vcc.ca
DHYG 3265: Dental Biomaterials
Effective date
September 2026
Department
Dental Hygiene
School
Health Sciences
Description
This course introduces learners to common dental biomaterials and procedures used in the fabrication and placement of provisional restorations and custom-made oral appliances. Learners will apply evidence-informed decision-making to fabricate and deliver a sports mouthguard and perform other prosthodontic procedures within the dental hygiene scope of practice, using principles of infection prevention, risk management and safe handling of dental materials and lab equipment.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
3rd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
DHYG 3100.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Apply principles of risk management, lab safety and infection prevention in dental laboratory settings.
- Describe properties and safe handling of dental materials.
- Apply evidence-informed decision-making to the selection, safe-handling and maintenance of biomaterials used for oral care and dental hygiene services.
- Determine the need for various types of custom made oral appliances, including sports mouthguards.
- Fabricate and deliver custom made oral appliances.
- Educate clients on the prevention of orofacial injuries and use and maintenance of sports mouthguards.
- Explain restorative procedures and treatment options to assist client understanding and decision-making.
- Place and remove provisional prosthodontic restorations and recontour/polish restorations.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 27
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 25
Total Hours: 52
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 25
Total Hours: 52
Instructional Strategies
Instructional strategies include active, collaborative learning; lecture; experiential learning in simulation, lab, and clinical settings; group work; discussion; and self-reflection.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Assignments |
15 |
|
|
Assignments |
15 |
Properties of Biomaterials Presentation |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
30 |
Written Exam |
|
Clinical Examination |
10 |
Sports Mouthguard |
|
Clinical Examination |
10 |
Provisional Restoration |
|
Clinical Examination |
10 |
Amalgam Restoration |
|
Clinical Examination |
10 |
Provisional Crown |
Course topics
- Lab safety and Risk Management Dental Lab Equipment & Materials. Dental Amalgam & Mercury Hygiene. Finishing, polishing, maintaining biomaterials Cements, bases, liners. Dental waxes and custom trays. Tooth coloured restorations and polymers. Interim restorations. (includes fillings & temporary crowns) Placement and removal of rubber dam and matrices/wedges Metals and alloys Impressions materials Impression Review Gypsum Products Sports Mouthguard Fabrication and Delivery Amalgam recontour Tooth whitening
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.