This 8-week course is a continuation of seminar and clinical applications of basic and dental sciences necessary in clinical dental hygiene practice. Emphasis is placed upon dental hygiene procedures and upon developing interpersonal communication and management skills for special patient groups.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of two semesters of the dental hygiene program.

The lecture portion of this class will be held online using a synchronous interactive online format (eNOVA). The lab portion will be in a traditional face-to-face format. All students are required to log in each lecture time period. The quizzes for the lecture portion are going to be found on the corresponding Blackboard site. These will be timed and are to be taken after the lecture. You need to take the quizzes before the next scheduled lecture. The exams will be given on campus at the testing centers. Students will take their exams at Locust Grove campus (Germanna Community College) or at the MEC (Northern Virginia Community College).

Upon completion of the course and as a result of class participation, clinical procedures and reading assignments you will be able to accomplish the following objectives with at least 75% accuracy.

1. Demonstrate proper care, maintenance and use of the dental unit, handpiece, prophylaxis angle, and equipment used in the dental clinic.

2. Utilize consistently appropriate radiographs during dental hygiene procedures. Explain the advantage and limitations for utilizing radiographs during dental hygiene procedures.

3. Perform periodontal debridement on at least one patient in clinic.

4. Assemble ultrasonic unit demonstrating correct water adjustment.

5. Complete scaling, coronal polishing, and fluoride application on patients in clinic as indicated in criteria for evaluation of end product.

6. Complete all skill evaluations as indicated on summary grade sheet.

7. Describe the adaptation of instruments, equipment and procedures for dental hygiene care for disabled or hospitalized patients and provide oral hygiene instruction taking into consideration the capabilities and limitations of these patients.

8. Expose, process and evaluate 2 FMX series including landmarks and pathology.

9. Expose, process and evaluate one set of bitewing radiographs and one panorex on clinical patients.

10. Complete a minimum of 10 quality points in clinic including 1 pedo (with mixed dentition) and 1 teenager .

11. Recognize the following conditions/diseases and relate how they affect dental hygiene care: Patients with Disabilities, Homebound, Bedridden, or Helpless patients, Mental Retardation, Sensory Disability, Physical Impairment, Seizure Disorders, Alcohol and other Addictions.

12. Describe various methods for pain management and anxiety control during the delivery of dental treatment.

13. Participate in the development and presentation of one Table Clinic.

14. Participate in the development and presentation of one group project covering one patient population discussed in lectures.

The required textbooks for this course are:

• Wilkins, Esther M. (2009) Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist, Tenth Edition, Philadelphia : Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
• Wyche, Charlotte, Wilkins, Esther M. (2009) Student Workbook for Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist, Tenth Edition, Philadelphia : Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins

You may order your books and materials from the NVCC bookstores.

See http://eli.nvcc.edu/books for complete directions. Your books may be available at the MEC bookstore. Call first to check.

Your course grade will be determined by the assignments and exams, according to the following points:

There are 3 exams in this course. You are expected to take your examinations at the one of the NVCC campus Testing Centers or at the Locust Grove campus of GCC. Be sure to allow enough time to complete your exam before the Testing Center closes; Testing Centers have specific policies relating to the administration of ELI exams. You will need to take a photo ID, your NovaConnect empl ID number, and the appropriate Exam Pass when you go to the Testing Center.  

For Testing Center locations, hours of operation and policies, click here.

For information on taking exams outside of the metropolitan area, click here.

I am here to help you succeed in this course. Occasionally questions or problems may arise. Here is how to contact me when they do:

E-mail : dsoutherly@nvcc.edu
Telephone : (703) 822-6573
You may also call me to schedule a meeting in person at my campus office at the Medical Education Campus. 

1. Use your web browser to connect to http://www.nvcc.edu/bbstart. Follow the directions to determine your email, Blackboard and VIVA account user names and passwords.
2. Access your email account and make sure you know how to use it; you will be required to use this account for all course-related email.
3. Log on to Blackboard at http://learn.vccs.edu.
4. Click on this course under "My Courses." Review the entire course to make sure you understand what will be required of you. Then start completing the assignments.

Please note that account generation takes approximately one week from the time of your paid registration. If you cannot log on after one week, contact the IT Help Desk. If you can log on to Blackboard, but your course isn't listed, please contact ELI or your instructor.