Concorde Career College
Dental Hygiene Education Program
Course Syllabus
Course:
Total Semester Units:
Total Hours:
Instructor:
DH:103 Dental Radiography Term III
3 credit hours, 3 hours of lecture, 3 hours of lab
60
Bonita M. Rayl, RDH, BS; brayl@concorde.edu
Marina Haberle, RDH,BS; mhaberle@concorde.edu
Clinical Instructors
Bonita M. Rayl, RDH, BS; brayl@concorde.edu
Miriam DeLaRoi, RDHAP; MDelaroi@concorde.edu
Office Hours: By appointment only.
Class Schedule:
Lecture: Wednesday 9:00 p.m.-12:00 p.m.
LAB A: Tuesday 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
LAB B: Wednesday 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
LAB C: Thursday 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Description of the Course: This course provides essential theory, techniques and radiation basics
needed in the dental practice. Focus includes equipment, film processing, mounting, interpretation and
basic techniques. The course also includes the technical aspects of radiation exposure, monitoring and
safety.*
*Should the need arise for extra practice or remedial “coaching” arise; please speak with one of the
DH103 instructors. A mutually agreed upon time and location will be found. This should be done prior
to week 9 …please note “prior”….in order to give adequate time and attention to this matter.
Textbooks:
Thomson, Evelyn M.; Johnson, Orlen N. Essentials of Dental Radiography – for Dental Assistants and
Hygienists, 9th Ed. New Jersey: Pearson; 2012.
Prerequisites:
Successful completion of terms I & II General Education courses.
Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Demonstrate in sequential order the steps in operating the dental x-ray machine
Evaluate a radiographic image; identify the basic requirements of acceptability
Discuss radiation protection methods for operator and patient
Describe and demonstrate darkroom protocol, film holders, film handling, and how it
affects radiation exposure
List and explain the steps in processing dental films
Demonstrate infection control competency prior to, during, and after radiographic exposure
Explain and demonstrate the proper techniques for bisecting and paralleling x-rays
Explain and demonstrate safely taking x-rays on patients
Demonstrate correctly mounted full mouth and bitewing radiographs
Explain technique to duplicate radiograph
Identify and describe the major components of a dental x-ray machine;
Demonstrate in sequential order the steps in operating the dental x-ray machine;
Discuss federal and state regulations concerning the use of dental x-ray equipment
CCC Course Syllabus
Revised: 06/14
Dental Hygiene Program
DH 103: Radiography
Page 1 of 12
Concorde Career College
Dental Hygiene Education Program
WEEKLY OUTLINE OF CURRICULUM
WEEK
Lecture 1
3 hours
07-02-14
LAB 1 (3 hrs.)
A. 07-01
B. 07-02
C. 07-03
Lecture 2
3 hours
07-09-14
LAB 2 (3 hrs.)
A. 07-08
B. 07-09
C. 07-10
UNIT OF INSTRUCTION OR TOPIC
Machine Components & Function (part I)
Infection Control
Dental X-ray Film
Dental X-ray Film Processing Techniques
The Bitewing Exam
ASSIGNMENTS
Chapters 3, 10, 7, 8, 16
Radiology Clinic Procedures (Infection Control, Machine
Components & Function, Processing Machine), Dexter, Rinn
History of Radiography
Characteristics of Radiation
Machine Components & Function (part II)
Chapters 1-3
Bitewing - Rinn
4 Bitewing – Rinn
(Film and Digital)
TEST #1
Intraoral Radiographic Procedures
The Periapical Exam – Paralleling technique
The Periapical Exam – Bisecting technique
Chapters 13, 14, 15
Bitewing - Tabs
4 Bitewings – Tabs
(Film)
Lecture 4
3 hours
07-23-14
LAB 4 (3 hrs.)
A. 07-22
B. 07-23
C. 07-24
Lecture 5
3 hours
07-30-14
LAB 5 (3 hrs.)
A. 07-29
B. 07-30
C. 07-31
Digital Radiography
Effects of Radiation Exposure
Radiation Protection
Chapters 9, 5, 6
Paralleling and Bisecting Techniques: Ant. and Post. Regions
6 Anterior & 8 Posterior
Paralleling technique (Digital)
Bisecting technique (Film)
Chapter 21
TEST #2
Recognizing normal radiographic anatomy
Recognizing deviations from normal radiographic anatomy
Chapters 22, 23
Lecture 6
3 hours
08-06-14
LAB 6 (3 hrs.)
A. 08-05
B. 08-06
C. 08-07
Lecture 7
3 hours
08-13-14
Producing Quality Radiographs
Identifying and Correcting Undiagnostic Radiographs
Quality Assurance in Dental Radiographs
Lecture 3
07-16-14
LAB 3 (3 hrs.)
A. 07-15
B. 07-16
C. 07-17
CCC Course Syllabus
Revised: 06/14
Continue Lab 4
(Group C started FMX)
Vertical BWX Rinn
(Group C completed FMX)
TEST #3
The Occlusal Exam / Panoramic Radiography
The Use of Radiographs in the Detection of Dental Caries
Dental Hygiene Program
Continue from Lab 4
Chapters 4, 18, 19
4 Vertical BWX - Rinn
(Film and Digital)
Chapters 17, 30, 24
DH 103: Radiography
Page 2 of 12
Concorde Career College
Dental Hygiene Education Program
WEEKLY OUTLINE OF CURRICULUM
WEEK
LAB 7 (3 hrs.)
A. 08-12
B. 08-13
C. 08-14
Lecture 8
3 hours
08-20-14
LAB 8 (3 hrs.)
A. 08-19
B. 08-20
C. 08-21
UNIT OF INSTRUCTION OR TOPIC
FMX Bisecting Technique
(Group C completing occlusals & pano)
The Use of Radiographs in Evaluation of Periodontal Diseases
Radiographic techniques for children
Managing Patients with Special Needs
Occlusal / Digital Panoramic
(Group C practice day)
TEST #4
Legal and Ethical Responsibilities
Patient Relations and Education
Review
Lecture 9
3 hours
08-27-14
LAB 9 (3 hrs.)
A. 08-26
B. 08-27
C. 08-28
Lecture 10
3 hours
09-03-14
LAB 10 (3 hrs.)
A. 09-02
B. 09-03
C. 09-04
Timed Mounting, Mock Lab Final
ASSIGNMENTS
FMX Bisecting
(Film)
Chapter 25, 26, 27
Digital Panoramic
Occlusal Film
Chapters 11, 12
Timed Mounting
Mock Lab Final
Final Review
Final-Part A – Comprehensive
Final Part B – Interpretation
LAB FINAL- Perform paralleling technique FMX on a “patient”
Final- Competency
*******Sequence of Unit of Instruction or Topic is Subject to Change as Needed*******
INSTRUCTIONAL UNIT OBJECTIVES:
Upon successful completion of instruction, the student will be able to:
Lecture 1
Ch. 3: Dental X-ray Machine: Components & Functions
1. Identify and describe the major components of a dental x-ray machine
2. Demonstrate in sequential order the steps in operating the dental x-ray machine
Ch. 10: Infection Control
1. Demonstrate competency in following infection control protocol prior to, during and after radiographic
procedures
2. List four personal protective barriers recommended for the dental radiographer
3. List radiographic instruments and equipment that may be protected with a plastic barrier
4. Identify radiographic instruments and equipment that require sterilization or disinfection
5. Demonstrate competency in following the infection control protocol used for processing film packets
Ch. 7: Dental X-ray Film
1. List and describe the four parts of an intraoral film packet
2. Describe latent image formation
3. Match the intraoral film size with customary usage
4. List typical extraoral film sizes
Ch. 8: Dental X-ray Film Processing
1. List the sequential steps in processing dental films
2. Explain how a latent image becomes a visible image
CCC Course Syllabus
Revised: 06/14
Dental Hygiene Program
DH 103: Radiography
Page 3 of 12
Concorde Career College
Dental Hygiene Education Program
3.
4.
5.
6.
List the four chemicals in the developer and fixer solutions and the functions of each
List three radiographic wastes that are harmful to the environment
Compare advantages and disadvantages of manual, automatic, and rapid film processing
Explain the role chemical replenishment and solution changes play in maintain optimal processing chemistry
Ch 16. The Bitewing Examination
1. List two purposes of the bitewing examination
2. List the four sizes of film that can be used for bitewing surveys
3. Identify the type, size and number of films best suited for a periodontally involved adult bitewing survey
4. Identify the type, size and number of films best suited for a child and an adult bitewing survey
5. Explain the effect of horizontal angulation on the resultant bitewing image
6. Identify positive and negative vertical angulations.
7. State the recommended vertical angulation for bitewing exposures
8. Compare methods used for holding the bitewing film in position
9. Differentiate between horizontal and vertical bitewing radiographs
Lab 1- Introduction Radiation Clinic Procedures, Dexter Rinn
 List the sequential steps for Operatory Set up
 Discuss film holders, darkroom protocol, and film handling and how it affects radiation exposure
 Demonstrate competency in following infection control protocol prior to, during and after radiographic
procedures
 List four personal protective barriers recommended for the dental radiographer
 List radiographic instruments and equipment that may be protected with a plastic barrier
 Identify radiographic instruments and equipment that require sterilization or disinfection
Machine components & functions, processing, room set up
 Identify and discuss parts of a film packet, film size and film type
 Identify and discuss parts of the x-ray unit and how it works
 Demonstrate the step-by-step procedures for film processing
 Demonstrate competency in following the infection control protocol used for processing film packets
Lecture 2
Ch. 1: History of Dental Radiography
1. State when x-rays were discovered and by whom
2. List two historical developments that made dental x-rays safer
3. Discuss how a rectangular position indicating device reduces patient radiation exposure
4. Identify the two techniques used to expose dental radiographs
Ch. 2: Characteristics & Measurements of Radiation
1. Describe the process of ionization
2. Differentiate between radiation and radioactivity
3. Differentiate between particulate radiation and electromagnetic radiation and give two examples of each
4. Discuss the relationship between wavelength and frequency
5. Explain the inverse relationship between wavelength and penetrating power of x-rays
6. List the properties of x-rays
7. List and describe the two processes by which kinetic energy is converted to electromagnetic energy
8. List and describe the four possible interactions of dental x-rays with matter
9. Define terms to measure x-radiation
10. Identify three sources of naturally occurring background radiation
Ch. 3: Dental X-ray Machine: Components & Functions
1. Define the key words
2. Identify and explain the function of the five controls on most dental x-ray machines
3. State the three conditions necessary for the production of x-rays
4. Trace the production of x-rays from the time the exposure button is activated until x-rays are released from the
tube
CCC Course Syllabus
Revised: 06/14
Dental Hygiene Program
DH 103: Radiography
Page 4 of 12
Concorde Career College
Dental Hygiene Education Program
Lab 2 –Bitewings - Rinn
 Describe film placement, angulation and point of entry for bitewing examination
 Discuss and demonstrate the bitewing technique, horizontal and vertical
 Differentiate between vertical and horizontal bitewing radiographs
 Explain the effect of horizontal angulation on the resultant bitewing image
 Identify positive and negative vertical angulations
 State the recommended vertical angulation for bitewing exposures
 Demonstrate the bitewing technique using the digital sensor
Lecture 3
Ch. 13: Intraoral Radiography
1. Identify the three intraoral x-ray examinations
2. List the five rules for shadow casting
3. Identify bisecting and paralleling as the two intraoral techniques
4. List at least five contraindications for using the patients finger to hold the film packet during exposure
5. Explain the proper patient seating position
6. Explain basic design of image receptor positioners/holders
7. Explain horizontal and vertical angulation
8. Explain the importance of film placement sequencing
Ch. 14: The Periapical Examination – Paralleling Technique
1. Discuss the principles of the paralleling technique
2. Demonstrate the method of positioning the image receptor for maxillary and mandibular periapical exposure
using paralleling technique
3. List the advantages and disadvantages of the paralleling technique
4. Explain the importance of achieving accurate horizontal and vertical angulation in obtaining quality diagnostic
radiographs using the paralleling technique
5. Identify and be able to assemble and position image receptor holders for use with the paralleling techniques
6. Identify vertical angulation errors made when using the paralleling technique
Ch. 15: The Periapical Examination – Bisecting Technique
1. Discuss the principles of the bisecting technique
2. Demonstrate the method of positioning the image receptor for maxillary and mandibular periapical exposure
using bisecting technique
3. List the advantages and disadvantages of the bisecting technique
4. Explain the importance of achieving accurate horizontal and vertical angulation in obtaining quality diagnostic
radiographs using the bisecting technique
5. Identify and be able to assemble and position image receptor holders for use with the bisecting techniques
6. List the recommended predetermined vertical angulation settings used with bisecting technique
7. Identify vertical angulation errors made when using the bisecting technique
8. Locate facial landmarks used for determining the points of entry used with the bisecting technique
Lab 3- Bitewings - Tabs
 Describe film placement, angulation and point of entry for bitewing examination
 Discuss and demonstrate the bitewing technique
 Differentiate between vertical and horizontal angulation errors made
Lecture 4
Ch. 5: Effects of Radiation Exposure
1. Determine the relative radiosensitivity or radioresistance of various kinds of cells in the body
2. Explain the difference between a threshold dose and a non-threshold dose response curve
3. Identify the factors that determine radiation injures
4. Identify critical tissues for dental radiography in the head and neck region
5. Utilize effective dose equivalent to make radiation exposure comparisons
6. Adopt an ethical responsibility to follow ALARA concepts
CCC Course Syllabus
Revised: 06/14
Dental Hygiene Program
DH 103: Radiography
Page 5 of 12
Concorde Career College
Dental Hygiene Education Program
Ch. 6: Radiation Protection
1. Summarize radiation protection methods for operator and patient
2. Utilize the selection criteria guidelines to explain the need for prescribed radiographs
3. State the federally mandated diameter of the intraoral dental x-ray beam at the patient’s skin
4. State the filtration requirements for an intra oral dental x-ray unit that operates above and below 70 kVp
5. Explain how PID shape and length contribute to reducing patient radiation exposure
6. Advocate and use of the lead apron and thyroid collar for every patient for every x-ray exposure
7. Explain the role darkroom protocol and film handling play in reducing patient radiation exposure
8. Describe personnel monitoring devices
9. State the maximum permissible dose (PD) for radiation workers and for the general public
Ch. 9: Digital Radiography
1. Explain the fundamental concept of digital radiography
2. List the equipment used in digital radiography
3. List and describe three types of digital image receptors
4. Discuss digital radiography’s effect on radiation exposure
5. List and describe five software features used to enhance digital image interpretation
Lab 4 - Paralleling technique /anterior/ posterior/ Interpreting X-rays and Mounting
 Correctly mount a full mouth set of radiographs
 Evaluate radiographic images and identify the basic requirements of acceptability
 Interpret a full set of x-rays for film placement and processing errors
 Identify anatomical landmarks on x-rays
Anterior-Posterior Region / Effects of angulation and film positioning changes
 Differentiate between vertical angulation error made using paralleling and bisecting techniques
 Discuss and demonstrate the bisecting technique
 Discuss and demonstrate the paralleling technique
 Compare and contrast the paralleling and bisecting techniques
Ch. 21: Mounting & Introduction to Interpretation
 List at least five advantages of mounting radiographs
 Compare labial and lingual methods of film mounting
 List at least five anatomic generalizations that aid in mounting radiographs
 Compare interpretation and diagnosis
 Describe the roles of film mount, viewbox, and magnification in viewing radiographs
Lecture 5
Ch. 22: Recognizing Normal Radiographic Anatomy
1. Differentiate between the lamina dura and the periodontal ligament space
2. Describe and identify the radiographic appearance of all structures of the teeth
3. Name and identify all the anatomical landmarks or features normally seen on radiographs of the maxilla and
mandible
Ch. 23: Recognizing Deviations from Normal Radiographic Anatomy
1. Identify the radiographic appearance of dental materials
2. Identify the radiographic appearance of dental anomalies
3. Identify the radiographic appearance of periapical abscess, cyst, and granuloma
4. Identify the radiographic appearance of external and internal tooth resorption
5. Identify the radiographic appearance of calcifications and ossifications
6. Identify the radiographic appearance of odontogenic and nonodontogenic tumors
7. Identify the radiographic appearance of fractures
Lab 5-Conintuation of Lab 4
Lecture 6
Ch. 4: Producing Quality Radiographs
1. Evaluate a radiographic image identifying the basic requirements of acceptability
2. Differentiate between radiolucent and radiopaque areas on a dental radiograph
3. List the rules for casting a shadow image
CCC Course Syllabus
Revised: 06/14
Dental Hygiene Program
DH 103: Radiography
Page 6 of 12
Concorde Career College
Dental Hygiene Education Program
4. Differentiate between subject contrast and film contrast
5. Summarize the factors affecting the radiographic image
6. Demonstrate the practical use of the inverse square law
Ch. 18: Identifying & Correcting Undiagnostic Radiographs
1. Recognize error caused by incorrect radiographic techniques and apply the appropriate corrective action
2. Recognize errors caused by incorrect radiographic processing and apply appropriate corrective action
3. Recognize errors caused by incorrect film handling and apply appropriate corrective action
4. Identify causes of film fog and apply appropriate corrective action
Ch. 19: Quality Assurance in Dental Radiography
1. Explain the relationship between quality assurance and quality control
Lab 6-Vertical Bitewing technique
 Discuss and demonstrate the paralleling technique for vertical bitewings
Lecture 7
Ch. 17: The Occlusal Examination
1. State the purpose of the occlusal examination
2. List the indications for the occlusal radiographs
Ch. 24: The Use of Radiographs in the Detection of Dental Caries
1. Define the key words
2. Explain the role of radiographs in detecting caries
3. List and describe the four categories of the caries depth grading system
4. List the four locations of dental caries and identify their radiographic appearance
5. Define and identify the radiographic appearance of recurrent dental caries
6. List three conditions that resemble dental caries radiographically and discuss how to distinguish these from
caries
Ch. 30:
1. List uses of panoramic radiography
2. Compare advantages and limitations of panoramic verses intraoral radiographs
3. Identify the three dimensions of the focal trough
4. List the components of a panoramic x-ray machine
5. Explain patient preparation and positioning errors and descried how they will affect the appearance of the
panoramic radiographic
6. List and identify the anatomic landmarks of the maxilla and mandible and surrounding tissues as viewed on a
panoramic radiograph
7. List and identify soft tissue images, air space images, machine par artifacts, and ghost image artifacts a s viewed
on a panoramic radiograph
8. Identify in sequence the basic steps in the panoramic radiographic procedure
Lab 7- FMX bisecting
 Discuss and demonstrate the bisecting technique
Lecture 8
Ch. 25: The Use of Radiographs in the Evaluation of Periodontal Diseases
1. List the uses of radiographs in the assessment of periodontal diseases
2. Identify and differentiate between horizontal and vertical bone loss
3. Identify three predisposing factors for periodontal disease that radiographs can help locate
4. Utilize the appropriate radiographic techniques to best detect and evaluate periodontal diseases
5. Describe the radiographic appearance of the normal periodontium
6. List four American Academy of Periodontology disease classification case types and describe their radiographic
appearance
Ch. 26: Radiographic Techniques for Children
1. List the conditions that would indicate radiographs be taken on children
2. Identify adaptations or modifications in standard paralleling and bisecting techniques that aid in
radiographic procedures for children
CCC Course Syllabus
Revised: 06/14
Dental Hygiene Program
DH 103: Radiography
Page 7 of 12
Concorde Career College
Dental Hygiene Education Program
3. Appropriately adjust stand adult exposure setting to apply to children
4. Explain the roles that the patient management techniques Show-Tell-Do and modeling play in assisting
the radiographer with child patient management
Ch. 27: Managing Patients with Special Needs
1. Discuss actions for managing the apprehensive patient
2. Discuss gag reflex and describe methods to control gag reflex
3. Discuss ways to manage patients with special needs including; older, motor disorders, and disabilities
4. Explain necessary radiographs for cancer and pregnant patients
5. Discuss cultural diversity and dental radiology as it relates to the provision of comprehensive individualized care
Lab 8- Digital Radiography / Occlusal Radiography / Panoramic Radiography
 Discuss and demonstrate Digital Radiography
 Discuss and demonstrate Occlusal Radiography
 Discuss and demonstrate Panoramic Radiography
 List and identify the anatomic landmarks of the maxilla and mandible as well as surrounding hard and soft
tissues as viewed on a panoramic
 List the 4 basic components common to most panoramic x-ray machines
 State the purpose of the occlusal examination and indications for occlusal radiographs
 Compare and contrast the occlusal and bisecting techniques
Lecture 9
Ch. 11: Legal & Ethical Responsibilities
1. Discuss the federal and state regulations concerning the use of dental x-ray equipment
2. Describe licensure requirements for exposing dental radiographs
3. Identify specific risk management strategies for radiography
4. Recognize negative remarks about radiographic equipment that should be avoided
5. List the five aspects of informed consent
6. List the radiographic items that must be documented in the patient’s record
7. Explain what should be said to patients who refuse radiographs
8. Identify the role professional ethics play in guiding the radiographer’s behavior
Ch. 12: Patient Relations & Education
1. Value the need for patient cooperation in producing quality radiographs
2. List the aspects of patient relations that help to gain confidence and cooperation and how appearance
and first impression affects patient relations
3. Explain and demonstrate Show-tell-do method and identify when this method would be effective
4. Respond to a patient’s concern regarding unnecessary exposure to x-rays
5. Describe two methods by which the patient can be educated to appreciate the value of dental
radiographs
Lab 9 – Mock Lab Final






Complete FMX with paralleling technique, film processing and mounting in 1 hour
Practice grading and interpretation
Correctly mount a full mouth set of radiographs
Evaluate radiographic images and identify the basic requirements of acceptability
Interpret a full set of x-rays for film placement and processing errors
Identify anatomical landmarks on x-rays
Lecture 10: Final Exam- Written Comprehensive
Lab 10 - Lab Final- treat a “patient” from entry to exit.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES:
The following learning activities will be used:
1. Class discussion, participation, and sharing
2. Hands on demonstration
3. Demonstration of radiographic techniques
CCC Course Syllabus
Revised: 06/14
Dental Hygiene Program
DH 103: Radiography
Page 8 of 12
Concorde Career College
Dental Hygiene Education Program
4. Lab exercises
TEACHING METHODS:
The following teaching methods will be used:
1. Lecture and discussion
2. Class discussion and participation
3. Problem-solving
4. Lab sessions in both classroom and clinical settings including observation, practice and proficiencies
5. Hands on demonstration
METHODS OF EVALUATION:
The following methods of assessment and evaluation will be used:
1. Examinations which may include slides, short answer, matching, true and false, fill in the blanks, multiple
choice and short essay. Written exams are listed on the class schedule. The written final is comprehensive.
2. Problem solving exercises: homework, research, presentations, and/or class exercises
3. Practical Exams which include clinical demonstration of instructor selected competencies
It is required that the student, upon completion of this course will demonstrate and describe the principles of
Dental Radiography with a score of 75% or better. This will include written exams, pop quizzes, class work,
projects, and presentations. It will also include demonstration of acceptable levels of safety and competency when
working with patients and classmates. It will be necessary for the student to demonstrate skills in cooperation,
critical thinking, and effective problem solving. The overall course grade will be determined by combined test
scores, projects, class work, and presentations. In addition, the student will be evaluated on her/his ability to
demonstrate ethical, attitudinal and behavioral attributes necessary to perform the duties of a dental hygienist.
Some examples are:
1. Willingness to accept suggestions for improvement
2. Good personal grooming and hygiene
3. Maintaining a neat and clean work area
4. Ability to work alone and in a group setting
5. Honesty in ALL interactions
6. Using sound judgments in all situations
Letter Grade
Percentage
A
90-100%
B
80-89%
C
75-79%
D*
70-74%
F*
69% or less
*Must be repeated for credit
Description
Exceptionally Competent
Highly Competent
Fully Competent
Partially Competent
Not Competent
To pass this course, the student must maintain a minimum overall average of 75% and professional behavior
must be satisfactory.
Assignment
Lab Exercises
Tests (4)
Final Part 1 A. Comprehensive=12.5%/
B. Interpretative Exam = 12.5%
Final Part 2 Timed Patient Lab Exam
Total Possible
Percentage (%)
33
17
25
25
100%
Assignments:
Each assignment must be submitted on or before the stated due date. Late work is not accepted and missed
assignments will be recorded in the grade book as a zero.
CCC Course Syllabus
Revised: 06/14
Dental Hygiene Program
DH 103: Radiography
Page 9 of 12
Concorde Career College
Dental Hygiene Education Program
A. Lab Exercises – 33% (total of 11)
There are eleven lab exercises that are required in full which are listed specifically on the syllabus outline.
All sections of the daily lab requirements must be complete to receive credit for that day’s lab.
B. Tests – 17% (total of 4)
There will be four tests based on the information presented during lectures. Topics to be included on the
tests are noted on the lecture schedule.
C. Final Part 1: Comprehensive/Interpretive Exam 25%
Part one A is a comprehensive exam worth 12.5% and part one B is a radiographic interpretation exam
worth 12.5% . Topics to be included on the final are noted on the lecture schedule. Students must pass
the final exam to successfully complete the course.
D. Final Part 2: Timed Patient Lab Exam 25%
Part two is a timed patient lab exam requiring a full mouth set of radiographs on an actual patient.
Program Core Competencies Completed Within this Course:
I.
II.
III.
Professional Growth and Development: 1, 2, 3, 4
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention: 5, 6
Patient Care: 10, 11, 12, 13
PROGRAM POLICIES:
Professional Development
Dental hygienists are professionals and must conduct themselves in an ethical and professional manner at all
times. Arriving on time (both at the beginning of class and after breaks), being prepared for class, listening in class
and respectively honoring the teacher and/or a classmates when they are speaking, dressing appropriately by
following the uniform requirement, and keeping food and drink out of the classroom are all examples of
professional conduct. Please refer to the clinic manual for further examples of professional and unprofessional
conduct/behavior.
Scholastic Honesty
It is assumed that all students are enrolled in class to learn; therefore, cheating is not an acceptable practice.
Dishonesty of any type in a course, including cheating on examinations or plagiarizing materials, can result in a
grade of “F” and may be cause for suspension and/or termination. Plagiarism includes passing off or attempting to
pass off the ideas or writing of another person as one’s own.
Students are not allowed to copy another student’s work. Collaboration on assignments is prohibited unless
explicitly permitted by the instructor. When collaboration is permitted, students must acknowledge all
collaboration and its extent in all submitted work.
Students are prohibited from operating any type of audio or video recording device in a classroom, laboratory, or
clinical setting without prior expressed permission from the Campus President or Academic Dean. Prohibited items
include, but are not limited to; video cameras, telephones with audio or video recording capability, computers,
electronic tablets, or watches with audio or video recording capability. This is not an all-inclusive list. Violations of
this policy may lead to disciplinary actions up to and including dismissal from school.
Attendance Policy
Regular and punctual attendance at all scheduled classes is expected of all students and is a key to successful
program completion. When a student enrolls, he or she accepts the responsibility of attending all classes and
completing all class work assigned by the instructor. Beginning with the first class period, instructors will report
absences at each class meeting and this information is entered in the student’s permanent record.
Students may not miss in excess of 10% of scheduled class hours per Term. If, at the end of a Term, a student has
missed in excess of 10% of scheduled class hours, he or she will be placed on attendance probation beginning with
the next Term. Clinical hours missed count toward the 10%. During any Term, three clinical absences are the
CCC Course Syllabus
Revised: 06/14
Dental Hygiene Program
DH 103: Radiography
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Concorde Career College
Dental Hygiene Education Program
maximum number allowed. Should the student exceed three clinical absences in any Term, he or she may be
subject to withdrawal from the program. Students need to notify the clinic and/or instructor in advance by phone
or email and carbon copy (CC) the Program Director if they are going to be absent from the clinic or classroom.
While on attendance probation, students may not miss in excess of 10% of the scheduled class hours in the Term.
Any student on probation who misses in excess of 10% of scheduled class hours has violated the Terms of
probation and will be withdrawn from the program immediately upon determination of the violation, but no later
than the end of that Term. A dental hygiene student may only be on attendance probation one time during the
entire program. Should the student be absent in excess of 10% of scheduled class hours in any future Term, the
student will be withdrawn from the program. Any student who is absent for more than 10% of the scheduled class
hours, in the final Term of the Dental Hygiene program, will be withdrawn from the program. Should that student
apply for readmission and be accepted, he or she will be required to repeat all final Term course work. If the
student on attendance probation does not exceed the 10% absence during the Term, he or she will be removed
from probation at the end of the Term. Any student terminated for violating the attendance policy may apply for
readmission once he or she has met the conditions of the readmission policy. All clinical objectives must be
satisfied before a final grade may be given for a course. Each student is directly responsible to the individual
instructor and/or Program Director and the Academic Dean for absences. Any student who misses 10 consecutive
scheduled class days and does not return on the 11th day will be withdrawn, regardless of his or her attendance
status.
If a student must be absent for reasons of sickness or family emergencies, notifying the instructor in advance by
phone or email and CC the program director is required. The student may be required to complete a missed
assignment, which will be determined by the instructor. Absences without instructor or clinic notification will be
subject to a write-up for the student. Quizzes may not be made up – see the policy for Missed Quizzes and
Examinations/Tests.
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If a student is scheduled for a board examination in the last Term, then the day they are absent for that
examination will not be included in the percentage missed calculation, if the examination is approved by
the program director, but arrangements must be made according to the syllabus policy for any missed
assignments/tests and the student must provide proof that the examination was taken on that day.
Each uninformed absence or tardy will be recorded as a reduction in points for the professionalism grade
outlined in the professionalism portion of the syllabus, and will count toward your percentage of missed
class hours.
A student will be required to attend mandatory tutoring if he or she misses more than 20% of the DH227
Board Review class in Term 7, and this tutoring may postpone graduation.
Missed Quizzes and Examinations/Tests
If a quiz is missed, it cannot be made up and you will receive a zero (0) for that quiz grade.
If an examination/test including mid-term or final is missed, it can be made up only if the instructor is advised in
advance of the class and must be made up within five (5) days from the first day the student returns to class to
take a missed examination/test.
The student must initiate the request to reschedule on the first day of return. It is the student’s responsibility to
schedule time outside of regularly scheduled class hours with the instructor to take a missed examination/test.
Please Note: If an examination/test is not rescheduled on the day of return or if you are absent on the
rescheduled time, you will receive a zero (0). The format for a missed examination/test may be different from that
used for the class examination/test.
Examination/Test Taking
On examination/test days, quizzes, midterms and finals, students will be seated in assigned seats. All backpacks,
purses, and any other belongings will be placed in the front of the classroom until after the examination. Students
must be in their seats at the time the instructor distributes the first quiz paper in order to take the quiz.
CCC Course Syllabus
Revised: 06/14
Dental Hygiene Program
DH 103: Radiography
Page 11 of 12
Concorde Career College
Dental Hygiene Education Program
Mandatory Tutoring
Tutoring can be arranged for any student who demonstrates academic need or requests additional help. If a test
score below 75% is received on the Midterm, mandatory tutoring will be scheduled and must be completed within
the following week.
Course Completion
Dental Hygiene students must earn a “C” (75%) or better in each course in the program and maintain a minimum
cumulative grade point average of 2.0 for all course work attempted.
To satisfactorily complete a course with a clinical component, the student must earn a “C” (75%) or better in both
the didactic and clinical components of the course independently in order to successfully complete the course and
move forward in the program.
Should terminated students choose to reapply, they must meet the current catalog readmission requirements for
the program.
Office Hours
Instructors will be available to meet with students by appointment. In respect to all instructors and curriculum
confidentiality, students are not allowed in the faculty office.
Front Office
As in most dental offices, the front office is a very important part of the clinic. For this reason, no more than two
(2) students are allowed in the front office area at a time. Although the clinic phone number may be given to
family members in case of an emergency, personal calls may not be made from the clinic phone. Patients may be
confirmed from the front office phone.
Grades of Incomplete
The policy for a grade of incomplete is found in the college catalog.
Cell Phone Use
Students may not use cell phones in the hallways or classrooms. Cell phones should be used in the student lounge
or outside the building only.
Eating and Smoking
Students are welcome to pause, relax, and eat and drink in the student lounge. Smoking is not allowed in the
building. If students wish to smoke, they may do so outside the building in designated areas. Smoking is strictly
prohibited in all areas of the school, including all hallways, restroom facilities, and the reception area. No food or
beverages are allowed in laboratories. No food or beverages are allowed in classroom except bottled water with a
top.
CCC Course Syllabus
Revised: 06/14
Dental Hygiene Program
DH 103: Radiography
Page 12 of 12