This course does not meet the State of Maryland Board of Dental Examiners' 2-hour mandatory requirements for Pharmacology.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe the difference among (a) Acetaminophen, (b) Naproxen, (c) Ibuprofen, and (d) Aspirin.
2. Explain the different dosages, precautions, interactions, and contraindications for each NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug).
3. Describe how opioid analgesics differ from NSAIDS and explain opioid receptors and opioid metabolism.
4. Describe the risks and abuse and addiction associated with opioid medication and identify patients at risk for substance-use disorders.
5. Discuss the medical and pharmacological similarities and differences among Codeine, Hydrocodone (Vicodin), and Oxycodone (Percocet).
6. Explain each of the above opioids’ dosages, precautions, interactions, and contraindications.
7. Counsel patients concerning the side effects, addictive nature, proper storage, and disposal of opioid medications.
8. Define pain-management principles with NSAIDS, opioids, and combined NSAID/opioid medications.
9. Describe opioid antagonists and overdose-prevention treatments.
10. Practice effective pain management.
11. Define and describe the signs and symptoms of opioid-use disorders.
12. Define and describe anxiolytics used in dentistry, such as Ambien, Ativan, Halcion, Valium, Xanax - along with pharmacological effects, adverse reactions, and contraindications.
13. Define and describe muscle relaxants used in dentistry such as Flexeril and Klonopin - along with pharmacological effects, adverse reactions, and contraindications.
14. Explain the modern issues of multi-drug resistant infections in dentistry and describe new thinking in antibiotic regimens to combat these resistant pathogens.