Designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in oral health, combining rigorous coursework with hands-on clinical experience.
To learn more about key components of our program, provided below are curriculum outlines for each semester, course descriptions, elective information — based on three separate educational tracks —, as well as the goals and competencies of the program as an undergraduate dental hygiene student.
Curriculum
First Year
FALL SEMESTER TOTAL CREDITS: 16
Course
Credit Hours
Course Number
Infection Control
2
DHYG 236
Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office 2 DHYG 237
2
DHYG 237
Dental Embryology, Histology and Anatomy
4
DHYG 253
Dental Radiology
3
DHYG 252
Introduction to Dental Hygiene
2
DHYG 257
Preclinical Dental Hygiene
3
DHYG 257 L
SPRING SEMESTER TOTAL CREDITS: 17
Course
Credit Hours
Course Number
Nutrition
2
DHYG 241
Dental Pharmacology
2
DHYG 261
Dental Materials
3
DHYG 265
Dental Hygiene Theory I
3
DHYG 267
Dental Hygiene Clinic I
3
DHYG 267 L
Periodontology
2
DHYG 263
Radiographic Interpretation
1
DHYG 414
Ethics Part I: Professionalism and Ethics
1
DHYG 269
SUMMER SEMESTER (8 WEEKS) TOTAL CREDITS: 6
Course
Credit Hours
Course Number
Dental Hygiene Theory II
2
DHYG 357
Dental Hygiene Clinic II
2
DHYG 357 L
Research Methodology
2
DHYG 495
Second Year
FALL SEMESTER TOTAL CREDITS: 14+ (CONTINGENT UPON HOURS FROM ELECTIVE)
Course
Credit Hours
Course Number
General and Oral Pathology
2
DHYG 351
Community Dental Health
3
DHYG 352
Oral Microbiology
2
DHYG 401
Dental Hygiene Theory III
3
DHYG 367
Dental Hygiene Clinic III
4
DHYG 367 L
Dental Hygiene Elective I
SPRING SEMESTER TOTAL CREDITS: 10+ (CONTINGENT UPON HOURS FROM ELECTIVE)
Course
Credit Hours
Course Number
Community Dental Health Internship
2
DHYG 362
Dental Hygiene Theory IV
3
DHYG 377
Dental Hygiene Clinic IV
4
DHYG 377 L
Dental Ethics and Jurisprudence
1
DHYG 379
Dental Hygiene Elective II
Program Electives
DENTAL HYGIENE ELECTIVE: EDUCATION TRACK
Course
Credit Hours
Course Number
E1: Educational Foundations and Theory
2
DHYG 424
E2: Introduction to Clinical Teaching
2
DHYG 421
DENTAL HYGIENE ELECTIVE: PUBLIC HEALTH TRACK
Course
Credit Hours
Course Number
E1: Dental Public Health Organization-Administration
2
DHYG 405
E2: Community Based Dental Hygiene Service Learning
2
DHYG 423
DENTAL HYGIENE ELECTIVE: HONORS TRACK
Course
Credit Hours
Course Number
E1: 691H
3
DHYG 691 H
E2: 692H
3
DHYG 692 H
Course Descriptions
FALL
DHYG 236 Infection Control (2)
This course is designed to introduce the infection and hazard control procedures necessary for the safe practice of dentistry. Topics include microbiology, practical infection control, sterilization and monitoring, chemical disinfectants, aseptic technique, infectious diseases, OSHA standards, and applicable North Carolina laws. Upon completion, students should be able to understand infectious diseases, disease transmission, infection control procedures, biohazard management, OSHA standards, and applicable North Carolina laws.
DHYG 237 Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office (2)
DHYG 253 Dental Embryology, Histology and Anatomy (4)
This course is designed to provide opportunities for the student to learn the structure, morphology and function of the teeth and their supporting structures. Lectures, labs and identification exercises are incorporated. These will emphasize normal clinical appearance of the teeth and oral tissues as they apply to clinical dental hygiene.
DHYG 252 Dental Radiology (3)
This course is designed to provide the student with a basic understanding of theories and principles in dental radiography. Lectures, seminars and preclinical laboratories will be used to prepare the student on the use of ionizing radiation in dentistry.
DHYG 257 Introduction to Dental Hygiene (2)
This course will provide the student with the basic concepts and theories related to the performance of clinical dental hygiene. The course will provide an introduction to the UNC School of Dentistry patient care system.
Opportunities will be provided for the student to identify his/her role as a dental hygienist with an emphasis on personal and professional development.
DHYG 257L Preclinical Dental Hygiene (3)
Laboratory exercises will allow for the development of competency in technical and judgmental skills necessary for clinical procedures. Peer patient experience will provide an introduction to the patient care system. Opportunities will be provided for the student to identify his or her role as a dental hygienist with an emphasis on personal and professional development.
SPRING
DHYG 241 Nutrition (2)
Course content addresses the principles and practices of human nutrition as applied to the nutritional needs of individuals at any point in the health illness continuum, throughout the lifespan and across diverse cultural groups. Analysis of diet and application of diet modification strategies to assist in attaining and maintaining optimum oral health are stressed.
DHYG 261 Dental Pharmacology (2)
A survey course of pharmacology with emphasis on general principles and pharmacological action of and adverse reactions to commonly used drugs, especially those used in dentistry. The effect of drugs used to treat common medical problems on dental patients is also emphasized.
DHYG 265 Dental Materials (3)
This course provides a sound knowledge base in the science of dental materials. The student is introduced to the physical, mechanical, electrical and biological characteristics of dental materials. Emphasis is placed on why specific materials are used rather than solely upon the techniques of manipulating materials. The primary goal of this course is to enhance the student’s ability to make clinical judgments regarding the application of dental materials and the ways in which these materials react to the oral environment. The clinical application of dental materials and its relationship to the oral environment and the scope of practice of dental hygiene are emphasized in lectures and labs.
DHYG 267 Dental Hygiene Theory I (3)
This course provides the student with an expanded knowledge of clinical dental hygiene. Lecture/laboratory topics will include fluoride and other preventive agents, topical and local anesthesia, dental caries etiology and detection, management of dental office medical emergencies, nitrous oxide, air abrasives and dental assisting skills. The course also includes a seminar component introducing the student to various specialties in dentistry.
DHYG 267L Dental Hygiene Clinic I (3)
This course is designed to provide the student with continued experience in and knowledge of clinical dental hygiene. Clinical experiences will provide the opportunity to employ basic preventive skills and professional behavior.
DHYG 263 Periodontology (2)
This course includes a study of basic oral histology and embryology with an in-depth study of the anatomy and histology of the periodontium and changes that occur in the presence of disease processes. Pathogenesis and etiology of periodontal diseases and mechanisms of tissue destruction are also emphasized. Clinical management of periodontal patients is covered.
DHYG 414 Radiographic Interpretation (1)
This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of theories and principles used in the systematic analysis of dental radiographic images. Lectures and self-instructional resources will be used to expose the student to a variety of diagnostic images representing normal anatomic appearances.
DHYG 269 Ethics Part I: Professionalism and Ethics (1)
This course will explore ethical behavior in the clinical practice of dental hygiene and will examine the legal aspects of dental hygiene practice. Each class session will promote case-based discussion of the concepts introduced.
SUMMER
DHYG 357 Dental Hygiene Theory II (2)
This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the physiological, psychological and sociological aspects of treating patients with special needs. Lectures, self-instructional materials and hands-on experiences will be used to prepare the student to provide dental care to these special population groups
DHYG 357L Dental Hygiene Clinic II (2)
This course is designed to provide the student with continued experience in and knowledge of clinical dental hygiene. Clinical experiences will provide the opportunity to employ basic preventive skills and professional behavior.
DHYG 495 Research Methodology (2)
This course will include topics designed to familiarize the student with the research process from planning a research project and implementing the research plan to evaluating results obtained. The primary emphasis will be on relating topics to research in dentistry and dental hygiene. Each student will participate in a research project on a selected topic.
FALL
DHYG 351 General and Oral Pathology (2)
This course is designed to give the student an understanding of basic pathology and the recognition of abnormalities in the oral regions. Common oral disease conditions and conditions which alter routine dental care are covered.
DHYG 351 Community Dental Health (3)
This course is designed to aid dental hygiene students in realizing their potential as dynamic members of the community. Instruction, activities and assignments will strengthen the students’ understanding of and ability to work effectively with a variety of people and organizations within a community. Emphasis will be placed on community assessment and diagnosis, program planning, implementation and evaluation, school screening and existing dental health programs.
DHYG 401 Oral Microbiology (2)
This course emphasizes the microbiological and immunological factors impacting not only the oral environment but the entire human body. Emphasis is placed on clinical applications of microbiology and immunology, which may include some laboratory experiences.
DHYG 367 Dental Hygiene Theory III (3)
This course is designed to prepare the learner for the transition from student to practitioner. Didactic topics will include a review of the North Carolina dental laws and regulations, recall and office management systems, professional liability, interviewing and team building. The clinical portion of this course is designed to help each student reach clinical competency and prepare for clinical practice.
DHYG 367L Dental Hygiene Clinic III (4)
Students will begin to prepare for the transition from dental hygiene student to registered dental hygienist. Students will be provided guidance in increasing clinical competency in basic dental hygiene skills and problem solving. Emphasis will be placed on comprehensive patient care.
Dental Hygiene Elective I
SPRING
DHYG 362 Community Dental Health Internship (2)
This course is designed to help the senior dental hygiene student to apply the knowledge gained in DHYG 352 about assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating a dental health program plan for an assigned community of people. The assigned communities include Smart Start Centers, Senior Centers and Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers. Students will work in groups to visit the assigned centers and develop and carry out a dental health program during the semester. Evaluation of this course will be through the development of a manual, site evaluation and self evaluation.
DHYG 377 Dental Hygiene Theory IV (3)
DHYG 377L Dental Hygiene Clinic IV (4)
This course has been designed to prepare the learner for transition from student to dental hygiene practitioner. Didactic topics include subjects that will help the students manage their career as a registered dental hygienist. The clinical portion of the course is designed to aid the students in reaching clinical competency and prepare for clinic practice through use of problem solving.
DHYG 379 Dental Ethics and Jurisprudence (1)
This course is designed to present ethical problems in dentistry and to suggest approaches to their resolution. Emphasis will be placed on ethical theory, moral reasoning and behavior, ethical decision making, ethical issues in third party financing and discussing harassment. Case studies will be utilized to discuss various approaches to ethical decision making.
Dental Hygiene Elective II
DENTAL HYGIENE ELECTIVE: EDUCATION TRACK
E1: DHYG 424 Educational Foundations and Theory (1)
This course will explore theories in education and the practice of effective pedagogy; including organizing lessons and developing college level courses; understanding learning theories and utilizing active learning and future trends in dental hygiene education; and designing effective measurement and evaluation tools.
E2: DHYG 421 Introduction to Clinical Teaching (2)
This course is designed to prepare senior dental hygiene students to function as a clinical instructor. The content will emphasize techniques and skills necessary for providing effective clinical instruction and evaluation. Other content to be covered will include psychomotor learning theory, remediation of performance problems, legal and ethical considerations, faculty calibration and regulations governing dental hygiene education. The course will include classroom discussion/activities in addition to clinical observation and hands-on teaching experiences.
DENTAL HYGIENE ELECTIVE: PUBLIC HEALTH TRACK
E1: DHYG 405 Dental Public Health Organization-Administration (2)
This course is specifically designed to prepare the dental hygienist for a future within the specialty field of dental public health. Governmental programs and policies will be studied in depth to prepare the hygienist for working within the political system. Epidemiological research, grant writing, consumerism health economics and comparative health systems will be presented in this seminar course. Students will be encouraged to investigate further their individual interests to stimulate discussion, transfer of knowledge and speaking skills.
E2: DHYG 423 Community Based Dental Hygiene Service Learning (2)
This course will include a variety of clinical or community opportunities in a selected community setting which will provide the student with an in depth experience in community-based dental hygiene care and the development of skills necessary for functioning as a member of an interdisciplinary team. Self-instructional modules are available for review of clinical techniques for various procedures if needed. Participants must be certified in CPR.
DENTAL HYGIENE ELECTIVE: HONORS TRACK
E1: 691H
In this course the honors student will be devoted to reading and research. By the end of this semester, the student should produce a substantial piece of writing: e.g., a proposal along with a summary of where the learner is in the research project; prospectus or the first draft of a chapter; section of the undergraduate honors thesis
E2: 692H
In this course the honors student will be devoted to writing (and additional research as necessary) to produce an undergraduate honors thesis. The final draft of the thesis is due based on the University deadline. The oral presentation may consist of either a poster presentation at the dental school’s Research in Review Day or a thesis defense.
Goals and Competencies
Possess the skills and knowledge needed to provide optimal dental hygiene patient care while valuing and adhering to the ethical beliefs as stated by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association Code of Ethics.
Competencies
1.1
Apply a professional code of ethics and values in all endeavors.
1.2
Adhere to the North Carolina Dental Hygiene Practice Act as well as other state and federal laws governing the practice of dental hygiene.
1.3
Promote optimal oral health for all patients through an evidence-based approach.
1.4
Continuously perform self-assessment for professional growth through lifelong learning.
1.5
Advance dental hygiene and the dental profession through service activities and affiliations with professional organizations.
1.6
Employ quality assurance healthcare mechanisms in order to ensure standard of care.
1.7
Provide care to all patients using an individualized approach that is humane, empathetic, and caring.
Promote the values of optimal oral health as related to general health and overall wellness to all patients.
The dental hygiene graduate will be competent in the performance and delivery of oral health promotion and disease prevention services in public health, private practice, and/or alternative settings.
For the individual
Competencies
2.1
Provide educational methods using appropriate communication skills and educational strategies to promote optimal health.
2.2
Promote preventive health behaviors by personally striving to maintain oral and general health.
2.3
Identify the oral health needs of patients to promote healthy lifestyles and appropriate self-care regimens.
For the community
Competencies
2.4
Identify individual and population risk factors and develop strategies that promote health related quality of life.
2.5
Identify interventions that promote oral health while preventing oral disease.
2.6
Participate in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation phases of community-based oral health programs.
2.7
Recognize the importance of public policy processes in order to influence consumer groups, businesses, and government agencies to support health care issues.
2.8
Promote and maintain a collegial relationship between dental hygiene and the overall health care system.
Embrace an interdisciplinary role within the health care system and assess, plan, implement, and evaluate oral health care programs and activities for diverse population groups while facilitating access to care and services.
Competencies
3.1
Assess, plan, implement and evaluate community based oral health programs.
3.2
Provide screening, referral and education services that facilitate public access to the health care system.
3.3
Provide community oral health services in a variety of settings.
3.4
Develop a knowledge base of the health care system (local, state, and national levels) and recognize their role within this interdisciplinary construct.
3.5
Develop a knowledge base to be able to influence community groups, businesses and government agencies to support health care issues.
Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate treatment in the promotion of oral and systemic health using an evidence-based approach.
Competencies
4.1
Systematically collect, analyze, and record data on the general, oral and psychosocial health status of a variety of patients using methods consistent with medico legal principles.
4.2
Use critical decision making skills to reach conclusions about the patient’s dental hygiene needs based on all available assessment data.
4.3
Collaborate with the patient and/or other health professionals to formulate a comprehensive dental hygiene care plan that is patient-centered and based on current scientific evidence.
4.4
Provide specialized treatment that includes preventive and therapeutic services designed to achieve and maintain oral health.
4.5
Evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented clinical, preventive, and educational services and modify as needed.
Value the dental hygiene profession through career growth and development and commitment to lifelong learning.
Competencies
5.1
Illustrate commitment to the dental hygiene profession by active membership, leadership, and/or service in professional organizations.
5.2
Pursue continuing education courses and/or higher education that demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning.
