Curriculum & Courses

Required Pre-Requisite Courses
The following must be completed before beginning the clinical phase of the program. Notice: Pre-requisite courses may be subject to change. Please consult the Dental Hygiene Program for current requirements.

Course # Course Credits
BIO 241 General Microbiology 3
BIO 242 General Microbiology Lab 1
BIO 254 Principles of Human Anatomy I 3
BIO 257 Principles of Human Anatomy Laboratory I 1
BIO 255 Principles of Human Physiology 3
CHM 101 Inorg/Org Chemistry 3
CHM 102 Org/Biochemistry 3
CST 101 Fundamentals of Speech 3
ENL 131 Academic Writing 3
ENL 235 The Study of Fiction * 3
ENL 245 The Study of Poetry * 3
ENL 265 The Study of Drama * 3
PYC 100 Introductory Psychology 3
SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology 3
* Choice of one.

Required Degree Completion Courses
For students working toward a Bachelor of Science degree in dental hygiene, the following University Core Classes are also required.

University Core Classes (24 Credits):
Course # Course Credits
MTH 101 College Algebra 3
CIS 100 Intro to Computers 3
PHL 100 Intro to Philosophy 3
RS 100 Intro to Religion 3
An Additional Philosophy or Religious Studies Course 3
HIS History 3
Culture/Language 3
Art/Music/Drama 3

For any licensed dental hygienist who is a graduate from an associate DH program, and who is transferring into the Degree Completion Program, the following DH Core classes are required in addition to the University Core Classes (above).

Dental Hygiene Core Classes:
Course # Course Credits Faculty Email Syllabus
BS 822 Topics in Microbiology * 1 J. Molinari molinaja@udmercy.edu  
DH 824 Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues 3 J. Jaeger/
P. Zarkowski
kwajaeja@udmercy.edu
zarkowp1@udmercy.edu
DH 824
DRD 800 Research Design and Interpretation ** 2 W. Wagner wagnerwc@udmercy.edu  
* Offered to degree completion students only.
** Required of degree completion students; also offered as an elective to DH & DDS students.

Electives
Dental Hygienists transferring into the Degree Completion Program may need additional Elective coursework to bring total hours taken to 126 credit hours. This coursework may be in any chosen class or may include an independent/directed study in the student's particular area of interest.


Clinical Dental Hygiene Program Curriculum

First Year: DH 1 Summer Term

Course # Course Credits Faculty Email Syllabus
BS 808 Biomedical Basis of Patient Care 2.5 V. Merchant merchava@udmercy.edu BS 808
BS 815 Histology 3.5 M. Kurpakus-Wheater wheatemi@udmercy.edu BS 815
DH 000 Professional Hour 0 DH 000
DH 810 Dental Hygiene Care I DEF D. Mattana/
K. Neveu
mattand1@udmercy.edu
neveukat@udmercy.edu
DH 810
DH 813 Radiology DEF J. Geist geistjr@udmercy.edu DH 813
DH 828 Scientific Literature 2 J. Luxmore/
A. Neely
luxmorjs@udmercy.edu
neelya@udmercy.edu
DH 828
DH 832 Introduction to Ethical and Legal Issues 1 J. Jaeger kwajaeja@udmercy.edu DH 832
DZ 801 Course Evaluation DEF P. Zarkowski zarkowp1@udmercy.edu DZ 801
CPR 0 M. Buehner buehnemj@udmercy.edu  
Total 9

DH 1 Fall Term

Course # Course Credits Faculty Email Syllabus
BS 810 Physiology 3 M. O'Regan oreganmh@udmercy.edu BS 810
BS 811 Gross Anatomy 1 W. Forbes forbeswc@udmercy.edu BS 811
DH 000 Professional Hour 0 DH 000
DH 809 Biologic Basis to Soft Tissue Disease 2 A. Neely neelya@udmercy.edu DH 809
DH 810 Dental Hygiene Care I 6 D. Mattana/
K. Nevue
mattand1@udmercy.edu
neveukat@udmercy.edu
DH 810
DH 813 Radiology 3.5 J. Geist geistjr@udmercy.edu DH 813
DH 815 Dental Materials 3 J. Jaeger/
W/ Wagner
kwajaeja@udmercy.edu
wagnerwc@udmercy.edu
DH 815
DH 817 Dental Anatomy 2 M. Coleman/
L. Abbott
colemame@udmercy.edu
abbottlj@udmercy.edu
DH 817
DZ 801 Course Evaluation DEF P. Zarkowski zarkowp1@udmercy.edu DZ 801
Total 20.5

DH 1 Winter Term

Course # Course Credits Faculty Email Syllabus
BS 812 Head and Neck Anatomy 2 W. Forbes forbeswc@udmercy.edu BS 812
BS 814 Microbiology 4 V. Merchant merchava@udmercy.edu BS 814
BS 823 Pharmacology 3 W. Foong foongwc@udmercy.edu BS 823
CL 814 Clinic Dental Hygiene I 2 K. Neveu neveukat@udmercy.edu CL 814
DH 000 Professional Hour 0 DH 000
DH 811 Dental Hygiene Care II 2 D. Mattana/
K. Neveu
mattand1@udmercy.edu
neveukat@udmercy.edu
DH 811
DH 814 Strategies for the Prevention of Oral Diseases 2.5 K. Hillenburg/
K. Werth
hillenkl@udmercy.edu
werthkj@udmercy.edu
DH 814
DH 818   Child/Adolescent Patient 1 G. Molinari/
S. Atwan
molinage@udmercy.edu
atwansm@udmercy.edu
DH 818  
DH 819 Orthodontics .5 P. Brown brownpn@udmercy.edu DH 819
DH 823   Periodontal Therapy I 1 L. Cabanilla/
L. Dobis
cabanill@udmercy.edu
dobisll@udmercy.edu
DH 823  
DS 820 Pain and Anxiety Control 2 M. Coleman/
L. Cabanilla
colemame@udmercy.edu
cabanill@udmercy.edu
DS 820
DZ 801 Course Evaluation .5 P. Zarkowski zarkowp1@udmercy.edu DZ 801
Total 20.5

Second Year: DH 2 Summer Term

Course # Course Credits Faculty Email Syllabus
BS 818 General Pathology 1 J. Geist geistjr@udmercy.edu BS 818
CD 812 Concepts in Community Health 1 C. Wyche wychecj@udmercy.edu CD 812
CL 815   Clinic Dental Hygiene II 3 K. Neveu neveukat@udmercy.edu CL 815  
DH 821 Special Patient Care 2 B. Purifoy-Seldon/
C. Wyche
purifoba@udmercy.edu
wychecj@udmercy.edu
DH 821
DH 830 Periodontal Therapy II 1 L. Cabanilla/
L. Dobis
cabanill@udmercy.edu
dobisii@udmercy.edu
DH 830
DZ 801 Course Evaluation DEF P. Zarkowski zarkowp1@udmercy.edu DZ 801
Total 8

DH 2 Fall Term

Course # Course Credits Faculty Email Syllabus
BS 821 Nutrition 3 M. Gleason gleasomj@udmercy.edu BS 821
BS 825 Oral Pathology 2 J. Geist geistjr@udmercy.edu BS 825
CD 822 Community Oral Health Education 2 C. Wyche wychecj@udmercy.edu CD 822
CL 826 Clinic Dental Hygiene III 5 K. Neveu neveukat@udmercy.edu CL 826
DH 000 Professional Hour 0 DH 000
DH 822 Board Review DEF J. Jaeger/
K. Shepherd
kwajaeja@udmercy.edu
shephekr@udmercy.edu
DH 822
DH 835 Scientific Presentations DEF C. Wyche/
J. Jaeger
wychecj@udmercy.edu
kwajaeja@udmercy.edu
DH 835
DS 811 Physical Assessment 2 C. Sordyl sordylcm@udmercy.edu DS 811
DZ 801 Course Evaluation DEF P. Zarkowski zarkowp1@udmercy.edu DZ 801
Total 14

DH 2 Winter Term

Course # Course Credits Faculty Email Syllabus
CD 823 Community Program Practicum 1 C. Wyche wychecj@udmercy.edu CD 823
CL 827 Clinic Dental Hygiene IV 4 K. Neveu neveukat@udmercy.edu CL 827
DH 000 Professional Hour 0 DH 000
DH 820 Concepts in Professionalism 2 K. Shepherd shephekr@udmercy.edu DH 820
DH 822 National Board Review 3.5 J. Jaeger/
K. Shepherd
kwajaeja@udmercy.edu
shephekr@udmercy.edu
DH 822
DH 824 Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues 3 J. Jaeger/
P. Zarkowski
kwajaeja@udmercy.edu
zarkowp1@udmercy.edu
DH 824
DH 833 Management of Dental Hygiene Care 1 J. Luxmore luxmorjs@udmercy.edu DH 833
DH 835 Scientific Presentations 1 C. Wyche/
J. Jaeger
wychecj@udmercy.edu
kwajaeja@udmercy.edu
DH 835
DZ 801 Course Evaluation .5 P. Zarkowski zarkowp1@udmercy.edu DZ 801
  Total 16      

DH 1 Summer Term

BS 808 - Biomedical Basis to Patient Care
An introduction to the biomedical sciences that provide foundation knowledge to Dental Hygiene students. Topics include biochemistry and microbiology. This information is expanded upon in subsequent biomedical and clinical courses.

Back to Top

BS 815 - Histology
An introductory study of the cell and the histology of the fundamental tissues of the body with special emphasis directed to those tissues of the oral cavity.  The tissues of the cardiovascular and immune systems are included.  The embryologic development of the face, oral cavity and dental structures follows.  Emphasis is placed on the normal histology and functional relationships of the adult dental tissues, the supporting dental structures and the salivary glands.

Back to Top

DH 810 - Dental Hygiene Care I
An introduction to the profession of dental hygiene.  Concepts and techniques of comprehensive dental hygiene patient/client care are presented and practiced in the clinical simulation lab and clinical setting.  Client assessment and periodontal instrumentation are emphasized.

Back to Top

DH 813 - Radiology
Classroom sessions providing a basic understanding of the nature, production, effect and use of radiation in dentistry.  Additional topics presented are normal radiographic anatomy, anomalies and pathology, the techniques of extra-oral radiology, the biological effects of x-ray exposure and the principles and practice of radiation hygiene.  Intra-oral radiographic technique skills are developed by didactic, laboratory and clinical instruction.

Back to Top

DH 828 - Scientific Literature
Introduces the principles of the scientific method. Using small group discussions and activities, individual assignments, and organization analysis of data in class students will develop skills in reading the scientific literature, evaluating professional publications, and analyzing scientific information as it applies to an evidence based practice of dental hygiene.

Back to Top

DH 832 - Introduction to Ethical and Legal Issues
Introduces the ethical and legal principles guiding decision making and the practice of dental hygiene.  In addition key policy, specific to the School of Dentistry will be reviewed. Students will be required to develop a class code of ethics and address an ethical dilemma, utilizing an ethical decision making model format that incorporates ethical principles and guidelines.

Back to Top

DH 1 Fall Term

BS 810 - Physiology
Introduces the mechanisms of normal function of the human organism. Emphasis is placed upon the systems acutely concerned with the study of dental medicine, particularly those areas pertaining to the future understanding of pathological processes and therapeutic intervention.

Back to Top

BS 811 - Gross Anatomy
Lecture and laboratory course consisting of a review of systemic anatomy. An in-depth study of the regional anatomy of the head and neck is introduced and will be continued in Head and Neck Anatomy (BS 812).

Back to Top

DH 809 - Biologic Basis to Soft Tissue Disease
An overview of the history and prevalence of periodontal disease.  Epidemiology of periodontal disease will be used to understand the risk factors for disease progression and the relationship of periodontal disease to systemic disease.  Basic microbiology, normal flora, basic immunology and host parasitic interactions will be presented.

Back to Top

DH 810 - Dental Hygiene Care I
An introduction to the profession of dental hygiene.  Concepts and techniques of comprehensive dental hygiene patient/client care are presented and practiced in the clinical simulation lab and clinical setting.  Client assessment and periodontal instrumentation are emphasized.

Back to Top

DH 813 - Radiology
Classroom sessions providing a basic understanding of the nature, production, effect and use of radiation in dentistry.  Additional topics presented are normal radiographic anatomy, anomalies and pathology, the techniques of extra-oral radiology, the biological effects of x-ray exposure and the principles and practice of radiation hygiene.  Intra-oral radiographic technique skills are developed by didactic, laboratory and clinical instruction.

Back to Top

DH 815 - Dental Materials
Provides a background in the science dealing with the properties, manipulation and care of materials used in prevention and treatment of oral disease.  This study will include the physical, mechanical, chemical and biological characteristics of these materials.  In addition, this course will study the clinical application of the dental materials and their relationship to the oral environment.

Back to Top

DH 817 - Dental Anatomy
Focuses on the form, function and nomenclature of the individual teeth in the permanent and primary dentitions. Development, size, shape, distinguishing characteristics and specific variations of the teeth are presented. The physiology of normal and abnormal occlusion is presented. A lecture and laboratory format is used, with laboratory activities including a variety of identification and discrimination exercises.

Back to Top

DH 1 Winter Term

BS 812 - Head and Neck Anatomy
A continuation of Gross Anatomy (BS 811) which focuses on structures of head and neck anatomy.

Back to Top

BS 814 - Microbiology
Principles of pathogenic microbiology, immunology and infectious diseases with particular emphasis on the oral aspects.  Laboratory exercises and demonstrations reinforce lecture presentations and deal with the nature, occurrence and activities of microbial organisms, especially those which can affect the tissues of the oral cavity.

Back to Top

BS 823 - Pharmacology
A study of drugs commonly encountered in dentistry.  General principles of pharmacology and drug interactions will be emphasized as well as those drugs concerned with sedation, analgesia, anti-microbial agents, anesthesia, hemostasis, and chemotherapy.

Back to Top

CL 814 - Clinical Dental Hygiene I
Provides a transition from the pre-clinic setting to beginning dental hygiene patient care.  An orientation to clinic procedures and protocols as well as an opportunity to apply pre-clinical skills to patient care including radiographs and diagnostic study casts.

Back to Top

DH 811 - Dental Hygiene Care II
This is a continuation of DH 810, Dental Hygiene Care I, introducing additional skills required to practice comprehensive dental hygiene care.  Theory and techniques in advanced periodontal instrumentation are also included.  Emphasis is placed on clinical application of current dental hygiene theory.

Back to Top

DH 814 - Strategies for the Prevention of Oral Diseases
Introduces concepts and strategies utilized in the promotion of oral health and prevention of oral diseases for the individual patient.  Foundation knowledge in cariology is also presented.

Back to Top

DH 818 - The Child and Adolescent Patient
Course provides entry-level preparation for clinical treatment of pediatric and adolescent patients by the dental hygiene student. Course content ranges from infancy through adolescence, including the following topics: behavior management and development, radiology, caries risk assessment and prevention techniques, tooth morphology of the primary dentition and development of the primary and mixed dentition occlusions, child abuse and neglect, as well as treatment planning and clinical record keeping.

Back to Top

DH 819 - Orthodontics
Introduces students to the recognition of malocclusion from an orthodontic perspective including dental classification, skeletal classification using cephalometrics and soft issue/smile evaluation. Current issues in orthodontics are addressed as well as the role of the dental hygienist in orthodontic treatment.

Back to Top

DH 823 - Periodontal Therapy I
Designed to introduce students to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of periodontal diseases. The components of periodontal diagnoses are discussed at length so that a well thought out non-surgical plan(s) can ultimately be presented to the patient and carried out. Periodontal diseases are defined relative to the clinical and radiographic presentation.

Back to Top

DS 820 - Pain and Anxiety Control
The lecture and laboratory practicum is designed to provide students with the basic and current concepts of local anesthetics and pain control and provide for safe and effective administration of local anesthetics. Included is the rationale for pain control, psychological considerations, armamentarium, essential anatomy, physiology and pharmacology of anesthetic agents. There will be detailed instruction in local anesthetic technique and an introduction to the use of nitrous oxide analgesia as a means of anxiety control.

Back to Top

DH 2 Summer Term

BS 818 - General Pathology
Principles of inflammation, repair and regeneration, immunity, tumors, infectious diseases and circulatory disturbances are examined.  Selected systems of the body are also covered with regard to what causes common diseases, how they can be prevented or detected early, and how these diseases affect oral care. This course lays the foundation for assessment of the patient health history and for the student to continue her/his dental education with the study of oral pathology.

Back to Top

CD 821 - Concepts in Community Health
Provides a background in dental public health and health education/promotion, including principles of prevention of oral disease on a community level and healthcare delivery/financing systems.  Students are introduced to health related issues affecting both the professional and society.  The roles and responsibilities of the dental hygienist in promoting community oral health are emphasized.

Back to Top

CL 815 - Clinical Dental Hygiene II
A continuation of Clinical Dental Hygiene I with the added clinical skill of placing sealants.  Students begin providing care in additional settings such as the Pediatric Dental Clinic; University Health Center; VA Hospital; Herman Kiefer, St. John and Bowman Clinics, and various community outreach settings.  Analysis of assessment findings is emphasized in order to plan and implement individualized comprehensive dental hygiene care.

Back to Top

DH 821 - Special Patient Care
The study of three types of patients: individuals that are medically compromised, the physically and mentally disabled and the aged population. Emphasis will be placed on the therapeutics delivery of dental hygiene care and the modifications required for practicing dental hygiene for all special patient groups.

Back to Top

DH 830 - Periodontal Therapy II
Designed to acquaint the dental hygiene student with the clinical diagnosis and treatment of periodontal diseases. The role of the dental hygienist in the successful treatment of periodontal diseases will be stressed.

Back to Top

DH 2 Fall Term

BS 821 - Nutrition
Lectures describe the metabolism of various nutrients and their pertinent interrelationships.  Class projects demonstrate the role of the dental hygienist in the nutritional assessment and counseling of patients.

Back to Top

BS 825 - Oral Pathology
Emphasis on clinical oral pathology prepares the student to recognize and diagnose common oral mucosa and bony pathoses in the head and neck area. Emphasis is placed on infectious diseases, developmental conditions, benign and malignant neoplasms, autoimmune diseases, odontogenic tumors and cysts and genetic diseases which have oral and head and neck manifestations.

Back to Top

CD 822 - Community Oral Health Education
Concepts in health education/health promotion for a variety of groups are reviewed.  Students participate in a community-based service learning experience providing health education in a Detroit area elementary or middle school classroom.

Back to Top

CL 826 - Clinical Dental Hygiene III
A continuation of Clinical Dental Hygiene II.  Problem solving, critical thinking and self-evaluation are emphasized as well as timely patient care.

Back to Top

DH 822 - Board Review
Assists the dental hygiene student in preparing for the National, Regional and State licensing board examinations. All licensing requirements as well as content review, test construction, effective review methods, test taking strategies and anxiety control are presented. Test simulation is also conducted.

Back to Top

DH 835 - Scientific Presentations
Provides the skills and opportunities to plan, develop, and present a table seminar or research poster presentation. Students will utilize research, writing and communication skills and apply those skills in the development of a table seminar or research poster to be presented in the classroom and at a variety of additional professional meetings. Instructional methods used in this course will be lecture, demonstration/practice, and small group participation in constructing various components of a table seminar or research poster presentation.

Back to Top

DS 811 - Physical Assessment & Management of Medical Emergencies
Provides a background in health assessment and management of medical emergencies in the dental office. The role of the dental hygienist in preventing and handling life-threatening situations is discussed.  Topics include the use of basic emergency drug therapy, emergency equipment usage, as well as specific skills required to treat different types of patients in the dental and dental hygiene milieu.  Early recognition of signs and symptoms and the implications of pre-existing medical conditions and emergency management are emphasized for effective diagnosis and intervention.

Back to Top

DH 2 Winter Term

CD 823 - Community Program Practicum
This is a “capstone” community health service learning course in which the students will actively be involved in assessing community needs and assets, planning, implementing, and evaluating an oral health project based directly on community identified needs.  A learning portfolio compiled by the student with the on-site instructor/community mentor will detail student learning.

Back to Top

CL 827 - Clinical Dental Hygiene IV
The culmination of all clinical courses.  Students achieving clinical competence early, design and participate in clinical tracks individualized for their own professional goals.

Back to Top

DH 820 - Concepts in Professionalism
This course is the culmination of professionalism concepts that have been presented throughout the entire dental hygiene curriculum. Political, social, environmental and professional issues that impact the current practice of dental hygiene will be explored.

Back to Top

DH 822 - Board Review
Assists the dental hygiene student in preparing for the National, Regional and State licensing board examinations. All licensing requirements as well as content review, test construction, effective review methods, test taking strategies and anxiety control are presented. Test simulation is also conducted.

Back to Top

DH 824 - Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues
Designed to continue the dental hygiene student exposure to the ethical and legal principles guiding the decision making and the practice of dental hygiene.  Mechanism to assess personal and professional self assessment will be utilized along with discussion of suggested measures and/or support systems to improve recognized deficiencies. Previously collected data will be assessed and synthesized by the students and utilized to determine quality assurance improvements for simulated offices. Assessment and analysis of a currently practicing hygienist and their employment setting will be conducted.   Students, working in groups will be required to chose by random selection an ethical dilemma, resolve that dilemma utilizing the ethical decision making model and present that resolution to their class in a video or DVD  format. Additionally provided, in this course, is an understanding of the political, social, environmental and professional issues that impact the current practice of dental hygiene.

Back to Top

DH 833 - Management of Dental Hygiene Care
Emphasizes the management of patient care through the application of skills and knowledge presented in past dental hygiene courses. Students demonstrate problem solving skills, using case-based clinical patient situations related to oral health.

Back to Top

DH 835 - Scientific Presentations
Provides the skills and opportunities to plan, develop, and present a table seminar or research poster presentation. Students will utilize research, writing and communication skills and apply those skills in the development of a table seminar or research poster to be presented in the classroom and at a variety of additional professional meetings. Instructional methods used in this course will be lecture, demonstration/practice, and small group participation in constructing various components of a table seminar or research poster presentation.

Back to Top

 
 
 
Dental Hygiene Program Home | Curriculum & Courses | Prospective Students | Contact Us | Get Connected | Applying | UDM Home | UDM School of Dentistry Home|
© University of Detroit Mercy, 8200 West Outer Drive, Detroit, MI 48219-3580
UDM Switchboard 313-993-1000 • Admissions 313-494-6611 • Appointments 313-494-6700
UDM Mission Statement