HomeMy WebLinkAboutDHY-214
Division of Health Professions
Department of Dental Hygiene
Course Syllabus
DHY-214 Nutrition in Dental Health
Semester and year: Spring (2nd year)
Section Number: 001, 002, & 003
Meeting Times: DHY 214-001
DHY 214-002
DHY 214-003
Location:
Instructor:
Office Location
Phone:
Departmental Secretary: Mary Geminiano
Office Hours: By appointment
Email Address:
Course Description:
Nutrition in Dental Health will explore basic concepts of nutrition as they apply to
general and oral health. Students will learn to identify clinic patients with dietary and
nutritional deficiencies, provide nutritional counseling treatment plans, and adapt
behavioral modification techniques.
• Credits: 2 Credits (2 Lecture Hours)
• Pre-requisites: CHM-112, DHY-200, 202, 204, 206, 207, 219, and 220
• Co-requisites: None
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this course, the dental hygiene student will be able to:
Student Learning Outcome Means of Assessment
1. Describe the general physiological functions of the six
nutrient classifications.
Final Examinations / Class
Assignments
Student Learning Outcome Means of Assessment
2. Assess the dietary intake of a patient, using the Dietary
Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 and Anti-
Inflammatory Diet Pyramid.
Nutritional Counseling
Project
3. Explain the role of biochemistry in dental hygiene and
nutrition with intertwining topic areas (Energy, Matter,
Compounds, Organic Chemistry, Macronutrients, Nucleic
Acids).
Final Examinations (Exam
#1)
4. Describe the function and daily requirements of fats,
carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals in
preventing disease and maintaining health.
Final Examinations
5. List the food groups and the daily recommended
servings for each.
Final Examinations /
Project Report
6. Describe the relationship between fermentable
carbohydrates and dental caries.
Final Examinations /
Dietary Sugar Calculations
7. Describe the role of fluoride in preventing and
controlling dental caries.
Final Examinations (Exam
#2)
8. Recognize clinical signs and symptoms of nutritional
deficiencies and excesses and describe prevention and
treatment protocols.
Final Examinations /
Nutritional Project Analysis
9. Name specific nutritional health risks associated with
particular stages of the life cycle (childhood, pregnancy,
elderly).
Final Examinations
10. Identify an appropriate patient for nutritional
counseling, develop a dietary treatment plan, accurately
assess results, and provide research examples.
Nutritional Counseling
Project & Presentation
INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY
Teaching Methods Learning Experiences/Activities
1. Lecture
2. Discussions
3. PowerPoint Presentations
1. Analysis of patient data/assessments to
formulate an individualized nutritional
counseling care plan.
Teaching Methods Learning Experiences/Activities
4. Review of handouts & articles
5. Videos / Online & Library Resources
6. Photographs, YouTube clips
7. Diagrams, Tables, Physical
Demonstrations
8. Web enhancement through CANVAS
9. Case studies and online reading
assignments
2. Visual, auditory, sensory, and tactile
assessments of patient screening.
3. Discussion and documented advice
utilizing nutritional expert/dietician viewpoints.
4. Evaluation of patient responses during
clinical appointments and subsequent visits.
5. Exploring alternative restaurant/dietary
programs to enhance report outcomes.
6. Journaling clinical experiences through
CANVAS and presenting final group visual
outcomes.
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:
Davis, Judi R. and Stegeman, Cynthia. The Dental Hygienist’s Guide to Nutritional
Care. 6th Edition, Elsevier/Saunders. Philadelphia, 2025.
Supplemental References
Boyd, Wilkins Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist 14th edition, Jones & Bartlett
Learning. 2023 (abbreviated as W in the course readings) ISBN:9781284255997
Instructional & Online Resources
Health Professions Librarian: Joan Dalrymple (jdalrymple@bergen.edu)
Sidney Silverman Library Online Resources: https://bergen.libguides.com/dental
Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S. (Weight loss/nutrition expert) – jonnybowden.com
Dr. Barry Sears (Anti-inflammatory hormone modulation nutrition) – drsears.com
Dr. Leo Galland (Gut microbiome & chronic inflammation) – drgalland.com
World Health Network – whn.global
Dr. Elson Haas (NEW Medicine integration & detoxification) – elsonhaasmd.com
Dr. Andrew Weil (Integrative medical advice & recipe forum) – drweil.com
Grading Policy
Examinations (4) 75%
Nutrition Counseling Project 10%
Class Assignments 10%
Class Participation 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.
A grade of C or better in all DHY courses must be maintained for progression to
the next Dental Hygiene 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%22
&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 to familiarize yourself with the
material that will be covered in the lecture session. You are responsible for the information
covered in assigned readings; materials covered in lecture, 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 /
Date Topic / Activity Competencies Aligned Assignments /
Events / Readings
Week 1
Overview of Healthy Eating
Habits & Concepts of
Biochemistry
DH.1.1, DH.1.2 Chapters 1 & 2
Week /
Date Topic / Activity Competencies Aligned Assignments /
Events / Readings
Week 2 Digestion and Absorption:
Alimentary Canal DH.1.1 Chapter 3
Week 3
Carbohydrates: The Efficient
Fuel & Nutritional Aspects of
Dental Caries
DH.1.1, DH.2.1 Chapters 4 & 18
Week 4 Protein: The Cellular
Foundation DH.1.1 Chapter 5
Week 5 EXAM #1 (2/5/26); Lipids:
The Condensed Energy Core Testing Standards Chapter 6
Week 6 Vitamins Required for
Calcified Structures DH.1.1
Chapter 8; Project
Topic Approval
Deadline: 2/20/26
Week 7 Minerals Essential for
Calcified Structures DH.1.1 Chapter 9
Week 8
Minerals Essential for
Calcified Structures: Fluoride
Requirements
DH.1.1 Chapter 9
Week 9 EXAM #2 (3/05/26) Core Testing Standards No Class 3/12/26
(Spring Break)
Week 10
Vitamins Required for Oral
Soft Tissues, Salivary
Glands & Requirements for
Women
DH.1.1 Chapters 11, 12, & 13
Week 11 EXAM #3 (4/2/26) Core Testing Standards Covering Weeks 8–11
content markers
Week 12
Nutritional Assessment and
Education for Dental
Patients
DH.2.1, DH.2.3
Chapter 21 / Wilkins
Chapter 33 (Optional
Check-out)
Week /
Date Topic / Activity Competencies Aligned Assignments /
Events / Readings
Week 13
Food Factors Affecting
Health, Systemic Disease,
Gingivitis & Oral Cavity
Alterations
DH.1.1, DH.2.2 Chapters 16, 17, 19, &
20 (Reference only)
Week 14 EXAM #4 (4/23/26) Core Testing Standards Finalized content
check-out
Week 15 Nutritional Project
Presentations (4/30/26)
DH.2.5
(Evaluation/Presentation)
Group Reports due
via CANVAS Drop-
Box by 11:59 PM
This Course Outline and Calendar are tentative and subject to change, depending upon
the progress of the class and the discretion of the instructor.