Academic Calendar

Dental Hygiene (HYGN)

HYGN 1232  Oral and Dental Anatomy  3 cr  

This course consists of a self-study CD and laboratory work dealing with the normal development, morphology, structure, and functions of the dentition and related structures.

PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Corequisites: HYGN 1234 and HYGN 1236.

HYGN 1234  Preclinical Dental Hygiene  2 cr  

This introductory course teaches the necessary dental hygiene skills in laboratory and preclinical settings. Students are introduced to foundational assessment and implementation skills necessary to begin client care at the novice level.

PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Corequisites: HYGN 1232 and HYGN 1236.

HYGN 1236  Dental Hygiene Theory and Practice 1  4 cr  

This introductory course provides the necessary foundational knowledge requisite for preclinical experience and early client care. It includes the theory and principles underlying the practice of dental hygiene based on the four phases of the Dental Hygiene Process of Care and the concept of Professionalism.

PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Corequisites: HYGN 1232 and HYGN 1234.

HYGN 1238  Dental Hygiene Clinical Practice I  3 cr  

The course focus is on the cognitive, psychomotor and affective knowledge and skills requisite to the dental hygiene process of care. It includes the principles underlying the practice of dental hygiene and facilitates the development of a self-directed and self-aware professional.

PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisites: HYGN 1234 and HYGN 1236. Corequisite: HYGN 1242.

HYGN 1242  Dental Hygiene Theory and Practice II  4 cr  

A continuation of foundational knowledge requisite for clinical care on less complicated clients that includes the theory and principles underlying the practice of dental hygiene based on the Dental Hygiene Process of Care.

PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisites: HYGN 1234 and HYGN 1236. Corequisite: HYGN 1238.

HYGN 1262  Dental Radiology  3 cr  

An introduction to the production of x-rays, radiation biology, radiation protection, imaging materials, imaging techniques, recognition of radiographic landmarks and structures, and quality control of radiographs.

PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Corequisites: HYGN 1234 and HYGN 1238.

HYGN 1270  Biology of the Head and Neck  3 cr  

Anatomy, physiology, histology and embryology of the head and neck.

HYGN 1280  Microbiology and Infectious Diseases  3 cr  

A study of different types of microorganisms. Infectious diseases will be discussed in terms of reservoirs, transmission, pathogenesis, treatment and prevention. Emphasis will be given to common communicable diseases, the oral microflora and its role in disease and health.

HYGN 1292  Dental Hygiene Preclinical Restorative Techniques  2 cr  

A study of the principles and techniques of restorative dentistry. Introduction information on restorative dentistry specialties.

HYGN 1320  Dental Materials  2 cr  

A study of the properties of materials used in the oral environment for restorative, prosthetic, orthodontic and preventive purposes. Laboratory demonstrations and exercises are designed to demonstrate the correct preparation and handling of dental materials.

HYGN 1340  Communications  2 cr  

This course provides an introduction to basic principles of communication in relation to everyday and professional interactions. The students are sensitized to the process of communication, its complexities and its related dynamics. Particular attention is given to enabling students to develop effective professional communication skills that have the potential to promote client compliance and harmonious working relationships.

Attributes: Written English Requirement

HYGN 1352  Community Health I  3 cr  

An introductory, participatory course in community oral health promotion intended to inspire a sense of community responsibility in students as health professionals responding to community needs through classroom teaching, interviews and debates.

HYGN 1360  Periodontology I  2 cr  

A study of the normal tissues of the periodontium, and an introduction to periodontal diseases, their etiology, epidemiology and treatment, especially as these relate to dental hygiene practice. A critical analysis of periodontal cases in included.

HYGN 2100  Dental Hygiene Portfolio  2 cr  

This two credit hour course houses the evaluation component of the programmatic portfolio of student competencies that all students commence at enrolment and complete prior to graduation.

HYGN 2280  Pharmacology  2 cr  

Drugs used in clinical practice; a general knowledge of drugs by groups with emphasis on agents such as local anesthetics, analgesics, and antibiotics used extensively in the practice of dentistry.

HYGN 2300  Pathology  3 cr  

A study of the principles of general and oral pathology involving pathologic mechanisms, disorders of physiologic systems, and pathologic conditions and diseases affecting oral and para-oral structures.

HYGN 2312  Dental Hygiene Clinical Practice II  4 cr  

This competency-based clinical course amalgamates theoretical knowledge and clinical skills in both general clinical and community based clinical settings. Students provide care to clients with moderate oral health needs. This course is evaluated on a pass/fail basis.

PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisites: HYGN 1238 and HYGN 1242. Corequisite: HYGN 2314.

HYGN 2314  Dental Hygiene Theory and Practice III  4 cr  

Learning, motivation, and behaviour modification theories are applied to oral health promotion. Dental hygiene care plans are developed using a human needs model and process of care. Ethics, jurisprudence and practice standards are discussed.

PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisites: HYGN 1238 and HYGN 1242. Corequisite: HYGN 2312.

HYGN 2316  Dental Hygiene Clinical Practice III  4 cr  

This course advances the student's clinical dental hygiene skills to a level of minimal competency. Students provide dental hygiene care to clients with high oral health needs to facilitate their attainment of optimal oral health. This courses is evaluated on a pass/fail basis.

PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisites: HYGN 2312 and HYGN 2314. Corerequisite: HYGN 2318.

HYGN 2318  Dental Hygiene Theory and Practice IV  5 cr  

The oral health needs of persons with disabilities and the development of dental hygiene care plans to address those needs are discussed as well as issues of access to dental hygiene care, employment, quality assurance, and professional growth and development.

PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisites: HYGN 2312 and HYGN 2314. Corequisite: HYGN 2316.

HYGN 2340  Periodontology II  2 cr  

Continuation of the study of etiology, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease.

HYGN 2350  Biology of Oral Tissues  2 cr  

Consideration of physiology of the oral environment and its microflora in relation to health, dental caries and periodontal diseases.

HYGN 2362  Community Health II  3 cr  

Student abilities to deliver community oral health education/promotion programs, with attention given to barriers and strategies used to meet the unique needs of target populations less likely to have optimal oral health are further developed.

PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: HYGN 1352.

HYGN 2370  Nutrition in Dentistry  2 cr  

An examination of the fundamentals of nutrition and the relationship between nutrition and health within the context of the health professions. The focus is on nutritional strategies used to promote health and in the treatment of common health conditions. The primarily on-line content is followed up with a combination of oral health specific patient/clinical exercises for Dental Hygiene students. May not be held with HNSC 2170 or ORLB 2330, HNSC 2170, or the former ORLB 2150 or the former PHRM 2420.

Mutually Exclusive: HNSC 2170, ORLB 2150, ORLB 2330, PHRM 2420

HYGN 2380  Pain Management  2 cr  

This course is designed to enhance the dental hygiene student's knowledge of the mechanisms of pain control through the administration of topical and local anesthetic agents. Emphasis will be placed on the pharmacology of dental anesthetic agents and their interaction with the client's current conditions and medications.

HYGN 4412  Dental Hygiene Practice Management and Leadership  3 cr  

This course is designed to provide the student with the necessary knowledge and skills to facilitate the transition to the practice environment. The focus of the course is leadership, workplace dynamics, management, developing alternate practice settings and working with third party payers. Oral health care management in a variety of organizations such as community health agencies, private practice, research and industry will all be discussed.

HYGN 4460  Community Health Independent Study  3 cr  

This course is a practicum and/or independent study course focusing on the design and/or implementation and evaluation of the health promotion program process in; the field. Students may choose to host an oral health awareness raising event for the public, provide community-based oral health promotion activity at a selected site, develop a small-scale oral health promotion program for an underserved population group or a similar community-based project.

HYGN 4470  Community Health Independent Study II  3 cr  

This course is a continuation of HYGN 4460 (Community Health Independent Study) and provides a further opportunity for the student to build on the previous independent study course or focus on the design and/or implementation and evaluation of an additional health promotion program. In either case, students may choose from oral health awareness raising event for the public, community-based oral health promotion activity, small-scale oral health promotion programming or similar community oral health project.

HYGN 4492  Current Issues in Dental Hygiene  3 cr  

This seminar course focuses on current topics concerning the profession of dental hygiene in Canada and Internationally. Exploration of global topics will enable the student to gleen a broad view of the profession.

HYGN 4500  Advanced Oral Pathology  3 cr  

A web-based CD-ROM distance education course designed to present the clinical and pathobiologic aspects of diseases that affect oral and maxillofacial tissues or present with significant oral manifestations of systemic diseases. This course is presented in conjunction with the University of Manitoba and the University of British Columbia.

HYGN 4510  Microbiology and Immunology  3 cr  

This Web CT course is offered in conjunction with the University of British Columbia. Microbiological and immunological concepts that are the scientific basis for understanding human response in health and disease will be explored. This course builds on knowledge acquired from dental hygiene entry-to-practice level education and dental hygiene practice.

HYGN 4520  Advanced Independent Study I  3 cr  

This course will enable the degree-completion student to explore issues or areas of interest in dental hygiene with the mentorship of a dental hygiene faculty member. Dependent upon the extent of the project, students may enroll in either three or six hours of study.

HYGN 4530  Teaching Practicum  3 cr  

This course provides students with a seminar course in clinical teaching methodologies and the opportunity to practice teach within an undergraduate dental hygiene program under the supervision and mentorship of dental hygiene faculty members.

HYGN 4540  Advanced Teaching Practicum  3 cr  

This course is a continuation of HYGN 4530 (Teaching Practicum) and provides the opportunity to extend the practice teaching experience into a second term, thus strengthening the individual's skills as a dental hygiene educator. This experience will occur under the supervision and mentorship of dental hygiene faculty members.

HYGN 4550  Advanced Independent Study II  3 cr  

This course is a continuation of HYGN 4520 (Advanced Independent Study) and provides the opportunity for the student to pursue a more complex project which cannot be completed within the first course. Students will have selected their project topic in HYGN 4520 and will continue their exploration and write-up of this topic with the guidance of a dental hygiene faculty mentor.