College Catalog
Course Descriptions
Dental Hygiene I
DEN103
Introduction to fundamental concepts and techniques in disease control and dental hygiene instrumentation skills. Includes the use and care of dental equipment. 4 Credits (2 Lecture - 6 Lab) Corequisite(s): BIO115 and DEN104 and DEN107 and DEN108. Fall Only.
Preventive Dentistry
DEN104
Introduction to the fundamental concepts and techniques of preventive oral hygiene measures. Emphasis on individualized instruction and the continual evaluation of the success of preventive strategies. 2 Credits (1.50 Lecture - 1.50 Lab) Corequisite(s): BIO115 and DEN103 and DEN107 and DEN108. Fall Only.
Orofacial Anatomy
DEN107
Study of postnatal development and structure of the teeth, oral and facial anatomy with emphasis placed on the relationship of structure to function. 3 Credits (2.50 Lecture - 1.50 Lab) Corequisite(s): BIO115. Fall Only.
Oral Histology
DEN108
Study of the development of the germ tissues, teeth, oral and facial structures. 1 Credit (1 Lecture - 0 Lab) Corequisite(s): BIO115.
Dental Terminology
DEN110
Survey of terminology related to the science of dentistry. Designed to develop the reading, comprehension, and writing skills necessary to function and communicate effectively within the dental field. 1 Credit (1 Lecture - 0 Lab)
Dental Radiology
DEN123
The physics of radiation and radiation biology are related to the principles, techniques and interpretation of intra and extraoral radiographs. Quality in exposing and processing x-rays (with respect to the safety of the patient and operator) is stressed. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BIO115 and DEN103 and DEN104 and DEN107 and DEN108. Corequisite(s): BIO125 and DEN126 and DEN130 and DEN211. Spring Only.
Dental Hygiene II
DEN126
Lectures on medically compromised and special needs patients are combined with practical experience in the clinic. More skillful application of dental hygiene knowledge and ability are presented in order to be practiced in the dental hygiene clinic. 5 Credits (2 Lecture - 9 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BIO115 and DEN103 and DEN104 and DEN107 and DEN108. Corequisite(s): BIO125 and DEN123 and DEN130 and DEN211. Spring Only.
Introduction to Periodontics
DEN130
Study of clinical diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. Stresses the importance of periodontal therapy and the role of the dental hygienist. 2 Credits (2 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BIO115 and DEN103 and DEN104 and DEN107 and DEN108. Corequisite(s): BIO125 and DEN123 and DEN126 and DEN211. Spring Only.
General and Oral Pathology
DEN202
Study of general and oral pathology with emphasis on disease and anomalies related to the oral and paraoral structures. 2 Credits (2 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BIO125 and BIO201 and DEN123 and DEN126 and DEN130 and DEN211. Corequisite(s): DEN204 and DEN212 and DEN214 and DEN215. Fall Only.
Pharmacology
DEN204
Study of the general principles of applied pharmacology including drug action, interaction, and handling; adverse drug reactions; and prescription writing. Drugs utilized in dentistry, as well as those that may alter dental treatment, are examined. Pharmacology as related to dental and medical emergencies are stressed. 2 Credits (2 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BIO125 and BIO201 and DEN123 and DEN126 and DEN130 and DEN211. Corequisite(s): DEN202 and DEN212 and DEN214 and DEN215. Fall Only.
Oral Health and Nutrition
DEN211
Fundamentals of nutrition with an emphasis on the relationship of diet and dental health. The application of this knowledge is in the form of nutritional counseling of patients who wish to prevent or control nutritional-related oral health problems. Food habits, socio-economic status, and the food environment are examined. 2 Credits (2 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BIO115 and DEN103 and DEN104 and DEN107 and DEN108. Corequisite(s): BIO125 and DEN123 and DEN126 and DEN130. Spring Only.
Periodontics II
DEN212
This is the second and final course in periodontics. Emphasis is on diagnosis and treatment rationale to ameliorate the disease state. Current surgical and non-surgical periodontal therapies are discussed. 1 Credit (1 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BIO201 and DEN123 and DEN126 and DEN130 and DEN211. Corequisite(s): DEN202 and DEN204 and DEN214 and DEN215. Fall Only.
Dental Materials and Specialties
DEN214
Overview of the principles and practice of the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of dental materials. Conditions that compromise optimum oral health and function and the needs of the patient are identified. Communication of findings to the patient will be the student's responsibility. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BIO125 and DEN123 and DEN126 and DEN130 and DEN211. Corequisite(s): DEN202 and DEN204 and DEN212 and DEN215. Fall Only.
Dental Hygiene III
DEN215
Experience and theory in the techniques necessary to perform comprehensive dental hygiene therapeutic services. The dental hygiene process of care is introduced and combined with clinical application. Subject matter also includes dental management of complex medical conditions and pain control. (Formerly DEN 208) 6 Credits (2 Lecture - 12 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BIO201 and DEN123 and DEN126 and DEN130 and DEN211 and ENL111. Corequisite(s): DEN202 and DEN204 and DEN212 and DEN214. Fall Only.
Community Dental Health
DEN220
Introduction to the philosophy of community dental health and principles of public health programming, special dental programs, alternative dental settings, fluoridation, dental health education, epidemiology of dental disease, and the use of statistical methods and materials. 2 Credits (2 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): DEN202 and DEN204 and DEN208 and DEN212 and DEN214 or DEN202 and DEN204 and DEN212 and DEN214 and DEN215. Corequisite(s): DEN224 and DEN227 and PSY111 and SPC101. Spring Only.
Dental Law and Ethics
DEN224
Ethical, legal, and management considerations for the dental office. 1 Credit (1 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): DEN202 and DEN204 and DEN208 and DEN212 and DEN214 or DEN202 and DEN204 and DEN212 and DEN214 and DEN215. Corequisite(s): DEN220 and DEN227 and PSY111 and SPC101. (Writing Enriched) Spring Only.
Dental Hygiene Theory and Practice
DEN227
Topics that address preparing the dental hygiene student for meeting the dental hygiene licensing criteria and incorporating relevant information into dental hygiene practice are presented. Practice settings and professional issues are discussed. Continuation of clinical practice culminates to prepare the student for licensure and employment. 5 Credits (1 Lecture - 12 Lab) Prerequisite(s): DEN202 and DEN204 and DEN208 and DEN212 and DEN214 or DEN202 and DEN204 and DEN212 and DEN214 and DEN215. Corequisite(s): DEN220 and DEN224. Spring Only.
Clinical Practice Update
DEN288
Designed on an individual basis, this course helps the dental hygienist in need of clinical practice updating to develop knowledge and skills considered to be necessary for current dental hygiene practice. Course work further develops knowledge and skill basics that help the dental hygienist provide current treatment modalities to clients and readily adapt to future changes and developments in the field. Participation in presentations on selected topics and achievement of selected clinical proficiencies are necessary. 1 Credit (0 Lecture - 3 Lab) Scheduled by Special Arrangement.
Dental Hygiene Credentials Proven by License
DEN300
This course exists for the purpose of verifying transfer of Dental Hygiene course credits only. Eligible candidates who submit a copy of the Dental Hygiene National Board scores and who have earned at least a 75% on that examination and a copy of their current Dental Hygiene license to the Admissions office at Penn College will be credited with 44 Dental Hygiene credits. These 44 Dental Hygiene credits reflect the Penn College Associate Degree program Dental Hygiene credits. Candidates must meet all Penn College baccalaureate program admission requirements prior to acceptance into the degree completion program. 44 Credits (44 Lecture - 0 Lab)
Issues in Professional Dental Hygiene
DEN301
Current issues and controversies in dental hygiene and their impact on professional practice are examined. Advances in dental hygiene are explored for possible incorporation into the dental hygienist's philosophy and practice. Roles and responsibilities of dental hygienists are clarified. Emphasis on oral and written communication skills. A student may schedule this course only after acceptance into the baccalaureate curriculum. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) (Writing Enriched)
Contemporary Periodontics
DEN302
Advanced, in-depth study of the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of pathologic conditions affecting the periodontium. Specific emphasis on the non-surgical treatments of periodontal disease as well as systemic conditions which contribute to the prognosis of treatment. Current topics are addressed based upon the most recent research findings in the field of periodontology. Course work includes a complete series of short, formal writing assignments in addition to development and completion of a writing intensive paper. Informal writing assignments include maintenance of an eight-week learning log. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): DEN130 and DEN212 or DEN130 and DEN300. (Writing Enriched)
Application of Teaching and Learning Styles in Clinical Dental Hygiene
DEN320
Overview of current issues facing clinical dental hygiene educators. Special topics related to clinical instruction are discussed, such as motor skill development, communication in the clinical setting, analysis of performance, and outcomes assessment. Instruction includes lecture, seminar, and clinical application sessions. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Summer Only.
Special Populations
DEN330
Study emphasizing the planning of comprehensive health care in four major areas of patients with "special needs." Areas include radiation and chemotherapy treatment; physical and sensory impairments; mother/infant/child clients; and alcohol and drug rehabilitation. Students may schedule this class only after acceptance into the baccalaureate curriculum. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Fall Only.
Dental Hygiene Capstone
DEN495
Cumulative learning experience that provides an opportunity to synthesize, analyze, and develop solutions to a health care issue or problem. Under guidance of a faculty mentor, the student uses an interdisciplinary approach to develop a program for implementation in the health care environment, to complete a major written health related project, or to develop a written portfolio with relevance to the health care sector. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) As needed.
