Cheryl Ann Davis, UCSF MS-DH

Curriculum Development and Methods of Instruction

Dental Hygiene Basic Preparation Curriculum-Baccalaureate
Degree Program
BAY AREA INSTITUTE OF DENTAL HYGIENE
The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program is a four-year
commitment and accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation
(CODA) of the American Dental Association. The program consists of eight
semesters, including summer classes, and graduation depends on the
students successful fulfillment of the program curricula and completion of a
minimum of 120 semester units with a grade of C or higher in each of the
required courses.

Goals of the Institute

The goal of the Bay Area Institute of Dental Hygiene is to establish in our
students the skills, knowledge, cultural understanding and behavioral
patterns necessary to help each student grow professionally and personally,
becoming highly-skilled professionals and health care leaders in the
community. We provide a dynamic educational experience that addresses
the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor competencies necessary to be
successful in the areas of research, education, and clinical work that we
designed to promote lifelong learning in whatever endeavor the student
chooses to pursue. Helping our students achieve these levels of excellence
will not only enhance their personal lives but also benefit their communities
and the world.

Mission Statement
The mission of the dental hygiene program is to educate and emotionally
prepare students to positively impact the oral health status of patients and
clients in their communities. The basic educational courses will include social
and dental sciences, liberal arts, and public health. Although emphasis will
be on clinical aspects of the dental hygiene practice and patient care after
the first year is completed, the curriculum will include classes promoting
behavioral methods of communication which address the beliefs, values, and
attitudes that affect a learners motivation and performance. Our intent is to
instill the highest levels of professionalism and evidence-based knowledge
into our students to enable them to be the leaders of tomorrow in their
chosen fields.

Program Philosophy
We promote a culture of mutual respect between colleagues, patients,
educators and the public. We believe that each group can significantly
contribute to the fulfillment of our mission and that it is our responsibility to
make a positive impact on the communities that surround us geographically
and professionally.
As an overarching concept, we believe it is our institutional responsibility to
identify, understand, and respond to human needs, which include those of
our students, faculty, and associates as well as those of the community. We
are committed to identifying solutions to complex and challenging problems,
and we encourage diversity of thought, ethnicity, culture, and experience,
recognizing that through multiple and often differing perspectives the best
ideas emerge.
Our philosophy is strong in promoting academic integrity and intellectual
honesty. We are committed to a culture where ethical conduct governs
personal and professional interactions, believing that this is the path to
better relationships in every facet of life, locally and globally.

Curriculum Courses
General education
First Year (Two semesters)
General Biology
Inorganic Chemistry
Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Fundamentals of Microbiology
Algebra I
English Composition and Grammar
Health and Nutrition
Psychology

Units
4
4
4
5
5
3
3
3
3

Dental Hygiene Program

Second Year--Fall Semester
DH 100 Introduction to Dental Hygiene
Units

This course provides an overview of dental hygiene as a career. Pre-clinical

theory is presented to integrate the scientific and clinical principles
underlying the practice of dental hygiene. The class presents an introduction
to dental terminology and the instrumentation used in clinical settings.
DH 110 Dental Morphology & Anatomy
2
Units
Examination of the anatomy of the tooth crown, root and pulp; identification
of the various classifications of teeth, the structural composition, and
eruption sequence; identification of the characteristics of normal occlusion
and classifications of malocclusion; restorative charting practiced.
DH 120 Patient Education and Patient Counseling
3 Units
This course will examine the fundamentals of client education, including
communication theory, development of client/clinician relationships,
mechanical plaque removal techniques, antimicrobial therapies, nutritional
counseling for dental hygiene, smoking cessation counseling, patient
motivation with particular attention to psychological, social, and economic,
cultural & life stage factors. Emphasis on prevention of dental diseases
through effective patient education.1 Preventive dental products currently
on the market will be reviewed and analyzed.
DH 130 Fundamentals of Radiology
3
Units
An introduction to component parts, functions, operations of the dental x-ray
unit, and the relationships between anatomical and radiographic landmarks.
The emphasis is on proper analysis of oral structures on the radiographs and
identification of dental disease. Students will gain competency in digital
dental x-ray techniques, film development and mounting for diagnosis.
Radiation safety and protection is emphasized and students will be
introduced to digital panoramic radiology. Includes lab/clinic work.
DH 140 Infection and Hazard Control
4
Units
Although the basic principles of infection control remain unchanged, new
technologies, materials, equipment, and data require continuous evaluation
of infection control practices. The students will examine the unique nature of
many dental procedures, instruments, and client care settings which require
specific strategies directed to preventing pathogen transmission among
dental health care personnel and their clients. The class will cover hazard
waste management and review the CDC's evidence-based recommendations
which guide infection control practices in dental offices locally and nationally;
provide direction for the public, dental health care personnel, and
policymakers; and affect technology development in the dental industry.
Class will include group discussions and interactive role-play exercises.
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DH 150 Clinical Principles of Dental Hygiene Practice

3 Units
Dental terminology and an introduction to instrumentation skills, including
the modified pen grasp, fulcrum placements, adaptation, insertion and
activation of the explorer and other basic functions. Students will work on
typodonts and classmates. The course requires evaluation of clinical
performance through demonstration of skill acquisition and level of
competency. Techniques for caries risk assessment and patient general
health assessment, including prevention of disease transmission, health
history review, the importance of extra-intraoral examination, gingival
evaluation and periodontal examination, 2 are taught in a classroom
interactive setting. The course will involve some time and work in clinic.
Second Year--Spring Semester
DH 160 Head and Neck Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology
4 Units
Students will study the anatomy of the head and neck region: the skull,
arteries, veins, lymphatic system, musculature and nervous system
structures. Histological examination of human tissue and embryological
development of the head and neck areas will be examined but the emphasis
will be on oral structures and defects involving the oral cavity and the teeth.
The student will appreciate both basic science and clinical applications,
putting the material into the context of everyday dental practice. Going
beyond an introduction to anatomy, this class also examines developmental
and cellular transformations in depth.
DH 170 Periodontology I
3 Units
Students will study the anatomy and physiology of the periodontium and the
clinical aspects of periodontal diseases. The fundamental principles of
periodontology, including normal periodontium, etiology and classification of
periodontal disease, relationships of dental deposits to periodontal diseases,
the process of bone loss and the periodontal pocket and abscesses will be
studied. The vital role of the dental hygienist in providing periodontal
therapy and maintenance therapy to halt and possibly reverse the disease
will be emphasized.
DH 180 Pharmacology for the Dental Health Care Professional
3 Units
The study of drugs by groups with special emphasis on those drugs and
medications used in dentistry. Physical and chemical properties, dosage and
therapeutic effects of each group of drug will be discussed. Implications and
contraindications will be examined as they pertain to the safety of the dental

client and the class will provide an overview of selected new FDA-approved
prescription drugs and the classes of drugs used in current therapies.
DH 190 Dental Materials and Techniques
1
Unit
Properties of dental materials, characteristics and manipulation of dental
materials and the equipment used in the manipulation of these materials
with an emphasis on client care.
DH 500 Clinical Dental Hygiene I
4
Units
Introduction to dental hygiene practice with emphasis on assessing,
planning, and implementing comprehensive dental hygiene care on clients in
a clinical setting. During this first semester in clinic students will apply the
knowledge, critical thinking, and basic clinical skills acquired in previous
dental hygiene courses. Progress and development of clinical performance
and skills will increase with each successive clinical session and experience
with clients. Students will be in clinic 3 days/week for 4 hours/day.

Third Year--Summer Term

DH 510 Clinical Dental Hygiene II
2
Units
Clinical experience continues with dental hygiene practice and additional
instrumentation techniques. Adjunctive dental hygiene procedures include
application of fluoride, fluoride varnishes, and selective coronal polishing.
Students will work on clients in a clinical setting 4.5 hours/day, 4 days/week
for 6 weeks.
Third Year--Fall Semester
DH 200 Oral Pathology
2 Units
Introduction to general pathology of the head and neck areas, with special
attention to specific pathologic processes, repair, healing, and regressive
changes occurring in the oral cavity including injuries caused by abuse.
Study will examine and student will be able to identify developmental
conditions, caries, diseases of bacterial and viral origin, and neoplasms
DH 210 Ethics and Jurisprudence in the Dental Practice
2 Units

Ethics, jurisprudence and practical legal aspects of dental hygiene practice.

Emphasis will be placed on the challenges of providing ethical care in the
clinical setting and compliance with the laws and regulations affecting the
practice of dental hygiene. The scope of practice of dental professionals as
outlined by the California Dental Practice Act, OSHA, CDC, and the ADA will
be examined in-depth.
DH 220 Clinical Anesthesia and Use of Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen
Analgesia 4 Units
Review and understanding of the pharmacology, anatomy, and physiologic
attributes critical in procedures associated with use of local anesthetic.
Students will study principles and methods of pain management and prepare
for and administer local anesthesia to their student partners in preparation
for use in dental procedures. The study of nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia
used in the dental practice will also be examined, with emphasis on
understanding the mechanism of sedation, risks and benefits, and how to
administer and properly document the use of nitrous oxide.
Three hours lecture and three hours clinic/week.
DH 230 Medical and Dental Emergencies
2
Units
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. BLS and CPR requirements are discussed and reviewed. The
ethical and legal aspects of assisting during emergencies is also discussed as
well as emergencies that may occur based on the clients use of street drugs
and the dental implications.

DH 520 Clinical Dental Hygiene III

3
Units
Clinical experience continues with dental hygiene practice and additional
instrumentation techniques including periodontal examination, scaling and
root planing. Clinic practice work 2 days/week for 4.5 hours.
Third Year--Spring Semester
DH 240

Public Speaking and Interpersonal Communication Skills

3 Units
This course will focus on developing the ability to speak well and present
information to a group of people. Short presentations/speeches will be
performed weekly. Students will also study the psychological and
socioeconomic barriers to effective communication as they study issues
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concerning cultural and ethnic differences of clients in our community and

the world.
DH 250 Care and Management of Patients with Special Needs
3 Units
Students will study how to care for and insure the safety of clients with
special needs in a dental setting, e.g., clients that are handicapped
emotionally or physically, geriatric patients, infants, cancer patients
undergoing therapy, and patients with eating disorders. The class will also
address the provision of oral health care services to clients with bloodborne
infectious diseases, e.g., measures used to protect clinician and client,
infection and contamination controls, disinfection and sterilization, and the
etiology of some common infectious diseases.
DH 260 Periodontology II
3
Units
Further study of the periodontium, oral mucous membranes, and salivary
glands; the methods and instrumentation utilized by the dental hygienist
during root planing and soft curettage will be described and explained; the
infections in the periodontium that can occur with implants and create a
need for a comprehensive system of assessment, instrumentation, and
monitoring will be addressed.
DH 270 Essentials of Writing
3
Units
Two of the five Professional Roles of the Dental Hygienist set forth by the
ADHA is that of researcher and educator. Clear and concise communication
via the written word is essential for those roles and for many other important
positions. Effective command of the English language makes persuasive
writing possible which is an advantage in many circumstances. Students will
review and study grammar, rules of usage, and various styles of writing with
a short written assignment and class critique every week. Included in the
class is an introduction to current scientific journals and research articles
which will be explored in-depth during the Scientific Research and Literature
Review class.
DH 530 Clinical Dental Hygiene IV
4
Units
Continuation of dental hygiene practice and comprehensive care of clients in
a clinical setting. Students will be in clinic 3 days per week for 4 hours each
day.

Fourth Year--Summer Term

DH 540 Clinical Dental Hygiene V

2
Units
Continuation of dental hygiene practice and comprehensive care of patients
in a clinical setting with clients. Students will be in clinic 4.5 hours/day, 4
days/week for 6 weeks.
Fourth Year--Fall Semester
DH 310 Community & Public Dental Health
4 Units
This class identifies some of the major dental health problems in our
communities and the disparities that exist in oral health care today.
Epidemiology, research and writing skills, and biostatistics are brought to
bear on the difficulties created by such disparity and their causal factors.
Students attempt to study and analyze the dental health issues in
underserved and lower income communities and then develop a community
dental health program as a final project. Emphasis is on what steps are
necessary to develop and implement these programs, including health
promotion
programs
and
public
health
services,
fluoride
treatments/application schedules, and school-based dental health programs
and screenings.
DH 320 Scientific Research and Literature Review
3 Units
An in-depth look at the various study models utilized in scientific research.
Learning to critically review the studies and articles in current professional
journals allow the dental hygienist to engage in cogent discussions and make
informed decisions regarding many important aspects of client care. This
class will identify the best methods and tools for industry and career-based
research including efficient use of electronic databases and give the student
experience in scientific research and writing. Students will be capable of
assessing the methodological quality of published papers and acquire
competency in examining statistical data.
DH 330 Dental Hygiene Independent Study
3-6 Units
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 year.

DH 550 Clinical Dental Hygiene VI

4
Units
Continuation of dental hygiene practice and comprehensive care of patients
in a clinical setting. Students will be in clinic 3 days/week for 4 hours/day.

Fourth Year--Spring Semester

DH 331 Dental Hygiene Independent Study II
3-6
Units
Provides an opportunity for the student to continue with studies in dental
hygiene initiated during the previous semester or commence with a new
project or an assignment arranged by agreement between the student and
instructor. Projects initiated at this time must be of the type that can be
successfully completed before graduation. Students may earn a maximum
of 6 units of Independent Study per year.
DH 560 Clinical Dental Hygiene VII
5
Units
Additional
time working with clients in clinic gives the students an
opportunity to practice and expand the dental hygiene clinical skills
developed during the program in preparation for taking the state board
exams. Students will work as a dental hygienist to provide, among other
services, advanced care of patients and improve their competency in
treating periodontal disease and providing periodontal therapy. Students will
be in the clinic 3 days/week for 5 hours/day.
DH 551 RDH Exam Preparation
1 Unit
Advanced dental hygiene study and experience focusing on preparation for
the California State Board Exams including client preparation and selection
and further development of academic or clinical skills that require additional
attention. Peer and instructor evaluations are available and extra clinic time
may be scheduled as needed. This class is optional for the student.

Program Competencies
Scope and Assessment tools TBD
Dental Hygiene Process of Care: Dental hygiene graduates must be
competent in assessing the oral health needs of diverse populations and
providing comprehensive dental hygiene care for persons of all ages and
stages of life. The process of care includes competency and knowledge of
how to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases through proper

infection and hazardous waste control procedures; comply with the

guidelines and edicts set forth by the regulating bodies of the dental
profession; prepare for life-long learning and educational endeavors
necessary to solve problems related to dental hygiene practice; critically
evaluate scientific literature and the efficacy of new products; care for all
types and stages of periodontal disease; and provide appropriate life support
measures for medical emergencies that may be encountered in dental health
care settings.
Interpersonal and public communication skills:
Dental hygiene
graduates must be competent and have the skills to effectively interact with
diverse populations and other members of the health care team. Graduates
must demonstrate their development of abilities to interact with the many
individuals and groups who make up our multicultural environment.
Health Education Strategies: Dental hygiene graduates must be
competent in health education strategies for the prevention of disease and
the promotion of health for individual clients and the community; exhibit
familiarity with data collection, analysis of findings, critical thinking, and
patient centered/need-based/evidence-based care for the implementation of
personal and community-based oral health programs.
Legal & Ethical Principles: Dental hygiene graduates must be competent
in their knowledge of the legal and ethical principles underlying the practice
of dental hygiene and professional conduct. Graduates must evince the
management and leadership skills essential for quality care and successful
dental hygiene practice.

Important Modifications and/or Additions to Consider

Reassess style/method of instruction with an ILS questionnaire at the outset
of the program and provide a plan for implementing changes based on
preferred learning styles. Incorporation of multiple education methods into
classes where appropriate
Consider resources available for continuing curriculum development; what
assets are available (tangible and intangible)
Practice-based Learning and Improvement (PBLI) competency--whether it is
possible or practical to use this student-evaluation method to improve
assimilating scientific evidence into the curriculum
Educational objectives: constant review to ensure that objectives are specific
and measureable---who will do how much (how well) and by when? Consider
whether enabling objectives are in place and effective
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Utilize Blooms taxonomy theory describing the potential hierarchy of mental

skills (revised by Anderson) where appropriate to achieve educational goals
or competencies

References:
Cited
1,2

Programs and Curricula Reviewed and/or

Foothill College Dental Hygiene Program, Los Altos Hills, CA

Integration of Evidence-Based Decision Making Within the Dental Hygiene

Curriculum.
Susam Taichman, RDH, MS, MPH, PhD, and Anne Gwozdek, RDH, BA, MA
Preparing Faculty Members for Significant Curricular Revisions in a School of
Dental Medicine. Heiko Spallek, D.M.D.,Ph.D.; Jean A. ODonnel, D.M.D.;
Young Im J. Yoo, Ed.M.
ADA Center for Evidence-Based Dentistry (handout)
Diablo Valley College Dental Hygiene Program, Pleasant Hill, CA
West Coast Universitys BS Dental Hygiene Program, Orange County, CA
University of Marylands School of Dentistry, BS Dental Hygiene Program,
Baltimore, MD
Cerritos College Dental Hygiene Program, Norwalk, CA
Carrington College Dental Hygiene Program, Sacramento, CA
University of Washington Dental Hygiene Program, Seattle, WA
University of Minnesota BS Dental Hygiene Program, Minneapolis, MN
University of Michigan School of Dentistry Dental Hygiene BS Program, Ann
Arbor, MI

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