Instructor: Renee Nelson, RDH, BSDH

DistributionDate: August, 2009

GREENVILLE TECHNICAL COLLEGE

GREENVILLE, SC
COURSE SYLLABUS
COVER SHEET

COURSE NUMBER: DHG 125

COURSE TITLE: Tooth Morphology & Histology

LECTURE HOURS LAB/SHOP/CLINIC SEMESTER CREDIT

PER WEEK: 1 HOURSPER WEEK: 3 HOURS: 2

PRE-REQUISITES: Acceptance into Dental Assisting or Dental Hygiene.

CATALOG COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course covers the embryogenesis and histology of the head and neck structureswith
primary emphasis on the oral cavity. The formation, eruption patterns and morphology of
primary and permanent dentitions are studied.

PURPOSE OF THE COURSE:

To introduce and familiarize the beginning Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting students
with basic terminology and facts concerning the primary and permanent dentitions,
supporting structures, and main identifying features of each tooth, so that he/she may
apply it in the clinical area, i.e., scaling, charting, radiology, and dental terminology
usage.

REQUIRED TEXT:
Anatomy of Orofacial Structures, Brand, Richard W., Isselhard, Donald E., 7th edition,
Mosby, St. Louis, Missouri, 2003.

Developed by: ________________________ Date: ______________________

Renee Nelson, RDH, BSDH

Approved by: ________________________ Date: ______________________

Debra Grubbs, BS, RDH
Department Chair

Approved by:________________________ Date:________________________

Candice Lewis, B.S., RT(R)(CT)
Assistant Dean

I. BASIC COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of the clinical portion of this course, the student will be able to:

○ Understand and explain the different types of teeth in the permanent

dentition, their locations, parts, components, the tooth and its surrounding
structures.

○ Demonstrate and explain external features of the oral cavity and their
boundaries and sub boundaries, types of mucosa, gingiva and identify the
parts of the tongue.

○ Identify and explain the purpose and types of tooth numbering systems.

○ Identify and explain the eruption pattern, anatomical features, universal

numbering system, and compare and contrast the permanent incisors.

○ Identify and explain the eruption pattern, anatomical features, universal

numbering system, and compare and contrast the permanent canines.

○ Identify and explain the eruption pattern, anatomical features, universal

numbering system, and compare and contrast the permanent premolars.

○ Identify and explain the eruption pattern, anatomical features, universal

numbering system, and compare and contrast the permanent molars.

○ Identify and explain the eruption pattern, anatomical features, universal

numbering system, and compare and contrast the primary dentition.

○ Discuss and evaluate types of occlusion, occlusal deviations and facial

profiles.

○ State and identify the two types of dental charting – geometric and
anatomical; demonstrate the correct way to chart on paper and computer
program.

○ Recognize and identify the four main structures of teeth: enamel,

cementum, pulp, and dentin; identify and define abnormalities of each
type of tissue.

○ List and discuss the histology and embryology involved in formation of

the oral cavity and its surrounding structures i.e. digestive system.

○ Recognize and explain tooth development and the growth process of the
embryonic tissues.
II. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
A Lecture and Discussion
B Audiovisual Materials
C Reference Materials
D Evaluation of Extracted Teeth
E Visualization with plaster models
F Written assignments
G Written examinations
H Practical examinations
I Computer assignments

III EVALUATION
A. Written
B Practical
A The final course grade will be calculated using the following percentages:

Chapter Tests 40% (all chapter tests are cumulative)

Lab Practicals 40%
Final Exam 20%
100%

IV GRADING SCALE:
94 – 100 A
87 – 93B
80 – 86 C
79 & below Failure

***In order to successfully complete this course with a passing grade you MUST pass 
both the lecture and the lab sections as they will be calculated together to obtain your 
final grade.

V. COURSE POLICIES:
A. Attendance
A record of your attendance will be maintained for every lecture and lab.
Attendance will be taken at the beginning and possibly at the end of class.
If you are not present at roll call, you will be marked absent. Attendance
and class participation is mandatory for your success in the dental
program. Should it become necessary for you to miss any lecture or lab
due to illness or unavoidable circumstance, you MUST notify that specific
instructor. The student is responsible for all material covered, any
assignments madeor due, during the absence. Please have a classmate
pick up your assignments or handouts.
 Tardiness must be avoided since late entrance into the classroom and labis
disruptive to the teacher and to other learners. Three tardies will equal one
day absence from the lecture or lab.
Greenville Technical Collegeimplemented an attendance policy effective
Jan. 1989 that states.” A student may be administratively withdrawn if
he/she misses more than 10% of either a lecture or lab course.” For
example, if a lecture meets, 2 hours per week for the entire semester (30
hours), you may be administratively withdrawn from the course if your
absences exceed 3 hours.

B. Critical Course Dates:

1. Add/Drop Date – This is a full term semester course. The add/drop
period expires on August 21, 2009.
2. Last day to Withdraw – A student can withdraw with a grade of
“W” up until October 26, 2009. After that day, withdrawals will
not be processed. A student will receive the earned course grade.
3. Key Course Dates:
○ Labor Day Holiday: September 7, 2009
○ Achieving The Dream: September 24, 2009
○ Thanksgiving Holidays: November 25-27, 2009
○ Last day of class: December 3, 2009
Final exam week December 7 - 10, 2009

C. Tests
Chapter tests, practicalsand a final exam will be given. Chapter tests may
consist of labeling, matching, multiple choice, fill in the blank, or
true/false questions. The final exam may use any of the above-mentioned
formats. All examinations are cumulative.

Tests are administered on the dates published on the schedule unless

changes are announced one week in advance. No make-up exams will be
administered. If one exam is missed then the final exam grade will be
counted twice to make up for the one missed exam grade.

In case of inclement weather on a test day, the exam will be given on the
first day class resumes. Students will not be allowed to take any
examination early.

D. Conduct – Dental Department

Immature and unprofessional behavior does not belong in a classroom.
Learning and instructing are hindered in the presence of disruptive
behavior. If, in the instructor’s opinion, the student is disruptive to the
class, the student will be asked to leave. If the instructor and student
cannot resolve the problem, the matter will be referred to the Department
Head for further attention. Any graded material missed during this
dismissal will not be made up and a grade zero will be given. The student
is also responsible for any assignments made.

E. Student Dress & Conduct – GTC Policies

 Students must wear the designated class uniform; follow the jewelry, hair
and make-up policy as per the program policy manual.

F. Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty

Plagiarism is the use of another person’s work without proper
acknowledgment of that work. The student should prepare his/her own
assignments, and should acknowledge use of use of work that is not
his/her own. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Any person found
guilty of giving or receiving material on a test or obtaining a test or
information about a test will be disciplined and may be withdrawn from
the program.

Any act of falsification of medical/dental records, misuse of patient

information, and/or any misrepresentation of any required exercise in any
Dental Hygiene course will be constituted as academic dishonesty.

In the Dental Hygiene/Assisting Department, any student found engaging

in any act of academic dishonesty will receive of a grade of “zero”
recorded for that exercise and the incident will be referred the department
head for possible further disciplinary action as warranted by the offense.
This could result in an “F” in the course and/or permanent dismissal from
the Dental Hygiene/Assisting program. Greenville Technical College’s
guidelines on academic dishonesty will be adhered to.

G. Drug and Substance Abuse

Greenville Technical College subscribes to the Federal Drug Free
Schoolsand Communities Act of 1989 committing the institution to
creating and maintaining a drug free environment. The student code,
outlined in the college catalogue, clearly prohibits the possession, use or
distribution of alcohol and drugs on campus and at related education
locations (clinical sites). Furthermore, the useof substances which
interfere with judgment and/or motor coordination (including prescription
drugs) of students in health care possess unacceptable risks for patients,
health care agencies and the community in general. Students are strictly
prohibited from being under the influence of alcohol or any other drug
while engaged in any portion of their formal education experience.
Students are additionally referred to the Health Sciences Drug and
Substance Abuse Policy for additional information and prescribed
procedures.

H. Test Evaluation Policy

Students will have one (1) week from the time a graded evaluation (test,
quiz, examination, assignment, etc.) is returned to meet with the instructor
to discuss any questions concerning the grade. It is the student’s
responsibility to arrange a conference with the instructor to discuss the
evaluation process. The instructor will make the final decision if any
adjustments to the grade will be made, and the student will be informed of
these changes. After one week’s time, the original grade will stand.
 I. Electronic Devices
Use of cell phones or beepers during class is prohibited. Please turn
them off. If your cell phone is being used in any capacity during class
you will be asked to leave and at that time will be marked as absent.

J Incompletes
A grade of “I”, Incomplete indicates that the student did not complete all
course requirements. The student is responsible for making up all
uncompleted work within the first two weeks of the next semester. All
penalties for late work will apply. If the work is not completed during the
allowed two week period, a grade of “F” will be assigned.

K Participation
Students are encouraged to participate by asking questions and giving
answers during class. They are also responsible for reading and reviewing
all assigned material as listed on the topic outline.

Campus Cruiser – The instructor will make announcements, send

messages and upload any needed handouts prior to the scheduled class
timethrough Campus Cruiser. It is the students’ responsibility to check
their Campus Cruiser e-mail periodically to keep up with any
communication that the instructor has via the Greenville Technical
CollegeCampus Cruiser. It is also the students’ responsibility to clean out
any unwanted mail in order to maintain open message space in their
account with Campus Cruiser. It will also be the students’ responsibility
to obtain any information that the instructor attempted to send the student
but was unable to do so due to a full account

VI. ADDITIONAL REFERENCES

A. Dental Anatomy: It’s Relevance to Dentistry, Woefel, Julian B.,

Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, Hagerstown, MD. 2001
B. Essentials of Oral Histology and Embryology, Avery, James K., 2nd edition,
Mosby Year Book, St. Louis, MO, 2000.
C. Dental Embryology, Histology, and Anatomy, Fehrenbach, Margaret J., W.
B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia, PA, 2002

VII. INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Instructor: Renee Nelson, RDH, BSDH
Office: Office: 314, Dental
Office hours: Posted on office door
Phone: 250-8598
Email: renee.nelson@gvltec.edu
 Department Chair: Debra Grubbs, RDH, BS
Office: Dental 348 A
Office Phone: 250-8588

Assistant Division Dean: Candice B. Lewis

Office AH 120-221
Office Phone: 250-8316

Division Dean: Jan Hirt, M.S.R.S., R.T.

Office: STAT 122-100
Office Phone: 250-8288

Counselor: Robert Gregory

Office: AH 120-139
Office Phone: 250-8309

Special Needs Office: Sharon Bellwood, Counselor *

Office: Student Center 105-137
Office Phone: 250-8176
Sharon Bellwood, Coordinator of Disabilities Service
Office: Student Center 105-124
Office Phone: 250-8408
Email: Sharon.Bellwood@gvltec.edu

*All students who have a disability and need accommodations

should visit, call or email Ms. Bellwood in her office located in
the Student Center.

Course Instructor Concerns:

Student concerns should be addressed following proper channels. Academic issues or concerns
should be handled through the course instructor. If the issues or concerns cannot be resolved,
the student should see the Department Chair followed by the Associate Dean.

VIII. COURSE ESTIMATED GUIDELINE

 Week Lecture Subject/Lab Activity Assignment

Week 1 Review Syllabus

Extra & Intra Oral Structures of Oral Cavity Chapters 1 & 2

Week 2 Cont. Extra & Intra Oral Structures Chapters 1, 2, 3

Week 3 Numbering Systems Chapter 4

Week 4 Exam One

Lab: Practical One

Week 5 Central & Lateral Incisors Chapter 12

Week 6 Canines Chapter 13

Week 7 Exam Two

Lab: Practical Two

Week 8 Premolars Chapter 14

Tongue Chapter 24

Week 9 Molars Chapter 15

Occlusion Chapter 6

Week 10 Exam Three

Lab: Practical Three

Week 11 Tooth Development Chapter 5

Deciduous Dentition Chapter 16

Week 12 Enamel, dentin & pulp histology Chapter 18-20

Week 13 Exam Four

Lab: Practical Four

Week 14 Dental Charting Handouts

Week 15 Exam Five

Lab: Practical Five

Week 16 Final Exam

STUDENT SYLLABUS RECEIPT

I, ___________________________________, HAVE RECEIVED THE COURSE

SYLLABUS FOR DHG 125, TOOTH MORPHOLOGY & HISTOLOGY. THE
SYLLABUS HAS BEEN EXPLAINED TO ME, AND I HAVE HAD MY QUESTIONS
ANSWERED BY THE INSTRUCTOR. I UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS MY
RESPONSIBILITY TO KEEP THE SYLLABUS IN MY POSSESSION FOR FUTURE
REFERENCE. I WILL TAKE THE INITIATIVE AND MAINTAIN THE NECESSARY
DEGREE OF PERISITENCE TO GET ANY FUTURE QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY
THE INSTRUCTOR.

I UNDERSTAND THAT ADDITIONAL HELP MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE

INSTRUCTOR DURING POSTED OFFICE HOURS OR BY APPOINTMENT, BUT
THAT IT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY TO SEEK SUCH HELP. I FURTHER
UNDERSTAND THAT A STUDENT TUTOR WILL BE PROVIDED UPON MY
REQUEST AND UPON APPROPRIATE APPLICATION TO STUDENT SERVICES.

I UNDERSTAND THE POTENTIAL FOR BOTH PASSING AND FAILING THIS

COURSE, AND THAT I MUST OBTAIN A CUMULATIVE GRADE OF AT LEAST
80% (C ) TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE COURSE.
I HAVE HAD AMPLE TIME TO REVIEW THIS INFORMATION.

SIGNED THIS __________________ DAY OF ___________, 2009.

STUDENT: ______________________________________________

INSTRUCTOR: ___________________________________________

I AGREE TO ADHERE TO ALL COURSE, DEPARTMENTAL, AND GREENVILLE

TECHNICAL COLLEGE POLICIES AS REFERRED IN THE ACCOMPANYING
SYLLABUS.

Greenville Technical College

Policy on Student Use of Computing Facilities

This policy governs student use of College computing facilities. The terms “computing facilities” and
“facilities” are used herein to include any terminal, computer, printer, network component, or other related
resource belonging to or provided by the College. This policy is applicable regardless of whether use of a
facility originates at the College, at a student’s residence, or at any other location.

I. General
1. Computing facilities are provided in order to support the mission of the College.
2. Student access to computing facilities is provided only for uses associated with a course
of study and activities related to that course.
3. The use of computing facilities for non-College related purposes is prohibited.
4. All who use computing facilities agree to do so in a manner that is ethical, legal, and does
not interfere with others.
5. Students’ children are not allowed in computer labs or classrooms or left unattended on
campus.
6. Food and drinks are prohibited in computer labs and classrooms.
7. Cellular phones, pagers, beepers, and other similar devices may not be activated in
computer labs and classrooms.

II. Specific Prohibitions Regarding the Use of Computing Facilities

1. Students may use only those facilities that have been properly authorized for their use.
Students may not make their password available to others, use an account set up for
another person, or attempt to discover the password of another person.
2. Students must be aware of, and adhere to, the laws related to software copyrights and
licensing. Software may not be copied without the expressed permission of the copyright
holder.
3. Students may not copy or attempt to copy information belonging to another person without
that person’s expressed permission.
4. Student may not attempt to interfere with the operation or attempt to circumvent security
measures of the College’s computing facilities.
5. Students may not use the College’s computing facilities to send, receive, or access
material that is deemed to be obscene, offensive, or harassing to others. The College
reserves the right to determine if a particular source of information may contain such
information and to restrict or deny access to such sources at its discretion.

III. Other
1. The College makes computing facilities consisting of hardware and software available to
internal and external users. The College accepts no responsibility for any damage to or
loss of data arising directly or indirectly from the use of these facilities or for any
consequential loss or damage.
2. The College provides no facilities that guarantee the confidentiality of files. The computer
systems administrator and his/her designee do have the ability to view all messages and
files of any user. It is not the routine practice of the administrator to view such files;
however, privacy cannot be guaranteed.
3. Different computer labs may have different regulations concerning their use. [Example:
signing in and out may be required in some labs.] Students who use a computer lab must
learn and adhere to the regulations of that lab.

I understand that violation of this policy constitutes a violation of the Student Code for South Carolina
Technical Colleges and may result in progressive disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the
College.

______________________________ ____________________________
Printed Name College ID No. or SSN
______________________________ ___________________________
Signature Date