May 09, 2025  
2025-2026 College Catalog 
    
2025-2026 College Catalog

DHE 209 - Ethics and Practice Management

1 Contact Hours, 1 Credits
1 lecture period 0 lab periods


Application of ethical theories and ethical principles in the practice of dental hygiene. Includes the business of dentistry, dental hygiene career opportunities, ethics, and jurisprudence.

Information: Students must be admitted to the PCC Dental Hygiene program and obtain consent of the Dental Hygiene department before enrolling in this course.
Button linking to AZ Transfer course equivalency guide  

Course Learning Outcomes
  1. Describe the core values found in the Code of Ethics of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association and explain the terms used in ethical principles.
  2. Discuss ethical principles and ethical theories and their application to the practice of dental hygiene and within the workplace.
  3. Apply basic concepts of business management and employment as a dental hygienist.
  4. Identify social issues that can affect the dental hygienist in an employment environment.

Performance Objectives:
  1. Differentiate between social philosophy theories and their role in dental hygiene patient care.
  2. Describe the principle components of criminal, civil and tort law.
  3. Discuss social issues within workplace legislation and how they can affect your employment environment.
  4. Apply basic concepts of business management to the dental or dental hygiene component of a practice.
  5. Demonstrate ability to effectively schedule dental hygiene procedures in a dental office.
  6. Critique current time management and periodontal maintenance systems that may be used in dentistry.
  7. Identify criteria for informed consent.
  8. Identify different employment opportunities for dental hygienists.
  9. Prepare a resume and cover letter for future employment.
  10. Discuss economic considerations for a profitable practice, including production, collection, and office overhead.
  11. Explain the contributions of the dental hygienist to the dental office team.
  12. Develop a mission statement and goals for the dental hygiene component of a dental practice.
  13. Determine the productivity of the dental hygiene component of a dental practice.
  14. List and define the elements necessary for a complete case presentation.
  15. Define the term “marketing” as it relates to the dental practice and Discuss marketing strategies for practice promotion and elements of a practice that enhance client satisfaction.
  16. Design an inventory control system for dental hygiene supplies.
  17. Differentiate insurance codes and nomenclature used for dental hygiene services.
  18. Design an employment contract, including elements of setting job descriptions, compensation, terms of employment evaluation, and termination procedures.
  19. Evaluate job performance, including expectations and techniques necessary for changing performance.

Outline:
  1. The Business of Dentistry
    1. Patient and time management – appointment scheduling
    2. Dental insurance and bookkeeping systems
    3. Marketing plan
    4. Patient recall systems
    5. Employment contract
    6. Ethics and jurisprudence
  2. Dental Hygiene Career Opportunities
    1. Searching for employment
    2. Marketing your skills
    3. Resume/cover letter
    4. Job interviews
  3. Ethics
    1. Ethical principles and core values
    2. Ethical theories
    3. Social philosophy
    4. Ethical decision making in dental hygiene practice
  4. Jurisprudence
    1. Criminal, civil, and tort law
    2. Contract law
    3. Licensure
    4. State Dental Practice Act
  5. Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners (AZSBDE) Jurisprudence Review and Preparation
    1. Ethics in dental hygiene
    2. Law and malpractice
    3. Mock Exam