HomeMy WebLinkAboutDHY-205
Division of Health Professions
Department of Dental Hygiene
Course Syllabus
DHY205 -Dental Radiology
Semester and year: Spring (1st year)
Section Number: 001, 002, 003, 004
Meeting Times: DHY205-001
DHY205-002
DHY205-003
DHY205-004
Location:
Instructor:
Office Location
Phone:
Departmental Secretary: Mary Geminiano
Office Hours: By appointment
Email Address:
Course Description:
This course provides the dental hygiene student with an introduction to the principles
and practices of dental radiology. Emphasis is placed on radiographic imaging
techniques, film processing procedures, identification of anatomical landmarks, and
radiographic interpretation. Course content includes an overview of radiation history,
physics, biology, protection, quality assurance, and risk management.
• (Lecture 2, Lab 4) Credits 3
• Corequisites: DHY201, DHY209
• Prerequisites: BIO104, BIO109, DHY101, DHY108, DHY109
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this course, the dental hygiene student will be able to:
Student Learning Outcome: Means of Assessment:
1. Develop an understanding of the
theoretical and practical aspects of
dental radiology.
Written examinations/quizzes
Case study learning assignments
Laboratory exercises
Class discussions/presentations
2. Gain proficiency in the areas of
exposing and mounting dental
radiographic images.
Written examinations/quizzes
Case study learning assignments
Laboratory exercises
Class discussions/presentations
3. Describe the radiographic appearance
of normal anatomy as well as abnormal
structures and pathology.
Written examinations
Radiographic interpretation exercises
Laboratory identification exercises
Case study learning assignments
4. Demonstrate current acceptable
radiation safety practices, infection
control protocols, and quality assurance
procedures in both clinical and
laboratory settings.
Written examinations
Class discussions and participation
Reflection assignments on
systemic/oral health connections
INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY:
Teaching Methods
Learning Experiences/Activities
1. Lecture presentations
2. Interactive class discussions
3. Laboratory exercises and
hands-on activities
4. Anatomical model and chart
identification activities
5. Videos
6. Small group activities and
collaborative learning
7. Case-based learning and case
study analysis
8. Evidence-based learning
activities
9. Student presentations
10. Independent reading
assignments
11. Review sessions and formative
assessment exercises
12. Canvas modules and online
learning activities
13. Peer learning and peer
evaluation activities
1. Identification of tooth morphology using
extracted teeth and models.
2. Development of interactive digital
software/modules for tooth identification.
3. Activities focused on occlusion analysis.
4. Evaluation and interpretation of clinical
images.
5. Exercises for labeling head and neck
anatomy and identifying models.
6. Case studies linking oral conditions to
systemic health.
7. Clinical scenarios that require the
application of dental knowledge and
understanding of head and neck anatomy.
8. Activities for identifying cranial and facial
muscles.
9. Exercises for mapping skeletal anatomy.
10. Correlation of root anatomy with
instrumentation techniques.
11. Group discussions analyzing the
relationship between the structure and
function of oral tissues.
12. Simulations for patient assessment and
clinical decision-making.
13. Review games for dental and head and
neck anatomy.
American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Entry Level Competencies for the
Allied Health Professionals (Core Competencies (CC) include:
Professional Knowledge
1. Professionalism
1.1 Apply professional values and ethics in all endeavors.
1.2 Adhere to accreditation standards and federal, state and local laws and regulations.
1.3 Promote quality assurance practices based on accepted standards of care.
1.4 Demonstrate interpersonal skills to effectively communicate and collaborate with
professionals and patients across socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
2. Safety
2.1 Comply with local, state and federal regulations concerning infection control protocols
for blood-borne and respiratory pathogens, other infectious diseases and hazardous
materials.
2.2 Follow manufacturers’ recommendations related to materials and equipment used in
practice.
2.3 Establish and enforce mechanisms to ensure the management of emergencies.
2.4 Use security guidelines and compliance training to create and maintain a safe, eco-
friendly and sustainable practice compatible with emerging trends.
2.5 Ensure a humanistic approach to care.
2.6 Uphold a respectful and emotionally safe environment for patients and practitioners.
3. Critical Thinking
3.1 Demonstrate critical and analytical reasoning to identify and develop comprehensive
oral health care solutions and protocols.
3.2 Apply individual and population risk factors, social determinants of health and
scientific research to promote improved health and enhanced quality of life.
4. Scientific Inquiry and Research
4.1 Support research activities and develop research skills.
4.2 Use evidence-based decision-making to evaluate and implement health care
strategies aligned with emerging trends to achieve high-quality, cost-effective and
humanistic care.
4.3 Integrate accepted scientific theories and research into educational, preventive and
therapeutic oral health services.
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
5. Health Education and Community Connection
5.2 Endorse health literacy and disease prevention.
5.2 Communicate and provide health education and oral self-care to diverse
populations.
5.3 Facilitate learning platforms for communities of interest by providing health education
through collaboration with dental and other professionals.
5.4 Promote the values of the dental profession through service-based activities.
5.5 Evaluate outcomes for future activities supporting health and wellness of individuals
and communities.
6. Advocacy
6.1 Promote an ethical and equitable patient care and practice environment by
demonstrating inclusion of diverse beliefs and values.
6.2 Uphold civic and social engagement through active involvement in professional
affiliations to advance oral health.
Professional Development and Practice
7. Professional Growth
7.1 Commit to lifelong learning for professional and career opportunities in a variety of
roles and settings.
7.2 Engage in research, education, industry involvement, technological and professional
developments and/or advanced degrees.
7.3 Demonstrate self-awareness through reflective assessment for continued
improvement.
8. Business Practices
8.1 Facilitate referrals to and consultations with relevant health care providers and other
professionals to promote equitable and optimal patient care.
8.2 Promote economic growth and sustainability by meeting practice goals.
8.3 Create and maintain comprehensive, timely and accurate records.
8.4 Protect privacy, confidentiality and security of the patients and the practice by
complying with legislation, practice standards, ethics and organizational policies.
9. Leadership
9.1 Develop and use effective strategies to facilitate change.
9.2 Inspire and network with others to nurture collegial affiliations.
9.3 Solicit and provide constructive feedback to promote professional growth of self.
Discipline-specific (Dental Hygiene) competencies:
DH. 1 Essential Knowledge
DH. 1.1 Apply the knowledge of the following sciences during the dental hygiene process
of care: Microbiology, Human anatomy and physiology, Human cellular biology,
Chemistry, Biochemistry, Immunology and pathology, Nutrition, Pharmacokinetics
DH. 1.2 Apply the knowledge of the following behavioral sciences during the dental
hygiene process of care: Sociology, Psychology, Interpersonal communication
DH. 2 Person-centered Care
2.1 Assessment
DH.2.1.1 Accurately collect and document a comprehensive medical, dental, social health
history and diagnostic data.
DH.2.1.2 Critically analyze all collected data.
DH.2.1.3 Identify predisposing, etiologic, environmental and social risk factors for person-
centered care.
2.2 Dental Hygiene Diagnosis
DH.2.2.1 Analyze comprehensive medical, dental and social health history.
DH.2.2.2 Integrate observational and diagnostic data as part of the dental hygiene
diagnosis.
DH.2.2.3 Use predisposing, etiologic, environmental and social risk factors for person-
centered care.
2.3 Planning
DH.2.3.1 Use the patient’s assessment to establish an optimal and realistic, person-
centered dental hygiene care plan through mutual communication.
DH.2.3.2 Use all aspects of the dental hygiene diagnosis in combination with the person’s
values, beliefs and preferences to develop a dental hygiene care plan through shared
decision- making.
2.4 Implementation
DH.2.4.1 Obtain informed consent based on the agreed-upon treatment plan.
DH.2.4.2 Execute individualized treatment based on the patient’s dental hygiene
diagnosis.
DH.2.4.3 Integrate educational, preventive and the therapeutic services to provide
comprehensive person-centered care.
DH.2.4.4 Use specialized skills and evidenced-based technology to promote dental and
periodontal health.
DH.2.4.5 Continuously re-evaluate for modifications to achieve desired outcomes.
2.5 Evaluation and Documentation
DH.2.5.1 Evaluate the effectiveness of completed services.
DH.2.5.2 Analyze treatment outcomes of the dental hygiene process of care to determine
improved health and modifications.
DH.2.5.3 Modify dental hygiene care plans as necessary to meet goals of patient and
clinician.
DH.2.5.4 Identify necessary referrals for success of the treatment outcomes, including
intraprofessional and interprofessional health care providers, supporting professions and
patient advocates.
DH.2.5.5 Accurately document assessment findings and data, dental hygiene diagnosis
and care plan, implementation, outcome evaluation and any communication between
professionals and patient and anyone else in the circle of care.
Course Texts and/or Other Study Materials:
Iannucci, J.M. and Howerton, L.J. Dental Radiography Principles and Techniques, 6th Edition.
Elsevier, St. Louis. 2022.
Iannucci, J.M. and Howerton, L.J. Dental Radiography Principles and Techniques Workbook
and Laboratory Manual, 6th Edition. Elsevier, St. Louis. 2023.
Grading Policy:
Examinations (4) Average 60 %
Laboratory Quizzes (2) Average 20 %
Dental Anatomy Project 10 %
Laboratory Assignments 5 %
Total Grade 100%
Examinations and quizzes will cover material from the lectures, laboratory exercises, and
reading assignments. Refer to the course outline for the topics included in each
examination. Students are expected to take the examinations when scheduled. Make-up
examinations may not be presented in the same format as the original examination and
will be administered during the last week of the semester.
Grading Scale
92-100 A
89-91 B+
83-88 B
80-82 C+
75-79 C
Below 75 R
Incomplete (Not all requirements fulfilled) N
A cumulative average grade of 75 on all examinations and quizzes must be
achieved to successfully complete this course. Lecture and laboratory
assignments and the dental anatomy project will not be used to calculate the
minimum passing grade for this course.
There are no extra credit opportunities in this course.
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
https://catalog.bergen.edu/content.php?catoid=13&navoid=666&hl=%22instructor%22&r
eturnto=search
• All students are expected to attend punctually every scheduled meeting of each
course in which they are registered.
• Attendance and lateness policies and sanctions are to be determined by the
instructor for each section of each course.
• These will be established in writing on the individual course outline.
Attendance will be kept by the instructor for administrative and counseling
purposes.
The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) requires that students complete a
minimum number of clinical and didactic hours in the program; therefore, students are
expected to attend all class/lab sessions.
Attendance is critical to the successful completion of the program. All program classes
and activities must be prioritized. Scheduling conflicts must be resolved by the student so
that program classes and activities are met.
It is the student’s responsibility to be on time for all classes, labs, and clinical sessions.
Attendance, lateness policies, and sanctions are to be determined by the instructor of
each course. These will be established in writing on the individual course outline.
The penalty for more than two (2) unexcused absences (i.e., a doctor’s note) will be a
loss of credit in this course and will result in the student repeating the entire course.
NOTE: Two (2) tardies will equal one (1) absence.
Consequently, excessive absenteeism and tardiness may impact work ethics and course
grades. Therefore, it may become necessary to withdraw from a course due to excessive
absenteeism.
Other College, Divisional, and/or Departmental Policy Statements:
DRESS CODE
Students are expected to exhibit a professional appearance as noted in the Student
Handbook.
ACADEMIC CONDUCT
The Dental Hygiene faculty adheres to the policy statement governing academic conduct
as outlined in the Bergen Community College Catalog.
https://catalog.bergen.edu/content.php?catoid=13&navoid=671&hl=%22conduct%22&re
turnto=search#procedure-thecode
Faculty reserve the right to delay the return of exam grades until all students have taken
the exam and faculty review of the exam has been completed.
Cheating, plagiarism, and unethical behavior will not be tolerated. Any student who has
demonstrated any of the above behaviors will be disciplined according to college
procedures.
*Note: An instructor may establish other guidelines regarding academic integrity
consistent with the College policy.
https://catalog.bergen.edu/content.php?catoid=13&navoid=666&hl=%22plagiarism%2
2&returnto=search
Cheating, plagiarism, and unethical behavior will not be tolerated. Any student who has
demonstrated any of the above behaviors will be disciplined according to college
procedures.
Cell phones are not permitted in classrooms, laboratories or clinics unless they are part
of the learning activity.
Students are not permitted to use any type of recording device to tape lectures or clinical
sessions.
Children are not permitted in classrooms and/or laboratories.
Food is not permitted in classrooms, laboratories, clinic reception area or clinical areas.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY
Dental hygienists are health care professionals who ‘focus on preventing and treating oral
diseases.’ They play an important role in society by providing services that contribute to
the health and well-being of individuals and their communities and must always display
ethical behavior. This obligation begins in dental hygiene school and continues
throughout one’s professional career. The American Dental Hygienists’ Association’s
Code of Ethics establishes behavioral standards to guide the public’s expectations of trust
and accountability. These ethical standards include a commitment to honesty,
truthfulness, full disclosure, accuracy, fairness, and integrity. You are expected to be
guided by these standards and follow the Dental Hygiene Department rules of conduct
during any testing situation. All students are expected to pass examinations on their own
merit without assistance and are expected to maintain confidentiality with respect to
examination content. Behavior that results in misconduct or irregularity in the examination
process is a very serious matter. Violation of the rules of conduct or examination
regulations may result in the voiding of examination results or other appropriate
penalties.
The Dental Hygiene Program will adhere to the Academic Integrity Policy of Bergen
Community College, which is stated in the College Catalog. Violation of academic
integrity may be defined to include, but not limited to cheating, plagiarism, falsification
and fabrication, abuse of academic materials, complicity in academic dishonesty, and
personal misrepresentation. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the behaviors
that constitute academic dishonesty. Please refer to the Bergen Community College
Catalog for more information.
COURSE ISSUES
If a problem arises with any aspect of this course, it is the responsibility of the student
to bring the problem to the attention of the primary faculty member. If the issue
involves any other faculty member, the student will be referred to discuss the problem
with the faculty member that is involved. The primary faculty member will not change
any evaluation grade issued by clinical faculty members.
To facilitate resolution of any issues that may arise, students must follow this protocol.
Students should not make appointments with the dental hygiene department
academic department chairperson, other faculty members or administration without
first addressing the issue with the primary faculty member.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
Students who require accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) can request these services from the Office of Specialized Services. To learn
more about how to apply for services, please visit them at: https://bergen.edu/current-
students/student-services-departments/disability-services-office-of-specialized-services/
ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
Bergen Community College is committed to ensuring the full participation of all students
in its programs. If you have a documented disability (or think you may have a disability)
and, as a result, need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this class, complete
course requirements, or benefit from the College’s programs or services, contact the
Office of Special Services (OSS) as soon as possible at 201-612-5270
or www.bergen.edu/oss
To receive any academic accommodation, you must be appropriately registered with
OSS. The OSS works with students confidentially and does not disclose any disability-
related information without their permission. The OSS serves as a clearinghouse on
disability issues and works in partnership with faculty and all other student service offices.
SERIOUS ILLNESS, INJURY/PREGNANCY
Overall good health is essential to the practice of dental hygiene. To successfully
complete the program, full participation in all areas of practice is required, regardless of
medical conditions.
A student in the Dental Hygiene Program who sustains a serious illness or injury or
becomes pregnant must present written medical permission to attend classes and
clinical practice at the time of resuming studies.
The pregnant student needs to be aware of the risks of working in the dental field for the
unborn child. Occupational risks include heavy lifting, radiation, chemical, drug, and
toxins exposures, exposure to blood and airborne pathogens.
Pregnant students must provide the Dental Hygiene Department Chair and Clinical
Coordinator with written permission to participate in radiology and clinical courses. The
Health Services and the course instructor must also receive copies of this medical
clearance.
Pregnant students must wear a fetal monitor badge in addition to a radiology badge
during all clinical and laboratory sessions (second, summer, third, and fourth semesters).
A due date must be noted in writing by the attending physician. Please consult wit h the
Department Chair or Clinical Coordinator for more information and necessary forms.
PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT
This course uses Canvas and follows institutional and legal guidelines to ensure the
privacy and confidentiality of all students. Processes and systems used in this course—
including online learning platforms, assessments, and communications—are designed to
protect student information in accordance with FERPA (Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act) and institutional policies.
Any submitted assignments, discussions, or evaluations are handled securely and are
accessible only to authorized individuals. Students are encouraged to refrain from sharing
personal health or academic information in public forums and to contact the instructor
directly with any sensitive concerns.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT STATEMENT
HR-003-001.2018-Policy-Prohibiting-Sexual-Harassment.pdf (bergen.edu)
https://bergen.edu/wp-content/uploads/HR-008-001-2023-Title-IX-Policy-and-
Procedures-Updated-11.2025.pdf
STATEMENT ON ACCEPTABLE USE OF BCC TECHNOLOGY:
Acceptable-Use-Policy.pdf (bergen.edu)
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Bergen Community College provides exemplary support to its students and offers
a wide variety of opportunities and services. A comprehensive array of student
support services, including advising, tutoring, academic coaching, and more, is
available online at https://bergen.edu/currentstudents/.
SIDNEY SILVERMAN LIBRARY ONLINE RESOURCES:
https://bergen.libguides.com/dental
COURSE OUTLINE, READING ASSIGNMENTS, COMPETENCIES, and CALENDAR:
This course outline and calendar are subject to change based on the class's progress.
WEEK
TOPIC/ACTIVITY READING
ASSIGNMENTS
DH CORE
COMPETENCIES
1
Lecture
Review Course Outline
Radiation History
Dental Images & the Dental
Radiographer
Introduction to Dental Imaging
Examinations
Laboratory
Radiation Physics
Patient Relations & the Dental
Radiographer
(Chapter 1) 1 - 6
(Chapter 12) 123 -
126
(Chapter 18) 163 –
166
(Chapter 2) 7 – 20
(Chapter 13) 127 -
132
CC1, 2, 3, 4
DH. 1.1, 2.1
WEEK
TOPIC/ACTIVITY READING
ASSIGNMENTS
DH CORE
COMPETENCIES
2
Lecture
Digital Imaging
Radiation Characteristics
Laboratory
Dental X-Ray Image
Characteristics
(Chapter 8) 66 – 77
(Chapter 5) 43 - 49
(Chapter 6) 50 - 59
CC1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
DH. 1.1, 2.1
EXAMINATION # 1 (WEEKS 1-
2)
3
Lecture
Examination # 1
Laboratory
Radiation Biology
Radiation Protection
(Chapter 3) 21 - 32
(Chapter 4) 33 – 42
CC1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
DH. 1.1, 2.1
4
Lecture
Introduction to Image
Interpretation
Normal Anatomy: Intraoral Films
Laboratory
Dental X-Ray Equipment
Bite-Wing Technique
Intraoral Techniques
(Chapter 30) 357 -
361
(Chapter 28) 320 –
345
(Chapter 7) 60 - 65
(Chapter 21) 211–
228
CC1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
DH. 1.1, 2.1
WEEK
TOPIC/ACTIVITY READING
ASSIGNMENTS
DH CORE
COMPETENCIES
5
Lecture
Identification of Restorations,
Dental Materials, & Foreign
Objects
Infection Prevention & the Dental
Radiographer
Legal Issues & the Dental
Radiographer
Quality Assurance in the Dental
Office
Laboratory
Film Mounting & Viewing
Intraoral Techniques
(Chapter 32) 378 –
402
(Chapter 16) 143 -
154
(Chapter 15) 138 -
142
(Chapter 17) 155 -
162
(Chapter 11) 111 –
122
CC1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
DH. 1.1, 2.1, 2.2
EXAMINATION # 2 (WEEKS 3-
5)
6
Lecture
Examination # 2
Laboratory
Paralleling Technique
Intraoral Techniques
(Chapter 19) 167 -
189
CC1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
DH. 1.1, 2.1, 2.2,
2.3
7
Lecture
Descriptive Terminology
Interpretation of Dental Caries
Laboratory
Exposure & Technique Errors
Quality Assurance in the Dental
Office
Intraoral Techniques
(Chapter 31) 362 –
377
(Chapter 33) 403 -
412
(Chapter 22) 229 -
242
(Chapter 10) 89 -110
(Chapter 29) 346 -
356
CC1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
DH. 1.1, 2.1, 2.2,
2.3
WEEK
TOPIC/ACTIVITY READING
ASSIGNMENTS
DH CORE
COMPETENCIES
8
Lecture
Interpretation of Trauma, Pulpal
Lesions,
& Periapical Lesions
Laboratory
Patient Education & the Dental
Radiographer
Intraoral & Extraoral Techniques
(Chapter 35) 427–
441
(Chapter 14) 133 -
137
CC1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
DH. 1.1, 2.1, 2.2,
2.3, 2.4
EXAMINATION # 3
9
Lecture
Examination # 3
Laboratory
Extraoral Imaging
Panoramic Imaging
Intraoral & Extraoral Techniques
(Chapter 26) 290 –
305
(Chapter 25) 273 -
289
CC1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
7
DH. 1.1, 2.1, 2.2,
2.3, 2.4
10
Lecture
Interpretation of Periodontal
Disease
Laboratory
Occlusal and Localization
Techniques
Intraoral & Extraoral Techniques
(Chapter 34) 413 –
426,
442 - 446
(Chapter 23) 243 -
259
CC1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
7
DH. 1.1, 2.1, 2.2,
2.3, 2.4
11
Lecture
Normal Anatomy: Panoramic
Imaging
Laboratory
Bisecting Technique
Intraoral & Extraoral Techniques
(Chapter 29) 346 –
356
(Chapter 20) 190 -
210
CC1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
7
DH. 1.1, 2.1, 2.2,
2.3, 2.4, 2.5
WEEK
TOPIC/ACTIVITY READING
ASSIGNMENTS
DH CORE
COMPETENCIES
12
Lecture
Normal Anatomy: Panoramic
Imaging (cont.)
Laboratory
Three-Dimensional Digital
Imaging
Intraoral & Extraoral Techniques
(Chapter 29) 346 –
356
(Chapter 27) 306 –
319
CC1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
7
DH. 1.1, 2.1, 2.2,
2.3, 2.4, 2.5
CC1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
7
DH. 1.1, 2.1, 2.2,
2.3, 2.4, 2.5
13
Lecture
Imaging of Patients with Special
Needs
Laboratory
Intraoral & Extraoral Techniques
(Chapter 24) 260 –
272
CC1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
7
DH. 1.1, 2.1, 2.2,
2.3, 2.4, 2.5
EXAMINATION # 4
14
Lecture
Examination # 4
Laboratory
Intraoral & Extraoral Techniques
CC1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
7
DH. 1.1, 2.1, 2.2,
2.3, 2.4, 2.5
15
Lecture
Make-up Session
Laboratory
Make-up session
Privacy and Confidentiality Statement:
This course uses Canvas and follows institutional and legal guidelines to ensure the
privacy and confidentiality of all students. Processes and systems used in this course—
including online learning platforms, assessments, and communications—are designed
to protect student information in accordance with FERPA (Family Educational Rights
and Privacy Act) and institutional policies.
Any submitted assignments, discussions, or evaluations are handled securely and are
accessible only to authorized individuals. Students are encouraged to refrain from
sharing personal health or academic information in public forums and to contact the
instructor directly with any sensitive concerns.