Dental Hygiene Program at Allegany College of Maryland:
Curriculum In Depth

Summer Session
(Please Note: With competetive admissions this course MUST be completed prior to being eligible for consideration for admission each April.)

100 Elements of Chemistry

Offered first and second semester and summer session. Three hours lecture and discussion plus three hours laboratory a week. Fee: $42.00, plus deposit for glassware. A study of the fundamental principles of chemistry, including the structure of matter, the nature of solutions, acids, bases, and salts, pH, and buffer action. The compounds and reactions studied are chosen mainly from the fields of organic chemistry and biochemistry and relate to the nature of life processes.

Click here to go back curriculum.


Fall First Semester

101 Freshman English I

Offered first and second semesters and summer session. Three hours lecture and discussion per week. The students are introduced to different modes of exposition, for example, description and narration. The brief essay is emphasized. Students are also instructed in the use of the library and basic research tools. A final essay and objective examinations are required. Credit may be conferred by way of the CLEP general examination in English composition (with essay). Students seeking to earn credit by examination should consult their advisors. Prerequisite: English 90-96 or demonstrated proficiency in the mechanics of English

201 Human Anatomy and Physiology

Offered first and second semesters. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week. Fee: $32.00 This course is designed to provide an understanding of the working of the human body in terms of the structure and function of representative systems. The laboratory work involves a complete study and dissection of a cat as a typical mammal, with comparison to the human. Required of all Dental Hygiene, Medical Laboratory Technology, Radiologic Technology, and Respiratory Therapist students. Honor credit by contract may be available in some section of this course. Qualified students should consult the instructor. Prerequisite: Biological Science 100, or 101, or 102, or consent of the instructor.

DH101 Introduction to Dental Health

Offered first semester. Two hours lecture and demonstration each week. An introduction to professional health services, with study of the history and development of the dental health professions. The organization of the dental professional associations is outlined. The course presents an orientation to the various specialties of dentistry including Pedodontics, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, Periodontics, Oral Pathology, Oral Surgery, Endodontics, Dental Public Health, and Operative Dentistry. Problems in first aid are discussed, and such dental office emergencies as obstructed airway, syncope, hemorrhage, stroke, and shock are demonstrated. Prerequisite: Consent of the Instructor.

DH103 Oral Anatomy

Offered first semester. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week. Fee: $78.00 A detailed study of the human skull, with emphasis on the anatomy of the mouth and surrounding structures, including bones, muscles, circulation and enervation. Tooth morphology is also included. Laboratory time will be spent in studying the human skull; identifying, drawing, and carving teeth, and studying the importance of tooth anatomy in relation to function and health. Coprerequisite: Biologic Science 201

DH107 Dental Hygiene Techniques

Offered first semester. Two hours lecture and six laboratory per week. Fee: $100.00. An introduction to the practice of dental hygiene, with emphasis on the fundamental principles. Lectures and laboratory instruction will be devoted primarily to the use of instruments, the initial development of manual dexterity, and an introduction to clinical experience, as well as charting and record keeping. Practical experience in the use of instruments for scaling and polishing. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

Click here to go back curriculum.


Spring Second Semester

Mathematics 105 or 222

105 Elements of Mathematics

Offered first and second semesters. Three hours lecture and discussion per week. Designed to acquaint the student with the nature of mathematics. The course includes applications and problem solving through the development of critical thinking and reasoning skills, set theory, elements of logic, numeration systems, properties of mathematical systems, number theory, complex numbers, scientific notation, functions and relations, counting methods, and introduction to probability and statistics. Prerequisite: High school algebra II or appropriate placement test score.

221 Elements of Statistics (recommended for hygienists planning to obtain a B.S. degree in Dental Hygiene)

Offered first and second semester. Offered as demand warrants in the summer session. Three hours lecture and discussion per week. Fee: $10.00 Organization and analysis of data, frequency distribution, average, measures of variability, probability, normal distribution, sampling, estimation, hypothesis, quality testing control, significance levels, t test, z test, X;s2 test, regression, and correlation index numbers. This course includes the use of computers to analyze statistical data. Prior experience with computers is not necessary. Prerequisite: Mathematics 101 or equivalent

204 Microbiology

Offered first and second semesters and summer session. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory each week. Fee: $32.00 The nature and importance of microorganisms, including bacteria, yeasts, molds, viruses, and pathogenic protozoa, are considered in detail. Study of their morphological, physiological, cultural characteristics, and staining methods, leading to their identification. Special attention is given to pathogenic forms and basic aspects of microbiology in relation to man and his environment. Due to the nature of this subject, additional laboratory time is required to complete the laboratory exercises. This normally will occur one or two days each week after the laboratory. Prerequisite: Biological Science 100, or 101, or 102, or consent of the instructor.

DH102 Histology and Embryology

Offered second semester. Two hours lecture and demonstration each week. The microscopic study of the structural and functional units of living tissue with emphasis on the histologic structures and embryological development of the teeth and the surrounding tissues. Prerequisite: Chemistry 100; Coprerequisite: Biological Science 201

DH104 Dental Materials

Offered second semester. One hour lecture and three hours laboratory each week. Fee: $62.00. A study of the scientific basis for the use of various dental materials-the chemical composition, physical and mechanical properties, effects of vaiables, and the proper handling of the various materials. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor

DH108 Clinical Dental Hygiene I

Offered second semester. Two hours lecture and six hours laboratory a week. Fee: $100.00. Lectures and demonstrations related to the clinical practice of dental hygiene. Clinic time is devoted to practical experience in rendering complete oral prophylaxis and other related services. Emphasis is placed on improving the skills and techniques of dental hygiene practice. Application of dental hygiene principles through patient education. Prerequisite: Dental Hygiene 107

DH109 Radiology

Offered second semester. Two hours lecture and three hours laboratory each week. Fee: $74.00 An introduction to the basic principles and procedures in radiographic techniques. Emphasis is placed on awareness of radiation hazards and on safety precautions. Practical experience in placing, exposing, developing, and interpreting dental X-ray films. Short and long cone techniques are taught. Practical experience includes intra-oral and extra-oral exposures, as well as panographic techniques. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

213 Nutrition

Offered second semester. Two hours lecture and discussion each week. This course presents an overview of the major nutrient classifications, functions, and deficiencies. Emphasis on the well-balanced diet for the maintenance of total body and oral health.  Herbs will be discussed as well as dietary inflammatory antagonists and agonists.

Click here to go back curriculum.


Interim Summer Session

DH199 Clinical Dental Hygiene IA

Offered in special summer session. Fee: $62.00. Forty eight hours of clinical experiences devoted to improving skills and techniques in rendering dental hygiene services. Prerequisite: Dental Hygiene 108

Click here to go back curriculum.


Third Fall Semester

101 Speech Communication I

Offered first and second semesters and summer session. Three Semester hours. A survey course incorporating intrapersonal, interpersonal, and public speaking. A student will acquire theory and develop skills in interviewing, small group informative/persuasive speaking.

DH201 Clinical Dental Hygiene II

Offered first semester. One hour lecture and twelve hours clinic each week. Fee: $100.00 Continued clinical practice of dental hygiene services. Hospital clinical experience, including one week at Martinsburg Veterans Administration Center. Prerequisites: Dental Hygiene 107 and 199.

DH203 Oral Pathology

Offered first semester. Three hours lecture and demonstration each week. A study of disease and the disease processes in man, with emphasis on the relationship of general diseases of the body to diseases of the teeth and supporting tissues. Particular attention to oral diseases and the importance of recognition of abnormal conditions in the mouth by the dental hygienist. Prerequisites: English 101, Mathematics 105, and Biological Science 201, 204, and 215.

DH207 Community Dental Health Education I

Offered first semester. One hour lecture and three hours laboratory each week. Fee: $62.00. Methods and materials used in teaching dental health education to different population groups are introduced. Schools, nursing homes, and other institutions provide field experience for the student. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor

DH209 Periodontics

Offered first semester. Two hours lecture and demonstration each week. The etiology and classification of periodontal disease. A correlation of the basic sciences with the clinical aspects of periodontal disease.. A study of the preventive and treatment measures within the scope and responsibility of the dental hygienist. Prerequisites: English 101, Mathematics 105, and Biological Science 201, 204, and 215

DH211 Pharmacology

Offered first semester. Two hours lecture and demonstration each week. A study of drugs as they affect the clinical practice of dental hygiene. Prerequisites: English 101, Mathematics 105, and Biological Science 201, 204, and 215

Click here to go back curriculum.


Fourth Spring Semester

101 General Psychology

Offered first and second semesters and summer session. Three hours and discussion each week. A foundation course in psychology. Review of the nature and purpose of psychology, the dynamics of adjustment, sensory development, psychometry, and the application of psychology knowledge to practical problems.

101 Introduction to Sociology

Offered first and second semesters and summer session. Three hours lecture and discussion each week. A basic course in sociology. Overview of principles of sociology using empirical knowledge and the application of the scientific method. Review of basic principles of social interaction, social roles, organization, processes, stratification, social change, group dynamics, and valuation.

DH202 Clinical Dental Hygiene III

Offered second semester. One hour lecture and twelve hours clinic each week. Fee: $100.00 Continued clinical practice in improving skills and techniques. Group discussions of problems related to clinical practice of dental hygiene. Demonstrations and practical experience on special cases. Off-campus trips to hospitals, schools, and other health centers. Prerequisite: Dental Hygiene 201.

DH204 Dental Office Management, Ethics, and Jurisprudence

Offered second semester. One hour lecture each week. This course is divided into two parts. The first part covers professional ethics, Maryland dental jurisprudence and legislation. The second part covers the business management aspects of the dental practice: resume writing, office procedural manual, recall and inventory systems, job interviewing, and job description. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

DH208 Community Dental Health Education II

Offered second semester. One hour lecture and three hours laboratory and demonstration each week. Fee: $62.00. The history and philosophy of public health practice and administration are reviewed. Evaluation and analysis of Health Care Delivery System with emphasis on preventive dentistry is examined. A "community needs" project is a requirement of the course. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

DH210 Private Practice Preparation

Offered second semester. Three hours laboratory and discussion each week. Fee: $66.00 A study of preventive dental health measures and techniques affecting the delivery of modern dental health care. An introduction is provided to dental office based computer management systems. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

Click here to go back curriculum.

Click here to go back to dental hygiene home page.