Dental Therapy (DNTH)
Semester-based courses.
DNTH 500S. INTRODUCTION TO DENTAL THERAPY. 1 Credit.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program.
Introduces the profession of dental therapy, the role within dentistry, and duties of the dental therapist. An introduction to professionalism and clinical care is included.
DNTH 501S. DENTAL THERAPY LAB I. 2 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program.
A comprehensive laboratory course that provides an opportunity to acquire the laboratory knowledge and skills associated with dental materials and restorative functions. This is the first of several courses that provide the student with basic information required to facilitate the selection, manipulation, and placement of dental materials.
DNTH 502S. HISTOLOGY AND EMBRYOLOGY FOR THE DENTAL THERAPIST. 2 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program.
A detailed study of oral histology and embryology. Development of the face and oral cavity; microscopic anatomy of the oral cavity.
DNTH 503S. DENTAL ANATOMY. 2 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program.
A study of tooth anatomy, terminology, morphology, and eruption. The following topics are covered: Eruption, physiologic tooth form, collective tooth morphology, dental anatomy nomenclature and morphology, root anatomy, wax carvings, and specific anatomical features of selected permanent and primary teeth.
DNTH 510S. RADIOLOGY FOR THE DENTAL THERAPIST. 2 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program. Corequisite: DNTH 510SL.
Introduction and review of clinical and physical principles of x-ray production, hazards and safety procedures, with an orientation to oral anatomy. Individuals will recognize components of and complete acceptable full mouth surveys, panoramic, occlusal, periapical, and bitewing radiographs on dentition of all ages. Companion course to DNTH 510SL.
DNTH 510SL. RADIOLOGY FOR THE DENTAL THERAPIST LAB. 1 Credit.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program. Corequisite: DNTH 510S.
Companion lab to DNTH 510S.
DNTH 520S. HEAD AND NECK ANATOMY. 2 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program.
This course draws on prior knowledge from Human Anatomy and Physiology prerequisite courses. Structures directly affected by dental therapy practice are emphasized. Topics include terminology, anatomic landmarks, as well as skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, lymphatic, and nervous systems. Covers the clinical significance of head and neck anatomy structures as they pertain to oral health and dental therapy practice.
DNTH 521S. PERIODONTOLOGY I. 2 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program.
A detailed study of the various periodontal diseases, with emphasis on histological and clinical recognition as well as treatment of the diseases.
DNTH 522S. PAIN MANAGEMENT. 2 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program. Corequisite: DNTH 522SL.
Designed to give the student clinician an understanding of the history, theory, and use of nitrous oxide sedation and local anesthetic agents. Companion course to DNTH 522SL.
DNTH 522SL. PAIN MANAGEMENT LAB. 1 Credit.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program. Corequisite: DNTH 522S.
Companion lab to DNTH 522S.
DNTH 530S. PRE-CLINIC FOR THE DENTAL THERAPIST. 3 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program. Corequisite: DNTH 530SL.
Introduces the basic principles for clinical dental therapy treatment using the dental therapy process of care. The focus is on dental hygiene skills and principles. Companion course to DNTH 530SL.
DNTH 530SL. PRE-CLINIC FOR THE DENTAL THERAPIST LAB. 2 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program. Corequisite: DNTH 530S.
Companion lab to DNTH 530S.
DNTH 531S. CLINIC I. 2 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program. Corequisite: DNTH 531SC.
The first course in supervised experience in clinical procedures builds upon pre-clinical learning with emphasis on refining basic skills, acquiring new skills, and using the dental hygiene process of care to provide supervised patient care. Companion course to DNTH 531SC.
DNTH 531SC. CLINIC I CLINIC. 3 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program. Corequisite: DNTH 531S.
Companion clinic to DNTH 531S.
DNTH 540S. PHARMACOLOGY FOR THE DENTAL THERAPIST. 3 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program.
Provides a foundation in the general principles of pharmacology, including drug action and uses, physiological and therapeutic effects, classifications, and interactions. Emphasis is given to drugs commonly encountered and used in dentistry. Provides information on how to write prescriptions for preventive products and antibiotics.
DNTH 541S. MANAGEMENT OF THE MEDICALLY COMPROMISED. 2 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program.
Covers medical diseases and conditions with emphasis on providing comprehensive client care and management of the medically compromised patients who elect to or require dental care for optimal health and function. Utilizes a body systems approach, whereby weekly topics are practically aligned with weekly topics in DNTH 540S.
DNTH 555S. MEDICAL AND DENTAL EMERGENCIES. 2 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program.
Reviews in-depth knowledge of medical and dental emergencies commonly seen in the dental clinic setting. An analysis of medical and dental treatment for emergencies and prevention techniques are discussed.
DNTH 560S. DISEASE PREVENTION FOR THE DENTAL THERAPIST. 2 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program.
Designed to introduce first-year dental therapy students to current theories, knowledge, and practices of preventive dentistry. Addresses concepts related to oral health education and disease prevention. Students gain skills necessary to make evidence-based decisions regarding techniques and products utilized to prevent caries and periodontal diseases.
DNTH 580S. PRINCIPLES OF OPERATIVE DENTISTRY. 2 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program. Corequisite: DNTH 580SL.
A comprehensive course that provides an opportunity to acquire the didactic knowledge, and skills associated with dental materials and restorative functions. This is the first of several courses that provide basic information required to facilitate the selection, manipulation, and placement of dental materials. Companion course to DNTH 580SL.
DNTH 580SL. PRINCIPLES OF OPERATIVE DENTISTRY LAB. 3 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program. Corequisite: DNTH 580S.
Companion lab to DNTH 580S.
DNTH 581S. PRINCIPLES OF OPERATIVE DENTISTRY II. 2 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program. Corequisite: DNTH 581SL.
This is the second in a series of lecture courses that provides an opportunity to acquire the didactic knowledge and skills associated with dental materials and restorative functions. This is the second of several courses that provide basic information required to facilitate the selection, manipulation, and placement of dental materials. Companion course to DNTH 581SL.
DNTH 581SL. PRINCIPLES OF OPERATIVE DENTISTRY II LAB. 3 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program. Corequisite: DNTH 581S.
Companion lab to DNTH 581S.
DNTH 605S. PEDIATRICS IN DENTAL THERAPY. 2 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program.
Focuses on developing comprehensive skills essential for the clinical treatment of children and adolescents in routine dental care. Covers how to effectively communicate with parents and guardians, provide anticipatory guidance, and apply critical thinking to diagnose and formulate individualized treatment plans. Emphasis is placed on mastering pediatric restorative techniques and behavior management strategies to ensure successful patient outcomes in pediatric dental care.
DNTH 610S. PRINCIPLE OF ORAL SURGERY FOR THE DENTAL THERAPIST. 2 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program.
Didactic and preclinical coursework dedicated to learning and developing knowledge and skills to perform minor oral surgery procedures.
DNTH 625S. DENTAL CARE FOR DIVERSE POPULATION. 2 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program.
Addresses the unique oral health needs and challenges faced by diverse patient populations. Covers how to provide culturally competent and patient-centered dental care, considering factors such as age, cultural background, socioeconomic status, and health disparities. Covers effective communication strategies, adapting treatment plans to meet individual needs, and addressing barriers to accessing care.
DNTH 626S. COMPLEX CASE MANAGEMENT FOR THE DENTAL THERAPIST. 2 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program.
Prepares dental therapists to manage complex cases through clinical decision-making, interdisciplinary collaboration, and personalized care. Focus includes medically compromised patients, advanced restorative, periodontal, and prosthetic needs. Emphasizes critical thinking, ethics, and evidence-based practice in challenging clinical scenarios.
DNTH 630S. PROSTHODONTICS FOR THE DENTAL THERAPIST. 2 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program.
Focuses on prosthodontic techniques within the scope of dental therapy practice. Students develop skills in performing procedures such as recementation of permanent crowns, fabrication and placement of resin provisional crowns, and denture repair. Emphasis is placed on practical application, ensuring that dental therapists can competently support prosthodontic care in collaboration with the broader dental team.
DNTH 635S. GENERAL AND ORAL PATHOLOGY. 2 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program.
A histopathological study of oral lesions, pathogenic conditions of particular significance to dentistry and principles of general pathology. This course falls within the continuum of foundational and clinical application courses in dental therapy which introduce concepts and observation skills to better prepare students primarily, but not exclusively, for the clinical practice of dental therapy.
DNTH 640S. PERIODONTOLOGY II FOR THE DENTAL THERAPIST. 2 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program.
Provides an in-depth understanding of the surgical phase of periodontal therapy and implantology. Emphasis is placed on the evaluation of periodontal treatment outcomes, maintenance care, and the interdisciplinary relationship between periodontics and other dental specialties. Explores the use of pharmacological agents in periodontal therapy, periodontal medicine, and the role of clinical research.
DNTH 650S. ETHICS AND JURISPRUDENCE FOR THE DENTAL THERAPIST. 2 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program.
Focuses on an introduction to ethical decision making and jurisprudence in dental therapy.
DNTH 654S. STRATEGIES IN RISK AND PRACTICE MANAGEMENT. 2 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program.
Focuses on the development of skills to lead a dental team and the skills to manage a dental business.
DNTH 660S. CLINIC II. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program.
The second course of supervised experience in clinical procedures builds upon previous learning with emphasis on integrating basic skills, acquiring advanced skills, and synthesizing knowledge through comprehensive case management using the dental therapy process of care.
DNTH 661S. CLINIC III. 1 Credit.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program. Corequisite: DNTH 661SC.
The third course of supervised experience in clinical dental hygiene procedures builds upon previous learning with emphasis on refining basic skills, integrating advanced skills, and synthesizing knowledge through comprehensive case management using the dental therapy process of care. Companion course to DNTH 661SC.
DNTH 661SC. CLINIC III CLINIC. 3 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program. Corequisite: DNTH 661S.
Companion clinic to DNTH 661S.
DNTH 662S. CLINIC IV. 1 Credit.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program. Corequisite: DNTH 662SC.
This fourth course of supervised experience in clinical procedures continues to build upon previous learning with emphasis on mastering basic skills, integrating advanced skills, and synthesizing knowledge through comprehensive case management using the dental therapy process of care. Preventive, restorative, and therapeutic skills are utilized. Companion course to DNTH 662SC.
DNTH 662SC. CLINIC IV CLINIC. 3 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program. Corequisite: DNTH 662S.
Companion clinic to DNTH 662S.
DNTH 663S. DENTAL THERAPY CLINIC I. 3 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program.
The first course of supervised experience in clinical procedures builds upon previous learning with emphasis on refining basic skills, integrating advanced skills, and synthesizing knowledge through comprehensive case management using the dental therapy process of care.
DNTH 665S. DENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH I. 2 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program.
A comprehensive introduction to public health practices, including application of the principles, terminology, and techniques to serve the needs of the community in various settings. First in a two-course series, students complete the assessment and planning phases in developing a community health program.
DNTH 668S. DENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH II. 2 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program.
A continuation of DNTH 665S. Focuses on research methods in public health, program presentation with associated groups assigned, and presentation of outcomes of the presentation to the group.
DNTH 675S. LEADERSHIP AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR THE DENTAL THERAPIST. 2 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program.
Focuses on developing leadership skills and professional growth strategies specific to dental therapy. Explores principles of effective leadership, communication, and teamwork within dental practices and interdisciplinary healthcare settings. Emphasis is placed on ethical decision-making, conflict resolution, and strategies for navigating professional challenges.
DNTH 677S. EDUCATION PRINCIPLES FOR THE DENTAL THERAPIST. 1 Credit.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program.
Focuses on providing educational methodology, learning styles, and teaching philosophy to a novice educator. Students are assigned teaching opportunities under the direction of the course instructor.
DNTH 680S. OPERATIVE DENTISTRY III. 1 Credit.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program. Corequisite: DNTH 680SL.
The first course of supervised experience in clinical procedures builds upon previous learning with emphasis on refining basic skills, integrating advanced skills, and synthesizing knowledge through comprehensive case management using the dental therapy process of care. Companion course to DNTH 680SL.
DNTH 680SL. OPERATIVE DENTISTRY III LAB. 3 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program. Corequisite: DNTH 680S.
Companion lab to DNTH 680S.
DNTH 685S. OPERATIVE DENTISTRY IV. 2 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program. Corequisite: DNTH 685SL.
A comprehensive course that provides an opportunity to acquire the didactic knowledge and skills associated with dental materials and restorative functions. This is the fourth of several courses that provide the student with basic information required to diagnose, prepare, and restore carious lesions. Companion course to DNTH 685SL.
DNTH 685SL. OPERATIVE DENTISTRY IV LAB. 3 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program. Corequisite: DNTH 685S.
Companion lab to DNTH 685S.
DNTH 690S. CAPSTONE FOR DENTAL THERAPY. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program.
This capstone course guides students through the process of developing, implementing, and evaluating an independent project that addresses a key topic in dental therapy. Students formulate and refine project ideas, conduct data collection, and analyze results to support evidence-based findings.
DNTH 691S. DENTAL THERAPY PRACTICUM I. 8 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program. Completion of didactic, clinical, and lab requirements.
This 15-week practicum is the first in a series that provides dental therapy students with hands-on clinical experience in real-world healthcare settings under the supervision of a licensed dentist. Students apply foundational knowledge and skills to deliver comprehensive care, including preventive, restorative, and therapeutic dental services, while refining techniques and professional conduct.
DNTH 692S. DENTAL THERAPY PRACTICUM II. 8 Credits.
Pre-requisites: admission to the Dental Therapy program. Completion of didactic, clinical, and lab requirements.
This 15-week practicum is the second in a series that provides dental therapy students with hands-on clinical experience in real-world healthcare settings under the supervision of a licensed dentist. Students apply foundational knowledge and skills to deliver comprehensive care, including preventive, restorative, and therapeutic dental services, while refining techniques and professional conduct.