MCCCD Program Description

Pharmacology

Course: DHE110

First Term: 2021 Spring

Lecture 3.0 Credit(s) 3.0 Period(s) 3.0 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: S - Standard Load

Description: Study of the principles of pharmacology and drugs affecting oral health and dental treatment. Topics include drug interactions, oral manifestations, drugs used in dentistry and alternative medicine.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Explain the general principles of pharmacology. (I) 2. Describe the factors associated with drug action. (II) 3. Define the role of the dental hygienist in the prescription writing process. (III) 4. Identify drugs according to their therapeutic classification. (IV) 5. Describe the use and effect of commonly prescribed drugs and recognize contraindications of the drugs. (IV) 6. Describe significant drug interactions involving medications used by the patient. (IV) 7. Describe oral effects of each drug group. (IV) 8. Describe the considerations of drugs used during pregnancy and lactation. (V) 9. Identify and describe patterns, management and dental concerns associated with substance abuse. (VI) 10. Describe the role of alternative medicine and its significance to dental practice. (VII) 11. Interpret a patient`s pharmacologic history as it relates to dental treatment. (VIII)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. General principles A. Definitions/terms B. Sources of information C. Regulatory agencies and legislation D. Ethical considerations II. Drug action A. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion B. Drug reactions 1. Therapeutic 2. Adverse C. Factors related to response III. Prescription writing A. Components of a prescription B. Latin abbreviations C. Prescription labeling D. Role of dental hygienist IV. Therapeutic classifications, uses, effects, and interactions A. Analgesics B. Anticonvulsants C. Anti-infectives D. Anti-diabetics E. Antineoplastic agents F. Autonomic drugs G. Anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics H. Cardiovascular drugs I. Gastrointestinal drugs J. Hormones K. Psychotherapeutic drugs L. Respiratory drugs M. Adrenocorticosteriods N. Antifungal and antiviral agents V. Pregnancy and lactation A. Implications B. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) pregnancy categories C. Dental drugs VI. Substance abuse A. Patterns B. Management C. Dental considerations VII. Alternative medicine A. Herbal B. Vitamins and minerals C. Other VIII. Pharmacologic history A. Listing medications B. Evaluation of medications C. Oral manifestations D. Compliance E. Management of treatment

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: May 5, 2020

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.