Course Descriptions

Dental Hygiene I

DEN103

Introduction to fundamental concepts and techniques in disease control and dental hygiene instrumentation skills. Includes the use and care of dental equipment. Fall Only.

4 Credits: 2 Lecture, 6 Lab

Corequisites:
BIO115, DEN104, DEN108, DEN109

Preventive Dentistry

DEN104

Introduction to the fundamental concepts and techniques of preventive oral hygiene measures. Emphasis on individualized instruction and the continual evaluation of the success of preventive strategies. Fall Only.

2 Credits: 1.50 Lecture, 1.50 Lab

Corequisites:
BIO115, DEN103, DEN108, DEN109

Oral Histology

DEN108

Study of the development of the germ tissues, teeth, oral and facial structures. Fall Only.

1 Credit: 1 Lecture

Corequisites:
BIO115

Orofacial Anatomy

DEN109

Study of postnatal development and structure of the teeth, oral and facial anatomy with emphasis placed on the relationship of structure to function. Fall Only.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Corequisites:
BIO115

Dental Radiology

DEN123

Study of the physics of radiation and radiation biology related to the principles, techniques and interpretation of intra and extraoral radiographs. Quality in exposing and processing x-rays, with respect to the safety of the patient and operator, is stressed. Spring Only.

3 Credits: 2 Lecture, 3 Lab

Corequisites:
BIO125, DEN126, DEN130, DEN211

Prerequisites:
BIO115 and DEN103 and DEN104 and DEN108 and DEN109

Dental Hygiene II

DEN126

Lectures on medically compromised and special needs patients are combined with practical experience in the clinic. More skillful application of dental hygiene knowledge and ability are presented in order to be practiced in the dental hygiene clinic. Spring Only.

5 Credits: 2 Lecture, 9 Lab

Corequisites:
BIO125, DEN123, DEN130, DEN211

Prerequisites:
BIO115 and DEN103 and DEN104 and DEN108 and DEN109

Introduction to Periodontics

DEN130

Study of the clinical diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. Emphasis on the importance of periodontal therapy and the role of the dental hygienist. Spring Only.

2 Credits: 2 Lecture

Corequisites:
BIO125, DEN123, DEN126, DEN211

Prerequisites:
BIO115 and DEN103 and DEN104 and DEN108 and DEN109

General & Oral Pathology

DEN202

Study of general and oral pathology with emphasis on disease and anomalies related to the oral and paraoral structures. Fall Only.

2 Credits: 2 Lecture

Corequisites:
DEN204, DEN212, DEN214, DEN216

Prerequisites:
BIO125 and BIO201 and DEN123 and DEN126 and DEN130 and DEN211

Pharmacology

DEN204

Study of the general principles of applied pharmacology including drug action, interaction, and handling; adverse drug reactions; and prescription writing. Drugs utilized in dentistry, as well as those that may alter dental treatment, are examined. Pharmacology as related to dental and medical emergencies are stressed. Fall Only.

2 Credits: 2 Lecture

Corequisites:
DEN202, DEN212, DEN214, DEN216

Prerequisites:
BIO125 and BIO201 and DEN123 and DEN126 and DEN130 and DEN211

Oral Health & Nutrition

DEN211

Fundamentals of nutrition with an emphasis on the relationship of diet and dental health. The application of this knowledge is in the form of nutritional counseling of patients who wish to prevent or control nutritional-related oral health problems. Food habits, socio-economic status, and the food environment are examined. Spring Only.

2 Credits: 2 Lecture

Corequisites:
BIO125, DEN123, DEN126, DEN130

Prerequisites:
BIO115 and DEN103 and DEN104 and DEN108 and DEN109

Periodontics II

DEN212

This is the second and final course in periodontics. Emphasis is on diagnosis and treatment rationale to ameliorate the disease state. Current surgical and non-surgical periodontal therapies are discussed. Fall Only.

1 Credit: 1 Lecture

Corequisites:
DEN202, DEN204, DEN214, DEN216

Prerequisites:
BIO201 and DEN123 and DEN126 and DEN130 and DEN211

Dental Materials & Specialties

DEN214

Overview of the principles and practice of the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of dental materials. Conditions that compromise optimum oral health and function and the needs of the patient are identified. Communication of findings to the patient will be the student's responsibility. Fall Only.

3 Credits: 2 Lecture, 3 Lab

Corequisites:
DEN202, DEN204, DEN212, DEN216

Prerequisites:
BIO125 and DEN123 and DEN126 and DEN130 and DEN211

Dental Hygiene III

DEN216

Experience and theory in the techniques necessary to perform comprehensive dental hygiene therapeutic services. The dental hygiene process of care is introduced and combined with clinical application. Subject matter also includes dental management of complex medical conditions.  Fall Only.

6 Credits: 2 Lecture, 12 Lab

Corequisites:
DEN202, DEN204, DEN212, DEN214

Prerequisites:
BIO201 and DEN123 and DEN126 and DEN130 and DEN211

Community Dental Health

DEN220

Introduction to the philosophy of community dental health and principles of public health programming, special dental programs, alternative dental settings, fluoridation, dental health education, epidemiology of dental disease, and the use of statistical methods and materials. Spring Only.

2 Credits: 2 Lecture

Corequisites:
DEN224, DEN227, DEN240, PSY111, SPC101

Prerequisites:
DEN202 and DEN204 and DEN212 and DEN214 and DEN216

Dental Hygiene Theory & Practice

DEN227

Topics that address preparing the dental hygiene student for meeting the dental hygiene licensing criteria and incorporating relevant information into dental hygiene practice are presented. Practice settings and professional issues are discussed. Continuation of clinical practice culminates to prepare the student for licensure and employment. Spring Only.

5 Credits: 1 Lecture, 12 Lab

Corequisites:
DEN220, DEN224, DEN240

Prerequisites:
DEN202 and DEN204 and DEN212 and DEN214 and DEN216

Techniques in Pain Control

DEN240

Theoretical and clinical knowledge of safe and effective administration of local anesthetic agents in dentistry. Spring Only.

2 Credits: 1 Lecture, 3 Lab

Prerequisites:
BIO125 and DEN204 and DEN216

Issues in Professional Dental Hygiene

DEN301

Current issues and controversies in dental hygiene and their impact on professional practice are examined. Advances in dental hygiene are explored for possible incorporation into the dental hygienist's philosophy and practice. Roles and responsibilities of dental hygienists are clarified. Emphasis on oral and written communication skills. A student may schedule this course only after acceptance into the baccalaureate curriculum. (Writing Enriched )

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Dental Public Health

DEN303

Examination of contemporary public health concepts and practice related to oral health. Dental hygienists’ role in advocating for optimal oral health will be emphasized. The importance of inter-professional collaborations in maximizing oral health of the U.S. population, including underserved and other vulnerable populations will be highlighted. Students will explore the related roles of government, non-government agencies, and private organizations. Case studies will be offered to stimulate discussion and deeper understanding of the complexities facing dental public health professionals.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Dental Hygiene Credentials Proven by License

DEN304

This course exists for the purpose of verifying transfer of dental hygiene credits only. Eligible candidates who submit a copy of their current, valid Dental Hygiene license to the Admissions Office at Penn College, will be credited with 47 credits. Candidates must meet all Penn College baccalaureate program admission requirements prior to acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program.

47 Credits: 47 Lecture

Dental Practice Management

DEN307

Focus on dental practice management principles and techniques and how to apply them clinically. Emphasis placed on critical thinking and application of ADEA competencies. Case studies will be incorporated to reinforce critical thinking skills.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

United States Health Policymaking

DEN447

Purpose and scope is to provide the health care provider with tools to comprehend the fundamental attributes of the policymaking process in the United States. Students will engage in discussion and debate on health care policy topics related to current social, economic, cultural, and political issues, as well as possible solutions and strategies to address these issues. (formerly HTH447)

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Dental Hygiene Capstone

DEN495

Application of knowledge as it relates to a chosen professional role, explored through an individually designed project. This self-directed learning experience provides an opportunity to apply the knowledge and principles learned within the program and demonstrate understanding of the expanding role of dental hygienists in the healthcare system.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Corequisites:
DEN447

Prerequisites:
DEN301 and HTH325 and MTH159; or
DEN301 and HTH325 and MTH160

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