Harper College will be closed Tuesday, November 5 in observance of Election Day.
Career options 
Harper College's 81-credit-hour Dental Hygiene Program is a full-time, six-semester career program leading to an Associate of Applied Science degree.
Harper College is a great place to begin your career in dental hygiene. You'll get hands-on experience working in the Dental Hygiene Clinic, which is equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Practice your skills on patients who come to the clinic for dental hygiene care.
In 2021,100% of the graduates of Harper’s Dental Hygiene Program passed both the American Dental Association’s National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and the Commission on Dental Competency Assessment’s Clinical Board Examination.
This is a limited-enrollment program. Please review this program's admission criteria and process.
This 81-credit hour program prepares the graduate to be a dental hygienist. The dental hygienist is a highly skilled primary care oral health professional with the knowledge and skills to recognize, prevent and treat oral diseases and conditions. As an integral member of the oral health care team, the dental hygienist collaboratively practices evidence-based comprehensive dental hygiene care with the ultimate goal of improving oral health as an essential component of total health. The dental hygienist must have a strong foundation in biomedical science and demonstrate clinical competency including effective communication and interpersonal skills, and professional and ethical behavior. The dental hygienist must also have the ability to evaluate and utilize emerging technologies and apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address current and future issues in oral health care.
This degree prepares the graduate for employment as a clinician in a variety of health care settings including solo, group and specialty dental practices, public health clinics, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. With additional education, employment opportunities are available in the corporate sector in sales and as educational specialists, in academia, research, and health care management.
The Associate in Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene qualifies the graduate to complete the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, the clinical board examination, and apply for Illinois licensure as a registered dental hygienist.
This program meets the Illinois Board of Dentistry guidelines, is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, and is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
Because of the nature of clinical experience and individualized instruction required in this program and specialized technology and the equipment necessary to offer this program, a higher tuition rate is assessed for career specific courses. These include courses with the prefix DHY. Students pay 1.5 the regular rate of tuition.
Admission Requirements:
Dental Hygiene is a limited enrollment program. For admission requirements, please contact the Admissions Outreach Office at 847.925.6700 or visit harpercollege.edu.
Students who apply for this limited enrollment program are obligated to meet the current admission requirements and follow program curriculum as defined at the time of acceptance to the program.
Upon admission to the Dental Hygiene program, the mathematics requirement is met.
A grade of C or better in all BIO, CHM, ENG, PSY, SOC courses is required for all students.
| Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO 230 | Microbiology 1 | 4 | AAS General Education |
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Description: Examines characteristics and importance of microorganisms; emphasis on identification, anatomy and physiology, control, relationship to health and disease and economic importance. College chemistry or equivalent is desirable. Strongly recommended preparation: One year of high school biology with a grade of C or better taken within the last five years, or BIO 110.(NOTE: Lab science credit.) Formerly BIO 130. Prerequisite: Placement into ENG 101. english-placement-grid.php Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| BIO 260 | Human Anatomy 2 | 4 | AAS General Education |
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Description: Introduces the anatomy of the human body; the following systems studied either regionally or systemically: integumentary, skeletal, articular, muscular, circulatory, lymphatic, nervous, respiratory, digestive, excretory, endocrine and reproductive. Includes some introductory histology. Specially designed for students in health careers, biology, and physical education. Strongly recommended preparation: One year of high school biology with a grade of C or better taken within the last five years, or BIO 110. (NOTE: Lab science credit.) Formerly BIO 160. IAI BIO 920C Prerequisite: Placement into ENG 101. english-placement-grid.php Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| BIO 261 | Human Physiology 2 | 4 | AAS General Education |
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Description: Emphasizes physiological principles at the molecular, cellular, tissue, organ and system level, as they pertain to the human organism. The following systems are studied in detail: skeletal, muscular, circulatory, nervous, digestive, respiratory, urinary, reproductive and endocrine. In this course, special applications will be made to meet the needs of students in health careers, biology and physical education.(NOTE: Lab science credit.) Formerly BIO 161. IAI BIO 920C Prerequisite: BIO 260 with a grade of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| CHM 100 | Chemistry for the Health Sciences 2 | 4 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Introduces basic concepts of inorganic and organic chemistry and biochemistry. Emphasizes chemical principles applied to biological systems. Laboratory exercises apply theory to biological and consumer products. Especially designed for students in allied health sciences. Meets the prerequisite of the Nursing program. IAI P1 902L Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| ENG 101 | Composition I | 3 | AAS General Education |
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Description: Emphasizes the writing of expository prose. Introduction to the critical reading of nonfiction prose. IAI C1 900 Prerequisite: ENG 096 with a grade of P or other placement options: english-placement-grid.php ESL students need one of the following options: ESL 073 and ESL 074 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 and ESL 086 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 and ESL 099 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 with required writing placement test score; or ESL 074 with required reading placement test score. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology + | 3 | AAS General Education |
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Description: Investigates human and animal behavior with emphasis on the scientific nature of contemporary and classic psychological investigation. Emphasizes psychological theories, principles, and research applications. Introduces the divisions of the American Psychological Association. References biological processes, sensation, perception, learning, memory, thinking, emotional life, mental disorders, intelligence, aptitude, personality, development, daily life and everyday problems. IAI S6 900 Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology + | 3 | AAS General Education |
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Description: Analysis and description of the structure and dynamics of human society. Application of scientific methods to the observation and analysis of social norms, groups, inter-group relations, social change, social stratification and institutions. This course meets the World Culture and Diversity graduation requirement. IAI S7 900 Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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A grade of C or better in all DHY courses is required for all students.
| Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHY 100 | Introduction to Dental Hygiene Fundamentals | 1 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Introduces the dental hygiene profession including the role of the dental hygienist as a member of the dental health care team, professionalism and ethics related to the dental setting, evidence-based decision-making and inter-professional collaboration. Dental terminology, tooth identification and numbering, prevention of disease transmission including basic infection control and sterilization techniques, proper positioning and ergonomics, and initial instrument basics are emphasized. Strategies and skills for student success in the dental hygiene program will be addressed. Prerequisite: Admission into the Dental Hygiene Program. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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A grade of C or better in all DHY courses is required for all students.
| Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHY 101 | Dental Hygiene Principles I | 2 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Introduces the theory and scientific principles underlying the practice of dental hygiene. Emphasizes the clinical procedures and techniques for delivery of comprehensive patient care. Focuses on prevention of disease transmission; body mechanics; instrument classification and design; fundamentals of hand instrumentation; removal of biofilm, deposits, and extrinsic stain; patient communication and personal control of dental disease; documentation of patient care; and the electronic patient record. Prerequisite: DHY 100 with a grade of C or better and admission into the Dental Hygiene Program. Corequisite: DHY 105 and DHY 106. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| DHY 105 | Dental Hygiene Preclinic Laboratory | 2 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Integrates the scientific and clinical principles underlying the practice of dental hygiene in a pre-clinical setting. Focuses on the clinical application of the dental hygiene process of care. Clinical assessment procedures and instrumentation techniques are practiced on mannequins and student partners. Clinical performance is evaluated through demonstration of skill acquisition at designated level of competency. Prerequisite: DHY 100 with grade of C or better and Admission into the Dental Hygiene Program. Corequisite: DHY 101, DHY 106 Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| DHY 106 | Oral Health Assessment | 1 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Introduces components of the dental hygiene process of care to include medical/dental history; common medical conditions; vital signs; medications and pharmacological information; head and neck examination; oral, dental and periodontal examinations; communication for assessment; and medico-legal documentation. Patient assessment skills will be practiced in the pre-clinical laboratory with fellow students as patients. Prepares the student for the assessment components of patient care in subsequent clinical courses. Prerequisite: DHY 100 with a grade of C or better and Admission into the Dental Hygiene Program. Corequisite: DHY 101 and DHY 105. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| DHY 108 | Medical Emergencies in Dentistry | 0.5 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Introduces basic understanding of disease states that may trigger medical emergencies and the means to prevent these emergencies through careful preoperative assessment and treatment modification. Studies common medical emergencies that may occur during delivery of dental care. Emphasis on methods to prevent emergencies from occurring and procedures to manage emergency situations. Reviews the management protocols for all medical emergencies occurring in the dental office environment. Prerequisite: DHY 100 with grade of C or better and Admission into the Dental Hygiene Program. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| DHY 111 | Dental Radiology I | 2 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Provides theory in radiation physics, the mechanisms of x-ray generation, the effects of exposure factors on image quality, radiation safety principles, and the biological effects of ionizing radiation. Prerequisite: DHY 100 with a grade of C or better and Admission into the Dental Hygiene Program. Corequisite: DHY 113. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| DHY 113 | Dental Radiology Laboratory | 1 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Introduces techniques of dental radiography. Intraoral digital exposure techniques, identification and correction of technique errors and introduction to image interpretation are emphasized. Practical experience provided on mannequins and selected patients with emphasis on implementation of principles of radiation safety and protection. Prerequisite: DHY 100 with a grade of C or better and Admission into the Dental Hygiene Program. Corequisite: DHY 111 Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| DHY 116 | Periodontology I | 1 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Examines the anatomy and physiology of periodontium, correlating basic sciences with the clinical aspects of periodontal disease. Introduces the periodontium in health, oral biofilms, clinical features of the gingiva and progression of periodontal disease. Prerequisite: DHY 100 with a grade of C or better and Admission into the Dental Hygiene Program. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| DHY 159 | Head and Neck Anatomy | 3 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Introduces anatomy of the head and neck regions with special emphasis on the human dentition. Skeletal, muscular, glandular, circulatory, nervous and epithelial structures are considered in detail. Also includes introductory material on human histology and orofacial embryology. NOTE: Students must be admitted into the DHY program to register for this course. Prerequisite: DHY 100 with grade of C or better and Admission into the Dental Hygiene Program. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| DHY 161 | Oral and Dental Anatomy | 2 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Introduces nomenclature and anatomic structures of the oral cavity. Includes detailed study of the development, function morphology, and crown and root morphology of both primary and permanent dentitions. Prerequisite: DHY 100 with grade of C or better and Admission into the Dental Hygiene Program. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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A grade of C or better in all DHY courses is required for all students.
| Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHY 121 | Dental Hygiene Principles II | 1 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Continues focus on the clinical procedures and techniques with emphasis on assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating the delivery of comprehensive patient care for diverse patient populations. Presents current theoretical perspectives in which to interpret and expand dental hygiene care. Develops problem solving abilities and critical thinking skills as they relate to the provision of dental hygiene care. Provides students with a more insightful view of the role of the dental hygienist in the delivery of comprehensive patient care. Prerequisite: DHY 101, DHY 105 and DHY 106 with grades of C or better. Corequisite: DHY 123 and DHY 125 Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| DHY 123 | Dental Hygiene Clinic I | 2 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Introduces dental hygiene practice providing patient care in the clinic setting. Provides a transition from the pre-clinic setting to provision of patient care with exposure to the culture of clinical dental hygiene. Emphasis on the dental hygiene process of care and instrumentation techniques. Comprehensive care provided for simple patient classifications. Students begin to apply knowledge, critical thinking, and clinical skills introduced in previously completed dental hygiene courses. Clinical performance is evaluated through demonstration of skill acquisition at designated level of competency. Prerequisite: DHY 101, DHY 105 and DHY 106 with grades of C or better. Corequisite: DHY 121 and DHY 125. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| DHY 125 | Oral Health Strategies | 1 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Introduces health behavior theories and concepts used in oral health instruction and patient education. Emphasis on prevention of dental diseases through effective patient oral health education; motivational interviewing; oral infection control and biofilm removal techniques; nutritional counseling; and smoking cessation intervention. Continues focus on the dental hygiene process of care including an awareness of cultural diversity and human differences. Reviews cultural competence; communication theory; development of patient/clinician relationships; and patient motivation with particular attention to psychological, social, economic, cultural and life stage factors. Prerequisite: DHY 101, DHY 105 and DHY 106 with grades of C or better. CorequisiteDHY 121: DENTAL HYGIENE PRINCIPLES II,DHY 123: DENTAL HYGIENE CLINIC I Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| DHY 190 | General and Oral Pathology | 2 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Studies the fundamentals of gross pathology and general pathological processes. Provides foundational knowledge related to the reaction of cells and tissues to injury and how diseases arise. Pathology terminology is introduced. Overview of basic disease processes are studied with specific emphasis on pathogenesis and clinical features of diseases of the orofacial complex. Correlates clinical manifestations of disease with dental hygiene practice focusing on recognizing deviations from normal, differential diagnosis, documentation, and referral. Includes discussion of the role of the dental hygienist in early detection, education and referral of lesions of the head and neck regions. Prerequisite: DHY 111, DHY 113, DHY 159, and DHY 161 with grades of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| DHY 200 | Periodontology II | 1 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Builds on the foundational knowledge presented in DHY 116 (Periodontology I). Focuses on best practices in periodontics; AAP classification system; etiology and pathogenesis of gingival and periodontal diseases including microbiological, host response, local and systemic risk factors, and clinical assessment of the periodontium. Emphasizes the clinical application of current theory. Prerequisite: DHY 101, DHY 105, DHY 106 and DHY 116 with grades of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| DHY 202 | Dental Radiology II | 1 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Continues practice of digital intraoral image capture using photostimulable phosphor plates. Introduces digital intraoral sensor technology and digital extraoral radiography. Continues skill development in interpretation of dental radiographic images with focus on identification of normal, atypical and pathological entities. Radiographic identification and analysis of dental anomalies, dental caries, periodontal disease, and periapical lesions are emphasized. Clinical performance is evaluated through demonstration of skill acquisition at designated level of competency. Prerequisite: DHY 101, DHY 105, DHY 111 and DHY 113 with grades of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| DHY 269 | Dental Materials for the Dental Hygienist | 1 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Introduces composition, properties, characteristics and care of various dental materials used in dentistry to fabricate dental appliances, tooth restorations and in the prevention and treatment of oral disease. Includes the study of the physical, mechanical, chemical and biocompatibility issues of these materials, their relationship to the oral environment, and the rationale for selecting one material over another. Emphasizes the clinical application and management of these materials from the dental hygiene perspective. Prerequisite: DHY 101, DHY 105, DHY 111 and DHY 113 with grades of C or better. Corequisite: DHY 270. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| DHY 270 | Dental Materials Lab Techniques for the Dental Hygienist | 1 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Introduces the use and manipulation of materials used in dentistry, with an emphasis on the clinical application of materials that relate directly to the functions of the dental hygienist. Emphasizes the clinical application and management of these materials from the dental hygiene perspective. Introduces composition, properties, characteristics and care of various dental materials used in dentistry with emphasis on impressions. Prerequisite: DHY 101, DHY 105, DHY 111 and DHY 113 with grades of C or better. Corequisite: DHY 269. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| SPE 215 | Intercultural Communication | 3 | AAS General Education |
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Description: Examines how culture influences the communication process including values, beliefs, norms, linguistic and nonverbal differences between cultures, cultural bias, ethnocentrism, globalization and cultural adjustment. Reviews major theories of intercultural communication and the practical approaches to communicating more effectively with persons from other cultures. Allows students to consider the role that communication has in creating, maintaining or challenging cultural assumptions, norms, rules and power structures. Explores how diverse underlying cultural orientations and patterns influence communication behaviors within and between cultures. Students will learn to evaluate their own and others' communicative behaviors from a culturally sensitive perspective. IAI MC 904 Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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A grade of C or better in all DHY courses is required for all students.
| Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHY 119 | Oral Health Management of Special Needs Populations | 1 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Introduces characteristics and oral health management needs of individuals and populations with special needs including patients with systemic/medical, physical, psychological, developmental, intellectual or social conditions that may influence delivery of dental services. Provides a framework of knowledge about factors that affect the management of the special needs dental hygiene patient. Descriptions of diseases or conditions, incidence, prevalence, etiology, clinical manifestations, medical treatment, oral manifestations, dental management considerations, and modifications of comprehensive dental hygiene care are emphasized. Includes the roles of interprofessional health care teams. Prerequisite: DHY 121, DHY 123 and DHY 125 with grades of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| DHY 151 | Dental Hygiene Principles III | 1 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Continues the study of the dental hygiene process of care. Focuses on the clinical procedures and techniques with emphasis on comprehensive care planning and implementation. Further develops clinical decision-making, problem solving and critical thinking skills as they relate to the provision of dental hygiene care. Prerequisite: DHY 121 and DHY 123 with grades of C or better. Corequisite: DHY 153. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| DHY 153 | Dental Hygiene Clinic II | 2 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Continues dental hygiene clinical practice providing comprehensive patient care for diverse patient populations. Emphasis on assessing, planning and implementing comprehensive dental hygiene care for patients with simple to complex needs, with an emphasis on moderate cases. Students gain experience in the practical application of the dental hygiene process of care including introduction of advanced instrumentation and debridement techniques. Provides further opportunity to apply knowledge, critical thinking, and clinical skills acquired in previously completed dental hygiene courses. Clinical performance is evaluated through demonstration of skill acquisition at designated level of competency. Prerequisite: DHY 121 and DHY 123 with grades of C or better. Corequisite: DHY 151. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| DHY 203 | Dental Radiology III | 0.5 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Continues practice of digital intraoral image capture using intraoral sensor technology and digital panoramic CBCT radiography. Emphasizes interpretation of dental radiographic images with focus on identification of normal, atypical and pathological entities. Clinical performance is evaluated through demonstration of skill acquisition at designated level of competency. Prerequisite: DHY 121, DHY 123 and DHY 202 with grades of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| DHY 240 | Dental Pharmacology for the Dental Hygienist | 2 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Examines characteristics of major drug groups, principles of drug actions, and effects on the body. Mechanisms of action, clinical applications, precautions, contraindications, and interactions of drugs, with implications for dental patient management will be discussed. Emphasis is placed on pharmaceutical and therapeutic agents used in dentistry. Prerequisite: DHY 121, DHY 123 and DHY 125 with grades of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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A grade of C or better in all DHY courses is required for all students.
| Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHY 205 | Dental Radiology IV | 0.5 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Continues practice of digital intraoral and extraoral radiographic image capture. Emphasis on developing proficiency in radiographic exposure technique and interpretation skills. Provides further opportunity to apply knowledge, critical thinking, and clinical skills acquired in previously completed dental hygiene radiographic courses. Clinical performance is evaluated through demonstration of skill acquisition at designated level of competency. Prerequisite: DHY 151, DHY 153 and DHY 203 with grades of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| DHY 230 | Dental Pain and Anxiety Management | 1 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Introduces the fundamentals of pain management techniques used in dentistry with focus on control of patient’s pain and anxiety levels. Introduces basic and current concepts of pain control including local anesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation. Rationale for pain control; neuroanatomy; neurophysiology; pharmacology of local anesthetics and vasoconstrictors; non-injectable and injectable anesthetic agents; local and systemic complications; medical emergencies; patient assessment; and legal considerations will be covered. Prerequisite: DHY 151, DHY 153 and DHY 240 with grades of C or better. Corequisite: DHY 232. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| DHY 232 | Dental Pain and Anxiety Management Lab | 1 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Provides instruction in topical and local anesthetic and nitrous oxide sedation techniques. Administration of local anesthesia including maxillary and mandibular field and nerve block injections and nitrous oxide sedation is practiced on student partners. Management of patients’ pain and anxiety levels is emphasized. Clinical performance is evaluated through demonstration of skill acquisition at designated level of competency. Prerequisite: DHY 151, DHY 153 and DHY 240 with grades of C or better. Corequisite: DHY 230. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| DHY 235 | Dental Scientific Literature | 1 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Introduces principles of the scientific method to enable reading and critical appraisal of dental scientific literature. Emphasis is placed on evidence based literature evaluation, methodologies, types of research and research design. Focuses on developing competency in the use of scientific literature as a part of evidence-based decision-making in patient care and lifelong learning. Critique of oral health literature from peer reviewed journals is practiced. Prerequisite: DHY 116, DHY 151, DHY 153 and DHY 200 with grades of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| DHY 250 | Dental Hygiene Principles IV | 1 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Continues focus on dental hygiene process of care. Introduces advanced and adjunctive procedures which build upon basic concepts and skills learned in previous courses. Knowledge gained is applied in clinical practice through new skill acquisition and expanded patient care options. Continues development of critical thinking skills required in the delivery of increasingly complex patient care. Prerequisite: DHY 151 and DHY 153 with grades of C or better. Corequisite: DHY 251. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| DHY 251 | Dental Hygiene Clinic III | 3 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Continues dental hygiene clinical practice providing comprehensive patient care for diverse patient populations. Implementation of comprehensive dental hygiene care at a higher level of clinical competence. Emphasis on developing proficiency in advanced periodontal instrumentation skills and pain management techniques with opportunities to provide non-surgical periodontal therapy for complex periodontally involved patients. Clinical skills are strengthened through the application of evidence-based knowledge and best clinical practices. Provides further opportunity to apply knowledge, critical thinking, and clinical skills acquired in previously completed dental hygiene courses. Clinical performance is evaluated through demonstration of skill acquisition at designated level of competency. Prerequisite: DHY 151 and DHY 153 with grades of C or better. Corequisite: DHY 250. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| DHY 253 | Periodontology III | 2 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Continues focuses on best practices in periodontics, current concepts in application of evidence based clinical decision making, treatment planning for patients with periodontal disease and delivery of nonsurgical periodontal therapy. Reviews etiology and pathogenesis, host immune response, periodontal classifications, implant maintenance,and risk factors. Introduces chemical agents in periodontal care, periodontal surgical procedures, periodontal maintenance and emergencies. Emphasizes clinical application of current theory. Prerequisite: DHY 116, DHY 151, DHY 153 and DHY 200 with grades of C or better. Corequisite: DHY 255. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| DHY 255 | Dental Hygiene Advanced Periodontology Clinic | 1 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Focuses on application of clinical best practices in periodontics, evidence-based treatment planning and implementation of phase 1 nonsurgical periodontal treatment therapy. Clinical application of advanced clinic techniques and concepts learned in Periodontology I, II and III. Emphasis on delivery of periodontal therapy for complicated periodontal cases and periodontally compromised patients. Prerequisite: DHY 116, DHY 151, DHY 153 and DHY 200 with grades of C or better. Corequisite: DHY 253. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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A grade of C or better in all DHY courses is required for all students.
| Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHY 130 | Nutrition for Oral Health | 1 | Program Requirement |
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Description:
Prerequisite: DHY 250, DHY 251 and DHY 253 with grades of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| DHY 201 | Ethics, Jurisprudence and Transition to Professional Practice | 2 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Introduces basic concepts of ethics, jurisprudence and professionalism. Examines the ethical and legal principles guiding the decision making and practice of dentistry and dental hygiene. Systems of ethical decision-making are applied in the context of oral health care and interprofessional practice, examining ethical issues and dilemmas in dental hygiene and the dental health care delivery system. Prepares for entry and transition into clinical practice including the roles and responsibilities of the dental hygienist as a member of the oral health care delivery team and the culture and climate of dental hygiene practice. Contemporary and professional issues that impact the current practice of dental hygiene will be explored. The scope of practice and licensure requirements of the dental hygienist will be reviewed. Aspects of dental practice management including appointment scheduling, recall systems, productivity, and patient record management will be addressed. Prerequisite: DHY 250 and DHY 251 with grades of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| DHY 207 | Dental Radiology V | 0.5 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Incorporates all previously acquired knowledge and techniques learned in Dental Radiology I, II, III and IV. Continues practice of digital intraoral and extraoral radiographic image capture and interpretation with emphasis on improving time management and refinement of radiographic skills. Clinical performance is evaluated through demonstration of skill acquisition at designated level of competency. Prerequisite: DHY 205, DHY 250 and DHY 251 with grades of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| DHY 220 | Community Oral Health | 3 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Introduces basic concepts and principles of dental public health, community dental health education and community program planning as it relates to dental hygiene. Topics include oral health trends, epidemiology, dental indices, community water fluoridation, prevention and control of oral diseases in a community, community dental health programs, and cultural competence for the dental health care provider. Review biostatistics and dental scientific literature as it applies to dental public health. Provides opportunities for outreach experiences in a variety of community health settings. Prerequisite: DHY 119, DHY 250 and DHY 251 with grades of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| DHY 260 | Dental Hygiene Principles V | 1 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Synthesis of all areas of dental hygiene building upon the knowledge and skills learned in previous courses. Emphasis on management of complex patient cases. Refines critical thinking, problem-solving and clinical judgment skills related to delivery of comprehensive patient care. Focuses on advanced instrumentation and dental hygiene techniques, emerging topics and procedures in dentistry and dental hygiene. Prepares the student for the transition from student clinician to practitioner. Prerequisite: DHY 250 and DHY 251 with grades of C or better. Corequisite: DHY 262. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| DHY 262 | Dental Hygiene Clinic IV | 3 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Incorporates all previously acquired knowledge and techniques learned in Clinical Dental Hygiene I, II and III. Continues focus on implementation of comprehensive dental hygiene care with emphasis on providing efficient, quality care to prepare the dental hygiene student to transition to professional practice. Management and treatment of patients with moderate to advanced periodontal disease. Emphasis on improving time management and refinement of all clinical skills. Clinical performance is evaluated through demonstration of skill acquisition at designated level of competency. Prerequisite: DHY 250 and DHY 251 with grades of C or better. Corequisite: DHY 260. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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1 - This course must be taken prior to beginning DHY courses.
2 - This course must be completed with a grade of C or better no earlier than five years prior to beginning the Dental Hygiene program.
+ - This course meets the World Culture and Diversity graduation requirement.
Patient Care
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
Professionalism and Ethics
The dental hygiene curriculum is sequenced over six-semesters. Students complete one fall and spring semester (17 weeks each) in the first year and two eight-week summer sessions and one fall and spring semester (17 weeks each) in the second year with graduation in May.
Courses in dental hygiene, i.e., course numbers with the DHY prefix must be taken in the semester sequence published in the Catalog. SPE 215 and SOC 101 can be taken before they are scheduled in the curriculum but not after. See curriculum above.
Dental Hygiene classes, labs and clinics are scheduled Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m. and some Saturdays or evenings. General education or science classes are sometimes scheduled in the evenings as well.
For more information about dental hygienist training at Harper, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.