Revised 05/2010
DNH 216 - Pharmacology (2 CR.)
Course Description
The course is designed to acquaint the dental hygiene student with the therapeutic drugs used in dental treatment, the types and classes of medications taken by their patients, and the relationship of the patient’s drug/medical history to their oral/dental diagnosis, management and treatment. Lecture 2 hours per week.
General Course Purpose
This course provides a basic understanding of pharmacology as it relates to the field of dentistry and dental hygiene. Emphasis is placed on the study of chemical therapeutic agents and their application to clinical dentistry, including their preparation, therapeutic effectiveness, mechanism of action and adverse reactions. In the study of each drug classification, drug interactions and their significance in clinical practice activities will be emphasized.
Course Prerequisites/Corequisites
None.
Course Objectives
Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:
- use reference material to research the drugs that the patients may be taking; and the influence on their oral health and care.
- be knowledgeable about the therapeutic agents used in dentistry.
- understand the classifications of drugs listed below in Major Topics.
- understand and be able to explain the physiological effects associated with the major classes of drugs.
- understand drug interactions, side effects and toxicity.
- be knowledgeable on the subject of drug/substance abuse.
- Understand patient medical complexities as related to drugs and dental therapeutics.
Major Topics to Be Included
- General Principles of Pharmacology
- Autonomic Drugs
- Analgesics/Opioids
- Antimicrobials/Antivirals/Antifungals Agents
- General Anesthetics
- Antianxiety and Sedative Agents
- Topical Therapeutics
- Cardiovascular Medications
- Anticonvulsant Medications
- Psychotherapeutic Agents
- Antihistamines
- Adrenocorticosteroids and other Hormones
- Antineoplastics Agents
- Respiratory Medications
- Gastrointestinal Medications
- Emergency Drugs