Course Description

The purpose of this course is to familiarize the student with disease processes related to the oral cavity and to enable the student to identify these diseases. The student will become familiar with various drugs and their uses in dentistry, prescription writing and documentation, the sources of drugs, routes of administration, and the conditions that modify the reactions of drugs. Group 2 course.

Credit Hours

2

Contact Hours

2

Lecture Hours

2

Recommended Prerequisites or Skills Competencies

HDA 120

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge:

• Define terminology related to oral pathology.
• List characteristics of: soft tissue and hard tissue disorders, nutritional disorders, diseases of the teeth and dental pulp, secondary disorders, diseases of the supporting structures, disorders of the tongue, and developmental disorders.
• Describe the etiology and control of dental caries.
• List the warning signs of oral cancer.
• Describe the parts of a prescription and laws affecting their use.
• Identify the sources of drugs and the routes of administration.
• Explain the standards related to advertising and regulation of drugs.
• Describe the type of information contained in the publications related to pharmacology.
• Identify conditions which modify the action of drugs.
• List the categories of drugs used in dental offices, uses of each, and the characteristics and precautions.

Application:

• State all of the steps included in an oral exam.
• Describe the causes of: soft tissue and hard tissue disorders, nutritional disorders, diseases of the teeth and dental pulp, secondary disorders, diseases of the supporting structures, disorders of the tongue, and developmental disorders.

Integration:

• Compare local anesthetics and the use of vasoconstrictors to determine correct use in a dental office.
• Describe the treatment of: soft and hard tissue disorders, nutritional disorders, diseases of the teeth and dental pulp, secondary disorders, diseases of the supporting structures, disorders of the tongue, developmental disorders.

Human Dimension:

• Discuss the importance of following steps to prevent drug abuse.

Caring - Civic Learning:

• Describe the ethical standards related to dental assistants regarding diagnosing of diseases and prescribing and administering medications.

Learning How to Learn:

• Identify sources of information on oral pathology and oral pharmacology that will assist the student with being successful on board exams.