in D H 57A. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
This is the first of two courses in periodontics designed for dental hygiene students. The course explores the anatomy and physiology of the periodontium, emphasizing the connection between foundational sciences and the clinical understanding of periodontal diseases. Students will gain knowledge of the most current classification system established by the American Academy of Periodontology, as well as the etiology and pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. This course prepares students with essential skills for delivering patient-centered periodontal care. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 316B • PERIODONTICS II
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter) |
| Advisory: | Not open to students with credit in D H 57B. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
This is the second of two courses in periodontics designed for dental hygiene students. The course focuses on developing evidence-based periodontal care plans for the treatment of periodontal disease. Topics include nonsurgical periodontal therapy, periodontal surgical procedures, dental implants, peri-implant disease, and the management of periodontal emergencies. Students will also learn patient-centered approaches for assessing motivation and risk management strategies for documentation of patient care. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 318 • INTRODUCTION TO CLINIC
| Units: | 7 |
|---|---|
| Hours: |
3 lecture, 12 laboratory per week (180 total per quarter) This is a clinical laboratory course. |
| Advisory: | D H 300B and D H 308 with a grade of "C" or better; possession of a current CPR certificate; not open to students with credit in D H 61B. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
This is the first in a series of clinical dental hygiene practice courses with an emphasis on the assessments, planning, and implementation of comprehensive dental hygiene care for diverse patient populations including those with special needs. Students will apply knowledge, critical thinking, and clinical skills acquired in previously completed dental hygiene theory and preclinical courses to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate comprehensive dental hygiene care for culturally diverse patient populations. Lecture content includes a review of clinical techniques, caring for patients with special health care needs and person-centered treatment planning. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 320A • CLINICAL DENTAL HYGIENE I
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: |
4 lecture, 80 laboratory per quarter (84 total per quarter) This is a 4 week course - 1 hour lecture, 20 hours clinical laboratory per week. |
| Advisory: | Not open to students with credit in D H 62A. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
This course is a continuation of dental hygiene clinical practice, with an emphasis on assessments, planning, and implementation of comprehensive dental hygiene care for diverse patient populations including those with special needs. Students apply knowledge, critical thinking, and clinical skills acquired in previously completed dental hygiene theory and clinical courses. Progress of development in clinical performance will be evaluated with each successive academic period. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 320B • CLINICAL DENTAL HYGIENE II
| Units: | 6 |
|---|---|
| Hours: |
1 lecture, 16 laboratory per week (204 total per quarter) This is a clinical laboratory course. |
| Advisory: | Not open to students with credit in D H 62B. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
This course is a continuation of dental hygiene clinic practice, with an emphasis on assessments, planning, and implementation of comprehensive dental hygiene care for diverse patient populations including those with special needs. Students apply knowledge, critical thinking, and clinical skills acquired in previously completed dental hygiene theory and clinical courses. Progress of development in clinical performance will be evaluated with each successive academic period. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 320C • CLINICAL DENTAL HYGIENE III
| Units: | 6 |
|---|---|
| Hours: |
1 lecture, 16 laboratory per week (204 total per quarter) This is a clinical laboratory course. |
| Advisory: | Not open to students with credit in D H 62C. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
This course is a continuation of dental hygiene clinic practice, with an emphasis on assessments, planning, and implementation of comprehensive dental hygiene care for diverse patient populations including those with special needs. Students apply knowledge, critical thinking, and clinical skills acquired in previously completed dental hygiene theory and clinical courses. Progress of development in clinical performance will be evaluated with each successive academic period. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 320D • CLINICAL DENTAL HYGIENE IV
| Units: | 6 |
|---|---|
| Hours: |
1 lecture, 16 laboratory per week (204 total per quarter) This is a clinical laboratory course. |
| Advisory: | Not open to students with credit in D H 62D. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
This is the final course in the series of dental hygiene clinic practice, with an emphasis on assessments, planning, and implementation of comprehensive dental hygiene care for diverse patient populations including those with special needs. Students apply knowledge, critical thinking, and clinical skills acquired in previously completed dental hygiene theory and clinical courses. Progress of development in clinical performance will be evaluated with each successive academic period. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 322 • LOCAL ANESTHESIA
| Units: | 2.5 |
|---|---|
| Hours: |
24 lecture, 24 laboratory per quarter (48 total per quarter) This is a 4 week course - 6 hours lecture, 6 hours laboratory per week. |
| Advisory: | Not open to students with credit in D H 65. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
The study of local anesthesia administration in dental procedures, including the pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, patient management, and emergency procedures associated with local anesthetic procedures. Laboratory and clinical experience in administration techniques for local infiltration, field block, and nerve block. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 324 • ORAL PATHOLOGY
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter) |
| Advisory: | Not open to students with credit in D H 55B. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
This course provides an in-depth study of the pathology of the head, neck, and oral structures. It covers developmental conditions, diseases of bacterial and viral origin, and neoplasms of the oral cavity. Emphasis is placed on the clinical recognition of deviations from normal, accurate documentation, differential diagnosis, and appropriate referral processes. Additionally, the course highlights the role of the dental hygienist in patient education, prevention, early detection, and referral of lesions in the head and neck regions. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 326A • COMMUNITY DENTAL HEALTH I
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 2 lecture, 1 laboratory per week (36 total per quarter) |
| Advisory: | Not open to students with credit in D H 58A or 63C. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
First in the series of three courses in community dental health for dental hygiene students. This course explores contemporary public health issues with an emphasis on equitable access to care. Foundational skills in epidemiology, research methodology, statistics, and academic writing are presented with a focus on the analysis of current dental health challenges at the community level. Students will learn how to critically evaluate scientific literature and begin to plan a community dental health program using culturally responsive strategies to address health disparities. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 326B • COMMUNITY DENTAL HEALTH II
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 2 lecture, 1 laboratory per week (36 total per quarter) |
| Advisory: | Not open to students with credit in D H 58B or 63D. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Second in the series of three courses in community dental health for dental hygiene students. This course explores the roles of local, state, and federal dental public health services in oral health promotion and access to care for diverse populations. Dental public health initiatives, including fluoridation, school-based dental health screenings, sealant and fluoride varnish clinics, and tobacco cessation programs, will be covered. Evidence-based decision making will be applied to address health disparities and promote equitable dental public health outcomes. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 326C • COMMUNITY DENTAL HEALTH III
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 2 lecture, 1 laboratory per week (36 total per quarter) |
| Advisory: | Not open to students with credit in D H 58C. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Third in the series of three courses in community dental health for dental hygiene students. This course focuses on the continued implementation of a community dental health program. Students will complete the implementation of their dental public health program interventions and evaluate the outcomes. Career pathways for dental hygienists will be explored, as well as avenues for sharing clinical and research findings in a variety of formats. Oral health literacy will be discussed. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 328A • CLINICAL DENTAL HYGIENE THEORY I
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 1 lecture, 3 laboratory per week (48 total per quarter) |
| Advisory: | Not open to students with credit in D H 75A. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Discussion and demonstration of advanced and supplemental dental hygiene functions: digital intraoral photography, advanced dental hygiene instrumentation, advanced patient-operator positioning, and soft tissue curettage. Supportive course to reinforce and amplify the knowledge and skills needed to perform dental hygiene procedures in the clinical setting for D H 320B. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 328B • CLINICAL DENTAL HYGIENE THEORY II
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 1 lecture, 3 laboratory per week (48 total per quarter) |
| Advisory: | Not open to students with credit in D H 75B. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Discussion and demonstration of advanced and supplemental dental hygiene functions, including interim therapeutic restorations, radiographic decision making, and magnetostrictive ultrasonic technology. Supportive course to reinforce and amplify the knowledge and skills needed to perform dental hygiene procedures in the clinical setting for D H 320C. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 328C • CLINICAL DENTAL HYGIENE THEORY III
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 1 lecture, 3 laboratory per week (48 total per quarter) |
| Advisory: | Not open to students with credit in D H 75C. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Discussion and demonstration of advanced and supplemental dental hygiene functions, including magnetostrictive ultrasonic technology, piezoelectric technology, air polishing, and instrumentation of dental implants. Supportive course to reinforce and amplify the knowledge and skills needed to perform dental hygiene procedures. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 330 • NITROUS OXIDE/OXYGEN ANALGESIA
| Units: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 1 lecture, 1 laboratory per week (24 total per quarter) |
| Advisory: | Not open to students with credit in D H 67. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
This course provides theoretical and clinical instruction in the use of nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation as an adjunct to dental hygiene procedures. Emphasis is placed on the pharmacology, physiology, indications, contraindications, patient assessment, equipment use, and emergency protocols related to conscious sedation. Students will demonstrate competency in the safe administration, monitoring, and documentation of nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia in accordance with current professional standards, legal requirements, and ethical responsibilities. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 332 • ETHICS, LAW & BUSINESS PRACTICES
| Units: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 3 lecture per week (36 total per quarter) |
| Advisory: | Not open to students with credit in D H 64. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
This course provides an in-depth study of ethics, jurisprudence, business practices, and policy development for oral health care professionals. Students will explore current societal and professional issues and evaluate their impact on dental hygiene practice, business operations, and leadership within the oral health care industry. Special emphasis is placed on understanding California Dental Practice Act and ethical standards relevant to dental hygiene practice. This course prepares students for the California Dental Hygiene Law & Ethics examination, a requirement for licensure as a Registered Dental Hygienist. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 350A • DENTAL HYGIENE RESEARCH & CAPSTONE PROJECT I
| Units: | 5 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 5 lecture per week (60 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
First in the series of three courses, this course introduces students to the capstone research project, with a focus on identifying and developing an appropriate dental hygiene research topic. Students will explore diverse topics in dental hygiene research with the goal of aligning their project to their professional interests. Components of a scholarly review of the literature will be introduced, including literature search strategies, various study designs, and source evaluation. Students will also learn to formulate well-defined research questions and problem statements, applying these skills to writing the introduction of their chosen capstone project. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 350B • DENTAL HYGIENE RESEARCH & CAPSTONE PROJECT II
| Units: | 5 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 5 lecture per week (60 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Second in the series of three capstone research project courses, this courses focuses on developing the ability to critically analyze scientific literature. Students will analyze published research articles, with an emphasis on critiquing the presentation of ideas, arguments, and citation patterns. Students will learn how to structure a literature review based on patterns and themes. By the end of the course, students will identify the key arguments that will shape their literature review and create an outline for their capstone project. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 350C • DENTAL HYGIENE RESEARCH & CAPSTONE PROJECT III
| Units: | 5 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 5 lecture per week (60 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Third in the series of three capstone research project courses, this course focuses on further development of the writing skills necessary for the completion of the capstone project. General principles of writing, techniques for scientific writing, text organization, abstract writing, and the editing process will be discussed. Methods of effective scientific communication, such as poster and conference presentations, as well as scholarly publications, will be discussed. Students will create a poster highlighting the key findings of their capstone research project. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
D H 352 • HEALTH COMMUNICATION & CULTURAL ISSUES
| Units: | 5 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 5 lecture per week (60 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | None |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Health communication and cultural issues unique to the dental and medical fields. Topics include intercultural communication; health literacy; interpersonal, small group, electronic, and nonverbal communication; listening; persuasion, caring for limited English proficient people; and working with interpreters. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the completion track.
D H 354 • HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT
| Units: | 5 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 5 lecture per week (60 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
An introduction to business practices, finance, management, and policy creation for oral health care programs and businesses. This course examines current societal and professional issues and their impact on dental hygiene business practices and management. The course will cover the following areas: planning, strategy and leadership, legal and ethical issues affecting businesses in the oral health care sector, financial statements, and personnel considerations. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the completion degree track.
D H 356 • EDUCATION THEORY, PRACTICE & ADMINISTRATION
| Units: | 5 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 5 lecture per week (60 total per quarter) |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
The study of education theories and principles for didactic, lab and clinical courses. The faculty role in active teaching and learning, development of critical thinking and reflective writing, development of curriculum, outcomes and competencies, and course delivery methods. Theory and practices of clinical instruction and supervision, related to psychomotor skill development, competency-based evaluation, student mentoring and remediation. Examination of organizational and administrative philosophy and practice in curriculum planning, implementation and evaluation based on accreditation standards. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the completion degree track.