Master Course Syllabus
for
DEN-121: DENTAL HYGIENE PRECLINIC LAB

Prerequisities: Enrollment in the Dental Hygiene program.

Corequisites: DEN 120.

Course Description

This course provides the opportunity to perform clinical dental hygiene proce - dures discussed in DEN 120. Emphasis is placed on clinical skills in patient assessment and instrumentation techniques. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the ability to perform specific preclinical procedures.

Student Learning Outcomes

Clinical Area

• Locate the components of the operatory and sterilization area.

• Identify the parts of the dental unit.

• Operate the various components of the dental unit.

• Locate the supplies stored in the operatory.

• Locate the supplies and equipment maintained in the sterilization area and storeroom.

Professional Development

• Adhere to the department dress code.

• Follow appropriate classroom, laboratory and clinic decorum.

• Display a professional and positive attitude while interacting with faculty, patients, staff, and peers.

• Utilize laboratory/preclinic time in an efficient and professional manner.

• Begin to employ critical analysis and sound professional judgment in decision making.

• Maintain confidentiality of all patient records.

• Maintain academic honesty.

Personal, Medical and Dental Histories

• Check the Health History form to assure that the patient has fully and accurately completed information.

• State the conditions requiring medical alert, premedication or medical clearance.

• Utilize the appropriate drug references to identify dental implications of various medications.

• Utilize the interview technique to obtain the personal and medical histories.

• Interpret collected data to determine if treatment can be initiated.

• Specifically address patient data that signifies a medical alert, premedication or referral for medical evaluation with the instructor.

• Obtain the patient's signature on the health history to verify patient's involvement in providing health history data prior to the student's signature or the faculty's signature.

• Sign the health history form verifying that the information has been reviewed.

• Write an accurate summary, which includes significant findings from the medical and dental history sections of the Health History form.

• Review the consent form with the patient checking for patient's signature, date and patient name if a guardian or parent is consenting to treatment.

• Place a red check mark in the Alert section on the patient's Health History form if patient has any conditions that would indicate a medical alert.

• Indicate the specific medical condition requiring a medical alert in the Alert section on the patient's Health History form.

• Determine medical conditions that would require the need for a Medical Consult.

• Accurately complete the Medical Consult form and file a copy of the form in the patient's chart.

Vital Signs: Blood Pressure, Pulse, Temperature and Respiration

• State the reason for obtaining a patient's blood pressure, temperature, pulse and respiration.

• State the normal vital signs readings and identify any abnormality that the patient presents.

• Demonstrate the infection control protocol for care of equipment that is used to obtain a blood pressure reading.

• Inform the patient that the blood pressure, pulse and temperature (not respiration) will be taken and explain the procedure.

• Record the vital signs on the Patient Record following the clinical protocol.

• Specifically notify the instructor if there is a variation from normal in the patient's vital signs.

• Accurately obtain a blood pressure reading using the sphygmomanometer and stethoscope and accurately record the findings according to clinic protocol.

• Accurately obtain a temperature with digital thermometer and accurately record the findings according to clinic protocol.

• Accurately obtain the pulse, counting the number of pulsations for one clocked minute and accurately record the findings according to clinic protocol.

• Observe the patient's respiration and indicate any abnormalities on the Health History form.

Infection Control Procedures

• Utilize the accepted handwashing procedure prior to, during and subsequent to patient treatment.

• Demonstrate the placement and removal of personal protective equipment in preparation for decontamination and/or patient treatment.

• State the names of solutions used to decontaminate the operatory and unit lines internally.

• Demonstrate mixing the solution that is used for environmental surface decontamination and disinfection of the unit water lines.

• Demonstrate the procedure used for decontaminating the clinic operatory and materials and equipment used for patient treatment including the unit water lines.

• Place protective, disposable barriers.

• Position needed items on the counter.

• Receive and dismiss the patient following standard infection control protocol.

Sterilization Room

• State the name of the solution used in the ultrasonic cleaning unit and demonstrate how to mix this solution.

• Clean instruments in the ultrasonic unit in preparation for sterilization (loose and cassettes).

• Rinse, drain and dry the instrument loose instruments and cassettes.

• Package loose instruments and cassettes for autoclaving.

• Demonstrate care of the ultrasonic unit following use.

• Discuss and demonstrate cleaning the ultrasonic cleaning unit, autoclave and Magna Clave.

• Discuss and demonstrate the various tests used to monitor the disinfection and sterilization processes in the clinic.

• Discuss and demonstrate the proper documentation of the various tests used to monitor the disinfection and sterilization processes in the clinic.

• Discuss and demonstrate the process for dispensing clinic instruments from the sterilization room.

• Discuss and demonstrate the flow of materials and supplies from the storage room to the sterilization room for dispensing.

• Discuss the process for notifying the faculty of supply/material needs.

• Discuss and demonstrate the techniques employed to minimize contamination of the equipment and/or surfaces in the sterilization room.

• Discuss and demonstrate the disinfection procedures employed to disinfect the equipment and/or surfaces in the sterilization room.

Patient-operator Positioning

• Instruct the patient to rinse preoperatively with mouthrinse.

• Position the patient in an upright position to obtain the Health History and vital signs.

• Position the pull-out writing surface, instrument tray and overhead light according to principles of good body mechanics and motion economy.

• Adjust the height of the operator's and assistant's stool to maintain the principles of good body mechanics.

• Position the patient for instrumentation in the maxillary and mandibular intraoral treatment areas.

• Demonstrate the operator's position, keeping the feet flat on the floor, thighs parallel to the floor, back and head erect, arms at waist level and body weight evenly distributed on the stool.

• Position him/herself in the 8:00/4:00 and 11:00/1:00 seating position in relationship to each intraoral treatment area.

Dental Mirror

• Demonstrate the proper grasp for holding the mouth mirror.

• Demonstrate the correct use of the mouth mirror for retraction, reflection of light and indirect vision.

• Demonstrate the ability to insert, remove and move the mouth mirror intraorally without striking the teeth or stretching the corners of the lips.

• Utilize the mirror for transillumination.

Air/water Syringe and Saliva Ejector

• Demonstrate the proper grasp for holding the air/water syringe.

• Operate the air/water syringe.

• Demonstrate the technique for using the air/water syringe in the detection of supragingival calculus.

• Operate the saliva ejector.

• Instruct the patient in the proper technique for removing saliva and other fluids from the oral cavity.

Sickle Scalers

• Maintain appropriate patient/operator positioning for each treatment area.

• Select the appropriate instrument for the assigned area of instrumentation.

• Select the correct working end for the treatment area.

• Maintain a modified pen grasp and intraoral finger rest.

• Scale both supragingival and slightly (1-2 mm) subgingival.

• Use the appropriate insertion points for the H 6/7 and 204S.

• Establish the correct adaptation.

• Activate the scaler with systematic, controlled, overlapping strokes using light to moderate pressure with the working stroke.

Universal Curets

• Maintain appropriate patient/operator positioning for each treatment area.

• Select the correct working end for the treatment area.

• Maintain a modified pen grasp and intraoral finger rest.

• Scale both supragingival and subgingival.

• Use the appropriate insertion points for anterior and posterior treatment areas (subgingival scaling).

• Insert the curet to the junctional epithelium, keeping the terminal shank parallel (posteriorly) or the handle parallel (anteriorly) to the tooth long axis.

• Establish the correct adaptation.

• Activate the curet with systematic, controlled, overlapping strokes using light to moderate pressure with the working stroke.

Gingiva & Periodontium

• Recognize normal healthy gingiva.

• Identify the gingival margin, free gingiva, interdental gingiva, free gingival groove, attached gingiva, mucogingival junction, and alveolar mucosa.

• Identify the gingival sulcus and junctional epithelium.

• Locate the maxillary and mandibular anterior and buccal frena.

• Describe the gingival tissues in terms of color, contour, consistency, texture, and position.

Gracey Curets

• Select the appropriate instrument for the area of instrumentation.

• Maintain appropriate patient/operator positioning for each treatment area.

• Select the correct working end for the treatment area.

• Maintain a modified pen grasp and intraoral finger rest.

• Scale both supragingival and subgingival.

• Use the appropriate insertion points with each instrument (subgingival scaling).

• Insert the curet to the junctional epithelium, keeping the terminal shank parallel (posteriorly) or the handle (anteriorly) to the tooth long axis.

• Establish the correct adaptation.

• Activate the curet with systematic, controlled, overlapping strokes using light to moderate pressure with the working stroke.

Exploring

• Detect carious lesions and identify defective restorations with the #23 explorer.

• Detect supra and subgingival calculus deposits, surface irregularities and demineralized areas with the ODU 11/12 (EXD 11/12) and #17 explorers.

• Arrive at a definitive evaluation of calculus removal by using the explorer.

• Maintain appropriate patient/operator positioning for each treatment area.

• Select the correct working end for the treatment area.

• Maintain a modified pen grasp and intraoral finger rest.

• Use the appropriate insertion points for anterior and posterior treatment areas.

• Insert the explorer to the junctional epithelium, keeping the terminal shank parallel (posteriorly) or the handle parallel (anteriorly) to the tooth long axis.

• Maintain adequate adaptation.

• Activate the explorer with the application of light pressure using systematic, overlapping, controlled strokes.

Extraoral and Intraoral Examination

• Identify each tooth by number (according to the universal tooth numbering system) and by name (e.g. maxillary right first molar).

• Assess the patient's well being based on an overall patient appraisal.

• Accurately access the patient's profile.

• Systematically perform an extraoral examination using the appropriate techniques while verbally identifying each structure examined.

• Systematically perform an intraoral examination using the appropriate techniques while verbally identifying each structure examined.

• Recognize normal extraoral and intraoral anatomy.

• Begin to recognize deviations from normal extraoral and intraoral anatomy.

• Describe abnormalities in terms of color, size, consistency, and texture.

Occlusal Analysis

• Accurately classify the patient's occlusion according to Angle's Classification.

• Accurately identify crossbites, openbites, overjets, underjets, etc. exhibited by the patient.

• Accurately record the patien's occlusal findings in the appropriate location in the patient's chart (in the progress notes).

Tooth Abnormalities

• Accurately identify the following tooth abnormalities:

  • Enamel hypoplasia.
  • Mottled enamel from dental fluorosis.
  • Amelogenesis imperfecta.
  • Dentinogenesis imperfecta.

• Identify the following regressive changes and the determine the etiology of the existing conditions:

  • Attrition.
  • Erosion.
  • Abrasion.

Tooth Mobility

• Demonstrate the process for assessing tooth mobility.

Academic Grading Policy

A	Excellent	4	Grade Points	Numerical grade of 90 - 100
B	Above Average	3	Grade Points	Numerical grade of 80 - 89
C	Average	2	Grade Points	Numerical grade of 70 - 79
D	Below Average	1	Grade Point	Numerical grade of 60 - 69
F	Failed	0	Grade Point	Numerical below 60
WP	Withdraw Passing	0	Grade Point	Issued if the course is dropped after the census date and on or before the 60% point of the course unless the instructor issues a WF based on extenuating circumstances
WF	Withdraw Failing	0	Grade Point	Issued if the course is dropped after the 60% point of the course or the instructor chooses based on extenuating circumstances

Attendance Requirement for the School of Health and Public Services

Regular, prompt attendance is essential for academic success. Students should strive for perfect attendance. It is recognized, however, that students may be absent from class occasionally. Students should reference the instructor's syllabus to determine the attendance requirement for this course. The instructor is responsible for enforcing the attendance requirement. It is the student's responsibility to withdraw from the course. Students may complete the withdrawal process in the Advising Center. Students may receive a grade of WP if they withdraw from a course by the 60% point/date of the course. Any student withdrawals that occur after the 60% point will result in a grade of WF. Exceptions to the "WF" grade may exist if the student has a mitigating circumstance. Students are encouraged to discuss withdrawal options with the faculty member and complete the withdrawal process in the Advising Center.

Class Recordings

In some classes videoconferencing software will be used to record live class discussions. As a student in such classes, student participation in live class discussions will be recorded. These recordings will be made available only to students enrolled in the class, to assist those who cannot attend the live session or to serve as a resource for those who would like to review content that was presented. All recordings will become unavailable to students in the class when the class ends. Students who prefer to participate via audio only will be allowed to disable their video camera so only audio will be captured. Students should discuss this option with their instructors. The use of all video recordings will be in keeping with the Privacy Statement shown below.

Privacy Statement

Assuring privacy among faculty and students engaged in online and face-to-face instructional activities helps promote open and robust conversations and mitigates concerns that comments made within the context of the class will not be shared beyond the classroom. As such, recordings of instructional activities occurring in online or face-to-face classes may be used solely for internal class purposes by the faculty member and students registered for the course, and only during the period in which the course is offered. Instructors who wish to make subsequent use of recordings that include student activity may do so only with informed written consent of the students involved or if all student activity is removed from the recording. Recordings including student activity that have been initiated by the instructor may be retained by the instructor only for individual use.

Disability Statement

If you have a documented disability and wish to discuss academic accommodations, please contact the Counselor for Students with Disabilities and Special Programs located in room 429 of the Student Center. If you are a student with a mobility impairment and have a class in a multi-story building, please discuss evacuation plans with your instructor.

Religious Observance Statement

Students shall be permitted excused absences from all classes two days per academic year for religious observances required by their faith. The absences requested in accordance with this policy are "one of" and not "in addition to" any absences otherwise permitted by the faculty for a class. The excused absence request must be submitted by the second class meeting and a minimum of two (2) weeks in advance of the absence. Please contact your instructor for the required forms.

Academic Honesty Policy

Students at CVCC are expected to be honest in all academic pursuits, whether class, lab, shop, or clinical. Acts of academic dishonesty are considered unethical and subject to behavior sanctions. Examples of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Sharing information about the content of quizzes, exams, classroom/lab/shop/clinical assignments (scheduled or make-up) without approval of the instructor including but not limited to unauthorized copying, collaboration, or use of notes, books, or other materials when preparing for or completing examinations or other academic assignments (scheduled or make-up).

2. Buying, selling, or otherwise obtaining a copy of a quiz, exams, project, term paper, or like document, without approval of the instructor.

3. Plagiarism, which is defined as the intentional representation of another person's work, words, thoughts, or ideas (from any source) as one's own.

4. Failing to follow approved test taking procedures by performing such acts as:

   • Looking on another student's test
   • Use of unauthorized notes; written, electronic, or otherwise
   • Changing answers after exam is scored
   • Verbal, non-verbal, or electronic communication with another student during an exam

Instructors have the authority to impose either a warning, probation, or dismissal from the class for acts of academic dishonesty relative to classes under their supervision.

Students have an obligation to report any acts of academic dishonesty to the instructor or appropriate campus authority when reasonable grounds exist for such a report. Students also have a responsibility to cooperate in the investigation of any alleged acts of academic dishonesty. Failure to report acts of academic dishonesty could result in a behavior sanction as outlined in the Student Conduct Policy, Policy 3.18.

CVCC Emergency Procedures

To Report a Serious Emergency Dial 911 from any campus phone or 911 from mobile phones; then dial 711 (Campus Safety & Security) from a campus phone.

Safety & Security: S.E.L.F. Active Shooter Response Training Video

Lockdown

Quickly get all persons behind a locked door, close blinds, lock all windows/doors, and turn off lights. Sit against an interior wall away from windows and doors (hide). Keep cell phones ON in silent mode or vibrate. Do not leave the locked area until notified by a known CVCC administrator or by law enforcement that the emergency is over.

Seek Shelter (tornados, hurricanes, etc.)

Move to hallways and/or other inner rooms. Stay away from windows and doors. Sit on floor facing the inner wall and shield head with hands. Remain in shelter until notified by CVCC administration or by emergency personnel that the danger is over.

Building Evacuation

Leave the building immediately and proceed to a parking lot location at least 300 feet from the building. Do not delay to retrieve books or other personal items. Do not use elevators. Do not touch suspicious objects. Stay clear of the building once outside. Faculty should take class rosters if possible and account for all students at evacuation locations. Report any special assistance needed to CVCC faculty/staff or to emergency personnel. If you are aware or suspect someone is trapped in a threatened building, notify CVCC faculty/staff or emergency personnel. Remain at your building evacuation location until further instructions are provided by CVCC administration or by emergency personnel. In case of bomb threat, avoid using cell phones and wireless devices; this may detonate the bomb.

Smoke, Fire or Hazardous Materials

Activate the nearest fire alarm. Before attempting to fight a fire, notify someone nearby. Never attempt to fight a fire larger than wastebasket size. Close doors and windows to isolate the problem if the situation permits. If trapped in a building during a fire, use wet towels or cloths to protect you from flames and smoke. Stop/drop/roll if your clothes catch on fire. Do not open doors that feel hot. Always stay between the fire and an exit. Stay low to the floor as you try to exit.

Personal Emergencies

Unless you feel threatened, stay with the victim until emergency personnel arrive. Avoid contact with bodily fluids. Stay calm and try to minimize panic. If the person is conscious, ask if he/she is a High School student (if so, include this information in your 911 call).

Emergency Procedures Revised: August 15, 2019

Cell phone backup to 711 Campus Safety & Security can be reached at: 828-327-7000 ext. 0