HomeMy WebLinkAboutDHY-203
Division of Health Professions
Dental Hygiene Department
Course Syllabus
DHY203-Oral Hygiene IV
Semester and year: Spring (2nd year)
Section Number: 001 & 002
Meeting Times: DHY203-001
DHY203-002
Location:
Instructor:
Office Location
Phone:
Departmental Secretary: Mary Geminiano
Office Hours: By appointment
Email Address:
Course Description:
This course is an advanced study of the clinical therapies introduced in Oral Hygiene III.
Practice management, clinical technologies, ethics, community outreach, and preparation
for dental hygiene licensing are incorporated into this course.
• Credits: 4 (1 Lecture, Clinic 12)
• Prerequisites: DHY 200, DHY 202, DHY 204, DHY 205, DHY 206, DHY 207,
DHY 219, DHY 220
• Co-requisites: DHY 214, DHY 216
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this course, the dental hygiene student will be able to:
Student Learning Outcome: Means of Assessment:
1. Create and implement a treatment plan
including evaluation and maintenance for the
periodontally involved patient.
Written examinations/quizzes
Clinical competency evaluations
Case study analysis
Class discussions/presentations
Case Debriefs
2. Define and differentiate between root
debridement and root planing.
Written examinations/quizzes
Clinical competency evaluations
Case study analysis
Case Debriefs
3. Develop and implement a dental hygiene plan
for patients with mental health disorders.
Written examinations/quizzes
Clinical competency evaluations
Case study analysis
Class discussions/presentations
Case Debriefs
4. Define and differentiate the types of local
anesthetics, discuss their integration and
effects on patient care, and recognize
possible adverse reactions to local
anesthetics
Written examinations/quizzes
Clinical competency evaluations
Case study analysis
Class discussions/presentations
Case Debriefs
5. Develop and implement a dental hygiene plan
for patients with eating disorders.
Written examinations/quizzes
Clinical competency evaluations
Case study analysis
Class discussions/presentations
Case Debriefs
6. Discuss, demonstrate, and implement
advanced instrumentation techniques.
Clinical competency evaluations
7. Integrate non-surgical periodontal therapies
into general practice settings.
Written examinations/quizzes
Clinical competency evaluations
8. Discuss career opportunities for the dental
hygienist.
Written examinations/quizzes
Class discussions/presentations
9. Compare and contrast emerging oral
healthcare delivery systems.
Written examinations/quizzes
Class discussions/presentations
10. Incorporate ethical decision making into
dental hygiene practice.
Written examinations/quizzes
Clinical competency evaluations
Case study analysis
Class discussions/presentations
Case Debriefs
Group Project
11. Develop and institute practice management
strategies for the dental hygiene area of a
dental practice.
Written examinations/quizzes
Class discussions/presentations
12. Design and implement a dental hygiene recall
system.
Written examinations/quizzes
Class discussions/presentations
13. Discuss and understand Dental Hygiene Code
of Ethics.
Written examinations/quizzes
Class discussions/presentations
Clinical competency evaluations
Group Project
14. Create a resume and demonstrate
interviewing skills.
Class discussions/presentations
Assignment
15. Develop a professional network to enhance
dental hygiene practice.
Assignment
16. Compare and contrast dental hygiene state
practice acts in 50 states, with special
emphasis on interpreting and understanding
New Jersey dental hygiene practice acts.
Written examinations/quizzes
Class discussions/presentations
17. Implement teaching strategies used in dental
hygiene clinical education through case
studies.
Written examinations/quizzes
Class discussions/presentations
Case study analysis
Case Debriefs
INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY:
Teaching Methods
Learning Experiences/Activities
1. Lecture
2. Discussion
3. Review of handouts
4. Power Point Presentations
5. Videos
6. Photographs
7. Diagrams/Tables
8. Web enhancement through
Canvas
1. Visual, auditory, and tactile assessment of
patients
2. Analysis of all patient data/assessments to
formulate a dental hygiene diagnosis and
care plan
3. Visual, auditory, and tactile implementation of
treatment utilizing various hand and power
instruments
4. Discussion and documentation of all patient
treatment
5. Evaluation of patient’s response to treatment
at time of appointment and/or subsequent
visits
6. Journaling of clinical experiences/Self
Reflection through Canvas
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
5.1 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
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.
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.
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:
Minihan-Anderson, Kristin, Ethics and Law in Dental Hygiene, 4th edition, Elsevier, 2024.
(abbreviated as EDH in the course readings). ISBN: 9780323761192
Boyd, Wilkins Clinical Practice Of The Dental Hygienist 14th Edition, Jones & Bartlett
Learning. 2023 (Abbreviated as W In the Course Readings) ISBN:9781284255997
Bowen, Pieren, Darby and Walsh Dental Hygiene: Theory and Practice, 6th Edition,
Evolve, Elsevier. 2025 (abbreviated as DW in the course readings) ISBN:
9780323877824
Gehrig, Fundamentals of Periodontal Instrumentation and Advanced Root
Instrumentation, 9th edition, Jones & Bartlett Learning. 2026. abbreviated as FPI in the
course readings) ISBN:9781284019339
Langlais, Color Atlas Of Common Oral Diseases, 5th Edition, Jones & Bartlett Learning.
2017 (Abbreviated As CA In The Course Readings) ISBN:9781284240986
Logothetis, Local Anesthesia for the Dental Hygienist, 3rd edition, Elsevier, 2021.
ISBN:9780323733755
Instructional and Online Additional Resources
Health Professions Librarian:
Joan Dalrymple
jdalrymple@bergen.edu
Bergen Community College Library
https://bergen.edu/library/
BCC Library Citation Guide
https://bergen.libguides.com/citationguid
es/apa
American Dental Hygienists Association:
www.adha.org
American Dental Association:
www.ada.org Dictionary.com (or App)
https://www.dictionary.com/
Medical Dictionary https://www.merriam-
webster.com/medical
International Federation of Dental
Hygienists http://www.ifdh.org/
American Dental Education Association
http://www.ifdh.org/
New Jersey Dental Hygienists
Association https://www.njdha.org/
Journal of Dental Hygiene (JDH)
http://www.adha.org/jdh
Journal of the American Dental
Association (JADA)
(https://jada.ada.org)
Journal of Dental Education
(http://www.jdentaled.org/
Journal of Allied Health
(http://www.asahp.org/journal-of-allied-
health/)
Journal of Dental Research
(http://journals.sagepub.com/home/jdr)
Access http://www.adha.org/access-
magazine
Grading Policy:
Didactic 50%
Tests/Clinical Reviews (3) 45%
Final Examination (Comprehensive) 35
Assignments/Case Debriefs/Board Prep tests 10%
Ethics Project 10%
Clinical 45%
Patient Care 50%
Instrument Competencies 10%
Support Therapies 5%
Radiographs 5%
Sefl Reflection 5%
Professionalism 5%
OSCEs 10%
MOCK ADEX (2) 10%
Attendance 5%
Total Grade 100%
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 of 75 must be achieved in each of the didactical and clinical
portions of the course. When a student has not been able to earn a “C” grade or
better, in either category, the student will be required to repeat the course. Some
clinical items will carry a higher weight based on semester. (Clinical
Competencies). *Time frame provided to complete requirements to achieve Pass
Grade
Students MUST meet the 75% competency level in the Clinical Component to
progress in the Dental Hygiene Program. If you pass the Didactic portion with a
minimum of 75% but you do not pass the clinical component with a 75% you will
fail the 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&returnto=
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 is subject to change depending on the progress of the
class. Due to the amount of material to be covered in this course, it is recommended
that you read your textbook chapter(s) before the lecture or clinic to familiarize yourself
with the material that will be covered in the lecture or clinic session. You are responsible
for the information covered in assigned readings, materials covered in lecture and clinic,
course goals, and supporting core competencies. Following each session, you should
re-read the required reading assignment, complete any identification exercises, and review
any lecture notes.
Week Topic Area Readings Core/DH
Competencies
1 Overview of the NBDHE and
ADEX
2
Non-Surgical Periodontal
Therapy and Adjunctive
Therapy, Advanced
Instrumentation Techniques,
Advanced Fulcrum, Mobility and
Review Furcation Evaluation,
Root Instrumentation
Broken Instrument Protocol
FPI-
Readings: 17, 19, 21
Review Module 18
Furcation Probes pg.
432-443
W-39
CC: 1-6, 8
DH 1.1-2.5
3
Local Anesthesia
W-36, DW-43
CC: 1-6
DH 1.1-2.5
4
TEST 1
Ethics: Professionalism, Theory
and Philosophy
Ethics: Principles and Values
DW-7, EDH-2, 3, 4 CC: 1, 6
DH 2.1, 2.2-2.5
5
Code of Ethics, Ethical
Decision Making in Dental
Hygiene and Dentistry
DW-7, EDH-5, 6, CC: 1, 6
DH 2.1, 2.2-2.5
6
Ethics: Risk Management and
Social Responsibility
Law: Society and the State
Dental Practice Act
DW-7, EDH-1, 7, 8 CC: 1-9
DH 2.1, 2.2-2.5
7
TEST 2
Dental Hygiene Practice
Management
DW-7
CC: 1-9
DH 2.1, 2.2-2.5
8
Documentation/Forensics W- 10, DW 23, D/H/W-
47
CC: 1-9
DH 2.1, 2.2-2.5
9
Career Opportunities in Dental
Hygiene, Clinical Specialties
DW-1, 63, D/H/W-51
CC: 1-9
DH 2.1, 2.2-2.5
10
TEST 3
Professional Development
Clinical Portfolio Building/
Professional
Networking/Interview Process
DW-8, 63, D/H/W-50
CC: 1-9
DH 2.1, 2.2-2.5
11 Interprofessional Collaborative
practice with DMS Program
Review EOIE
landmarks and
anatomy
CC: 1-9
DH 2.1, 2.2-2.5
12 COSCES
CC: 1-9
DH 2.1, 2.2-2.5
13 FINAL EXAM
14 Ethics Project Presentations
15 Ethics Project Presentations
This Course Outline and Calendar are tentative and subject to change, depending upon
the progress of the class