Pharmacology for the Dental Hygienist Syllabus for 2017-2018
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Course

DHYG-1235-001 Pharmacology for the Dental Hygienist

Prerequisites

Course Description

Classification of drugs and their uses, actions, interactions, side effects, contraindications, with emphasis on dental applications.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact your advisor, the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(2 sem hrs; 2 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Students MUST have the CURRENT edition of all required textbooks and must bring textbooks to ALL scheduled class sessions.

1. Oral Pharmacology for the Dental Hygienist, by Weinberg, Theile and Fine, 2013, 2nd Edition

Supplies

• Library Card for AC and /or city library
• Computer and Internet Access, printer, print cartridges
• Index cards, scantrons, paper, pens, markers
• Additional materials as needed

Student Performance

End-of-Course Outcomes: 

Differentiate the classification of drugs; identify the uses, actions, and contraindications of drugs; and recognize systemic and oral manifestations associated with their use.

Educational Objectives for the Course:

Upon completion of the course the student shall be able to:

Chapter 1 – Introduction to Clinical Pharmacology

1. Describe the role of pharmacology in the dental hygiene process of care.
2. List and utilize the various online and computer drug references.
3. Discuss various federal drug laws and their impact on drug regulation.
4. Identify the various parts of a written prescription.
5. Discuss how to avoid errors in prescription writing.
6. Discuss the concept of generic substitution.

Chapter 2 – Fundamentals of Drug Action

1. Compare the differences between pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics.
2. Describe common routes of drug administration.
3. Describe the mechanisms of drug absorption through the various membranes in the body.
4. Describe absorption through the different routes of drug administration.
5. Describe the drug-receptor interaction.
6. Distinguish between a loading dose and a maintenance dose.
7. Describe the various factors involved in the biological variations of drug dosing.
8. List and discuss different types of drug effects.

Chapter 3 – Autonomic Nervous System Drugs

1. Understand the differences between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system.
2. Illustrate the different types of receptors and neurotransmitters in the autonomic nervous system.
3. Identify the drugs affecting the autonomic nervous system (sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions).
4. Understand the differences between adrenergic and cholinergic drugs.
5. Describe the role of autonomic nervous sytem drugs in dentistry.
6. Explain the use of vasoconstrictors (in local anesthetics) in dental patients.

Chapter 4 – Local Anesthetics

1. Discuss the mechanism of action of local anesthetics.
2. Classify local anesthetics used in dentistry.
3. Describe adverse effects of local anesthetics.
4. Describe the signs and symptoms of anesthetic toxicity.
5. Discuss the use of vasoconstrictors in medically compromised patients.

Chapter 5 – Sedation and General Anesthetics

1. Summarize the concepts of minimal, moderate, and deep sedation.
2. List various pharmacological agents used for moderate sedation.
3. List the objectives in using sedation to manage dental patients.
4. Discuss the role of nitrous oxide in the dental office.

Chapter 6 – Drugs for Pain Control

1. Discuss the concepts of dental pain.
2. Discuss the commonly used pharmacological agents used for the treatment of orofacial pain.
3. Identify the drug-drug interactions that pertain to dental treatment.
4. Describe the classification of narcotic analgesics.
5. Discuss when a narcotic versus a nonnarcotic analgesic is indicated for dental patients.
6. Discuss screening methods to detect potential patient with a chemical dependency.

Chapter 7 – Antibacterial Agents

1.  List the classifications of the different antibiotics including penicillins, cephalosporins, tetracyclines, macrolides, fluoroquinolones, and nitroimidazoles.
2. Understand the concept of bactericidal versus bacteriostatic antibiotics.
3. Describe adverse effects on the various antibiotics.
4. Explain the use of antibiotics in periodontics, implants, oral surgery, and endodontics.
5. Discuss the rationale for use of topical agents used in dentistry.
6. List the various antimycobacterial drugs.
7. Discuss the dental adverse side effects of antimycobacterial drugs.

Chapter 8 – Antiviral and Antifungal Agents

1. Illustrate the pathophysiology of herpes simplex viruses.
2. List the various antiherpetic drugs.
3. Describe the appropriate dental management of patients with herpes labialis.
4. Describe the pharmacology of currently approved drugs used in the treatment of HIV infection.
5. Describe selected drugs with adverse side effects related to dentistry and how to manage them.
6. Explain dental implications of patients taking anti-HIV drugs.
7. List the patients that are higher risk for fungal infections.
8. List common antifungal agents used to treat oral infections.
9. List common drug interactions of systemic antifungal agents.

Chapter 9 – Antineoplastic Immunosuppressant, and Bisphosphonate Drugs

1. Discuss the role of antineoplastic agents in the treatment of neoplasms.
2. List the commonly used antineoplastic agents.
3. Discuss the common oral adverse effects of antineoplastic agents.
4. Describe the adverse effects and drug interactions of immunosuppressant drugs.
5. Review recommendations and guidelines for dental patients taking bisphosphonates for hypercalcemia.

Chapter 10 – Fluorides

1. Describe the chemical composition, metabolism, and systemic intake of fluoride.
2. Describe the various types of fluoride available in dentistry.
3. Explain acute and chronic fluoride toxicity and how it relates to systemic and topical use.

Chapter 11 – Cardiovascular Drugs

1. Describe the different types of heart diseases.
2. List the different categories of drugs used in the treatment of heart conditions.
3. Discuss the adverse side effects of these drugs that are important in the dental office.
4. Describe steps used to monitor a cardiac patient who is being administered a local anesthetic with a vasoconstrictor in the dental office.

Chapter 12 – Gastrointestinal Drugs

1. Describe the current theory of the etiology of peptic ulcer disease.
2. Explain the differences in treatment between peptic ulcer disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease ( GERD).
3. Discuss any contraindications or precautions in dental patients with gastrointestinal disorders.
4. Discuss the pharmacologic therapy for GERD.
5. Discuss the treatments for constipation and diarrhea.

Chapter 13 – Respiratory Drugs

1. Classify asthma into different categories.
2. Explain the management of asthma in relation to dental treatment.
3. List and describe current medications used in asthma.
4. Discuss the management of COPD.
5. Describe the management of rhinitis.
6. Discuss the therapy for cough.
7. Discuss adverse effects of antihistamines as they relate to dentistry.

Chapter 14 – Neurological Drugs

1. List the different types of epilepsy.
2. Describe the management of a patient undergoing an epileptic seizure in the dental chair.
3. List and discuss drug-drug interactions with anti-epileptic drugs.
4. List and discuss drugs used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
5. Discuss the drug managment of headaches.

Chapter 15 – Psychiatric Drugs

1. Discuss the biochemical etiology of the various psychiatric disorders.
2. Describe the major classes of psychotherapeutic medications.
3. Discuss the adverse effects of psychiatric medications.
4. Discuss the impact of these adverse effects during dental treatment.

Chapter 16 – Endocrine and Hormonal Drugs

1. Illustrate the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus.
2. Compare the indications and effects of the available medications used to treat diabetes mellitus.
3. Explain the dental management of diabetic patients.
4. Describe the various drug-drug interactions of diabetic patients.
5. State the dental management of patients with thyroid disorders.
6. State the management of dental patients taking corticosteroids.
7. Describe the dental indications of topical corticosteroids.
8. Describe important dental concerns of corticosteroids.
9. Summarize the components of oral contraceptives and dental concerns.
10. Describe oral signs and symptoms of ONJ.
11. Discuss the guidelines for dental patients taking bisphosphonates.
12. List dental risk factors for ONJ.

Chapter 17 – Herbal and Natural Remedies

1. Discuss the views of complementary and alternative medicine.
2. Describe the actions of various herbal products used in dentistry.
3. List common adverse side effects and drug – herb interactions.
4. Discuss the role of herbal medicine in dentistry.

The student will know that these objectives have been successfully completed if he or she earns a final course grade of “C” or higher as evaluated by the instructor.

The standard for the objectives may be one or any combination of the following:

- as given in lecture
- as demonstrated, discussed in the clinic experience
- as given in handouts
- as stated in the course texts
- as given on exams
 

 

 

 

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

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If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

A high standard of conduct is expected of all Amarillo College students.  The Student Code of Conduct is defined in the Amarillo College Student Rights and Responsibilities publication.  The document may be located at www.actx.edu under the studet tab.

"Amarillo College expects a high standard of conduct from its students.  Students are expected to comply with the law, respect proper constitutional authority, and obey College policies, rules and regulations.  Unacceptable conduct is defined as an action or behavior that is contrary to the best interest of a fellow student or students, the faculty or staff, the College, or the teaching/learning process.  Students failing to perform according to established standards may be subject to disciplinary action.  Policies, standards, rules and regulations apply to students attending College activities whether the activity takes place on or off campus.  Each student shall be responsible for becoming knowledgeable of the contents and provisions of College policies, rules, and regulations concerning student conduct.  In some cases, individual programs may have approved policies for student conduct which also apply to student conduct in these programs.  Integrity and common sense will guide the actions of each member of the college community both in and out of the classroom.  Any student who fails to perform according to expected standards may be disciplined."

The Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Program has specific policies which apply to student conduct within the program.  These policies may be implied or written.  The course syllabus and the program manual are sources for specific student conduct policies for dental hygiene students at Amarillo College. Disciplinary action may be taken along with a student behavior alert form sent to the Dean of Student Services.

  Professional Standards

Student is prompt for class.

Student is prepared for class sessions.

Student assumes responsibility for his/her own learning.

Student is concerned with excellence in learning rather than just meeting minimal criteria.

Student applies lecture material in the clinic setting.

Student will seek faculty assistance if needed, and will monitor their own progress in meeting course requirements.

Student maintains his/her composure, dealing with conflict in a constructive way.

Student exhibits an attitude of respect for classmates, faculty and staff.

Mandatory Tutoring

In an effort to increase student success in DHYG courses, and to assist students having difficulty understanding complex subject areas, any student who scores below a 75% on any assessment (excluding the final exam) must complete mandatory tutoring before taking the next exam/assessment.  You must schedule a time with the instructor before moving forward in the course.

 Cell Phone Policy

Cell phones should be silenced and put away out of view before entering the classroom.  The personal use of cell phones in the classroom is not permitted.  Cell phones may be checked at designated break times.  Students who choose to violate the cell phone policy will receive a 0. 

Mailboxes

Each student is assigned a mailbox located inside the student dressing room.  Students are required to check his/her mailbox daily for various communication from faculty.

Bulletin Board

First and second year dental hygiene students have designated areas in a common bulletin board in the student dressing room where various announcements may be posted.

Emergency and Other Contacts

Phone numbers that family members may use to reach a student in case of an emergency are as follows:

Dental Hygiene Office Supervisor:  354-6050

Amarillo College Police:  371-5163

Dr. Jack Fong Office Number:  806-353-8184

Academic Grievance Procedure

A student who has a grievance concerning an academic course in which he/she is enrolled is directed to appeal in the following order to the:  (1) Instructor, (2) Department Chair/Program Director (3) Dean of Health Sciences, (4) Vice President of Academic Affairs (5) College President

Grading Criteria

The course will consist of Major Exams and a Comprehensive Final.

The following criteria will be used to determine your grade:

Major Exams 75%
Comprehensive Final 25%

The following grade scale applies throughout this course:

A = 93 100%
B = 83 92%
C = 75 82%
F = Below 75%
Note: A grade of "D" is not possible in this course.

In order to pass the course, a student must achieve a final grade of 75% and meet all requirements of the course. All students are considered mature enough to seek faculty assistance and to monitor their own progress in meeting course requirements. Students who continually fall below the minimal level of 75% on graded material should seek assistance from the course faculty.

Make-up Policy

If a student is absent on the day when a major examination is given, the student may make-up the missed work as follows: 

• It is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements with the instructor within 24 hours of returning from the absence to reschedule the examination.
• The missed work must be made up within TWO Amarillo College school days where the day ends at 4:00 pm.
• The make- up work may earn a maximum of 80% of the original point value.

 

 

Attendance

“Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class.”  (Amarillo College Student’s Rights and Responsibilities Publication).   Due to the tremendous amount of information contained in this course, the student who plans to succeed should also plan to attend all course sessions regularly and promptly.  Without question, the instructor expects each student to be present at each session.  Unfortunately, no one has ever developed a short cut which will replace hours of actual experience needed to master a new skill; therefore, you must be present to acquire the specific knowledge in this subject. 

Absences will be monitored and evaluated to determine the student’s final course grade.  The student may have no more than 1 absence in this course without affecting the final grade.  Beginning with the 2nd absence, 2 points will be deducted from the final grade; on the 3rd absence, 3 points will be deducted; on the 4th absence, 4 points will be deducted.  On the occurrence of the 5th absence, the student will fail the course and be required to repeat the course.  Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each lecture and lab session.  Students not present when attendance is taken will be counted as absent. The student is expected to be present in class at the time class/lab is scheduled to begin. STUDENTS WHO ARE LATE TO CLASS OR LAB OR WHO LEAVE CLASS OR LAB EARLY, WILL BE COUNTED AS ABSENT.  The student will receive 2 bonus points to the final grade of this course if the student has perfect attendance for the semester.  

Tardiness Policy

You are expected to be present in the class at the time when it is scheduled to begin at 7:30 am.  If class has already begun and you arrive late or if you delay the start of a class, you will be considered late.  Late arrivals will be counted as an absence. I will take roll at the beginning of each class period.  Please plan accordingly.  No exceptions.

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