Online Courses Handbook 2003

150221 v.3 Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene

Introduction
The dental hygienist is an educator and motivator who has an important role in educating the community in the principles of preventive dentistry, and in motivating individuals into taking responsibility for their own oral health. The dental hygienist is a member of the dental team and works under the direction of a dentist who is responsible for the diagnosis and treatment planning for every patient and who delegates, by prescription, the work to be carried out by the dental hygienist. Dental hygienists are educated to perform a range of clinical duties, including scaling and cleaning of teeth and the management of gum problems, the application of fluoride and other solutions to teeth and gums, local analgesia, dental radiography, taking impressions and a range of orthodontic duties.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites
None. Human Biology or Biology desirable.

Specific Requirements
Based on academic performance, candidates are required to attend an interview and, as it is necessary to perform exceptionally fine work with the hands, applicants are also required to perform a simple carving exercise to assess their manual dexterity. Interview and dexterity tests are normally held in the first two weeks of January. STAT elements considered are E and either V or Q. Applicants for this course should refer to the Communicable Diseases and Criminal Record Screening/Clearance Section of this publication. Prospective students should consult the Head of the Department of Dental Hygiene and Therapy for specific information regarding this course. A certificate showing successful completion of a Senior First Aid Certificate is required beforestudents proceed to first year, second semester studies.

Recognition of Prior Learning
Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.

Duration and Availability
This course is two years full-time study. Additional clinical hours are required during inter-semester breaks.

Course Organisation
The course commences with a study of relevant biomedical sciences together with preventive dentistry and dental hygiene techniques. These subjects, further developed with behavioural units in second year, cover a broad field relating to community dentistry and to practical and clinical aspects of dental hygiene.

Professional Recognition
Graduates are required to register with the Dental Board of Western Australia. Registration permits the hygienist to work in private practice and for various government services.

Additional Course Expenses
Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit

Year 1 Semester 1

302467 v.2 Introduction to Microbiology 132 3.0 12.5

302880 v.1 Clinical Dentistry 137 11.0 25.0

6954 v.2 Dental Biology 135 4.0 25.0

7093 v.6 Clinical Dentistry 135 3.0 12.5

7099 v.6 Preventive Dentistry 135 4.0 25.0

100.0

Year 1 Semester 2

11779 v.2 Preventive Dentistry 136 2.0 12.5

11780 v.2 Oral Microbiology 136 2.0 12.5

302881 v.1 Clinical Dentistry 138 10.0 25.0

303456 v.2 Applied Oral Biology 136 5.0 25.0

7094 v.6 Clinical Dentistry 136 3.0 12.5

7865 v.4 Pathology 136 2.0 12.5

100.0

Year 2 Semester 1

13019 v.2 Psychology 123 3.0 25.0

302887 v.1 Clinical Dentistry 237 22.0 50.0

7100 v.7 Preventive Dentistry 235 2.0 12.5

8071 v.7 Clinical Dentistry 235 4.0 12.5

100.0

Year 2 Semester 2

11781 v.2 Preventive Dentistry 236 2.0 12.5

2403 v.5 Behavioural Science 280 2.0 12.5

302903 v.1 Clinical Dentistry 238 19.0 50.0

8072 v.8 Clinical Dentistry 236 3.0 12.5

8391 v.7 Oral Pathology and Medicine 236 3.0 12.5

100.0