Associate in Science
Dental Hygiene
The Dental Hygiene program is a four-semester and one summer session program within a cohort that prepares individuals to work in general and specialty dental offices and public health agencies. Emphasis is placed on the correlations among prevention, education, and the clinical phases of dental hygiene practice as well as basic and social sciences. The curriculum is organized following the requirements of the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation for a Dental Hygiene program and with consultation from the Maui County Dental Association. The Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council of Postsecondary Accreditation and the United States Department of Education. Graduates are eligible to take the National Board of Dental Hygiene Exam, and National Clinical Examination and apply for licensure with the Hawai‘i Board of Dental Examiners.
The following minimum prerequisite courses (19 credits) are required of students entering the Dental Hygiene program: ENG 100(3); MATH 100, MATH 103, or MATH 115(3); MICR 130(3) and MICR 140(2); PHYL 141/PHYL 141L(3,1) and PHYL 142/PHYL 142L(3,1), all with grade C or better. General Education AS credits (see below) may be completed early to reduce course load and be more competitive in the selection process. Science lecture courses required for admission have a 10-year time limit, which must be completed within the last ten years before the application deadline. A “lab” course (e.g., PHYL 141L, PHYL 142L) does not have a time limit and may be repeated online in the UH system as a 3-credit lecture-only course.
Admission is every other odd fall year (e.g. Fall 2021, Fall 2023, Fall 2025): application deadline for the next Fall Cohort is 1 May of that year. Admission to UHMC does not guarantee admission to the Dental Hygiene program. Courses may be repeated twice to raise a grade, with the higher grade used for admission purposes. The application process includes an interview and writing exercise. In the event of a tie (students with the same points on Program Application), the student with the highest GPA is offered admission to the program based on our preadmission courses- pre-requisites and general education courses. All qualified Hawaii State residents will be considered before any qualified non-resident. Dental Hygiene majors are assessed a professional fee of $500 per semester. Visit the UH Maui College dental website at maui.hawaii.edu/dental
Contact the Program Coordinator, Leanne Higa, at 808-984-3313 or by email at higalea@hawaii.edu for information.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Facilitate the development of entry-level care providers who demonstrate an understanding of dental hygiene roles, including the legal, professional, and ethical responsibilities within the
community. - Demonstrate basic theoretical knowledge and skills in biological science, dental radiology, chair side dental hygiene, and business office procedures to support dental hygiene practice
and build the foundation for an associate degree in the dental hygiene program. - Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and advancing competency over a lifetime of practice.
Degrees and Certificates
-
Dental Hygiene (AS),
Course Descriptions
DH 150: Oral Histology & Embryology
Describes general and oral histology including an overview of oral embryology, a study of the fundamentals of cytology, and the normal microscopic anatomy of oral tissues. (Letter grade only.)
Prerequisites
Admission to Dental Hygiene program.
DH 153: Assessment Procedures in Dental Hygiene
Provides an orientation to dental hygiene practice. Focuses on the assessment techniques of the dental hygiene process of care model. Introduces infectious diseases important to dentistry, hazardous materials management, waste management, and rules of regulatory agencies (DCCA, OSHA, CDC and ADA). Teaches disinfection, instrument decontamination, sterilization procedures, tray set-up preparation and protocols, and emergency procedures for hazardous and biohazardous waste and materials. Focuses on dental hygiene assessment procedures including: review of health/dental history, vital signs, extra/intraoral examination, assessment of the dentition, and comprehensive periodontal examination. Discusses rationale for collection of assessment data and associated clinical procedures. (Letter grade only.)
Prerequisites
Admission to Dental Hygiene program.
DH 155: Dental Emergencies
Provides an overview of medical and dental emergencies including prevention of and preparedness for management of emergencies, client observation, and vital signs. Discusses basic principles of pharmacology related to emergencies including drug actions and interactions, toxicity and allergy, dental drugs in common use, and drugs used in the treatment of medical problems. Describes legal and ethical aspects of emergency procedures in dentistry.
(Letter grade only.)
Prerequisites
Admission to Dental Hygiene program.
DH 156: Pre-clinical Dental Hygiene
Introduces clinical procedures and techniques of dental hygiene including prevention of disease transmission, health/ dental history, extra/intraoral examination, gingival evaluation and description, comprehensive periodontal examination, suspicious caries examination, and classification of occlusion. Demonstrates operation of the dental unit, basic instrumentation techniques, and ergonomic practice. (Letter grade only.)
Prerequisites
Admission to Dental Hygiene program.
Corequisites
DH 156C
DH 156C: Pre-Clinical Dental Hygiene Clinic
Develops clinical procedures and techniques of dental hygiene including prevention of disease transmission, health/dental history, extra/intraoral examination, gingival evaluation and description, comprehensive periodontal examination, suspicious caries examination, and classification of occlusion. Demonstrates operation of the dental unit, basic instrumentation techniques, and ergonomic practice. (Letter grade only.)
Prerequisites
Admission to Dental Hygiene program.
Corequisites
DH 156
DH 158: Anatomical Sciences
Examines dental anatomy focusing on the development, morphology and functions of the teeth, head and neck including mastication. (Letter grade only.)
Prerequisites
Admission to Dental Hygiene program.
DH 252: Dental Materials
Examines the study of materials utilized in the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene. Reviews properties of dental materials and presents ADA requirements. (Letter grade only.)
Prerequisites
DH 158 with grade C or better.
Corequisites
DH 252L.
DH 252L: Dental Materials Lab
Develops laboratory experience providing students with techniques in preparation and utilization of dental materials. (Letter grade only.)
Prerequisites
DH 158 with grade C or better.
Corequisites
DH 252.
DH 254: Pathology in Dental Hygiene and Special Patient Populations
Introduces general pathology and specific pathologic processes, repair, healing, and regressive changes. Discusses social significance of pathology. Correlates pathology and diseases related to the dental hygiene client, including the indications and contraindications for care, modifications to treatment, and appointment planning for special patient/client populations. Uses client case studies. (Letter grade only.)
Prerequisites
Admission to Dental Hygiene program.
DH 255: Oral Pathology in Dental Hygiene
Examines pathology of the head, neck, and oral structures. Differentiates developmental conditions, caries, diseases of bacterial, viral, and fungal origin. Describes neoplasms of the oral cavity. (Letter grade only.)
Prerequisites
DH 254 with grade C or better, or consent.
DH 256: Applied Pharmacology in Dentistry
Examines drugs by groups with special emphasis on those used in dentistry including their physical and chemical properties, dosage, and therapeutic effects. Describes implications for client dental hygiene care using case studies. (Letter grade only.)
Prerequisites
PHRM 203 with grade C or better, or licensed dentist or dental hygienist.
DH 257: Periodontics 1 and Advanced Clinical Techniques
Focuses on fundamental principles of periodontology including normal periodontium, etiology, and classification of periodontal disease and relationship of dental deposits to periodontal diseases. Correlates basic sciences with the clinical aspects of periodontal diseases. Describes etiology and pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. Identifies development of periodontal pocket, abscess, and process of bone loss. Demonstrates advanced instrumentation techniques, ultrasonic devices, root planning, curettage, subgingival irrigation, and hypersensitivity. (Letter grade only.)
Prerequisites
DH 156 and DH 156C, both with grade C or better.
Corequisites
DH 257C
DH 257C: Periodontics 1 & Advanced Clinical Techniques Clinic
Develops clinical experience that focuses on fundamental principles of periodontology including normal periodontium, etiology and classification of periodontal disease, and relationship of dental deposits to periodontal diseases. Correlation of basic sciences with the clinical aspects of periodontal diseases. Describes etiology and pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. Identifies development of periodontal pocket, abscess, process of bone loss. Demonstrates advanced instrumentation techniques, ultrasonic devices, root planning, curettage, subgingival irrigation, and hypersensitivity. (Letter grade only.)
Prerequisites
DH 156 and DH 156C, both with grade C or better.
Corequisites
DH 257
DH 258: Periodontics 2 and Advanced Clinical Techniques
Focuses on diagnosis, treatment planning, and therapeutic procedures. Explains preventive and therapeutic measures within scope and responsibility of the dental hygienist. Utilizes advanced instrumentation in periodontal treatment. Compares types of periodontal surgery and therapies. Describes rationale and criteria for periodontal referral. (Letter grade only.)
Prerequisites
DH 257 and DH 257C, both with grade C or better.
Corequisites
DH 258C
DH 258C: Periodontics 2 and Advanced Clinical Techniques in Dental Hygiene Clinic
Develops clinical skills on diagnosis, treatment planning, and therapeutic procedures. Explains preventive and therapeutic measures within scope and responsibility of the dental hygienist. Utilizes advanced instrumentation in periodontal treatment. Compares types of periodontal surgery and therapies. Describes rationale and criteria for periodontal referral. (Letter grade only.)
Prerequisites
DH 257 and DH 257C, both with grade C or better.
Corequisites
DH 258
DH 260: Clinical Dental Hygiene 1
Focuses on assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating dental hygiene care on clinic clients. Develops clinical competency, skills, and performance with each successive academic semester. (Letter grade only.)
Prerequisites
DH 156 and DH 156C, both with grade C or better.
Corequisites
DH 260C
DH 260C: Clinical Dental Hygiene 1 Clinic
Develops clinical experience on assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating dental hygiene care on the clinic clients. Develops clinical competency, skills, and performance with each successive academic semester. (Letter grade only.)
Prerequisites
DH 156 and DH 156C, both with grade C or better.
Corequisites
DH 260
DH 261: Clinical Dental Hygiene 2
Focuses on assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating dental hygiene care on clinic clients. Develops clinical competency, skills, and performance with each successive academic semester. (Letter grade only.)
Prerequisites
DH 260 and DH 260C, both with grade C or better.
Corequisites
DH 261C
DH 261C: Clinical Dental Hygiene 2 Clinic
Develops clinical experience on assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating dental hygiene care on clinic clients. Develops clinical competency, skills, and performance with each successive academic semester. (Letter grade only.)
Prerequisites
DH 260 and DH 260C, both with grade C or better.
Corequisites
DH 261
DH 262: Clinical Dental Hygiene 3
Focuses on assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating dental hygiene care on clinic clients. Develops clinical competency, skill, and performance. (Letter grade only.)
Prerequisites
DH 261 and DH 261C, both with grade C or better
Corequisites
DH 262C
DH 262C: Clinical Dental Hygiene 3 Clinic
Develops clinical experience on assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating dental hygiene care on clinic clients. Develops clinical competency, skill, and performance. (Letter grade only.)
Prerequisites
DH 261 and DH 261C, both with grade C or better.
Corequisites
DH 262
DH 263: Clinical Dental Hygiene 4
Focuses on assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating dental hygiene care on clinic clients. Develops clinical competency and skills. (Letter grade only.)
Prerequisites
DH 262 and DH 262C, both with grade C or better.
Corequisites
DH 263C
DH 263C: Clinical DH 4
Develops clinical skills on assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating dental hygiene care on clinic clients. Develops clinical competency and skills. (Letter grade only.)
Prerequisites
DH 262 and DH 262C, both with grade C or better.
Corequisites
DH 263
DH 264: Community Dental Health
Examines community dental health problems, school dental health programs, and epidemiology of dental disease, as well as assessment, development, implementation, and evaluation of a community dental health program. (Letter grade only.)
Prerequisites
Admission to Dental Hygiene Program.
DH 265: Law and Ethics in Dental Hygiene
Describes ethics, jurisprudence, and practice aspects of dental hygiene practice. Discovers employment opportunities. Discusses resumes, interviewing, and office policies. (Letter grade only.)
Prerequisites
Admission to Dental Hygiene program.
DH 266: Local Anesthesia and Pain Control
Reviews pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, and emergency procedures associated with local anesthesia and nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia. Demonstrates preparation for and administration of conduction and infiltration anesthesia in dental procedures. (Letter grade only.)
Prerequisites
DH 155 and DH 256, both with grade C or better.
Corequisites
DH 266C
DH 266C: Local Anesthesia and Pain Control Clinic
Develops clinical experience with; pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, and emergency procedures associated with local anesthesia and nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia. Demonstrates preparation for and administration of conduction and infiltration anesthesia in dental procedures. Provides laboratory and clinical experience in administration of local anesthesia and nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia. (Letter grade only.)
Prerequisites
DH 155 and DH 256, both with grade C or better.
Corequisites
DH 266
DH 267: Dental Radiology and Interpretation
Reviews the production, characteristics, and biological effects of radiation, functions, components, and operation of the x-ray unit. Includes radiation protection and monitoring, chemistry, and techniques associated with x-ray film and developing solutions. Reviews anatomic landmarks, intraoral, short-cone radiographic techniques in bitewing, periapical, full mouth, and occlusal surveys. Introduces and expands experience of radiographic identification, interpretation of radiographic caries, periodontal disease, endodontics, edentulous, trauma, and dental anomalies utilizing dental x-ray films, panoramic, cephalometric, and other extraoral radiographs. Explains forensic and legal considerations of dental radiology. Reviews traditional methods of x-ray exposure including digital technique. Includes clinical lab experience of exposing and interpreting radiographs on clients. (Letter grade only.)
Prerequisites
Admission to Dental Hygiene Program.
Corequisite Courses
DH 267L: Dental Radiology & Interpretation Lab
Develops laboratory experience providing students with the following techniques in preparation and utilization of: the production, characteristics, and biological effects of radiation, functions, components, and operation of the x-ray unit. Includes radiation protection and monitoring, chemistry and techniques associated with x-ray film and developing solutions. Identifies anatomic landmarks, intraoral, short-cone radiographic techniques in bitewing, periapical, full mouth and occlusal surveys. Introduces and expands experience of radiographic identification, interpretation of radiographic caries, periodontal disease, endodontics, edentulous, trauma, and dental anomalies utilizing dental x-ray films, panoramic, cephalometric and other extraoral radiographs. Explains forensic and legal considerations of dental radiology. Demonstrates traditional methods of x-ray exposure including digital technique. Includes clinical lab experience of exposing and interpreting radiographs on clients. (Letter grade only.)
Prerequisites
Admission to Dental Hygiene Program.
Corequisite Courses