E-Learning Curriculum
One on-campus, two-day orientation is required for cohorts beginning the E-Learning Program. The orientation will be scheduled the month before the first class begins.
Certification in local anesthesia and nitrous oxide analgesia is a requirement for graduation. This can be completed prior to enrolling in the E-Learning Program or during the course sequencing, through UM Continuing Dental Education.
Courses are scheduled in a sequence to allow for completion of this 33 credit hour program in a 24 month period. Most courses in the E-Learning Program will run seven weeks. The 15 week fall and winter semesters are divided into seven week "mini-mesters," allowing for one week off during week eight. Spring and summer semesters traditionally run in seven week formats.
Curriculum is subject to change without notice.
Leadership and Professional Development (3 credits)
Life-long learning is an essential element of professionalism. This course will focus on current issues in dental hygiene, and how individuals can contribute to the advancement of the profession and promotion of oral health for the public.
Oral Diseases: Prevention and Management (3 credits)
This course is designed to facilitate critical thinking skills related to specific oral diseases and the relationship between oral health and systemic health. The prevention and management of selected oral conditions are emphasized.
Research/Evidence Based Practice (3 credits)
This course focuses on the components of scientific inquiry with application to oral health research. Students will learn how to access information electronically, evaluate the professional literature and use this information for evidence-based decision making in dental hygiene practice. Students will develop skills for scientific presentations (written and verbal).
Health Promotion and Risk Reduction (3 credits)
Students will gain an understanding of the concepts of health, well-being, and health behaviors and their relationship to the care of patients. In the course, students will analyze and evaluate attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors related to health and illness in individuals, families and communities, across the lifespan.
Community I (3 credits)
In this course, the student will develop advanced skills in the area of community based program planning, implementation and evaluation. Defining oral health problems and solutions are emphasized. Students will also begin to develop a community-based program, to be implemented in Community II.
Special Populations (3 credits)
Segments of the U.S. population with the greatest unmet oral health needs often include those persons with special needs. This course will examine the specific challenges associated with access to care, patient assessment, and the provision of oral health services for these individuals.
Community II - Practice (3 credits)
In this field experience in a community setting, students will implement a community-based program utilizing program planning and evaluation skills. Health promotion and risk reduction strategies in the community are emphasized.
Dental Hygiene Education (teaching) (3 credits)
There is a critical need for teachers in dental hygiene programs, and this course will introduce students to the concepts and theory of teaching. Strategies for classroom, laboratory, and clinical teaching will be included.
Practicum (3 credits)
This course consists of fieldwork in a selected setting such as health research, dental hygiene education, community agency, alternative practice, or organization/corporation. Each student will select an appropriate setting and develop a learning proposal for action, to include a mechanism for evaluating outcomes.
Contemporary Dental Hygiene Practice (3 credits)
In this course students will evaluate current dental hygiene therapies and technologies and their application to dental hygiene practice. Models of dental hygiene practice and practice management strategies will be examined.
Mentored Professional Experience/ePortfolio (3 credits)
In this course, students will apply their knowledge and skills to a chosen professional role. Each student will identify a mentor and a project for this experience. A culminating ePortfolio will document the student's professional development throughout the Degree Completion E-Learning program.
Course Sequencing
The program spans two calendar years.
| Semester 1 | Leadership and Professional Development Oral Diseases: Prevention and Management |
| Semester 2 | Research/Evidence Based Practice Health Promotion and Risk Reduction |
| Semester 3 | Community I Special Populations |
| Semester 4 | Community II - Practice Dental Hygiene Education |
| Semester 5 | Practicum Contemporary Dental Hygiene Practice |
| Semester 6 | Mentored Professional Experience/ePortfolio |