Allied Dental Education

An introduction to the theories and principles of the delivery of dental hygiene care, including evaluation of the patient, professional and clinical services. Emphasis will be placed on current concepts in preventive dentistry.

An introduction to the field of dentistry and dental hygiene. Other topics include study strategies, basic dental terminology, introduction to evidence-based research writing, tooth designation systems, and basic office procedures.

An introduction to common systemic diseases with emphasis on dental hygiene treatment planning, as well as the prevention and management of medical and dental emergencies. Topics discussed relate to substance abuse, stress, occupational and environmental hazards, and special-needs patients. 

Lectures and demonstrations are coordinated with lab practice on mannequins to develop mastery of dental radiographic techniques to include digital radiography, processing, mounting, and evaluating films. Emphasis will be placed on client and operator protection, exposure and processing errors, asepsis protocol, radiographic techniques, and equipment function. Two clients will be scheduled near the end of the term when students exhibit acceptable and safe skills.

A study of the anatomy of the head, emphasizing the osteological landmarks and the structures of the oral cavity. Both the permanent and primary dentitions are studied, including embryonic development and eruption patterns. In addition, an introduction to the structure and function of the human body systems in health and disease will be presented.

When this course is delivered online, the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) requires the use of a proctoring service. Proctored tests require students to download and use an electronic proctoring application, use a webcam, and ensure a disruption-free environment.

An introductory study of drugs with specific consideration of those used in dentistry. Emphasis on drug origin, properties, dosages, and therapeutic effects. Studies in oral pathology will include signs and symptoms of the diseases common to the oral cavity to include neoplastic disease and the inflammatory response.

Provides the dental hygiene student with an introduction to periodontics. The periodontium is presented in health and in disease histologically and clinically. Etiology, prevention, diagnosis, and phase I therapy are discussed. Discussions are coordinated with experience in a clinical setting

A pre-clinical course for the development and application of information relating to preventive dental hygiene services. Includes topics on asepsis, infection control, gathering and evaluating patient medical and dental histories, legal and ethical considerations, body mechanics, intra and extra oral exams, and instrumentation. Use of adjunct dental hygiene aids is also taught. Skills will be practiced on student partners. A classroom seminar for learning activities and group discussion is included. All students enrolled in ADED 113C will be charged a $500 per semester clinical surcharge.

A continuation of Clinical Dental Hygiene I. Students will apply techniques learned directly on clinical patients. Emphasis is placed on the introduction of additional dental hygiene instruments, as well as dental health education techniques. A classroom seminar for learning activities and group discussion is included. All students enrolled in ADED 114C will be charged a $500 per semester clinical surcharge.

An introduction to the basic fundamentals of the science of nutrition for the dental hygienist. Essentials of adequate dietary intake and nutritional balances and imbalances including total body health and dental care are discussed. Topics include the role of nutrients in the development and maintenance of hard and soft oral tissues, nutritional needs throughout the life cycle, and nutritional issues that may impact oral health. Special emphasis is placed on the application of dietary analysis and nutritional counseling as a preventive dental service.

A detailed study of the anatomy of primary and permanent dentitions. Other topics include tooth morphology, tooth eruption sequence, basic dental terminology and occlusion. This course is coordinated with hands on laboratory exercises that allow students to practice tooth identification and application of the visible anatomical landmarks of the oral cavity. The included laboratory sessions are coordinated with lectures to provide practical applications of dental anatomy.

A detailed study of the embryonic development and anatomy of the hard and soft tissues of the face and oral cavity. Study of the anatomical structure of the head and neck with emphasis on the cranial nerves, muscles of mastication and facial expression, temporomandibular joint, vascular and lymphatic systems, tooth development, and histology of dental tissues and supporting structures.

Provides the foundational knowledge and skills needed for the appropriate use of diagnostic imaging in a dental practice, including digital radiography, radiation biology and protection, quality assurance procedures, radiation physics, radiographic interpretation, radiographic landmarks, and ethics. Emphasis is placed on patient and operator protection and equipment function. Lectures and laboratory demonstrations are coordinated with laboratory practice on a manikin to develop mastery of digital dental radiographic techniques. Patients will be scheduled near the end of the term when students exhibit acceptable radiographic skills and basic principles of radiographic interpretation.

Methods of preventive oral hygiene education, including patient motivation, will be discussed. Lectures in nutrition will stress the importance of good eating habits in maintaining optimal general and dental health. Emphasis will be given to the essential role of the dental assistant in counseling the patient in these disciplines. (

Study of the composition and properties of materials used in dentistry. Lab sessions emphasize practice in manipulation of various materials.

An introduction to the composition and properties of dental materials with emphasis on materials currently utilized in dental and dental hygiene treatments. Lab sessions are coordinated with lectures to provide practice in manipulation of materials with emphasis on impression taking and preparation of study casts.

Designed to teach the dental assisting student clinical techniques. Includes information on sterilization and disinfection techniques, charting, and the use of dental equipment and instruments. Students are introduced to four-handed chairside assisting as it pertains to all types of dental procedures including oral evacuation, instrument transfer, tray set-ups, and completing dental clinical records. Emphasis is placed on the dental health team concept.

Development of working knowledge of office procedures to include communication and telephone techniques, appointment scheduling, and document management including HIPAA regulations. Other topics include fundamentals of financial systems, dental insurance, inventory control, and job search preparation.  Technology in the business office and the use of specialized office management software is highlighted.

Clinic sessions are coordinated with lectures in preclinical theory. Demonstration and practice of procedures in simulated clinical situations include maintaining office asepsis, instrument sterilization, 4-handed chairside assisting, patient interaction and comfort, health history management, preliminary oral inspection, and taking alginate impressions. Recording patient information in Dentrix is introduced. A classroom seminar for learning activities and group discussion is included. All students enrolled in ADED 191C will be charged a clinical surcharge per semester.

Experience in a dental office performing chairside, assisting, laboratory procedures, office procedures, and exposing, processing, and mounting radiographs. A classroom seminar for group discussion is included. All students enrolled in ADED 191C will be charged a clinical surcharge per semester.   

A study of the etiology and pathogenesis of periodontal disease from a histological and clinical perspective. Emphasis is placed on the dental hygiene practitioner's role in clinical assessment and recognition of the pathological periodontal changes, and the response of the diseased tissues to therapy. Discussions are coordinated with experience in a laboratory and clinical setting.

Practical application of dental hygiene theories and techniques, with emphasis on individual patient’s oral health needs and the further development of oral prophylactic and radiographic techniques, including the preparation of diagnostic aids and patient education. Students will gain experience through work in their on-campus clinical assignments.

Practical application of dental hygiene theories and techniques with emphasis on individual patients’ oral health needs and the further development of oral prophylactic and radiographic techniques, including the preparation of diagnostic aids and patient education. Students will gain experience through work in their on-campus clinical assignments. All students enrolled in ADED 221C will be charged a $500 per semester clinical surcharge.

Involves students with the practical application of dental hygiene theories and clinical techniques, with emphasis on the oral health needs of community patient populations in alternative settings. Students gain exposure through extended campus community experiences.

A study of the ethical and legal issues involved in dental care delivery as well as office management procedures.

This course will orient the student to risk management of a medical condition/emergency and dental record documentation. Ethics and jurisprudence topics related to risk management are also included.

Expands the student’s clinical development and knowledge of current periodontal therapies. Advanced principles of periodontology for the dental hygienist covers concepts including the role of the dental hygienist in identifying appropriate surgical modalities for treatment of periodontal diseases and providing post-surgical specialized periodontal maintenance care. Discussions are coordinated with experience in a clinical setting.

Introduces the history and principles of community dental health and healthcare delivery systems. Topics include strategies and methods to prevent oral disease, educational and program planning, oral health promotion, the development of public policy, epidemiology, research methods, and implementation of community efforts to enlighten the public on oral health and wellness. Students to plan, implement, and evaluate a community dental hygiene service-learning project.

Addresses issues surrounding the access to care in alternative settings with dental hygiene practitioners, current trends in community dental health, cultural competency in healthcare delivery, dental healthcare financing and reimbursement systems, international healthcare, and preventive strategies to improve oral health. Students will evaluate scholarly healthcare literature and evidence-based research, research designs, the importance of the research process, and basic biostatistical measurements.

This course is designed to prepare student dental hygienists for the safe and effective administration of local anesthesia nerve blocks and infiltrations. The course includes classroom, lab, and clinical instruction. Course topics include the psychology of pain management, patient assessment and treatment planning, anesthesia techniques, complications, pharmacology of anesthetic agents, emergency precautions and management, ethical considerations, and a review of anatomy and physiology in relation to the administration of anesthetic agents. On successful completion of this course and graduation, participants will have completed the educational requirements for a local anesthesia permit for the state of N.H.

This course is designed to provide didactic and lab instruction in nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia in accordance with American Dental Association Guidelines. The dental hygiene student will acquire comprehensive knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively administer nitrous oxide and oxygen sedation with local anesthesia injections. On completion of this course and graduation from the Dental Hygiene program, students will have completed the educational requirements for nitrous oxide administration and monitoring for certification by the state of N.H. All students enrolled in this course will be charged a $200 pain management supplies fee.

Emphasizes the study of drug origins, properties, dosages, and therapeutic effects. Specific consideration is given to those drugs used in dentistry and anesthesiology.

Oral pathology includes the study of diseases affecting the oral cavity, manifestations of inflammation, degenerative changes, neoplastic disease, and anomalies. Oral pathology prepares the student to detect deviations from normal in the assessment of a client’s systemic and oral health status and to make appropriate decisions regarding referral and treatment when needed.

Introduces the dental advanced functions to dental assisting students. Includes instruction in basic instrumentation concepts, removal of coronal cement, application of pit and fissure sealants, suture removal, coronal polishing, expanded orthodontic functions, and the monitoring of nitrous oxide sedation. Preclinical skills will be introduced on mannequins and competency skills on patients. Advanced Dentrix computer applications will also be included. (Prerequisites: ADED 105C, ADED 110C, ADED 161C, ADED 175C, ADED 191C.)

Expanded opportunities in chairside assisting to encompass all dental specialties including orthodontics, surgery, endodontics, pedodontics, and prosthodontics.  A weekly seminar is held to evaluate the individual clinical experiences.  All students enrolled in ADED 298C will be charged a clinical surcharge per semester.