DHY 271 Pharmacology for DHY

This course introduces pharmacologic principles and therapeutic application to healthcare. Special emphasis is placed on therapeutic agents used in dental practice as well as other agents that may impact the practice of dental hygiene.

Credits

1.5

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: DHY 112

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

DHY 271 Pharmacology for DHY

Campus Location

  • Dover

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: DHY 112

Course Credits and Hours

1.5 credit(s)

1.5 lecture hours/week

0 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course introduces pharmacologic principles and therapeutic application to healthcare. Special emphasis is placed on therapeutic agents used in dental practice as well as other agents that may impact the practice of dental hygiene.

Additional Materials

Dental Hygiene Program Policy and Procedures Manual
Allied Health/Science Department Program Student Policy Manual

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Demonstrate the use of pharmacological references to assess various medications. (CCC 2, 5; PGC 1, 3, 5)
  2. Apply the general principles of pharmacological therapeutics. (CCC 2, 5, 6; PGC 3)
  3. Evaluate the medications in a patient's medical history to determine their effect on oral health. (CCC 1, 2, 3 4, 6; PGC 1, 3, 5)
  4. Analyze medications for any contraindications and/or modifications to dental treatment. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC 1, 3, 5)
  5. Differentiate among the various classifications of pharmacological agents. (CCC 2; PGC 1, 3)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Demonstrate the use of pharmacological references to assess various medications.
    1. Identify preferred references used in evaluating pharmacological agents.
    2. Use reference publications to research prescription and non-prescription drugs.
    3. Define the following terms: chemical name, generic name, and trade name.
  2. Apply the general principles of pharmacological therapeutics.
    1. Compute drug doses.
    2. Describe drug actions of agents, which mimic the effects of the autonomic nervous system.
    3. Define the following terms: dose, toxic dose, lethal dose, effective dose (ED 50), loading or primary dose (LD 50).
    4. State the difference between drug potency and drug efficacy.
    5. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the following routes of drug administration: enteral routes (oral and rectal) and parenteral routes (intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, inhalation, and topical).
    6. Identify the various dosages forms, including the most commonly used forms in dentistry.
    7. Briefly explain the factors that influence drug absorption.
    8. Identify the major and minor sites of drug excretion.
    9. Briefly describe drug response factors or factors that alter the effects of drugs.
    10. Interpret the following effects of multiple drug administration: addition, potentiation, synergism, and antagonism.
    11. Describe the basics of prescription writing.
    12. Demonstrate the use of common abbreviations for prescription writing.
  3. Evaluate the medications in a patient's medical history to determine their effect on oral health.
    1. Discriminate among the oral effects of commonly prescribed medications.
    2. Identify common xerostomia-producing drug groups, including representative examples.
    3. Summarize the agents that may cause tissue hyperplasia.
  4. Analyze medications for any contraindications and/or modifications to dental treatment.
    1. Differentiate between the two broad categories pertaining to allergic reactions.
    2. Describe the range of clinical manifestations of allergic reactions.
    3. Given the patient's medical history, identify potential drug interactions.
    4. Identify drugs that necessitate a physician consultation.
    5. Examine the impact common drugs affecting blood coagulation have on dental treatment.
    6. Describe the factors affecting drug excretion.
    7. Describe the effects of various medications and cautions associated with pregnancy and breastfeeding.
    8. Relate common agents used in dentistry to their potential for drug abuse.
  5. Differentiate among the various classifications of pharmacological agents.
    1. Discriminate among the cardiovascular drug agents and their pharmacological effects.
    2. Describe the effects of blood modifiers.
    3. Differentiate among various antibiotics and their mechanism of actions.
    4. Explain the mechanism of actions of analgesic agents.
    5. Discuss the hypoglycemic/antihyperglycemic agents and their pharmacological properties.
    6. Describe the effects of thyroid agents on the body.
    7. Distinguish between antihistamines and H2 blockers.
    8. Relate the use of anti-anxiety agents to dental practice.
    9. Discuss the role of opioid analgesics in dentistry.
    10. Examine the use of desensitizing agents.
    11. Discriminate among general anesthetics and local anesthetics and their application in dentistry.
    12. Describe the effects of anticonvulsant agents.
    13. Explain the use of psychotherapeutic medications.
    14. Analyze the effects of antineoplastic agents on dental patients.
    15. Appraise respiratory and gastrointestinal agents in terms of their effects on the body.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

  1. Collect and analyze baseline data in a critical and scientific manner regarding the patient's health status to determine dental hygiene treatment needs.
  2. Utilizing professional communication skills and behaviors, initiate and responsibly advocate health care promotion and disease prevention for diverse populations.
  3. Provide dental hygiene care in a safe manner.
  4. Utilizing self-assessment skills, evaluate clinical performance and the effectiveness of dental hygiene treatment.
  5. Accurately document information related to dental hygiene care through proper record keeping.
  6. Recognize and manage the professional and ethical issues of dental hygiene practice in a dynamic environment.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.