vcc.ca
DHYG 3180: Dental Hygiene in Community 1
Effective date
September 2026
Department
Dental Hygiene
School
Health Sciences
Description
This course enables learners to develop and apply foundational knowledge, skills and attitudes in population and public health principles and strategies to a novice level that enable individuals, groups, communities and populations to improve their health and well-being and reduce inequities. This course prepares the learner for Dental Hygiene in Community 2.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
3rd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
DHYG 2200.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Examine community approaches to health promotion and disease prevention.
- Compare health promotion strategies in a diverse population.
- Describe the ADPIE process of care in community.
- Explore advocacy approaches to address oral health inequities.
- Explain the dental hygienist’s role in improving the oral and overall health of communities, including the provision of culturally safe and trauma informed care.
- Debate policy designed to promote community health and wellness.
- Identify epidemiologic approaches to evaluating population health.
- Develop knowledge, self-awareness, and skills in Indigenous cultural safety and humility in preparation for communication or working directly and indirectly with Indigenous Peoples.
- Explain public health care systems, public health policy, and the role of the dental hygienist in public policy development.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 45
Total Hours: 45
Total Hours: 45
Instructional Strategies
Instructional strategies include active, collaborative learning; lecture; experiential learning in simulation; group work; debate and discussion; self-reflection; and guest speakers.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Project |
20 |
Fluoride Debate |
|
Assignments |
20 |
Political Social Advocacy Report |
|
Assignments |
15 |
Self-reflection |
|
Project |
15 |
Epidemiology project |
|
Final Exam |
30 |
Cumulative Written Exam |
Course topics
- Determinants of Health Health promotion and disease prevention Advocacy Social responsibility Jordan’s Principle Population health Epidemiology Trauma Informed Care Cultural Safety and Humility Principles of social justice and equity Public policy use and development Theories and models in community practice Roles and responsibilities of federal, provincial, First Nations, and regional public health jurisdictions.
Learning resources
Course resource information will be supplied by the department/instructor.
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.