Posted: June 16th, 2024

Synthesis and Application of Pharmacology Knowledge in Dental Hygiene Practice

Synthesis and Application of Pharmacology Knowledge in Dental Hygiene Practice

Abstract
Pharmacology is an essential foundation of knowledge for dental hygiene practice. This self-reflection paper synthesizes key takeaways from a pharmacology course, including pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, medications commonly used in dentistry, and decision-making related to drug use in dental hygiene care. By meaningfully connecting classroom learning to real-world application, dental hygienists can enhance their competence and effectiveness in promoting optimal oral and systemic health for patients.

Introduction
Pharmacology is a complex and ever-evolving field that dental hygienists must understand to provide safe, effective patient care. Prior to beginning a pharmacology course, many dental hygiene students may feel apprehensive due to limited previous exposure to the subject matter. However, through varied learning activities and assignments, students can gain confidence and proficiency in applying pharmacology principles. Three key areas of learning include the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of drugs, common dental medications, and pharmacology-based clinical decision making.

Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics are two fundamental aspects of drug metabolism. Pharmacokinetics involves the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs in the body, while pharmacodynamics relates to drug efficacy, safety, potency, and interactions (Weinberg and Froum, 2019). Patient factors like age, health status, concomitant disorders, and medication history can significantly impact a drug’s pharmacodynamic effects and potentially lead to toxicity or other adverse reactions (Haveles, 2020). Understanding these principles allows dental hygienists to anticipate when dosage adjustments may be needed to ensure therapeutic benefit and prevent harm.

Dental Medications
Dental hygienists must be well-versed in the diverse classes of drugs frequently used in dentistry to manage various oral conditions. For instance, antibiotics and antiseptics are prescribed to treat bacterial infections associated with plaque, gingivitis and periodontitis. These may be administered orally as pills, rinses or locally applied to the gingiva and tooth roots. Common antibiotics include penicillins, cephalosporins, tetracyclines and aminoglycosides. Antifungals are used for oral candidiasis. Pain control is another important area, with acetaminophen and NSAIDs being first-line therapies. However, their use requires caution in certain populations like those with liver disease who may be at risk for hepatotoxicity from acetaminophen (Chestnutt, 2017).

Clinical Decision-Making
Appropriate drug therapy selection and patient education hinges on the dental hygienist’s ability to obtain and analyze relevant medical history information. This includes past and current medical diagnoses, medication use, allergies, and other potential contraindications. For example, patients taking anticoagulants may require antibiotic prophylaxis prior to invasive dental procedures to prevent excessive bleeding. Patients with diabetes, hypertension or other chronic conditions often take multiple medications that can interact with dental drugs, alter wound healing, or increase susceptibility to oral infections (Burgess et al., 2018). Dental hygienists must utilize strong critical thinking skills to identify pertinent pharmacology factors and determine optimal treatment approaches on a patient-specific basis.

Conclusion
Advanced pharmacology education is crucial for empowering dental hygienists to deliver knowledgeable, individualized patient care. By gaining a robust understanding of drug classes, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and associated clinical implications, hygienists can more adeptly evaluate medical histories, assess medication-related risks, and make evidence-based decisions regarding dental hygiene interventions. As pharmacological advancements continue to emerge, it is imperative that dental hygienists engage in ongoing continuing education to maintain competency and incorporate the latest drug information into practice.

References
Burgess, E., Purkis, J., & Hoare, T. (2018). Clinical decision making for dental hygiene students. International Journal of Dental Hygiene, 16(4), e6-e14. https://doi.org/10.1111/idh.12366

Chestnutt, I. G. (2017). Dental pharmacology: A review of key groups of drugs. Primary Dental Journal, 6(3), 38–45. https://doi.org/10.1308/205016817821931079

Haveles, E. (2020). Applied pharmacology for the dental hygienist [VitalSource Bookshelf version]. Retrieved from https://ambassadored.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780323595391/

Weinberg, M., & Froum, S. J. (2019). Pharmacology for the dental hygienist. In M. Weinberg & S. J. Froum (Eds.), Comprehensive periodontics for the dental hygienist (4th ed., pp. 196-220). Pearson Education.
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Unit 8 Pharmacology Self-Reflection Assignment

This self-reflection paper should:

2-3 pages long (not including cover sheet and references)
Times New Roman 12 pt font
Include a cover page
Include references (must have at least two references only one textbook).
Haveles, E. Applied Pharmacology for the Dental Hygienist. [Bookshelf Ambassadored]. Retrieved from https://ambassadored.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780323595391/
APA 7th edition
See rubric for the assignment below.
1.Meaningfully synthesizes connections among experiences outside of the formal classroom to deepen understanding of fields of study and to broaden own points of view

2.Independently synthesizes or draws conclusions by combining examples, facts, or theories from more than one field of study or perspective

.3.Adapts and applies, independently, skills, abilities, theories, or methodologies gained in one situation to new situations to solve difficult problems or explore complex issues in original ways

.4. Fulfills the assignment(s) by choosing a format, language, or graph (or other visual representation) in ways that enhance meaning, making clear the interdependence of language and meaning, thought, and expression.

5.Envisions a future self (and possibly makes plans that build on past experiences) that have occurred across multiple and diverse contexts.6.APA formatting is used with no errors.

MA 320

1.(Introduction) 3 things you picked up from the course (how I felt in the beginning and key topics I took from class)
2.(Body) 3 things from the duration of the course (each paragraph is about one of those key topics and each needs to be sourced )
3. conclusion
Introduction
Prior to starting this course, I was nervous about taking the pharmacology class due to the fact I have not had any experience or knowledge of the material learned. I believe the aspect of this course that was most beneficial to me would have to be the various assignments we did throughout the 5 weeks. When a professor assigns me an assignment, I can actually apply my knowledge instead of memorizing and forgetting the material. For example, you assigned quizzes, discussions, case studies, and reflections, which allowed me to gain a lot of knowledge from reading and researching about the particular subject. This class was not solely based on quizzes and tests like a lot of my other prerequisite courses, which allowed me to step out of my comfort zone. I feel confident in the knowledge I have gained in this course, and I now have a better understanding of pharmacology. To begin, I would like to mention the top 3 things I learned in this pharmacology course are, Pharmacodynamics and PharmacokineticsPharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics , Decision-Making Related to the Use of Drugs in Dental Hygiene Care.

Body
The first key thing I am taking from this course is understanding the Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics of drugs. Pharmacology encompasses two aspects of drug metabolism – pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. While pharmacokinetics deals with drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, pharmacodynamics deals with drug efficacy, safety, potency, and drug interactions. According to Haveles, the effects of a drug can be affected by a client’s general condition, age, and drug history or by the presence of disorders. The pharmacodynamic effect of a drug can be affected by a client’s general condition, age, and drug history or by the presence of disorders. (Haveles, 2020). Each of these may have an effect on binding at the receptor site or on the presence of necessary components that facilitate drug binding. In some cases, these effects can be toxic or lethal. Therefore, in terms of prescribing, pharmacokinetic principles suggest that the dosage may need to be adjusted to prevent undesired effects and/or adverse reactions.

2.
The second key thing I would like to touch on is the importance of medication used in dentistry. I believe this topic is important to know is because depending on the patient’s condition, a dentist may prescribe a number of different medications, depending on your condition. Common medicaition used in Dentistry aree antibiotics and antiseptics which are employed to treat the ailments such as plaque and gingivitis, and anti-fungal medicines which are used to treat oral thrush. These medicines target the gums and the dental roots, and are available as oral pills, mouth rinses and gargles. They are also utilized to treat breath odor. Bacteriostatic as well as bactericidal antibiotics include penicillins, cephalosporins, tetracyclines, aminoglycosides etc. classes of drugs. The choice of antibiotics is driven by several factors including type of infection, age of the patient, compliance, medical history, concomitant medications, and bacterial resistance. It is also important to know other medications as well. For example, Hypertension is the most common Cardiovascular disease in America. According to the CDC, nearly half of adults in the United States (108 million, or 45%) have hypertension. It is important for the hygienist to identify it as well as

Decision-Making Related to the Use of Drugs in Dental Hygiene Care.
Lastly, a key topic that greatly stood out to me and I will be taking from this course is Decision-Making Related to the Use of Drugs in Dental Hygiene Care. I believe this is important because The medical history intake opens the door to effective patient-provider communication, which facilitates the evaluation of possible drug interactions, medication adherence, and possible implications for planned dental procedures. For example, a patient with a history of liver damage should avoid the consumption of pain medication of acetaminophen due to its toxic hepatic effects. Nevertheless, I believe this is important is because upon this decision-making skills and deductive reasoning needed to determine the appropriate drug therapies and recommendations.

Conclusion

Overall, looking in hindsight, I feel that advanced pharmacology did enhance my awareness and knowledge of pharmacology. I feel that it pulled things together that I did not necessarily realize that I did not completely understand. It increased my knowledge and promoted critical thought. It was also beneficial to understand the differences between states on practice authority for nurse practitioners. This was something that I was slightly confused about upon entering the course, but I was enlightened to the variances and the resources to ensure accurate information. Having a strong background and understanding in pharmacology is important, no matter what level of authority a nurse practitioner has- especially because the practice authority changes within states regularly. Because some states allow the nurse practitioner to prescribe all drugs, including controlled drugs, it is important to understand the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of each drug (Vacek & Vuckovic, 2019). Although there are new drugs all the time, it is good to have a strong foundation and know what resources are the best and available to keep up with new information regarding pharmacology. It is also important to stay current with continuing education, as a nurse practitioner. Staying competent in prescribing is vital, for both enhanced awareness in new drugs, clinical trials and prescribing laws

References
Haveles, E. Applied Pharmacology for the Dental Hygienist. [Bookshelf Ambassadored]. Retrieved from https://ambassadored.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780323595391/
https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/facts.htm

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