DH 254 Pharmacology

An introduction to various drugs used in the practice of dentistry; an intro to the most commonly prescribed drugs that students might encounter on a patient's medical history. Students will study nomenclature, classification, dosage, contraindications, and effects of pharmacological compounds.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Admission to the Dental Hygiene program

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Understand drug mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacologic effects
2. Know specific drug classifications including therapeutic uses, adverse reactions and contraindications
3. Read and understand drug prescriptions and ability to write prescriptions specific to the practice of dental hygiene
4. Know the laws relating to prescription writing, drug dispensing and drug disposal; knowledge of the law as it pertains to prescription writing by dental hygienists in the state of Oregon
5. Understand the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, including drugs in each category
6. Recognize drugs used for pain control (including local anesthesia and nitrous oxide), their indications, drug interactions and adverse effects
7. Recognize drugs used for the treatment of mental illness, infections (including HIV), cardiovascular disease, respiratory distress, gastrointestinal disorders, endocrine disorders, and cancer. An understanding of their side effects, drug interactions and considerations in dentistry
8. Recognize oral conditions as a side effect of drug use; identification of drugs used in alleviating oral problems
9. Know actions, drug interactions and concerns of common herbal and nutritional supplements seen in the dental practice
10. Understand and demonstrate ability to use appropriate reference material when needed
11. Find and interpret new information about drugs