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Publications > Academic Bulletin > Dental Hygiene Program > Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree
Program in Dental Hygiene

Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree
Program in Dental Hygiene

Program Description
The Office of Allied Health Programs houses two academic programs of study: the Associate in Applied Science Degree Program in Dental Hygiene and the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Program.

Both programs prepare students for careers in dental hygiene. The office is responsible for dental hygiene continuing education and dental hygiene alumni events.

The mission of the New York University Dental Hygiene Program is to partner with students to achieve academic excellence, promote scholarly activity and research, participate in community service, and offer comprehensive client care utilizing critical thinking and evidenced-based decision making skills. The program’s goal is to prepare qualified dental hygienists who meet the competencies adopted by the Dental Hygiene Program, and to maintain a contemporary dental hygiene program that reflects relevant and current dental hygiene practice, and to provide an interdisciplinary integrated curriculum..

Accreditation Status

The dental hygiene program is fully accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation for Dental Hygiene Education Programs.

Didactic Program: Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree Program in Dental Hygiene

The program in Dental Hygiene (HEGIS code no. 5203.00) is the only university-based program, within a dental college in the state of New York State. The program consists of a flexible 78-credit curriculum of clinical and dental sciences and liberal arts courses leading to the Associate in Applied Science degree. Study options include a two or three year day format and an evening format. Upon completion of the given courses, the student is qualified to take the clinical board examinations and the Dental Hygiene National Boards, which are requirements for state licensure.

Dental Hygiene students are educated for a challenging career in a continuously growing profession dedicated to the prevention and detection of most diseases of the mouth and related to the body. Most graduates of the Associate in Applied Science Degree Program seek and develop their careers in dental offices, clinics, hospitals and the growing field of research.

Assistant Dean for Allied Health Programs, Director
Cheryl M. Westphal, RDH, MS

Assistant Director of Dental Hygiene
Lisa Stefanou, RDH, MPH

Coordinator of Baccalaureate Programs
Su-yan Barrow, RDH, MPH

Director of Dental Hygiene Clinics
LoriLei Kirby, RDH, BS

Courses—A.A.S. Program
Board Review I & II
This course measures the ability of students to understand information from biomedical, dental and dental hygiene sciences and also assesses the students’ ability to apply this information in a problem solving context.Prerequisites: ( Principles of Dental Hygiene II Lecture and Clinic)

Chemistry for Allied Health
This course is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts and terminology of general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry and to provide the foundation for further study of nutrition, physiology, and dental materials.

Dental Materials
A study of the compositions and properties of materials used in the contemporary practice of dentistry. Background knowledge and practical experience are provided. Laboratory sessions are integrated with lectures of introductory techniques of manipulation of these materials to be used in a clinical setting.(Prerequisites: Chemistry for Allied Health and Principles of Dental Hygiene I Lecture and Clinic)

Ethics
This course is designed to provide the student with a legal and ethical framework. Students explore the responsibilities involved in hygienist/patient and employee/employer relationships. The legal ramifications of a variety of practice settings are investigated. Through case studies, ethical and professional development is encouraged.(Prerequisites: Principles of Dental Hygiene III Lecture and Clinic)

General and Oral Pathology
Study of fundamental disease processes and specific diseases of the oral region; survey of systemic diseases by organ systems; oral abnormalities, including aspects of treatment, are discussed in conjunction with general topics of cell injury, inflammation, neoplasia, and genetic diseases. Emphasis is placed on the effects of systemic diseases on the dental patient.(Prerequisites: Anatomy & Physiology I and II Oral Embryology and Histology and Principles of Dental Hygiene II Lecture and Clinic)

Human Anatomy and Physiology I
This course focuses on anatomy of the human body with emphasis on the head, neck, and oral cavity. Other topics include histology, anatomy and physiology of bones, muscles, blood, and nervous systems.

Human Anatomy and Physiology II
This courses focuses on the study of the structure and functions of the human body, integrated with other dental sciences and dental applications.(Prerequisites: Human Anatomy & Physiology I)

Human Microbiology I
This course focuses on the study of the principles of microbiology including the transmission, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of systemic and oral diseases.

Human Microbiology II
This is a continuation of Microbiology I with a focus on the prevention of systemic and oral diseases.(Prerequisite: Human Microbiology I)

Intensive Writing
Intended for students whose Writing Placement Essays indicate that they require more preparation for Writing Workshop I. Students learn to generate ideas; shape and support a thesis; and gain further control over sentence structure, word choice, and grammar. Students also read and analyze various texts to help them, and familiarize themselves with standard English practices. (This course may be taken twice if necessary.)

Introduction to Psychology
This course is an introduction to the fundamental principles of psychology, with emphasis on psychology’s major areas of study: personality development, learning, social psychology, physiology, and motivation. Current schools of thought are examined in an historical context. Psychoanalytic, behavioral, humanistic, and cognitive approaches to psychology are reviewed.

Introduction to Sociology
This course is a study of society, groups, and cultures and an introduction to sociological theory as a means for interpreting and understanding human behavior and the human condition. Topics of discussion include the process of social and cultural change, social structure and stratification, roles and gender, the family, and social control.

Nutrition and Health
Fundamental principals of biochemistry and other basic science courses are coordinated with the study of nutrients and their relationship to health. This course offers a theoretical and practical study of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, vitamins, and water and how they affect the status of an individual’s oral health.(Prerequisites: Chemistry for Allied Health, Principles of Dental Hygiene II Lecture)

Oral Anatomy
Through lecture, laboratory and independent study, the student is provided the opportunity to learn the development, structure, morphology, eruption, and functions of the primary and permanent dentitions.

Oral Communications
A study of the dynamics of the communications process and a workshop in developing effective communications skills. Emphasis is on a wide range of behaviors and situations, from one-to-one interactions to formal presentations.(Prerequisite: Writing Workshop I)

Oral Embryology and Histology
This course covers both general and oral histology. Introductory lectures in general histology and embryology, followed by a study of the fundamentals of histology and embryology of the head, neck, and oral cavity.(Prerequisites: Human Anatomy and Physiology I)

Oral Health Education
Principles, practices, methods, and audiovisual materials are used in teaching dental health education to the public in schools and or in community public health institutions. Practical applications are provided by assuming responsibilities for designing, implementing, and assessing community dental health programs.(Prerequisite: Principles of Dental Hygiene III Lecture, Preventive Dentistry & Public Health)

Pain Management
This course is designed to teach the student management of pain control through the use of local anesthetic agents and the administration of nitrous oxide and oxygen when used as a sedative. The physiology and pharmacology agents, indications and contraindications for use, and the treatment of complications and emergencies are stressed. Other modalities of pain control will be discussed.(Prerequisites: Anatomy & Physiology II, Pharmacology and Principles of Dental Hygiene III Lecture and Clinic)

Periodontics
A theoretical and practical study of the various concepts and methods used in describing, preventing, and controlling periodontal disease. Diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of the diseases are presented.(Corequisites: Principles of Dental Hygiene II Lecture and Clinic)

Pharmacology
Lectures consider both theoretical and practical aspects of drug use. Initial discussions center on those principles that control the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of drugs. In subsequent lectures, the pharmacology of individual drug groups is presented. Their cellular actions, therapeutic uses, and adverse effects are discussed. Emphasis is placed on those drugs of greatest medical use.(Prerequisites: Chemistry for Allied Health, Principles of Dental Hygiene II Lecture)

Preventive Dentistry and Public Health
An introduction to current principles and issues in public health and their relationship to the delivery of dental care to the public. Students learn basic concepts of health care organization, epidemiology, statistics, program planning, and prevention of dental diseases. Future roles for dental care providers in a changing health care system are investigated. The role of preventive dentistry in clinical practice is discussed.(Prerequisites: Principles of Dental Hygiene II Lecture and Clinic)

Principles of Dental Hygiene I
Through lecture and laboratory experiences, the student becomes knowledgeable and develops proficiency in providing comprehensive dental hygiene treatment, patient education, and management. Subjects covered are oral inspection, charting, recording medical and dental histories, sterilization, hard and soft deposits, stains, fluoride mechanisms, instrument sharpening, dental and medical emergencies, and oral physiotherapy.(All students are required to be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and register for our course in CPR.)

Principles of Dental Hygiene I Clinic
The clinic correlates knowledge from the didactic portion of the course to conduction of oral health services on clinic partners. All clinic skills are practiced to proficiency. Students will be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Principles of Dental Hygiene II
This course is a continuation of Principles of Dental Hygiene I. The lectures include slide presentations and discussions on various oral manifestations seen in the oral cavity. Some systemic disease processes that have intraoral signs and symptoms are also covered.(Prerequisites: Principles of Dental Hygiene I Lecture and Clinic)

Principles of Dental Hygiene II Clinic
This clinic develops professional knowledge and the refinement of techniques required in providing comprehensive dental hygiene treatment of patients. Rotating assignments in dental school clinics provide an opportunity to learn about the responsibilities of various members of the dental health team.(Prerequisites: Principles of Dental Hygiene I Lecture and Clinic)

Principles of Dental Hygiene III
Through lecture, discussions, reading assignments, and research projects, the students continue to develop professional judgment and skills in providing optimal comprehensive dental hygiene patient treatment.(Prerequisites: Principles of Dental Hygiene II Lecture and Clinic)

Principles of Dental Hygiene III Clinic
Students continue to develop professional judgment and clinical skills by providing comprehensive dental hygiene treatment including expanded functions to clinic patients and on extramural rotation assignments.(Prerequisites: Principles of Dental Hygiene II Lecture and Clinic)

Principles of Dental Hygiene IV
Through lectures, discussions, readings, and writing assignments, the student develops knowledge of ethical and legal issues, professional organizations, résumé writing, job interview techniques, dental office procedures, and management.(Prerequisites: Principles of Dental Hygiene III Lecture)

Principles of Dental Hygiene IV Clinic
The students continue to develop their cognitive and psychomotor skills in providing preventive dental hygiene services, expanded functions, and nutritional counseling to clinic patients as well as to patients treated through extramural rotation assignments.(Prerequisites: Principles of Dental Hygiene III Lecture and Clinic)

Radiology Lecture and Laboratory
Through the use of lectures, slides, and laboratory experiences, this course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of radiation biology, radiation protection, radiographic image receptors, the developing process, and the fundamentals of dental radiography including the projection and production of X rays. Normal radiographic anatomy, as well as caries detection and the radiographic evaluation of periodontal disease, are discussed. Students learn radiographic techniques on manikins and then proceed to take radiographs for the clinic patients.(Corequisite: Principles of Dental Hygiene I Lecture and Clinic)

Principles of Dental Hygiene IV
Through lectures, discussions, readings, and writing assignments, the student develops knowledge of ethical and legal issues, professional organizations, résumé writing, job interview techniques, dental office procedures, and management.(Prerequisites: Principles of Dental Hygiene III Lecture)

Writing Workshop I
This course focuses on the individual student’s writing and reading skills. Writing is presented as an ongoing evolutionary process. The class emphasizes strategies for generating and clarifying ideas; refining analytical thinking; using evidence effectively; controlling detail and generalization; and developing a sense of audience. Students also become familiar with the skills needed for library research.(Prerequisites: English Placement Test, and, where required, Intensive Writing course at NYU)

Writing Workshop II
This second-level course emphasizes the development of a personal voice, control of style, and independent analytical thinking, while continuing to build confidence and fluency. Analytical thinking is stressed and the use of evidence in the context of research and other academic writing. Students expand their information retrieval and research skills.(Prerequisite: Writing Workshop I)

NOTE: All prerequisite courses must be successfully completed before higher level courses may be taken, unless special permission is given by the Director of the Dental Hygiene Program.