Dental Hygiene (BS)

The dental hygiene curriculum provides opportunities for the student to develop a sound clinical and theoretical foundation for the practice of dental hygiene. A graduate is prepared to fulfill the dental hygiene roles as clinician, corporate, public health, researcher, educator, administrator, and entrepreneur as put forth by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. 

Current Catalog Year
2024-2025
Degree
Bachelor of Science
Major / Total Credits
81 / 120
Locations
Mankato
Online
Accreditation
CODA
Commission on Dental Accreditation

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Program Requirements

Required General Education

Four required general education courses must be completed before applying to the major. The fifth course must be completed before starting the Major Common Core courses in the program.

Students in this course approach writing as a subject of study by investigating how writing works across a variety of contexts.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-1A

This course is designed to provide a thorough introduction to the broad spectrum of theories and applications that make up the field of psychology

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-05

Sociology - Choose 4 Credit(s).

Overview of the structure and processes of social life; impact of social forces on individuals and groups; interdependence of society and the individual; social significance of social class, race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality; emphasis on critical analysis of social inequalities and injustice.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-05, GE-08

Diverse Cultures: Purple

A critical description and analysis of selected social problems, as well as the social problems process through which problems are socially constructed and defined. A social constructionist approach examines how people and social systems define and react to social problems. Emphasis on the sociological perspective, critical thinking, roots of social inequality, and exploration of solutions and alternatives to existing social problems.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-05, GE-07

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Communication - Choose 3 Credit(s).

A course designed to improve students' understanding in communication, including the areas of interpersonal, nonverbal, listening, small group and public speaking.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-1B

A course in communication principles to develop skills in the analysis and presentation of speeches.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-1B

Statistics - Choose 4 Credit(s).

Develop knowledge and application of statistical concepts and methods to facilitate research in social sciences disciplines. Students learn to work with quantitative databases obtained from census, social surveys, and experiments. Develop data analysis skills and use of statistical software programs. Practice data interpretations and statistical decision-making as used in everyday government, non-profit/for-profit, healthcare, academic and research organizations.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-04

An introduction to statistical concepts and methods that is applicable to all disciplines. Topics include descriptive measures of data, probability and probability distributions, statistical inference, tests of hypotheses, confidence intervals, correlation, linear regression, and analysis of variance. The use of statistical software will be emphasized. Prereq: ACT Math sub-score of 19 or higher, successful completion of MATH 098 or appropriate placement scores (see Placement Information under Statistics) Fall, Spring, Summer GE-4

Prerequisites: Satisfy Placement Table in this section, or MATH 098 with grade of P.

Goal Areas: GE-02, GE-04

Prerequisites to the Major

Nutrition - Choose 3 Credit(s).

An introductory nutrition class which emphasizes the scientific method and natural science principles from biochemistry, physiology, chemistry, and other sciences to explain the relationships between food and its use by the human body for energy, regulation, structure, and optimal health. GE-3 non-lab

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-03

The science of six nutrient classes, including digestion through metabolism and excretion, sources, functions, deficiencies and excess symptoms. The course covers the foundational knowledge and application of nutrition knowledge to clinical care, including weight control and common chronic conditions requiring nutrition therapy.

Prerequisites: Select One Course: CHEM 106 or CHEM 111

Science Prerequisites - *Any three courses in Biology and Chemistry must be completed before applying to the major. The fourth course must be completed before starting the Major Common Core courses in the program.

Biology

This course is designed for nursing and allied health sciences majors and will prepare them for advanced coursework in their majors. The course will focus on human anatomy and physiology with emphasis on the structure and function of the systems of the body. Special emphasis will be placed on cell structure and function, tissues, metabolism and major organ systems including the integumentary system, the skeletal system, joints, muscle and muscular system, and nervous system, and special senses. Lab included with dissection.

Prerequisites: none

This course is designed for nursing and allied health sciences majors and will prepare them for advanced coursework in their majors. This course will focus on human anatomy and physiology with emphasis on the structure and function of the systems of the body. Special emphasis will be placed on cells, tissues, structure and function of major organ systems including endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems, and development. Lab included with dissection.

Prerequisites: none

An introduction to the general principles and methods to control the growth and transmission of pathogenic microbes and the development of antibiotic resistance in healthcare, food preparation/service, and industrial settings. Lab included.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-03

Chemistry - Choose 3 - 5 Credit(s).

This course covers fundamental concepts required to understand the general chemistry in living organisms. This is a non-laboratory class. This chemistry course will not prepare students for any Chemistry course at or above the 200 level. High school algebra recommended.

Prerequisites: High school algebra recommended

Goal Areas: GE-03

This course is an introduction to organic chemistry and biological chemistry. The laboratory will reinforce lecture.

Prerequisites: CHEM 106 or high school chemistry

Goal Areas: GE-02, GE-03

Dental Hygiene Prerequisites - DHYG 100 or DHYG 101 and one additional DHYG course must be completed or enrolled in before applying to the major. The second and third course must be completed before starting the Major Common Core courses in the program.

Dental Hygiene

Head and Neck Anatomy is the study of the hard and soft tissues of the head and neck including bones, muscles, nerves, blood supply, glands and how they function. Oral Histology is the study of cells and cell layers which compose basic tissues, oral mucosa, gingival and dentogingival tissues, orofacial structures, enamel, dentin and pulp.Prereq: Admission into the Dental Hygiene Program

Prerequisites: none

Pharmacology is the study of drugs used in dentistry or medicine for the treatment, prevention and diagnosis of disease.

Prerequisites: BIOL 220, CHEM 106 or CHEM 111

This course studies structures of the oral cavity. Topics include tooth annotation, eruption patterns, embryology, morphology, characteristics, function, occlusion and clinical considerations as it relates to the practice of dental hygiene.

Prerequisites: none

Dental Hygiene Introduction Course(s) - Choose 1 Credit(s).

This course will give the student an introduction to Dental Hygiene as a profession and career. Exploration of dental hygiene practice and an overview of the dental hygiene curriculum and conceptual framework will be covered.

Prerequisites: none

This course will give the student an introduction to the possible careers in the field of dentistry. Exploration of the roles and responsibilities of dental assisting, dental hygiene, advanced dental therapy, and dentistry will be covered.

Prerequisites: none

Major Common Core

This course includes an introduction to dental terminology and clinical aspects of dental hygiene treatment including care and use of equipment/instruments, infection control and preparation of patient records.

Prerequisites: none

This course integrates the scientific and clinical principles within the practice of dental hygiene. Students apply foundational knowledge in clinical skills on simulation and live patients with an emphasis on principles, procedures, and professionalism for performing comprehensive preventive oral care.

Prerequisites: none

This course explores radiation theory, safety, and patient management. Emphasis is placed on intraoral and extraoral radiographic procedures and techniques.

Prerequisites: none

This is the first course in a series of two courses that studies the fundamental elements, purposes and uses of materials used in dentistry. The student will develop laboratory or clinical competency in functions using dental materials that are legal duties for Minnesota dental hygienists.

Prerequisites: none

This course is the second course in a series of two courses that studies the fundamental elements, purposes, and uses of materials used in dentistry. The student will develop laboratory or clinical competency in functions using dental materials that are legal duties for Minnesota dental hygienists.

Prerequisites: none

This course will include a study of supporting tooth structures, identification, classification, etiology, progression and treatment of periodontal diseases.

Prerequisites: none

This course focuses on interpretation of intraoral and extraoral dental radiographic images. Three-dimensional imaging, extraoral imaging, dental x-ray film, film processing and quality assurance are also explored.

Prerequisites: none

This course encompasses prenatal development with a focus on the development of the face, neck and oral cavity. This course also introduces the pathologic processes and recognition of oral manifestations and their considerations to the practice of dental hygiene.

Prerequisites: none

The first clinical course in a series where students gain clinical proficiency by providing dental hygiene services to patients. Emphasis is placed on basic preventive skills and dental hygiene instrumentation.

Prerequisites: none

This course is designed to reinforce topics covered in DHYG 311 through the use of advanced case studies. Emphasis will be placed on evidence-based decision making. Also designed to collaborate with clinic needs as identified in DHYG 331.

Prerequisites: none

Students gain clinical proficiency by providing dental hygiene services to patients. Emphasis is placed on increasing competency in basic dental hygiene skills and comprehensive patient care.

Prerequisites: none

This course is designed to equip the dental hygiene student with the skills necessary to navigate the business and administration side of dentistry. A focus on networking, dental procedure codes and insurance protocol will be covered.

Prerequisites: none

This course is designed to be a study of the fundamental elements, purposes, and uses of local anesthesia for the dental hygienist.

Prerequisites: none

The second clinical course in a series where students gain clinical proficiency by providing dental hygiene services to patients. Emphasis is placed on increasing clinical competency in basic dental hygiene skills and comprehensive patient care.

Prerequisites: none

This course focuses on clinical procedures, educational techniques and legal and ethical issues as they apply to the patient- dental hygiene provider relationship.

Prerequisites: none

The course is designed to be a study of the fundamental elements, purposes and uses of nitrous oxide sedation in the practice of dental hygiene. This course meets the educational criteria established by the Minnesota Board of Dentistry.

Prerequisites: none

This course introduces second year dental hygiene students to the disciplines and basic principles of community dental health, epidemiologic methods and biostatistical measurement analysis. Preventive oral health measures and program development is included to provide a background for the practical application of dental public health methods to the community. This course is an upper division writing intensive course for the traditional dental hygiene program.

Prerequisites: none

This course focuses on legal and ethical issues as they apply to the patient-healthcare provider relationship and legally delegated duties that a licensed dental hygienist may perform. Students will become aware of clinical procedures and educational techniques that will enhance the level of care provided in a clinical setting, issues affecting the patient-healthcare provider relationship, and legally delegated duties of a dental hygienist.

Prerequisites: none

Didactic and clinical study of etiology, diagnosis, preventive and therapeutic procedures involved with periodontal disease.

Prerequisites: none

This course is designed to prepare the dental hygiene student in the use of new technologies in the modern dental office.

Prerequisites: none

The final clinical course in a series where students gain clinical proficiency by providing dental hygiene services to patients. Emphasis is placed on preparing for the transition from dental hygiene student to practitioner.

Prerequisites: none

This course focuses on preparing dental hygiene students to articulate into the professional workforce. Emphasis is placed on resume writing, interviewing skills, and career options.

Prerequisites: none

This course is designed to introduce students to their roles and responsibilities as educators and resource persons by promoting optimal oral health at the community level.

Prerequisites: none

The course is designed to provide the dental hygiene practitioner with a survey of common medical disorders that may be encountered in a dental practice. The medical problems are organized to provide a brief overview of the basic disease process, etiology, incidence, prevalence, behavior characteristics, medications and oral manifestations commonly presented by the dental patients. As a result of the accumulation of evidence based research, the dental hygiene practitioner will be provided with an understanding of the disease, recognize the severity of the common medical disorders and make a dental management decision providing the patient with the highest possible level of oral health.

Prerequisites: none

The first of two clinical courses designed to utilize the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation process in a community based setting. This course will address efforts to reduce incidence and severity of oral diseases resulting in improved access to community oral health in complex cases.

Prerequisites: none

This is the second of two clinical courses designed to utilize the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation process in a community based setting. This course will address efforts to reduce incidence and severity of oral diseases resulting in improved access to community oral health in complex cases.

Prerequisites: none

Students will learn the characteristics of direct restorative materials. In a laboratory settings on typodont, students will place, contour, and adjust direct restorative materials. This is the first course in a series.

Prerequisites: DHYG 322, DHYG 326

Students work on patients in a clinical setting to place, contour, and adjust direct restorative materials in accordance with MN Statute. This is the second course in a series.

Prerequisites: DHYG 322, DHYG 326, DHYG 460

This course is the final clinical course in a series of courses in which students gain clinical proficiency by completing required patient experiences and final clinical test to fulfill State of Minnesota requirements to earn a certificate in restorative functions.

Prerequisites: DHYG 322, DHYG 326, DHYG 460, DHYG 461

General Electives

Study Abroad - Choose 0 - 6 Credit(s). These courses are optional and may not be offered each year/semester.

Concepts of Global Citizenship and Intercultural Competency are desired attributes of future health care professionals. Students will self-assess their cultural knowledge in preparation for international travel. Interacting with individuals from different cultural backgrounds will provide the opportunity for students to become aware of their own cultural understanding and improve critical thinking and interpersonal skills. Through travel and experiential learning, the students will begin to develop the capacity to identify, discuss and reflect upon the ethical challenges presented in political, social, and personal lives to understand diverse world views of social justice and common good.

Prerequisites: none

Diverse Cultures: Gold

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to first hand experience in providing dental hygiene services through a study abroad opportunity. This course centers on an international week long service learning project in a foreign country. Most of our time and effort will be spent providing dental hygiene treatment. This course will also address ethics, cultural issues, standard of care issues, as well as challenges in providing dental hygiene care in a foreign country.

Prerequisites: none

Minor

None

Degree Plan

First Year

Fall - 17 Credits

This course will give the student an introduction to Dental Hygiene as a profession and career. Exploration of dental hygiene practice and an overview of the dental hygiene curriculum and conceptual framework will be covered.

Prerequisites: none

Students in this course approach writing as a subject of study by investigating how writing works across a variety of contexts.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-1A

Overview of the structure and processes of social life; impact of social forces on individuals and groups; interdependence of society and the individual; social significance of social class, race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality; emphasis on critical analysis of social inequalities and injustice.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-05, GE-08

Diverse Cultures: Purple

An introduction to statistical concepts and methods that is applicable to all disciplines. Topics include descriptive measures of data, probability and probability distributions, statistical inference, tests of hypotheses, confidence intervals, correlation, linear regression, and analysis of variance. The use of statistical software will be emphasized. Prereq: ACT Math sub-score of 19 or higher, successful completion of MATH 098 or appropriate placement scores (see Placement Information under Statistics) Fall, Spring, Summer GE-4

Prerequisites: Satisfy Placement Table in this section, or MATH 098 with grade of P.

Goal Areas: GE-02, GE-04

This course is designed for nursing and allied health sciences majors and will prepare them for advanced coursework in their majors. The course will focus on human anatomy and physiology with emphasis on the structure and function of the systems of the body. Special emphasis will be placed on cell structure and function, tissues, metabolism and major organ systems including the integumentary system, the skeletal system, joints, muscle and muscular system, and nervous system, and special senses. Lab included with dissection.

Prerequisites: none

Spring - 17 Credits

This course is designed to provide a thorough introduction to the broad spectrum of theories and applications that make up the field of psychology

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-05

This course is an introduction to organic chemistry and biological chemistry. The laboratory will reinforce lecture.

Prerequisites: CHEM 106 or high school chemistry

Goal Areas: GE-02, GE-03

Head and Neck Anatomy is the study of the hard and soft tissues of the head and neck including bones, muscles, nerves, blood supply, glands and how they function. Oral Histology is the study of cells and cell layers which compose basic tissues, oral mucosa, gingival and dentogingival tissues, orofacial structures, enamel, dentin and pulp.Prereq: Admission into the Dental Hygiene Program

Prerequisites: none

Second Year

Fall - 15 Credits

This course studies structures of the oral cavity. Topics include tooth annotation, eruption patterns, embryology, morphology, characteristics, function, occlusion and clinical considerations as it relates to the practice of dental hygiene.

Prerequisites: none

An introduction to the general principles and methods to control the growth and transmission of pathogenic microbes and the development of antibiotic resistance in healthcare, food preparation/service, and industrial settings. Lab included.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-03

Spring - 16 Credits

This course is designed for nursing and allied health sciences majors and will prepare them for advanced coursework in their majors. This course will focus on human anatomy and physiology with emphasis on the structure and function of the systems of the body. Special emphasis will be placed on cells, tissues, structure and function of major organ systems including endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems, and development. Lab included with dissection.

Prerequisites: none

Pharmacology is the study of drugs used in dentistry or medicine for the treatment, prevention and diagnosis of disease.

Prerequisites: BIOL 220, CHEM 106 or CHEM 111

The science of six nutrient classes, including digestion through metabolism and excretion, sources, functions, deficiencies and excess symptoms. The course covers the foundational knowledge and application of nutrition knowledge to clinical care, including weight control and common chronic conditions requiring nutrition therapy.

Prerequisites: Select One Course: CHEM 106 or CHEM 111

Third Year

Fall - 17 Credits

This course includes an introduction to dental terminology and clinical aspects of dental hygiene treatment including care and use of equipment/instruments, infection control and preparation of patient records.

Prerequisites: none

This course integrates the scientific and clinical principles within the practice of dental hygiene. Students apply foundational knowledge in clinical skills on simulation and live patients with an emphasis on principles, procedures, and professionalism for performing comprehensive preventive oral care.

Prerequisites: none

This course explores radiation theory, safety, and patient management. Emphasis is placed on intraoral and extraoral radiographic procedures and techniques.

Prerequisites: none

This is the first course in a series of two courses that studies the fundamental elements, purposes and uses of materials used in dentistry. The student will develop laboratory or clinical competency in functions using dental materials that are legal duties for Minnesota dental hygienists.

Prerequisites: none

This course will include a study of supporting tooth structures, identification, classification, etiology, progression and treatment of periodontal diseases.

Prerequisites: none

This course is designed to equip the dental hygiene student with the skills necessary to navigate the business and administration side of dentistry. A focus on networking, dental procedure codes and insurance protocol will be covered.

Prerequisites: none

Spring - 14 Credits

This course is the second course in a series of two courses that studies the fundamental elements, purposes, and uses of materials used in dentistry. The student will develop laboratory or clinical competency in functions using dental materials that are legal duties for Minnesota dental hygienists.

Prerequisites: none

This course focuses on interpretation of intraoral and extraoral dental radiographic images. Three-dimensional imaging, extraoral imaging, dental x-ray film, film processing and quality assurance are also explored.

Prerequisites: none

This course encompasses prenatal development with a focus on the development of the face, neck and oral cavity. This course also introduces the pathologic processes and recognition of oral manifestations and their considerations to the practice of dental hygiene.

Prerequisites: none

The first clinical course in a series where students gain clinical proficiency by providing dental hygiene services to patients. Emphasis is placed on basic preventive skills and dental hygiene instrumentation.

Prerequisites: none

This course is designed to reinforce topics covered in DHYG 311 through the use of advanced case studies. Emphasis will be placed on evidence-based decision making. Also designed to collaborate with clinic needs as identified in DHYG 331.

Prerequisites: none

This course is designed to be a study of the fundamental elements, purposes, and uses of local anesthesia for the dental hygienist.

Prerequisites: none

Didactic and clinical study of etiology, diagnosis, preventive and therapeutic procedures involved with periodontal disease.

Prerequisites: none

Fourth Year

Fall - 12 Credits

The second clinical course in a series where students gain clinical proficiency by providing dental hygiene services to patients. Emphasis is placed on increasing clinical competency in basic dental hygiene skills and comprehensive patient care.

Prerequisites: none

This course focuses on clinical procedures, educational techniques and legal and ethical issues as they apply to the patient- dental hygiene provider relationship.

Prerequisites: none

The course is designed to be a study of the fundamental elements, purposes and uses of nitrous oxide sedation in the practice of dental hygiene. This course meets the educational criteria established by the Minnesota Board of Dentistry.

Prerequisites: none

This course introduces second year dental hygiene students to the disciplines and basic principles of community dental health, epidemiologic methods and biostatistical measurement analysis. Preventive oral health measures and program development is included to provide a background for the practical application of dental public health methods to the community. This course is an upper division writing intensive course for the traditional dental hygiene program.

Prerequisites: none

This course focuses on legal and ethical issues as they apply to the patient-healthcare provider relationship and legally delegated duties that a licensed dental hygienist may perform. Students will become aware of clinical procedures and educational techniques that will enhance the level of care provided in a clinical setting, issues affecting the patient-healthcare provider relationship, and legally delegated duties of a dental hygienist.

Prerequisites: none

This course is designed to prepare the dental hygiene student in the use of new technologies in the modern dental office.

Prerequisites: none

The first of two clinical courses designed to utilize the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation process in a community based setting. This course will address efforts to reduce incidence and severity of oral diseases resulting in improved access to community oral health in complex cases.

Prerequisites: none

Students work on patients in a clinical setting to place, contour, and adjust direct restorative materials in accordance with MN Statute. This is the second course in a series.

Prerequisites: DHYG 322, DHYG 326, DHYG 460

Spring - 11 Credits

The final clinical course in a series where students gain clinical proficiency by providing dental hygiene services to patients. Emphasis is placed on preparing for the transition from dental hygiene student to practitioner.

Prerequisites: none

This course focuses on preparing dental hygiene students to articulate into the professional workforce. Emphasis is placed on resume writing, interviewing skills, and career options.

Prerequisites: none

This course is designed to introduce students to their roles and responsibilities as educators and resource persons by promoting optimal oral health at the community level.

Prerequisites: none

The course is designed to provide the dental hygiene practitioner with a survey of common medical disorders that may be encountered in a dental practice. The medical problems are organized to provide a brief overview of the basic disease process, etiology, incidence, prevalence, behavior characteristics, medications and oral manifestations commonly presented by the dental patients. As a result of the accumulation of evidence based research, the dental hygiene practitioner will be provided with an understanding of the disease, recognize the severity of the common medical disorders and make a dental management decision providing the patient with the highest possible level of oral health.

Prerequisites: none

This is the second of two clinical courses designed to utilize the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation process in a community based setting. This course will address efforts to reduce incidence and severity of oral diseases resulting in improved access to community oral health in complex cases.

Prerequisites: none

This course is the final clinical course in a series of courses in which students gain clinical proficiency by completing required patient experiences and final clinical test to fulfill State of Minnesota requirements to earn a certificate in restorative functions.

Prerequisites: DHYG 322, DHYG 326, DHYG 460, DHYG 461

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