Orientation and role of the dental hygienist in maintaining oral health. Introduction to dental hygiene procedures and techniques. Selected services on patients, partners and/or laboratory manikins. Emphasis on the United States and California Occupational Safety and Health Administration Rules and Regulations and infection control in the dental office. Total of 36 hours lecture and 162 hours laboratory.

Fundamentals of Dental Hygiene Theory and Practice including preventive, educational, and therapeutic services provided by the dental hygienist. Practical application on selected patients. Total of 36 hours lecture and 162 hours laboratory.

Clinical application of dental hygiene theory and practice with primary emphasis on pain control. Assessment of patient needs to determine the use of pain control methods. Total of 18 hours lecture and 54 hours laboratory.

Clinical application of dental hygiene Theory and Practice including assessment of patient needs, treatment planning, pain control, oral disease control, delivery and evaluation of preventive, educational and therapeutic services, to an intermediate level of performance. Total of 36 hours lecture and 270 hours laboratory.

Integration of Dental Hygiene Theory and Practice into preventive, educational and therapeutic care to clinical competency on a diverse range of patients. Advanced techniques and procedures. Total of 36 hours lecture and 270 hours laboratory.

Principles of general pathology, with special emphasis on oral pathology. Total of 54 hours lecture.

Designed to provide students with the skills necessary to critically evaluate current product research information and scientific literature as it relates to the practice of dental hygiene. Students will be encouraged to pose their own research questions, design and present projects, and evaluate research. Total of 36 hours lecture.

Basic principles of pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, and pharmacodynamics. Pharmacology of drugs used in dentistry, drug interactions, and medical emergencies. Total of 36 hours lecture.

Principles of communication and learning for the dental health professional. Patterns of human development, cultural pluralism, and health behaviors. Health education strategies. Total of 36 hours lecture.

Ethics and jurisprudence in dentistry, professional relations and responsibilities, dental hygiene practice management, trends and current issues in dental hygiene. Total of 36 hours lecture.

Normal periodontium, gingival and periodontal diseases, types and degrees of periodontal disease, therapy and maintenance. Total of 36 hours lecture

Advanced topics in clinical periodontology. Diagnosis of and influences on disease activity, emergencies, treatment modalities, maintenance, and legal aspects. Total of 18 hours lecture.

Composition, characteristics, physical properties and uses of dental non-metallic and metallic agents; practical laboratory and clinical applications involved in the use of these materials. Total of 36 hours lecture and 36 hours laboratory.

Oral terminology, dental anatomy and root morphology with emphasis on the relationships of form, function and occlusion. Includes laboratory experience in instrument adaptation to root morphology, pulp vitality testing as related to RDH duties of the California Dental Practice Act. Total of 18 hours lecture and 54 hours laboratory.

Principles, objectives and techniques of oral disease prevention and control; oral health promotion through organized community efforts. Includes epidemiology, literature review, planning, implementation and evaluation of a community-based oral health program. Required instructional trips. Total 36 hours of lecture.

Participation in research and various clinical project including experience in clinical or simulated practice settings, practical laboratory assignment, lecture attendance, literature review, and community projects. Total of 54 hours laboratory.

Practicum at an intermediate level in dental hygiene in non-traditional settings. Includes institutional, management and community health experiences. Emphasis on dental hygienist as educator, resource professional and provider in dental care delivery. Maximum credit 2 units, 1 unit each semester. Total of 85 hours field practice.

Dental management of medically compromised patients. Emphasis placed on patient assessment, treatment planning, patient management, patient motivation and interpersonal communications for medically compromised patients, special needs patients, and geriatric patients. Total of 36 hours lecture.

Theory and basic principles of intraoral and extraoral radiographs; characteristics and methods of controlling X-radiation; hazards of radiation; safety procedures. Laboratory and clinical experience in care and operation of the dental X-ray unit; processing, mounting films. Intraoral film placement and exposure techniques; use of film holders. Extraoral exposure techniques. Identification and interpretation of radiographs. Total of 36 hours lecture and 54 hours laboratory.

Development of dental hygiene skills in a laboratory or preclinical/clinical setting at the introductory level. Pass/no pass grading. Total of 54 hours laboratory.

Development of dental hygiene clinical skills at an advanced level in a clinical setting. Pass/no pass grading. Total of 54 hours laboratory.

Development of clinical skills in a clinical setting as related to the clinical board examinations. Pass/no pass grading. Total of 54 hours laboratory.

Provides students enrolled in the Dental Hygiene Program the opportunity to enhance their clinical skills and provide support services required by the State Dental Practice Act and the Dental Hygiene Committee of California. Total of 54 hours laboratory.