Searchable Class Schedule

• Description: Provides an opportunity for the student to expand their studies in Dental Hygiene beyond the classroom by completing a project or an assignment arranged by agreement between the student and instructor. The student is required to contract with the instructor to determine the scope of assignment and the unit value assigned for successful completion. Students may take a maximum of 6 units of Independent Study per department.
• Prerequisite:
• Corequisite:
• Advisory:
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 9 hours lab per week. 108 hours total per quarter.
• Foothill GE Area:
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

• Description: Introduction to the profession of dental hygiene. Emphasis on dental terminology, communication skills, legal and ethical aspects of dental hygiene practice and licensing requirements. An overview of dental hygiene clinical and lab technique including infection control and examination of the head and neck. This course is a prerequisite for the BS degree in Dental Hygiene and is intended for students in that program.
• Prerequisite:
• Corequisite:
• Advisory:
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 1.5 hours lecture per week, 1 hours lab per week. 30 hours total per quarter.
• Foothill GE Area:
• Transferability: None
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

• Description: Second in the series of oral biology courses for dental hygiene students. This course explores the embryologic development of the head, neck, teeth, and oral cavity, along with the histology of hard and soft oral tissues. Key areas of study include tooth development, periodontal tissues, oral mucous membranes and salivary glands, as well as developmental and structural variations within the oral cavity and teeth. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
• Prerequisite:
• Corequisite:
• Advisory: Advisory: Not open to students with credit in D H 52B.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 3 hours lecture per week. 36 hours total per quarter.
• Foothill GE Area:
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

• Description: This is the second in the series of four courses in dental radiography for dental hygiene students. This course provides an introduction to the radiology laboratory, focusing on essential skills in dental x-ray techniques on mannequins. Radiation safety protection is practiced for all laboratory procedures to ensure a safe learning environment. Students will engage in self-critiques and receive constructive feedback through the evaluation of their images. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
• Prerequisite:
• Corequisite:
• Advisory: Advisory: Not open to students with credit in D H 60B.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 3 hours lab per week. 36 hours total per quarter.
• Foothill GE Area:
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

• Description: This is the fourth in the series of four courses in dental radiography, for the second year dental hygiene student. Emphasis is on the mastery of radiographic localization techniques using knowledge of anatomical structures to identify tubehead positioning and optomizing image quality. Students will develop the expertise to identify and correct technical errors in radiographic images and apply evidence-based strategies to enhance diagnostic accuracy to use in clinical practice. This course supports an inclusive learning environment to build advanced skills for delivering patient-centered care. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
• Prerequisite:
• Corequisite:
• Advisory: Advisory: Not open to students with credit in D H 60D.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 1 hours lecture per week. 12 hours total per quarter.
• Foothill GE Area:
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

• Description: Continuation of foundational clinical skills with an emphasis on instrumentation techniques for scaling and root debridement. Adjunctive procedures include selective polishing, fluoride application, and instrument sharpening. Clinical activities include the use of typodonts and student partners providing opportunities for skill development and peer learning to enhance technical proficiency in preparation for patient care. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
• Prerequisite:
• Corequisite:
• Advisory: Advisory: Not open to students with credit in D H 61A.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 3 hours lecture per week, 9 hours lab per week. 144 hours total per quarter.
• Foothill GE Area:
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

• Description: This course examines the properties, characteristics, and safe handling of dental materials, with an emphasis on their application in dental hygiene care. Students will learn techniques for manipulating dental materials and become familiar with related dental equipment. Essential topics include caries risk assessment, hazardous waste management, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and regulatory standards for dental materials. Students will also explore basic diagnostic procedures to support clinical decision-making involving dental materials. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
• Prerequisite:
• Corequisite:
• Advisory: Advisory: Not open to students with credit in D H 72.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 2 hours lecture per week, 3 hours lab per week. 60 hours total per quarter.
• Foothill GE Area:
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

• Description: This course is a study of common medical emergencies that may occur during delivery of dental care. Emphasis is placed on methods to prevent emergencies from occurring and procedures to manage emergency situations. Ethical and legal aspects in assisting during emergencies are also discussed. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
• Prerequisite:
• Corequisite:
• Advisory: Advisory: Not open to students with credit in D H 71.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 1 hours lecture per week. 12 hours total per quarter.
• Foothill GE Area:
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

• Description: Health communication and learning theories applied to patient education. Topics include: communication theory, health literacy, working with interpreters, development of client/clinician relationships, patient motivation with particular attention to psychological, social, and economic, cultural and life stage factors. Emphasis on prevention of dental diseases through effective patient education, such as: mechanical plaque removal techniques, antimicrobial therapies, nutritional counseling for dental hygiene, and smoking cessation counseling. Preventive dental products will be reviewed and analyzed using current evidence based literature. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
• Prerequisite:
• Corequisite:
• Advisory: Advisory: PSYC C1000 or C1000H; not open to students with credit in D H 73.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 2 hours lecture per week. 24 hours total per quarter.
• Foothill GE Area:
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

• Description: This course is a continuation of dental hygiene clinic practice, with an emphasis on assessments, planning, and implementation of comprehensive dental hygiene care for diverse patient populations including those with special needs. Students apply knowledge, critical thinking, and clinical skills acquired in previously completed dental hygiene theory and clinical courses. Progress of development in clinical performance will be evaluated with each successive academic period. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
• Prerequisite:
• Corequisite:
• Advisory: Advisory: Not open to students with credit in D H 62C.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 1 hours lecture per week, 16 hours lab per week. 204 hours total per quarter. This is a clinical laboratory course.
• Foothill GE Area:
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

• Description: Second in the series of three courses in community dental health for dental hygiene students. This course explores the roles of local, state, and federal dental public health services in oral health promotion and access to care for diverse populations. Dental public health initiatives, including fluoridation, school-based dental health screenings, sealant and fluoride varnish clinics, and tobacco cessation programs, will be covered. Evidence-based decision making will be applied to address health disparities and promote equitable dental public health outcomes. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
• Prerequisite:
• Corequisite:
• Advisory: Advisory: Not open to students with credit in D H 58B or 63D.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 2 hours lecture per week, 1 hours lab per week. 36 hours total per quarter.
• Foothill GE Area:
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

• Description: Discussion and demonstration of advanced and supplemental dental hygiene functions, including interim therapeutic restorations, radiographic decision making, and magnetostrictive ultrasonic technology. Supportive course to reinforce and amplify the knowledge and skills needed to perform dental hygiene procedures in the clinical setting for D H 320C. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
• Prerequisite:
• Corequisite:
• Advisory: Advisory: Not open to students with credit in D H 75B.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 1 hours lecture per week, 3 hours lab per week. 48 hours total per quarter.
• Foothill GE Area:
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

• Description: This course provides theoretical and clinical instruction in the use of nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation as an adjunct to dental hygiene procedures. Emphasis is placed on the pharmacology, physiology, indications, contraindications, patient assessment, equipment use, and emergency protocols related to conscious sedation. Students will demonstrate competency in the safe administration, monitoring, and documentation of nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia in accordance with current professional standards, legal requirements, and ethical responsibilities. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
• Prerequisite:
• Corequisite:
• Advisory: Advisory: Not open to students with credit in D H 67.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 1 hours lecture per week, 1 hours lab per week. 24 hours total per quarter.
• Foothill GE Area:
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

• Description: Second in the series of three capstone research project courses, this courses focuses on developing the ability to critically analyze scientific literature. Students will analyze published research articles, with an emphasis on critiquing the presentation of ideas, arguments, and citation patterns. Students will learn how to structure a literature review based on patterns and themes. By the end of the course, students will identify the key arguments that will shape their literature review and create an outline for their capstone project. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
• Prerequisite:
• Corequisite:
• Advisory:
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 5 hours lecture per week. 60 hours total per quarter.
• Foothill GE Area:
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

• Description: The study of education theories and principles for didactic, lab and clinical courses. The faculty role in active teaching and learning, development of critical thinking and reflective writing, development of curriculum, outcomes and competencies, and course delivery methods. Theory and practices of clinical instruction and supervision, related to psychomotor skill development, competency-based evaluation, student mentoring and remediation. Examination of organizational and administrative philosophy and practice in curriculum planning, implementation and evaluation based on accreditation standards. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the completion degree track.
• Prerequisite:
• Corequisite:
• Advisory:
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 5 hours lecture per week. 60 hours total per quarter.
• Foothill GE Area:
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note: