Dental Hygiene
The Dental Hygiene degree is a four-year baccalaureate degree that consists of two years of prerequisite coursework and two years of Dental Hygiene professional training. Following completion of all prerequisites, students may apply for admission to the Dental Hygiene program. Applications and due dates are posted on the website. The program has limited enrollment. The educational objective of the program is to prepare students who, upon graduation and successful completion of the NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Examination) and regional clinical board exams (Local Anesthetic, Restorative and Clinical dental hygiene procedures), will be licensed to practice as dental hygienists.
Prerequisites must be completed with a 2.0 GPA in each class with an overall cumulative GPA of 2.6 for the science courses (A&P I and II, Microbiology and Chemistry) prior to admission to the program.
Prerequisites:
- Intro to Sociology: SOC& 101
- Nutrition: NUTR& 101
- Human A&P 1 w/ Lab: BIOL& 241
- Human A&P 2 w/ Lab: BIOL& 242
- Microbiology w/ Lab: BIOL& 260
- Intro to Chemistry w/ Lab: CHEM& 121
- Intro to Organic Chemistry w/ Lab: CHEM& 122
- English Composition I: ENGL& 101, or ENGL& 102, or ENGL& 235
- Introduction to Stats: MATH& 146
- General Psychology: PSYC& 100
- Social Psychology: PSYC 201 or PSYC& 200
- Communication Studies Courses: (two of the following) CMST& 101 or CMST& 210 or CMST& 220 or CMST 260
Course Substitutions:
- CHEM& 140 or CHEM& 161 may be substituted for CHEM& 121
- CHEM& 131 may be substituted for CHEM& 122
Once admitted into the program, each student will be responsible for providing documentation of the following additional requirements:
- Required immunization records
- Current basic life support (BLS) for healthcare provider
- Satisfactory criminal history background check using a college approved vendor
Questions regarding the criminal background policy should be directed to the Dean for Health Sciences at 509-544-8310.
Degrees and Certificates
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Dental Hygiene (Completion) Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) Degree 24-25 -
Dental Hygiene Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) Degree 24-25
Courses
DHYG 301: Dental Anatomy [RE]
Credits 1This course introduces students to fundamental concepts related to tooth anatomy and terminology. Areas of emphasis include crown and root morphology in primary and permanent dentitions, nomenclature, eruption sequence, temporomandibular joint, occlusion, malocclusion patterns, and movements.
Students must apply and be accepted into the CBC Dental Hygiene program prior to enrolling.
DHYG 302: Histology/Embryology [RE]
Credits 2This course is an introduction to the embryology and histology of the head and neck region. Builds on basic sciences and prepares for the additional study of dental sciences as they relate to the clinical practice of dental hygiene.
Students must apply and be accepted into the CBC Dental Hygiene program prior to enrolling.
DHYG 303: Oral Radiology I [RE]
Credits 1This course accompanies DHYG 304 and is the first in a two-quarter series that focuses on radiation physics, biology, protection of the patient when radiographs are taken, recognition of anatomical landmarks, evidence of pathology, and abnormalities.
Concurrent enrollment in DHYG 304. Students must apply and be accepted into the CBC Dental Hygiene program prior to enrolling.
DHYG 304: Oral Radiology I Lab [RE]
Credits 1This course accompanies DHYG 303 and is the first in a two-quarter series and provides students the opportunity to apply principles of patient protection, radiographic film placement, and proper exposure and developing techniques. Students will identify oral structures in radiographs. $11.40 lab fee.
Concurrent enrollment in DHYG 303. Students must apply and be accepted into the CBC Dental Hygiene program prior to enrolling.
DHYG 305: Clinical Dental Hygiene Techniques I [RE]
Credits 2This course accompanies DHYG 306 and is the first in a series of clinical dental hygiene technique courses and introduces students to basic principles used in the practice of dental hygiene. Areas of emphasis include infection control standards (OSHA), universal precautions, patient assessment, and treatment standards. $135 per quarter Dental Hygiene clinic fee.
Concurrent enrollment in DHYG 306. Students must apply and be accepted into the CBC Dental Hygiene program prior to enrolling.
DHYG 306: Clinical Dental Hygiene Techniques I Lab [RE]
Credits 3This course accompanies DHYG 305 and is the second in a series of clinical dental hygiene technique courses that provides students the opportunity to apply skills and knowledge in a pre-clinical setting. Areas of emphasis include: basic skills of infection control, patient assessment, and treatment in the pre-clinical setting. $10.72 per quarter malpractice insurance fee. $135 per quarter Dental Hygiene clinic fee.
Concurrent enrollment in DHYG 305. Students must apply and be accepted into the CBC Dental Hygiene program prior to enrolling.
DHYG 307: Dental Health Education [RE]
Credits 1This course explores the principles and practices of prevention and management of dental disease with emphasis on biofilm control, cardiology, patient motivation, oral hygiene education, and techniques.
Students must apply and be accepted into the CBC Dental Hygiene program prior to enrolling.
DHYG 308: Dental Materials [RE]
Credits 1This course accompanying DHYG 309 introduces students to history, composition, chemical and physical properties, and use of materials commonly used in the dental laboratory and dental operatory.
Concurrent enrollment in DHYG 309. Students must apply and be accepted into the CBC Dental Hygiene program prior to enrolling.
DHYG 309: Dental Materials Lab [RE]
Credits 1This course accompanies DHYG 308 and provides students an opportunity to practice skills related to common dental materials and procedures. $11.40 lab fee.
Concurrent enrollment in DHYG 308. Students must apply and be accepted into the CBC Dental Hygiene program prior to enrolling.
DHYG 310: Head and Neck Anatomy [RE]
Credits 2In this course students will study head and neck regions, identification of nerves, bones, muscles, and oral regions structure and function.
Students must apply and be accepted into the CBC Dental Hygiene program prior to enrolling.
DHYG 311: Medical Emergencies In Dentistry [RE]
Credits 2This course focuses on the study of commonly encountered medical emergencies in the dental setting that may involve systemic disease and etiology, presentation, treatment, and effects of dental treatment on patients who may present with these diseases and other medical conditions. The associated emergency procedures required to treat medical emergencies in the dental setting will be covered, as well as cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), first aid and safety training.
Completion of DHYG 301, DHYG 302, DHYG 303, DHYG 304, DHYG 305, DHYG 306, DHYG 307, DHYG 310, and DHYG 312 with a minimum grade of 2.0.
DHYG 312: General Pathology [RE]
Credits 2In this course students will study systemic diseases and their etiology, presentation of signs and symptoms of disease manifestation, inflammatory process, immune response, and healing. Includes current recommended treatments, morbidity, mortality, and the impact of oral inflammation and disease on systemic health.
Students must apply and be accepted into the CBC Dental Hygiene program prior to enrolling.
DHYG 313: Oral Radiology II [RE]
Credits 1The course accompanies DHYG 314 and is the second in a series of oral radiology. Students will be introduced to radiographic quality, techniques, interpretation of errors, and pathology.
Concurrent enrollment in DHYG 314. Students must apply and be accepted into the CBC Dental Hygiene program prior to enrolling.
DHYG 314: Oral Radiology II Lab [RE]
Credits 1The course accompanies DHYG 313 and is the second in a series of oral radiology labs. Students will have an opportunity to practice oral radiographic technique and apply knowledge to analyze radiographic technique and evaluation of films diagnostic quality and effectiveness. $11.40 lab fee.
Concurrent enrollment in DHYG 313. Students must apply and be accepted into the CBC Dental Hygiene program prior to enrolling.
DHYG 315: Clinical Dental Hygiene Techniques II [RE]
Credits 2This course accompanies DHYG 316 and the second in a series of clinical dental hygiene technique courses and introduces students to dental hygiene treatment planning, effective communication with patients, preventive dental patient education, and clinical skill development.
Concurrent enrollment in DHYG 316. Students must apply and be accepted into the CBC Dental Hygiene program prior to enrolling.
DHYG 316: Clinical Dental Hygiene Techniques II Lab [RE]
Credits 4This course accompanies DHYG 315 and the second in a series of clinical dental hygiene technique courses and introduces students to dental hygiene treatment planning, effective communication with patients, preventive dental patient education, and clinical skill development. $10.72 per quarter malpractice insurance fee. $11.40 lab fee. $135 per quarter Dental Hygiene clinic fee.
Concurrent enrollment in DHYG 315. Students must apply and be accepted into the CBC Dental Hygiene program prior to enrolling.
DHYG 318: Restorative Dentistry I [RE]
Credits 1This course accompanies DHYG 319 and is the first in a series of courses in restorative dentistry. Students will be introduced to composition and physical properties of amalgam, amalgam's use as a dental restorative material, amalgam safety, proper handling, and placement of amalgam with an emphasis on occlusion.
Concurrent enrollment in DHYG 319. Students must apply and be accepted into the CBC Dental Hygiene program prior to enrolling.
DHYG 319: Restorative Dentistry I Lab [RE]
Credits 1This course accompanies DHYG 318 and is the first in a series of laboratory courses in restorative dentistry and provides students an opportunity to apply skills for safe placement, handling, and manipulation of amalgam restorative materials to complete Class I restorations. $10.72 per quarter malpractice insurance fee. $11.40 lab fee.
Concurrent enrollment in DHYG 318. Students must apply and be accepted into the CBC Dental Hygiene program prior to enrolling.
DHYG 320: Pain Control In Dentistry [RE]
Credits 2This course accompanies DHYG 321 and includes the pharmacology and physiology of both local anesthetic agents and nitrous oxide sedation. Application of the knowledge of the nerves of the head, the physiology of nerve conduction, and the transmission of pain impulse are studied as well as the transient blockage of nerve transmission with local anesthetics. Knowledge of prevention and management of dental emergencies is included as well as the decision making of the selection of the appropriate injection to be given and the type of local anesthetic to be used. The use of nitrous oxide delivery and its application as an analgesic is also included.
Concurrent enrollment in DHYG 321. Students must apply and be accepted into the CBC Dental Hygiene program prior to enrolling.
DHYG 321: Pain Control In Dentistry Lab [RE]
Credits 2This course accompanies DHYG 320 that gives students an opportunity to practice effective techniques in the delivery of nerve block and infiltration injections, including safe and effective delivery of nitrous oxide sedation. All injections and the delivery of nitrous oxide are completed on student partners. These skills are part of the expanded duties allowed for dental hygienists in Washington State. $11.40 lab fee.
Concurrent enrollment in DHYG 320. Students must apply and be accepted into the CBC Dental Hygiene program prior to enrolling.
DHYG 322: Pharmacology [RE]
Credits 2This course explores the study of pharmacology as it affects the clinical practice of dentistry with an emphasis on drugs commonly used to treat medical conditions and their impact on dental treatment. Areas of emphasis include effects, administration, biotransformation, and toxicology as potential for emergency reactions, idiopathic reactions, and emergency treatment protocols.
Completion of DHYG 301, DHYG 302, DHYG 303, DHYG 304, DHYG 305, DHYG 306, DHYG 307, DHYG 310, and DHYG 312 with a minimum grade of 2.0.
DHYG 323: Oral Pathology [RE]
Credits 2This course introduces students to commonly encountered oral diseases including their etiology, presentation, recognition, treatment, impact on dental treatment, and the need for referral for further evaluation. Extensive and correct documentation is stressed as well as collaboration with a dentist for differential diagnosis.
Completion of DHYG 301, DHYG 302, DHYG 303, DHYG 304, DHYG 305, DHYG 306, DHYG 307, DHYG 310, and DHYG 312 with a minimum grade of 2.0.
DHYG 324: Periodontics I [RE]
Credits 2This course is the first of a two-quarter series on the study of periodontology. Students will explore fundamental concepts related to components of the gingival and periodontal structures, various health and disease states of the periodontium including peri-implantitis, contributing factors that cause gingivitis and periodontitis, development of disease, and oral-systemic link.
Completion of DHYG 318, DHYG 319, DHYG 320, DHYG 321, DHYG 323, DHYG 325, and DHYG 326, with a minimum grade of 2.0.
DHYG 325: Clinical Dental Hygiene Techniques III [RE]
Credits 2This course accompanies DHYG 326 and is the third in a series of clinical dental hygiene technique courses. Areas of emphasis include: dental hygiene techniques and the expanded development of clinical dental hygiene skills. $10.72 per quarter malpractice insurance fee.
Concurrent enrollment in DHYG 326. Students must apply and be accepted into the CBC Dental Hygiene program prior to enrolling.
DHYG 326: Clinical Dental Hygiene Techniques III Lab [RE]
Credits 4This course accompanies DHYG 325 and is the third in a series of clinical dental hygiene technique courses that provides students the opportunity to apply skills and knowledge during direct patient care. Areas of emphasis include patient assessment, instrumentation, treatment, and continued development of procedures and techniques introduced in pre-clinical courses. $11.40 lab fee. $135 per quarter Dental Hygiene clinic fee.
Concurrent enrollment in DHYG 325. Students must apply and be accepted into the CBC Dental Hygiene program prior to enrolling.
DHYG 327: Restorative Dentistry II [RE]
Credits 1This course accompanies DHYG 328 and is the second in the restorative series. This course introduces students to dental preparation design, isolation techniques, application of dental materials, amalgam restorations, and composite materials.
Concurrent enrollment in DHYG 328. Students must apply and be accepted into the CBC Dental Hygiene program prior to enrolling.
DHYG 328: Restorative Dentistry II Lab [RE]
Credits 2This course accompanies DHYG 327 and is the second in the restorative series. This course provides students the opportunity to learn and practice skills related to placement and finishing of Class I composite and Class II amalgam restorations. $10.72 per quarter malpractice insurance fee. $11.40 lab fee.
Concurrent enrollment in DHYG 327. Students must apply and be accepted into the CBC Dental Hygiene program prior to enrolling.
DHYG 329: Patient Management [RE]
Credits 2In this course students study characteristics of individual patients, motivation, and interpersonal communication. Areas of emphasis include exposure to diverse cultures and their attitudes and approaches to medical and dental care, modification of treatment planning for the young, geriatric, medically or mentally compromised patient, and patients who exhibit special needs.
Completion of DHYG 318, DHYG 319, DHYG 320, DHYG 321, DHYG 323, DHYG 325, and DHYG 326, with a minimum grade of 2.0.
DHYG 330: Clinical Dental Hygiene Techniques IV [RE]
Credits 1This course accompanies DHYG 331 and is the fourth in a series of clinical dental hygiene technique courses and introduces students to dental hygiene techniques for the periodontally involved patient, advanced instrumentation techniques for root surfaces, powered scalers, treatment of the pregnant patient through menopause, geriatric patients, patients with dental prostheses, and edentulous patients.
Concurrent enrollment in DHYG 331. Students must apply and be accepted into the CBC Dental Hygiene program prior to enrolling.
DHYG 331: Clinical Dental Hygiene Techniques IV Lab [RE]
Credits 1 5This course accompanies DHYG 330 and is a continuation of DHYG 326. This course provides students an opportunity to apply learned skills, critical evaluation of dental hygiene treatment needs, and delivery of care on a variety of patients. $10.72 per quarter malpractice insurance fee. $11.40 lab fee. $135 per quarter Dental Hygiene clinic fee.
Concurrent enrollment in DHYG 330. Students must apply and be accepted into the CBC Dental Hygiene program prior to enrolling.
DHYG 401: Restorative Dentistry III [RE]
Credits 1This course accompanies DHYG 402 and is the third in the restorative series. Areas of emphasis include Class II composite restorations and restoring anterior teeth.
Concurrent enrollment in DHYG 402 and completion of DHYG 324, DHYG 327, DHYG 328, DHYG 329, DHYG 330, and DHYG 331, with a minimum grade of 2.0.
DHYG 402: Restorative Dentistry III Lab [RE]
Credits 2This course accompanies DHYG 401 and is the third in the restorative series. Students will have the opportunity to practice skills related to placement and finishing of Class II amalgam and composite restorations, Class V glass ionomer restorations, and restoring anterior teeth. $10.72 per quarter malpractice insurance fee. $11.40 lab fee.
Concurrent enrollment in DHYG 401 and completion of DHYG 324, DHYG 327, DHYG 328, DHYG 329, DHYG 330, and DHYG 331, with a minimum grade of 2.0.
DHYG 403: Community Oral Health Research I [RE]
Credits 2This course presents students with foundational knowledge of community health. Topics include local and national organizations related to community health, oral health discrepancies, access to dental care, determinants of health, epidemiology, and disease prevention.
Completion of DHYG 324, DHYG 327, DHYG 328, DHYG 329, DHYG 330, and DHYG 331, with a minimum grade of 2.0.
DHYG 404: Nutrition In Dentistry [RE]
Credits 1This course reviews principles of nutrition with enhanced information on nutrition's relationship to oral health. Areas of emphasis include assessment of a patient's nutritional knowledge, eating habits, and impact that these have on the patient's overall oral health.
Completion of DHYG 401, DHYG 402, DHYG 403, DHYG 406, DHYG 407, and DHYG 410 with a minimum grade of 2.0.
DHYG 406: Clinical Dental Hygiene Techniques V [RE]
Credits 1This course accompanies DHYG 407 and is the fifth in a series of clinical dental hygiene technique courses. Topics include case presentations and study of clinical cases, advanced clinical techniques of local anesthesia, and the role of the dental hygienist in tobacco cessation. $135 per quarter Dental Hygiene clinic fee.
Concurrent enrollment in DHYG 407. Students must apply and be accepted into the CBC Dental Hygiene program prior to enrolling.
DHYG 407: Clinical Dental Hygiene Techniques V Lab [RE]
Credits 6This course accompanies DHYG 406 and is a continuation of DHYG 331. Areas of emphasis include: progressive clinical experience in patient assessment, dental hygiene treatment planning, continued development of clinical skills and knowledge, and restorative care on patients. $10.72 per quarter malpractice insurance fee. $135 per quarter Dental Hygiene clinic fee.
Concurrent enrollment in DHYG 406. Students must apply and be accepted into the CBC Dental Hygiene program prior to enrolling.
DHYG 408: Ethics and Jurisprudence, Practice Management [RE]
Credits 2This course provides an understanding of ethical and legal concepts related to the practice of dental hygiene including: professional code of ethics, ethical dilemmas, organizational and professional issues, legal concepts, and law as it relates to the practice of dental hygiene. Students will also explore the role of the dental hygienist within the dental office, dental insurance, professional leadership attributes, and career preparation.
Completion of DHYG 401, DHYG 402, DHYG 403, DHYG 406, DHYG 407, and DHYG 410 with a minimum grade of 2.0.
DHYG 409: Community Oral Health Research II [RE]
Credits 2In this course students will be introduced to public health concepts and their impact on community health research, design elements included in research including selection of research topic, exploration of community partners and potential stakeholders, program/project development, preparation for implementation, and selection of evaluation methods. Students will implement, evaluate, and present their program/project in DHYG 415.
Completion of DHYG 401, DHYG 402, DHYG 403, DHYG 406, DHYG 407, and DHYG 410 with a minimum grade of 2.0.
DHYG 410: Periodontics II [RE]
Credits 2This course is the second of a two-quarter series on periodontology and focuses on treatment of periodontal disease including classification, treatment planning, procedure coding for dental hygiene therapies, reevaluation, maintenance, retreatment, determination of referral for out of scope treatment needs, surgical concepts, and the patient's role in periodontal therapy.
Completion of DHYG 324, DHYG 327, DHYG 328, DHYG 329, DHYG 330, and DHYG 331, with a minimum grade of 2.0.
DHYG 411: Clinical Dental Hygiene Techniques VI [RE]
Credits 1This course accompanies DHYG 412 and is the sixth in a series of clinical dental hygiene technique courses. Topics include assessment of the periodontally involved patient, evaluation of continued care needs, appointment intervals, risk assessment, discussion, and determination of restorative needs and care.
Completion of DHYG 401, DHYG 402, DHYG 403, DHYG 406, DHYG 407, and DHYG 410 with a minimum grade of 2.0.
DHYG 412: Clinical Dental Hygiene Techniques VI Lab [RE]
Credits 7This course accompanies DHYG 411 and is a continuation of DHYG 407. Students have the opportunity to provide comprehensive clinical experiences in all phases of the dental hygiene process of care including clinical work that expands on procedures and techniques introduced in prior clinical courses including placement of restorations on patients. $10.72 per quarter malpractice insurance fee. $11.40 lab fee. $135 per quarter Dental Hygiene clinic fee.
Completion of DHYG 401, DHYG 402, DHYG 403, DHYG 406, DHYG 407, and DHYG 410 with a minimum grade of 2.0.
DHYG 413: Clinical Dental Hygiene Techniques VII [RE]
Credits 1This course accompanies DHYG 414 and is the final course in a series of clinical dental hygiene technique courses and provides expanded learning through discussion and exploration of patient scheduling and clinical practice in a variety of settings including community and public health clinics, private dental practices, and specialty practices. $10.72 per quarter malpractice insurance fee.
Concurrent enrollment in DHYG 414. Students must apply and be accepted into the CBC Dental Hygiene program prior to enrolling.
DHYG 414: Clinical Dental Hygiene Techniques VII Lab [RE]
Credits 9This course accompanies DHYG 413 and is a continuation of DHYG 412. Students will have the opportunity to continue clinical practice in dental hygiene services in a clinical setting with an emphasis on completing the dental hygiene process of care, implementation of patient care for a variety of patients, and placement of restorations on patients. $11.40 lab fee. $135 per quarter Dental Hygiene clinic fee.
Concurrent enrollment in DHYG 413. Students must apply and be accepted into the CBC Dental Hygiene program prior to enrolling.
DHYG 415: Community Oral Health Practicum [RE]
Credits 2This course is the final segment (capstone) in the community oral health series and provides students the opportunity to demonstrate their cumulative knowledge in the community health field by implementation and evaluation of a community program or project. This course takes place outside of the classroom in an experiential learning format and includes a final presentation of the students oral health program/project. $11.40 lab fee.
Completion of DHYG 404, DHYG 408, DHYG 409, DHYG 411, and DHYG 412 with a minimum grade of 2.0.
DHYG 416: Educational Theory and Methodology [RE]
Credits 2In this course students will be introduced to educational methodology. Topics include: pre-assessment strategies to determine participants' knowledge level, creation of an overview and objectives to provide learners with a context for learning including giving targeted feedback, performance evaluation to enhance continual learning goals, selection among direct instruction, inquiry-based learning, and cooperative learning.
Completion of DHYG 404, DHYG 408, DHYG 409, DHYG 411, and DHYG 412 with a minimum grade of 2.0.
DHYG 417: Restorative Dentistry IV Lab [RE]
Credits 1This course is the final course in the restorative series and provides students an opportunity to practice skills related to placement and finishing of Class II, III, and IV amalgam and composite restorations, cusp build-ups, and restoring anterior teeth.
Completion of DHYG 401, DHYG 402, DHYG 403, DHYG 407, and DHYG 410, all with a 2.0 or higher.