Apr 30, 2026  
Catalog 2024-2025 
    
Catalog 2024-2025 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

DHYG 349 Special Populations

2 credits
This course focuses on concepts of wellness and research-based dental hygiene practice. The student is introduced to the special needs of patients, to dental specialties, and to the concept of multi-disciplinary health care consultations and referrals.

Prerequisites: All Quarter 3 DHYG BAS courses

Corequisites: All Quarter 4 DHYG BAS courses

Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

  • Refer patients to different dental specialties depending on their needs
  • Explain dental hygiene referral relationships with general and specialty dental practices
  • Explain a multidisciplinary team approach to client care
  • Use appropriate terminology to facilitate communication with members of allied professions and the public relating to the special needs of clients
  • Collaborate with clients with special needs and their care givers for dental hygiene care
  • Apply current research relating to the special needs of clients and how to properly care for their dental needs

Program Outcomes
This course teaches to the following program outcome:

  • be prepared to successfully complete all licensing exams required to practice in Washington State and obtain an entry-level position as a dental hygienist

College-Wide Learning Outcomes
This course teaches to the college-wide learning outcome of Teamwork, the ability to participate actively and cooperatively in a group to advance a common goal.

Total Hours: 20 Theory (Lecture) Hours: 20