Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Emphasis is on drugs used in dentistry and most commonly prescribed drugs in the population.
 

1. Recognize the implications of medications taken by the patient and determine appropriate dental hygiene treatment based on that information.

2. Achieve a passing score on pharmacology sections of national and regional board examinations.

1. Successfully complete a knowledge-based and case-based comprehensive midterm examination and final examination.

2. Successfully complete a research paper utilizing available drug reference resources.

Themes:

• Understanding of the pharmacologic effect of drugs

• Accurate assessment/interpretation of patients¿ health history

• Relationship of drug history to dental hygiene treatment

Concepts:

• Drug classifications (Over-the-counter; prescription; herbal)

• Drug categories

  • Antibiotics, analgesics, antipyretics, drugs used in treatment of heart disease; anticonvulsants, psychotherapeutic drugs, anti-histamines/autocoids

• Methods of administration

• Drug interactions

• Indications/contraindications

• Dosage

• Toxicity

• Anesthetics:

  • Local, general, nitrous oxide

• Autonomic nervous system
   

  Issues:

Interpretation/mis-interpretation of health history information.
COMPETENCIES:

1. Describe the basic function of the autonomic nervous system and describe the effects that drugs have in modifying its function.

2. Describe the pharmacology and toxicology of local anesthetics used in the dental office.

3. Explain the dental uses of analgesics and antipyretics and describe the toxicity and drug interactions that can occur with these drugs.

4. Describe the dental uses of narcotic analgesics, their side effects, interactions and potential for abuse.

5. Discuss the use and application of anti-anxiety drugs in dental practice; their side effects and interactions.

6. Describe the pharmacological effects of general and local anesthesia.

7. Describe the uses of antibiotics in dentistry.

8. Describe the general classes of drugs used in treating heart disease and discuss the risk associated with dental treatment.

9. Describe drug treatment used in controlling seizures and their dental implications.

10. Describe the various functions and effects of drugs classified as autocoids and anti-histamines.

11. List the classes of anti-psychotic drugs and describe the side effects that may alter dental treatment.

12. List the commonly used herbal remedies and describe the toxicity and drug interactions that can occur with these “natural” remedies.

13. Describe the pharmacological differences with pediatric pharmacology and  geriatric pharmacology.

Skills:

1. Use inquiry and listening communication skills.