Pharmacology I BDNT 3225

Course description:

This course is concerned with the general principles in pharmacology including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and their significance in dental practice. The course gives emphasis on pharmacological actions and therapeutic applications of drugs used or implicated in dentistry. Topics include drugs affecting the autonomic nervous system, anticonvulsants, respiratory drugs, gastrointestinal drugs, antiparkinsons, antimicrobial agents, antifungal and antiviral agents and analgesics. A special focus is given for drugs used locally to treat hard and soft tissue ailments and for preparations used locally in the dental practice.

Course Aims:

The course aims provide students with a solid grounding in the basic concepts and scientific underpinnings of Pharmacology. Also it aims to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental Pharmacology and uses of the major classes of clinically important drugs currently used in medical practice.

Course outcomes:

Upon completion of this course the student should be able to:
  • Demonstrate a foundational understanding of general pharmacology principles and apply these principles to patient-focused case studies relevant to their oral health and dental interventions. 
  • Interpret a prescription and basic abbreviations used in writing a prescription. 
  • Understand the importance of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and their significance in dental practice.
  • Understand the actions and appropriate therapeutic use of local anesthetics and vasoconstrictor containing preparations, sedatives and analgesic medications.
  • Understand the rational of using anti-infective, antifungal and antiviral agents in dentistry.
  • Identify the major adverse reactions and drug interactions of the most commonly used medications in Dentistry.