Course

Course Summary
Credit Type:
Course
ACE ID:
BDEA-0001
Organization:
Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama
Location:
Hybrid
Length:
10 months, 1,459 hours
Dates Offered:
Credit Recommendation & Competencies
Level Credits (SH) Subject
Lower-Division Baccalaureate 1 Preclinical Orientation
Lower-Division Baccalaureate 1 Principles of Radiology
Lower-Division Baccalaureate 1 Introduction to Oral Pathology
Lower-Division Baccalaureate 1 Principles of Pharmacology
Lower-Division Baccalaureate 2 Introduction to Periodontology
Lower-Division Baccalaureate 2 Clinical Skills Development
Lower-Division Baccalaureate 3 Clinical Dental Hygiene I
Lower-Division Baccalaureate 3 Clinical Dental Hygiene II
Lower-Division Baccalaureate 3 Clinical Dental Hygiene III
Description

Objective:

1. To become proficient in performing intra-oral and extra-oral head and neck examinations
2. To be able to take and develop accurate diagnostic dental radiographs
3. To be able to document patient care and treatment plans in detail
4. To be able to assess the patient's oral health and report findings to the dentist
5. To provide prophylactic procedures including a periodontal probing and charting as well as scaling and root planing
6. To create a plan to successfully complete coursework and assignments
7. To identify strategies for preparing and coping with academic, professional, and personal stresses

Learning Outcomes:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of oral anatomy and physiology, including the structures and functions of the teeth, gingiva, periodontium, and oral mucosa.
  • Develop effective communication skills to provide oral health education, promote patient adherence to treatment plans, and collaborate effectively with other members of the dental team.
  • Apply principles of infection control and safety to ensure a clean and safe working environment for patients and dental team members.
  • Identify risk factors for oral diseases, including periodontal disease, dental caries, and oral cancer, and develop appropriate prevention and treatment strategies.
  • Demonstrate competence in performing comprehensive oral examinations, including charting, diagnosis, and treatment planning. Apply knowledge of dental hygiene treatment modalities, including scaling and root planning, periodontal maintenance, and fluoride therapy, to provide appropriate patient care.
  • Demonstrate competence in the use of dental instruments and equipment, including hand and ultrasonic scalers, air polishers, and radiographic equipment.

General Topics:

  • Unit 1: Anatomy of the Head and Neck, Anatomy and Physiology of the Periodontium, and Evaluation of Patients/Etiology of Periodontal Disease Unit 2: Infection Control, Classification/Epidemiology of Periodontal Disease, Instrumentation/Sharpening, and Instrumental Hands-On Clinical Exercise Unit 3: Gingivitis and Periodontitis, Occlusal Trauma and Phases of Periodontal Therapy Unit 4: Treatment of Periodontitis and Role of the Dental Hygienist, Periodontal Implants and Maintenance, Surgical Principles, and Suture Removal Unit 5: Acute Periodontal Conditions, Special Needs Patients, Periodontal Procedures and Office Emergencies Unit 6: Radiology, Mid-Term Review Unit 7: Mid-Term exams (Didactic and Practical), Systemic Influence Unit 8: Oral Pathology, Licensure Exams (Protocols and Procedures) Unit 9: Pharmacology and Cariology Unit 10: Wellness Committee Presentation, ADHP Conclusion
Instruction & Assessment

Instructional Strategies:

  • Audio Visual Materials
  • Case Studies
  • Classroom Exercise
  • Coaching/Mentoring
  • Computer Based Training
  • Discussion
  • Laboratory
  • Lectures
  • Practical Exercises
  • Work-based Learning
  • Performance Rubrics (Checklists)

Methods of Assessment:

  • Examinations
  • Other
  • Performance Rubrics (Checklists)
  • Grades Homework

Minimum Passing Score:

75%
Supplemental Materials