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

Describes the effects of ADHD on attention, emotional control, impulse control, and executive functions. Describes the clinical presentations of ADHD and current diagnostic criteria. Discusses the genetic, developmental, neurologic and environmental causes of ADHD. Describes the development, symptoms, and impact of ADHD as they relate to children, adolescents, and adults. identify effective ADHD treatments focused on behavior management, diet, exercise, and sleep. Discusses the stimulant and non-stimulant medications for ADHD and their effectiveness. Discusses how the recent empirical research in this course can be translated to clinical practices to improve patient care and outcome. Describes, for this course, the implications for dentistry, mental health, pharmacy, nursing, occupational, physical therapy and other healthcare professions.

Explains the concept of the gut-brain axis, and its implications for health and disease. Describes how microbes and their metabolites communicate with the body and the brain. Explains how the microbiome-gut-brain axis influences the development of neurodegenerative, neuropsychiatric, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Describes how microbial metabolites regulate immune and metabolic pathways in the body, and how this may impact risk of allergies, autoimmune diseases, obesity and diabetes. Explains how the ecology of the oral microbiome impacts both gut and systemic health; discusses implications for modern-day oral healthcare. Lists potential microbial and gut health disruptors, as well as therapeutic strategies to improve gut and brain health (to become “ecosystem engineers”). Describes ways in which the highly complex gut-brain scientific research has been oversold and misinterpreted by the lay press. Identifies red flags of “pseudoscience” to become a healthy skeptic. Describes how the information in this course can be utilized to improve patient care and patient outcomes.