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Dental Hygiene

Courses

Course offerings vary from year to year. Check Generate a Timetable for available course offerings.

DENH 150 (5) Dental Hygiene Foundations I

An introduction to the basic principles of dental hygiene care. Topics include asepsis, initial client assessment, basic instrumentation, and fundamental skills for dental hygiene practice. Clinic sessions provide practice in procedures and problem-solving capabilities in the clinical setting. (4:0:6)

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

Co-requisites: DENH 152, DENH 153, DENH 155, DENH 157, and DENH 158.

DENH 152 (3) Oral Sciences I

An overview of orofacial histology and embryology featuring the development of the hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity. Topics include tooth histology, calcification, eruption, morphology and identification, as well as oral anatomic landmarks, and the relationship between structure and function. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

Co-requisites: DENH 150, DENH 153, DENH 155, DENH 157, and DENH 158.

DENH 153 (3) Professional Issues I

An introduction to the dental hygiene profession. Topics include concepts of being a member of a health care profession, ethics, professional associations, regulatory bodies, historical perspective of dental hygiene, information access, and evaluation of information. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

Co-requisites: DENH 150, DENH 152, DENH 155, DENH 157, and DENH 158.

DENH 155 (3) Dental Sciences I

A study of modern dental biomaterials commonly used in the dental environment. Laboratory experience will emphasize the manipulation of a variety of the more common dental biomaterials. (2:0:3)

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

Co-requisites: DENH 150, DENH 152, DENH 153, DENH 157, and DENH 158.

DENH 157 (2) Head and Neck Anatomy

A study of the structural and functional elements of the head and neck and the relationship of these structures to the major organ systems. Emphasis is placed on application to dental hygiene practice. (2:0:1)

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

Co-requisites: DENH 150, DENH 152, DENH 153, DENH 155, and DENH 158.

DENH 158 (3) Microbiology

An introduction to the basic principles of microbiology are presented in this course, with an emphasis on the relevance of these principles to human oral health. Topics include diseases of microbial origin that concern the dental hygienist to illustrate the principles of pathogenesis, host-parasite interaction, and modes of transmission. (2:0:2)

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

Co-requisites: DENH 150, DENH 152, DENH 153, DENH 155, and DENH 157.

DENH 160 (6) Dental Hygiene Foundations II

A continued study of the professional skills, attitudes, and abilities required for dental hygiene practice. Topics and course materials are closely associated with clinical activities to enhance continuity and build on previous knowledge and skill base. (4:1:8)

Prerequisite: DENH 150, DENH 152, DENH 153, DENH 155, DENH 157, and DENH 158.

Co-requisites: DENH 162, DENH 164, DENH 167, DENH 168, and DENH 169.

DENH 162 (2) Oral Sciences II

An introduction to the basic knowledge and practical application of local anesthesia. Topics covered will develop the learner's understanding of pain and pain control, and include the prevention and handling of emergencies in the dental environment. (2:0:1.5)

Prerequisite: DENH 150, DENH 152, DENH 153, DENH 155, DENH 157, and DENH 158.

Co-requisites: DENH 160, DENH 164, DENH 167, DENH 168, and DENH 169.

DENH 164 (3) Pathologies I

An introduction to general pathology, periodontology, and cariology. The topics of etiological factors and assessment using radiographic interpretation will be emphasized. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: DENH 150, DENH 152, DENH 153, DENH 155, DENH 157, and DENH 158.

Co-requisites: DENH 160, DENH 162, DENH 167, DENH 168, and DENH 169.

DENH 167 (3) Prevention

An overview of methods of preventing oral disease. Topics include components of preventive dentistry, basic principles of the human needs model, motivation/human behaviour and education principles relating to dental health education, individualized client education including planning, goal writing, and approaches for various groups. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: DENH 150, DENH 152, DENH 153, DENH 155, DENH 157, and DENH 158.

Co-requisites: DENH 160, DENH 162, DENH 164, DENH 168, and DENH 169.

DENH 168 (3) Communications

An overview of the development of interpersonal skills and working relationships that are required in the health and human services work environment. Topics include stress and time management, perceptions, effective communication, assertiveness skills, client motivation, instructional techniques, group dynamics, and ethical dilemma scenarios. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: DENH 150, DENH 152, DENH 153, DENH 155, DENH 157, and DENH 158.

Co-requisites: DENH 160, DENH 162, DENH 164, DENH 167, and DENH 169.

DENH 169 (3) Radiology

An exploration of the technical aspects of radiation and the principles of exposing, processing, and mounting dental radiographs. Topics include radiation hygiene and technique, as well as utilization of radiographs in dental hygiene practice. (3:0:3)

Prerequisite: DENH 150, DENH 152, DENH 153, DENH 155, DENH 157, and DENH 158.

Co-requisites: DENH 160, DENH 162, DENH 164, DENH 167, and DENH 168.

DENH 170 (3) Dental Hygiene Foundations III

A continuation of DENH 160, building upon previous knowledge and skills base. Topics covered in theory and practice include caries prevention, tobacco cessation, and other clinically-related topics. (3:0:0 for 5 weeks)

Prerequisite: DENH 160, DENH 162, DENH 164, DENH 167, DENH 168, and DENH 169.

Co-requisites: DENH 171 and DENH 176.

DENH 171 (3) Dental Hygiene Clinic I

An exploration of dental hygiene clinical practice. Topics include development of skills necessary for professional practice, as well as scheduling clients for assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of treatment. (0:1:8 for 5 weeks)

Prerequisite: DENH 160, DENH 162, DENH 164, DENH 167, DENH 168, and DENH 169.

Co-requisites: DENH 170 and DENH 176.

DENH 176 (2) Research Methodology

An introduction to basic concepts of research methodology. Topics include application of research principles to the dental and dental hygiene professions, evidence-based practice, as well as current dental and dental hygiene research needs. (7:0:0 for 5 weeks)

Prerequisite: DENH 160, DENH 162, DENH 164, DENH 167, DENH 168, and DENH 169.

Co-requisites: DENH 170 and DENH 171.

DENH 250 (3) Dental Hygiene Foundations IV

A survey of the fundamentals of nutrition and the factors involved influencing the ability of the individual and family to secure and maintain optimal nutrition status. Topics include relationship of nutrition to the practice of dental hygiene, as well as theories of advanced clinical practice skills. (4:0:0)

Prerequisite: DENH 170, DENH 171, and DENH 176.

Co-requisites: DENH 251, DENH 254, DENH 255, and DENH 256.

DENH 251 (4) Dental Hygiene Clinic II

A practical exploration of the professional skills and attitudes required for the practice of dental hygiene. Students see regularly scheduled clients and topics include an introduction to more complex skills in assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of dental hygiene treatment. (0:1:12)

Prerequisite: DENH 170, DENH 171, and DENH 176.

Co-requisites: DENH 250, DENH 254, DENH 255, and DENH 256.

DENH 254 (4) Pathologies II

A continuation of DENH 164. Topics include cariology, periodontology, and oral pathology, as well as diagnosis and treatment using clinical data and radiographs. (5:0:0)

Prerequisite: DENH 170, DENH 171, and DENH 176.

Co-requisites: DENH 250, DENH 251, DENH 255, and DENH 256.

DENH 255 (3) Dental Sciences II

A study of drugs used in the practice of dentistry. Topics include the origins, physical and clinical properties, modes of administration, effects and interactions of these drugs; naturopathic supplements; an investigation of a variety of dental and dental hygiene practice settings; and dental specialties and their relationship to general practice. (4:0:0)

Prerequisite: DENH 170, DENH 171, and DENH 176.

Co-requisites: DENH 250, DENH 251, DENH 254, and DENH 256.

DENH 256 (3) Community Health I

A study of oral health and the role of the dental hygienist from a community perspective. Topics include basic concepts of the Canadian health care system, principles of health promotion, epidemiology, lesson plans, and health program planning. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: DENH 170, DENH 171, and DENH 176.

Co-requisites: DENH 250, DENH 251, DENH 254, and DENH 255.

DENH 260 (3) Dental Hygiene Foundations V

A study of the special needs client in regard to dental hygiene care. Topics include general characteristics, clinical adaptations and information regarding various physical, mental and other types of challenges; job search skills, compensations, employment standards, and disability insurance. (4:0:0)

Prerequisite: DENH 250, DENH 251, DENH 254, DENH 255, and DENH 256.

Co-requisites: DENH 261, DENH 263, DENH 264, and DENH 266.

DENH 261 (4) Dental Hygiene Clinic III

An advanced clinical study of the professional skills and attitudes required for dental hygiene practice. Students see regularly scheduled clients, are introduced to more complex skills in assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of dental hygiene treatment. (0:1:12)

Prerequisite: DENH 250, DENH 251, DENH 254, DENH 255, and DENH 256.

Co-requisites: DENH 260, DENH 263, DENH 264, and DENH 266.

DENH 263 (3) Professional Issues II

A continuation of DENH 153, exploring the issues dental hygiene practitioners face in today's society. Topics include current and future trends and issues concerning the profession and practice of dental hygiene in Canada, career development, and advanced ethical dilemmas. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: DENH 250, DENH 251, DENH 254, DENH 255, and DENH 256.

Co-requisites: DENH 260, DENH 261, DENH 264, and DENH 266.

DENH 264 (3) Pathologies III

A continuation of DENH 164 and 254, this course provides an advanced study of oral pathologies and periodontal conditions. Diagnosis and treatment using clinical data and radiographs will be emphasized, and students will consider how conditions impact the process of care. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: DENH 250, DENH 251, DENH 254, DENH 255, and DENH 256.

Co-requisites: DENH 260, DENH 261, DENH 263, and DENH 266.

DENH 266 (3) Community Health II

A continuation of DENH 256. Topics include a study of specialty groups from a community perspective; how to prevent oral diseases with community health methods; community-based careers; implementing public education and teaching with community groups. (3:0:0 -3)

Prerequisite: DENH 250, DENH 251, DENH 254, DENH 255, and DENH 256.

Co-requisites: DENH 260, DENH 261, DENH 263, and DENH 264.

DENH 270 (2) Dental Hygiene Foundations VI

An advanced study designed to enhance all dental hygiene competencies. (3:0:0 for 5 weeks)

Prerequisite: DENH 260, DENH 261, DENH 263, DENH 264, and DENH 266.

Co-requisites: DENH 271 and DENH 278.

DENH 271 (4) Dental Hygiene Clinic IV

An opportunity to further develop skills and attitudes for professional practice. Students will schedule clients to refine their skills in assessment, dental hygiene diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation of dental hygiene treatment. (0:1:16 for 5 weeks)

Prerequisite: DENH 260, DENH 261, DENH 263, DENH 264, and DENH 266.

Co-requisites: DENH 270 and DENH 278.

DENH 278 (1) Special Topics Seminar

A special topics seminar focusing on current and future issues and trends in dental hygiene practice. (3:0:0 for 5 weeks)

Prerequisite: DENH 260, DENH 261, DENH 263, DENH 264, and DENH 266.

Co-requisites: DENH 270 and DENH 271.

DHYG 210 (3) Dental Hygiene Foundations I

An introduction to the theory that supports the basic principles of dental hygiene care. Topics include asepsis, safety, communication, ergonomics, self-assessment, informed consent, confidentiality, legal records, basic instrumentation, and fundamental skills for dental hygiene practice. (4:0:0)

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

Co-requisites: DHYG 211, DHYG 212, DHYG 213, DHYG 214, DHYG 218, and DHYG 219.

DHYG 211 (3) Dental Hygiene Preclinic

An introduction to the basic clinical skills and principles of dental hygiene practice. Activities include the integration of theory introduced in DHYG 210 in a preclinical setting. Topics include asepsis, initial client assessment, basic instrumentation skills, safety, ergonomics, legal records, problem solving, and other fundamental clinical skills. (0:1:12)

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

Co-requisites: DHYG 210, DHYG 212, DHYG 213, DHYG 214, DHYG 218, and DHYG 219.

DHYG 212 (3) Head and Neck Anatomy

A study of the structural and functional elements of the head and neck, and the relationship of these structures to the major organ systems. Emphasis is placed on application to dental hygiene practice. (2:0:1)

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

Co-requisites: DHYG 210, DHYG 211, DHYG 213, DHYG 214, DHYG 218, and DHYG 219.

DHYG 213 (3) Elements of Dental Hygiene

An introduction to the dental hygiene profession. Topics include concepts of health and wellness within self-regulating health care professions; introduction to critical thinking; ethical decision making; evidence-informed practice; self-assessment; regulatory bodies; scope of practice in BC; historical perspectives of dental hygiene; dental hygiene models and theories. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

Co-requisites: DHYG 210, DHYG 211, DHYG 212, DHYG 214, DHYG 218, and DHYG 219.

DHYG 214 (3) Pathology I: Introduction to Periodontal Diseases

An introductory course exploring the etiology, prevalence, and transmission of infectious diseases with emphasis on periodontal pathogens. Topics include microbes within oral biofilms and their effect on the human immune response, including the initiation and progression of periodontal diseases and an introduction to oral bacterial biofilm management by individuals. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

Co-requisites: DHYG 210, DHYG 211, DHYG 212, DHYG 213, DHYG 218, and DHYG 219.

DHYG 218 (1.5) Dental Histology and Embryology

An overview of orofacial histology and embryology featuring the development of the hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity. Topics include tooth histology, calcification, eruption, morphology and identification, as well as oral anatomic landmarks, and the relationship between structure and function. (3:0:0 for 7 weeks)

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

Co-requisites: DHYG 210, DHYG 211, DHYG 212, DHYG 213, and DHYG 214.

DHYG 219 (1.5) Radiography I

An introduction to the principles of radiation in relation to dental radiography. Topics include radiation history, physics, characteristics, injury, safety, with an introduction to radiography equipment and basic image interpretation. (3:0:0 for 7 weeks)

Prerequisite: Admission to program and DHYG 218.

Co-requisites: DHYG 210, DHYG 211, DHYG 212, DHYG 213, and DHYG 214.

DHYG 220 (3) Dental Hygiene Foundations II

A continuation of the theory that supports the basic principles of dental hygiene practice. Topics include the development of individualized client care plans, evidence-based care, legal records, practice management, periodontal debridement, and dental hygiene theories that support client care. (4:0:0)

Prerequisite: DHYG 210, DHYG 211, DHYG 212, DHYG 213, DHYG 214, DHYG 218, and DHYG 219.

Co-requisites: DHYG 221, DHYG 222, DHYG 224, DHYG 225, DHYG 227, and DHYG 229.

DHYG 221 (3) Dental Hygiene Clinic I

A continuation of the basic clinical skills and principles of dental hygiene practice. Topics include the clinical integration of theory introduced in DHYG 220 in a clinical setting. (0:1:8)

Prerequisite: DHYG 210, DHYG 211, DHYG 212, DHYG 213, DHYG 214, DHYG 218, and DHYG 219.

Co-requisites: DHYG 220, DHYG 222, DHYG 224, DHYG 225, DHYG 227, and DHYG 229.

DHYG 222 (3) Pharmacology I: Local Anesthetic

An introduction to the basic knowledge and practical application of local anesthesia. Topics covered will develop the learner's understanding of pain and pain control, and include the prevention and handling of emergencies in the dental environment. (2:0:2)

Prerequisite: DHYG 210, DHYG 211, DHYG 212, DHYG 213, DHYG 214, DHYG 218, and DHYG 219.

Co-requisites: DHYG 220, DHYG 221, DHYG 224, DHYG 225, DHYG 227, and DHYG 229.

DHYG 224 (3) Pathology II: Oral Diseases

An introduction to basic concepts of the oral periodontium in health and disease with a focus on initiation, progression, diagnosis, and treatment of various infections in the oral cavity. Topics include classification of periodontal diseases, guidelines for evidence-based treatment, and contributing factors to oral disease. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: DHYG 210, DHYG 211, DHYG 212, DHYG 213, DHYG 214, DHYG 218, and DHYG 219.

Co-requisites: DHYG 220, DHYG 221, DHYG 222, DHYG 225, DHYG 227, and DHYG 229.

DHYG 225 (3) Dental Materials

A study of modern dental biomaterials commonly used in the dental environment. Laboratory experience will emphasize the manipulation of a variety of the more common dental biomaterials. (1.5:0:2)

Prerequisite: DHYG 210, DHYG 211, DHYG 212, DHYG 213, DHYG 214, DHYG 218, and DHYG 219.

Co-requisites: DHYG 220, DHYG 221, DHYG 222, DHYG 224, DHYG 227, and DHYG 229.

DHYG 227 (3) Health Promotion I: Oral Health for Individuals

An overview of methods of preventing oral disease. Topics include components of preventive dentistry, basic principles of the human needs model, motivation/human behavior, communication, and education principles relating to dental health education, health promotion, and individualized client education, including planning and goal setting. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: DHYG 210, DHYG 211, DHYG 212, DHYG 213, DHYG 214, DHYG 218, and DHYG 219.

Co-requisites: DHYG 220, DHYG 221, DHYG 222, DHYG 224, DHYG 225, and DHYG 229.

DHYG 229 (3) Radiography II

A dental radiography course that builds on previous knowledge to develop clinical skills in planning, exposing, processing, and mounting dental radiographs. Topics include dental radiography techniques, identification of normal and abnormal structures, problem solving, asepsis, and safety. (2:0:2)

Prerequisite: DHYG 210, DHYG 211, DHYG 212, DHYG 213, DHYG 214, DHYG 218, and DHYG 219.

Co-requisites: DHYG 220, DHYG 221, DHYG 222, DHYG 224, DHYG 225, and DHYG 227.

DHYG 310 (3) Dental Hygiene Foundations III

A continuation of the concepts and theories supporting dental hygiene practice. Topics include the fundamentals of nutrition as it applies to oral health, introduction to power-assisted dental hygiene instrumentation, and non-surgical periodontal therapy options for a variety of periodontal conditions. (4:0:0)

Prerequisite: DHYG 220, DHYG 221, DHYG 222, DHYG 224, DHYG 225, DHYG 227, and DHYG 229.

Co-requisites: DHYG 311, DHYG 312, DHYG 314, DHYG 316, and DHYG 317.

DHYG 311 (4) Dental Hygiene Clinic II

A practical exploration of the professional skills and attitudes required for the practice of dental hygiene. Students see regularly scheduled clients and topics include an introduction to more complex skills in assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of dental hygiene treatment. (0:1:12)

Prerequisite: DHYG 220, DHYG 221, DHYG 222, DHYG 224, DHYG 225, DHYG 227, and DHYG 229.

Co-requisites: DHYG 310, DHYG 312, DHYG 314, DHYG 316, and DHYG 317.

DHYG 312 (4) Pharmacology II

A study of drugs and their interactions. Topics include the origins, physical and clinical properties, modes of administration, effects and interactions of these drugs, and naturopathic supplements with a focus on drugs relevant to dentistry. (4:0:0)

Prerequisite: DHYG 220, DHYG 221, DHYG 222, DHYG 224, DHYG 225, DHYG 227, and DHYG 229.

Co-requisites: DHYG 310, DHYG 311, DHYG 314, DHYG 316, and DHYG 317.

DHYG 314 (3) Pathology III: DH Care for Complex Clients

A continuation of DHYG 224. Topics include a detailed exploration of increasingly complex periodontal conditions, including oral cancer, prognosis, periodontal surgery, dental implants, dental emergencies, disease recurrence, and dental specialties. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: DHYG 220, DHYG 221, DHYG 222, DHYG 224, DHYG 225, DHYG 227, and DHYG 229.

Co-requisites: DHYG 310, DHYG 311, DHYG 312, DHYG 316, and DHYG 317.

DHYG 316 (3) Research Methodology

An introduction to basic concepts of research methodology. Topics include application of research principles to the dental and dental hygiene professions, evidence-based practice, as well as current dental and dental hygiene research needs. DHYG 316 was formerly called DHYG 326; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: DHYG 220, DHYG 221, DHYG 222, DHYG 224, DHYG 225, DHYG 227, and DHYG 229.

Co-requisites: DHYG 310, DHYG 311, DHYG 312, DHYG 314, and DHYG 317.

DHYG 317 (1.5) Health Promotion II: Concepts in Dental Public Health

A study of oral health and the role of the dental hygienist from a community perspective. Topics include basic concepts of the Canadian health care system, principles of health promotion, epidemiology, health program planning, and evaluation. (1.5:0:0)

Prerequisite: DHYG 220, DHYG 221, DHYG 222, DHYG 224, DHYG 225, DHYG 227, and DHYG 229.

Co-requisites: DHYG 310, DHYG 311, DHYG 312, DHYG 316, and DHYG 314.

DHYG 320 (3) Dental Hygiene Foundations IV

An introduction to the special needs client in regard to dental hygiene care. Topics include general characteristics, clinical adaptations and information regarding various physical, cognitive and other types of challenges; job search skills, compensations, employment standards, and disability insurance. (4:0:0)

Prerequisite: DHYG 310, DHYG 311, DHYG 312, DHYG 314, DHYG 316, and DHYG 317.

Co-requisites: DHYG 321, DHYG 323, DHYG 324, DHYG 327, and one of HHS 263, HSD 201, or HSD 202.

DHYG 321 (4) Dental Hygiene Clinic III

A continuation of the practical exploration of the professional skills and attitudes required for dental hygiene practice. Students see regularly scheduled clients and are introduced to more complex skills in assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of dental hygiene treatment. (0:1:12)

Prerequisite: DHYG 310, DHYG 311, DHYG 312, DHYG 314, DHYG 316, and DHYG 317.

Co-requisites: DHYG 320, DHYG 323, DHYG 324, DHYG 327, and one of HHS 263, HSD 201, or HSD 202.

DHYG 323 (3) Professional Issues in Dental Hygiene

An examination of the issues dental hygiene practitioners face in today's society. Topics include current and future trends and issues concerning the profession and practice of dental hygiene locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally. Other topics include career development and ethical dilemmas. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: DHYG 310, DHYG 311, DHYG 312, DHYG 314, DHYG 316, and DHYG 317.

Co-requisites: DHYG 320, DHYG 321, DHYG 324, DHYG 327, and one of HHS 263, HSD 201, or HSD 202.

DHYG 324 (3) Pathology IV: DH Care for Medically Compromised Clients

An introduction to dental hygiene care for clients with living with medical disorders. Topics include treatment alterations necessary to treat clients living with a variety of chronic medical conditions, including hypertension, heart, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, immunologic, hematologic, and oncologic diseases. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: DHYG 310, DHYG 311, DHYG 312, DHYG 314, DHYG 316, and DHYG 317.

Co-requisites: DHYG 320, DHYG 321, DHYG 323, DHYG 327, and one of HHS 263, HSD 201, or HSD 202.

DHYG 326 (3) Research Methodology

An introduction to basic concepts of research methodology. Topics include application of research principles to the dental and dental hygiene professions, evidence-based practice, as well as current dental and dental hygiene research needs. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: DHYG 310, DHYG 311, DHYG 312, DHYG 314, DHYG 317, and one of HHS 263, HSD 201, or HSD 202.

Co-requisites: DHYG 320, DHYG 321, DHYG 323, DHYG 324, and DHYG 327.

DHYG 327 (3) Health Promotion III: Community Oral Health Interventions

A continuation of DHYG 317. Topics include concepts of cultural safety, social responsibility, advocacy, barriers to care, and the development, implementation and evaluation of oral health promotion projects with community populations. (3:0:0 -26)

Prerequisite: DHYG 310, DHYG 311, DHYG 312, DHYG 314, DHYG 316, and DHYG 317.

Co-requisites: DHYG 320, DHYG 321, DHYG 323, DHYG 324, and one of HHS 263, HSD 201, or HSD 202.