Section 3: Drugs Used in Dentistry

The lessons in this section deal with drugs used in dentistry. Each lesson is based on a different drug type. Each lesson is further subdivided into pages on Background, Drug Types, Interactions, Implications, and Exploration.

What do I really need to know?

After completing these 4 lessons, you will know the following about drugs used in dentistry:

  • identify common oral conditions for which each drug type are prescribed.

  • describe drug and palliative therapies for common oral conditions.
  • recognize drugs most commonly prescribed in the dental setting.

  • identify drug interactions that may occur in patients taking these medications.

  • identify any oral complications caused by these medications.

  • understand the potential implications to dental treatment if a patient is taking medications commonly prescribed by a dentist.

  • describe precautions & emergency procedures for potential medical emergencies.
  • recognize local anesthetic agents commonly used in the dental office, their mechanism of action and any adverse effects.
  • understand the rationale for adding vasoconstrictors to local anesthetics and their potential effect on cardiovascular disease.

 

How long will each of these lessons take?

Each of these lessons should take you 1-2 hours, including any assignment and quiz.


How will I be evaluated?

  • a quiz after each lesson
  • an assignment in most lessons
  • an interactive patient history based on all Section 3 lessons
  • an exam structured like national boards based on all Section 3 lessons

 

analgesics | antiinfective | oral conditions | local anesthesia