Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title DH 1511: Dental Hygiene Practice I

Catalog Description

Credits 4
Hours/Week 8 (8 lab)
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) None
Other requirements None
MnTC Goals (if any) NA

Course Description

This course is a practical laboratory session designed to introduce basic instrumentation techniques necessary for the practice of dental hygiene. The theory, functions and procedures introduced in DH 1510 will be applied.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

February, 2026

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Infection control
  2. Application of ergonomic principles for dental hygiene practice
  3. Principles of instrumentation
  4. Patient assessment
  5. Intra/extra oral exam
  6. Use of mirror, probe and explorer
  7. Use of Gracey curets
  8. Use of universal curet
  9. Use of sickle scaler
  10. Charting of periodontium
  11. Polishing and fluoride
  12. Basic biofilm control
  13. Patient education

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Apply the CDC standards for infection control in the dental setting.
  2. Perform a comprehensive patient assessment.
  3. Demonstrate the principles of ergonomic practice for dental hygiene practice.
  4. Demonstrate the principles of basic periodontal instrumentation.
  5. Perform a comprehensive intra/extra oral examination.
  6. Acquire a comprehensive medical and dental history, including vital signs, from a student partner.
  7. Detect and remove soft and hard deposits which occur in a student partner mouth.
  8. Perform a baseline periodontal assessment on a student partner.
  9. Integrate theoretical concepts with practical application skills.
  10. Apply agents to teeth using a prophy angle/brush on a student partner.
  11. Apply topical fluoride to a student partner’s teeth.
  12. Demonstrate basic biofilm control and patient education techniques on a student partner.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

NA

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Communication
Students will communicate appropriately for their respective audiences.
Personal and Professional Accountability
Students will take responsibility as active learners for achieving their educational and personal goals.

Special Information (if any)

None