Course Outline for Dental Hygiene 58
Dental Office Practice

Effective: Fall 2024
SLO Rev:
Catalog Description:

DHYG 58 - Dental Office Practice

1.00 Units

Dental office practices based on sound dental economics, legal and ethical framework of the State Dental Practice Act, and patient needs and services.
Corequisite: DHYG 81B.
1240.20 - Dental Hygienist*
Letter Grade Only
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 1.00 18.00 36.00 54.00
Total 1.00 18.00 36.00 54.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. identify the principles of ethical reasoning;
  2. define the theories of moral development and evaluate their role in cognitive development;
  3. discuss character and how character development can influence the health care provider;
  4. define the moral philosophies that influence an individual’s thoughts and actions;
  5. identify the limits of practice of the dental hygienist as stated in the California Dental Practice Act;
  6. identify malpractice and illegal practice of the dentist, the dental hygienist, the dental assistant, and the registered dental assistant as stated in the California Dental Practice Act;
  7. explain the role of principles in the decision making process of the dental hygienist;
  8. identify unethical practice of the dental hygienist as stated in the Code of Ethics of the American Dental Hygienist's Association;
  9. write a resume, given an outline, educational and work experience, licenses/degrees, professional/community involvement;
  10. identify issues that may arise in the dentist-dental hygienist job interview and prepare solutions;
  11. define the responsibilities of the Registered Dental Hygienist as a mandated reporter of suspected cases of abuse/neglect;
  12. recognize the warning signs for suspected cases of abuse/neglect;
  13. list the requirements for reporting suspected cases of abuse/neglect.
Course Content:
  1. Principles of ethical reasoning
  2. Ethical theory and philosophy
  3. Ethical principles and values
  4. Professionalism in the dental setting
  5. The California Dental Practice Act
  6. Causes and prevention of malpractice
  7. Ethics in dental practice
  8. Resume writing
  9. The employment interview/contract
  10. Requirements of the mandated reporter
Methods of Instruction:
  1. Guest speaker
  2. Lecture/Discussion
  3. Group Activities
  4. Problem Solving
  5. Lectures
  6. Written assignments
  7. Class and group discussions
  8. Textbook reading assignments
  9. Role-playing
  10. with audio-visual aids
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. Develop a resume and cover letter
  2. Contemplate and develop solutions related to ethical dilemmas occurring within the dental office
  3. Case Study written/discussion assignment solving an ethical dilemma
  1. Attendance
  2. Final Examination
  3. Dental Practice Act Assignment/Quiz
  4. Class Participation
  5. Critical thinking exercises
  6. Midterm Examination
  7. Resume and Cover Letter
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Discuss and integrate ethical principles and moral philosophies related to the provision of dental hygiene care.
  2. Identify and discuss: scope of practice, malpractice and illegal practice of the dentist, dental hygienist, and dental assistant as stated in the California Dental Practice Act, and as identified by the Dental Hygiene Committee of California.
  3. Write a professional resume.
  4. Discuss and explain the legal provisions and framework created in AB1174 related to the placement of an Interim Therapeutic Restoration (ITR), and scope of practice as outlined in the Dental Practice Act.
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Beemsterboer, Phyllis, L. (2017). Ethics and Law in Dental Hygiene (3rd ed). Elsevier.
  2. Denise M. Bowen & Jennifer A. Pieren (2020). Darby and Walsh Dental Hygiene; Theory and Practice (fifth). Elsevier.
  1. The standard text for the dental hygiene instrumentation..
  2. The California Dental Practice Act.
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
Dental office practices based on sound dental economics, legal and ethical framework of the State Dental Practice Act, and patient needs and services.
Corequisite: DHYG 81B.
Discipline:
Dental Technology