DHE 122 - Pharmacology

1. Demonstrate foundational knowledge of drug classifications and regulatory requirements.
2. Evaluate the pharmacological management of pain, anxiety and infection in dental care.
3. Assess drug interactions, adverse reactions and contraindications relevant to dental hygiene practice.
4. Describe the mechanisms and therapeutic roles of cardiovascular, respiratory and endocrine medications.
5. Explain the dental implications of psychotherapeutic, anticonvulsant and immunosuppressive agents.

1. Apply knowledge of pharmacology terminology, dosage calculations, measurement units, and safety measures to accurately write and assess dental prescriptions, especially in cases involving pediatric and pregnant patients.
2. Analyze drug labels, including black box warnings, and understand regulatory classifications to ensure safe medication use and patient education.
3.  Evaluate the effects of different administration routes on drug bioavailability, efficacy, and patient outcomes.
4. Describe how drugs interact within the body and with each other, understanding the implications of bioequivalence, adverse reactions, and interactions on dental treatment plans.
5. Assess the appropriate use of non-narcotic analgesics and NSAIDs, understanding their mechanism of action and potential side effects in dental settings.
6. Understand the role, limitations, and risks of opioid analgesics in dental care, emphasizing the importance of monitoring for dependency and substance abuse.
7. Distinguish between bactericidal and bacteriostatic antibiotics, and assess the appropriateness of topical and systemic antibacterial agents in dental infection control.
8. Describe the advantages and considerations of using controlled-release antimicrobial agents in periodontal therapy.
9. Explain the pharmacological treatment options for common dental infections, such as herpes simplex, and understand the roles of antifungal and antiviral agents.
10. Understand the use of benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and nitrous oxide, analyzing their benefits and risks in managing dental anxiety and procedural sedation.
11. Apply knowledge of antihypertensives, anti-angina drugs, and anti-arrhythmics to ensure safe and effective dental care for patients with cardiovascular conditions.
12. Recognize the dental considerations and adverse effects of anticonvulsant medications in patients with seizure disorders.
13. Identify the effects of antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and anxiolytics on dental health, including any dental side effects that may impact treatment.
14. Understand the systemic effects and dental treatment considerations for patients using corticosteroid medications.
15. Evaluate the implications of chemotherapy and immunosuppressive therapy for dental treatment, recognizing side effects and necessary precautions.
16. Explain the dental considerations for patients taking medications for asthma, colds, coughs, peptic ulcers, and other respiratory or gastrointestinal conditions.

1. Introduction to Pharmacology and Regulatory Agencies
   1. Terminology
   2. Sources
   3. Regulation and classification of drugs
   4. Labeling requirements
   5. Black box warning
2. Drug Action, Handling, and Adverse Reactions
   1. Routes of drug administration
   2. Pharmacodynamics
   3. Drug effects and interactions
   4. Bioequivalence and bioavailability
3. Prescription Writing
   1. Goals
   2. Measurement units
   3. Abbreviations
   4. Safety measures
   5. Considerations for children and pregnancy
4. Autonomic Drugs
   1. Nervous system and neurotransmitters
   2. Sympathomimetic drugs
   3. Adrenergic agonists
   4. Adrenergic receptor antagonists
   5. Transmission
5. Non-Opioid Analgesics
   1. Neurophysiology of pain
   2. Drug therapy for dental pain
   3. Non-narcotic analgesics
   4. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
   5. Opioid analgesics
   6.  Substance abuse and dependency
6. Anti-Infective Agents
   1. Antimicrobial agents
   2. Bactericidal antibiotics
   3. Bacteriostatic antibiotics
   4. Miscellaneous antibiotics
   5. Prevention of infective endocarditis
   6. Antibacterial agents: topical
   7. Controlled-release drug delivery
7. Antifungal and Antiviral Agents
   1. Herpes simplex
   2. Antiretroviral agents
   3. Antifungal agents
8. Anti-Anxiety Agents
   1. Benzodiazepines
   2. Barbiturates
   3. Nonbarbiturates
   4. Nitrous oxide
   5. Narcotics
   6. General anesthesia
9. Cardiovascular Agents
   1. Hypertension
   2. Angina pectoris
   3. Heart failure
   4. Arrhythmias
10. Anticonvulsant Agents
11. Psychotherapeutic Agents
    1. Antipsychotic drugs
    2. Mood disorders
    3. Anxiolytics
    4. Sedative/hypnotic drugs
12. Antacids and Antihistamines
13. Adreno Cortico Steroid Agents
14. Other Hormones
15. Antineoplastic and Immunosuppressant Agents
    1. Actions
    2. Treatment
    3. Adverse side effects
    4. Limitations to dental treatment
    5. Chemotherapy
16. Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Medications
    1. Lung anatomy
    2. Asthma
    3. Cold
    4. Cough
    5. Peptic ulcer
    6. Irritable bowel syndrome
    7. Nausea and vomiting
    8. Constipation
    9. Diarrhea
    10. Inflammatory bowel disease
17. Emergency Medications
    1. Preparation of dental staff
    2. Basic life support
    3. Emergency medical kit and equipment
18. Drug Interactions and Drug Abuse