Dental Hygiene

This is a practical one-credit course that provides the tools and skills necessary to get a strong start
with the transition for new students at NDSCS. This course will introduce students to campus
resources, policies and procedures and cover topics such as time management, study skills, goal
setting, wellness, financial literacy, and professional development. (F, S, O)

This is a practical one-credit course that provides the tools and skills necessary to get a strong start with the transition for new students at NDSCS. This course will guide students through the process of exploring careers and transfer considerations. Students will learn to navigate NDSCS resources and technologies as well as learn skills and techniques used by successful college students. Students will also be introduced to the basic aspects of the dental professions. (F, S, O)

The course will provide theory and instruction on the proper administration and monitoring of nitrous oxide and oxygen sedation. Topis of instruction include anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and dental emergencies as they relate to the use of nitrous oxide in the dental setting. Students will participate in the laboratory and clinic setting environment to ensure proper administration and monitoring techniques of nitrous oxide sedation and analgesia. Upon completion of this course, students will be eligible to apply to the North Dakota Board of Dental Examiners for an endorsement to administer nitrous oxide oxygen sedation.

Co-requisite: DHYG 202L OR DAST 132L. (S)

This course is designed to provide immersive learning experiences for dental hygiene students. Course instruction will allow learners to practice and develop clinical skills by applying theoretical knowledge in hands-on scenarios that mimic various clinical situations that range in complexity and skill level. The course focus will be on developing skills for clinical dental hygiene and patient treatment. Topics may include vital signs, medical emergencies, patient assessment, treatment planning, radiology, and instrumentation. Students will participate in classroom activities and outside assignments such as case studies, use of dental patient record keeping software, task analysis self-assessment, problem solving skills communication, and skills evaluations. This course will include interprofessional communication, collaboration and interaction with other health care professionals and programs. Pre-requisite: Acceptance into Dental Hygiene Program. (F)

The course provides instruction in continuing information on fundamental principles of clinical dental hygiene. Specific topics to be discussed includes dental specialties, dental injuries, dental codes, total treatment planning and review and analysis of patient care through written and oral patient case assessments & presentations. Pre-requisite: DHYG 201. Co-requisite: DHYG 202L. (S)

A continuation of DHYG 102L, 103L, and 201L. This course provides instruction in continuing information on fundamental principles of clinical dental hygiene, periodontal assessment, periodontal treatment planning and case assessments. Clinical dental hygiene is that portion of the dental curriculum necessary for delivery of preventive, educational and therapeutic services to the public. This comprehensive care involves an assessment of patient needs, planning for treatment and disease control, implementation of various clinical dental hygiene services, and an evaluation of both the patient and operator efforts and the results. Students participate in off-campus clinical experiences with a diverse patient population. Additional topics to be discussed are rubber dam, periodontal dressing, and suture removal. (S)

This course is designed to provide immersive learning experiences for dental hygiene students. Course instruction will allow learners to practice and develop clinical skills by applying theoretical knowledge in hands-on scenarios that mimic various clinical situations that range in complexity and skill level. The course focus will be on developing skills for clinical dental hygiene and patient treatment. Topics may include vital signs, medical emergencies, patient assessment, treatment planning, radiology, and instrumentation. Students will participate in classroom activities and outside assignments such as case studies, use of dental patient record keeping software, task analysis self-assessment, problem solving skills communication, and skills evaluations. This course will include inter-professional communication, collaboration and interaction with other health care professionals and programs. Prerequisite: DHYG 251L (S)

This course critically examines emerging and current professional issues in dental hygiene, including restorative procedures, medical advances, clinical innovations, oral health services, and legal/ethical issues. Emphasis is placed on evaluating their impact on clinical decision-making, professional scope, and the evolving role of the dental hygienist in diverse practice settings.

This course emphasizes the assessment of oral health needs and the development of comprehensive care plans for special populations, including individuals with chronic illnesses, disabilities, and medically complex conditions. Students will critically evaluate disease processes, medical therapies, and social determinants of health to design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based dental hygiene interventions.

This course explores the integration of emerging technologies into dental hygiene practice. Students will examine digital imaging, air polishing, CAD/CAM systems, laser therapies, artificial intelligence (AI), teledentistry, and other innovative tools transforming dental care. Through readings, assignments, and discussions, students will critically evaluate the impact of these technologies, apply evidence-based approaches to patient care, and reflect on how innovations can shape their professional growth and future practice.

This course examines advanced methods in dental hygiene education, with emphasis on competency-based instruction, curriculum design, and assessment. Students will explore diverse teaching strategies, evaluate accreditation standards, and develop tools to measure clinical and didactic learning outcomes. Through critical analysis and application, students will design instructional materials and assessment instruments that reflect best practices in health professions education.

This course explores advancements in dental hygiene practice and the expanding professional roles of the dental hygienist. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based practice, advanced clinical techniques, and career pathways beyond traditional clinical practice. Students will critically evaluate emerging research, assess innovations in dental hygiene, and develop strategies to advance the profession and their own professional growth.

This course provides an in-depth study of the surgical and non-surgical management of periodontal patients, including those with complex medical considerations. Emphasis is placed on advanced clinical decision-making, development of individualized treatment plans, and integration of current evidence-based practices. Students will critically evaluate treatment strategies, address ethical and legal considerations, and apply advanced techniques to improve patient outcomes in periodontal therapy.

This course explores the foundational principles and evolving practices of management in today's complex, digital, and diverse work environments. Students will analyze classical and contemporary management theories, develop strategic planning and decision-making skills, and apply tools such as OKRs, KPls, and lean thinking to solve organizational challenges. Emphasis is placed on inclusive leadership, emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and managing change in hybrid, agile, and global workplaces. Ethical frameworks, ESG considerations, and the responsible use of emerging technologies like Al are integrated throughout the course to prepare students for modern, values-driven management roles.

This course explores the evolving theories, practices, and real-world applications of leadership across diverse organizational contexts. Students will critically evaluate classical and contemporary leadership models including trait, behavioral, situational, authentic, adaptive, and values-based approaches and examine how communication, followership, emotional intelligence, and ethics shape leadership effectiveness. Emphasis is placed on leading in hybrid and global environments, promoting psychological safety and inclusion, navigating change, and aligning leadership with mission, strategy, and sustainability. Through reflection, feedback, and applied projects, students will develop and defend a personal leadership philosophy grounded in theory and practice.