The average length of time for a student taking a full course load is 6 semesters for students taking the full program (including the supporting courses). A minimum of 90 semester credit hours is required for graduation.
ACCEPTANCE INTO THE PROGRAM
Acceptance into the dental hygiene program is on a selective basis. Students who meet the minimum criteria for admission to the College will be further evaluated on a competitive basis through entrance test scores and prior academic performance. In addition, all students must have all immunizations current, must have successfully completed a CPR course, and must have completed a set of four supporting courses specified below with a combined grade point average of 2.5 prior to beginning the courses in the concentration core of the dental hygiene program.
GENERAL EDUCATION AND PREREQUISITE COURSES* *A total of 28 semester credit hours is required. Students must complete 10 semester credit hours in courses distributed among the following disciplines: 3 semester credit hours in English Composition; 4 semester credit hours in Speech; and 3 semester credit hours in Humanities with a Critical Thinking Focus. In addition, students must complete 18 semester credit hours with the specific courses listed below.
DH 137 Anatomy and Physiology for the Dental Hygenist
60 Hours
4 Credits
This is a survey course for dental hygiene students that addresses basic human anatomy and physiology, covering all major body systems including the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, urinary and reproductive systems. Special emphasis is placed on the relationship between structure and function and on the body's ongoing attempt to keep in balance despite an ever-changing environment.
MS 150 Principles of Nutrition
30 Hours
2 Credits
This course aims to provide students with the basic knowledge in human nutrition. The course provides a firm grounding in the study of the structure, role, and function of macronutrients and micronutrients in the human diet, and the processes whereby the human body digest, absorbs and transports nutrients.
PS 101 Psychology
45 Hours
3 Credits
This course introduces psychology that focuses on understanding human behavior. Topics include the scope of psychology; biological foundations and the brain; the concepts of sensation, perception, conditioning, and learning; the nature of memory; motivation and emotion; states of consciousness; personality theories; dealing with health and stress; developing coping strategies; and social psychology.
SC 180 General Chemistry
45 Hours
3 Credits
This course will provide students with an exploration of chemical concepts. Concepts of matter, atoms, molecules, and atomic structure; how and why atoms interact (covalent and ionic bonding; covalent and multiple bonds); molecular shapes and properties; writing chemical equations; the conservation of matter in chemical reactions; oxidation and reduction reactions; pH and acid-base chemistry; buffers; water and solutions; and equilibrium will be presented. No prior study of chemistry is required.
SS 120 Introduction to Sociology
45 Hours
3 Credits
This course will introduce the student to the general concepts and perspectives of sociology. Topics will include society, social life, social groups, social control, social inequality, social institutions, social dynamics, and social change.
