Unit Code: DNT701

Unit Name: Pharmacology

Description: The purpose of this course is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of pharmacological principles and their application in dental practice. This course will explore the interactions between drugs and the human body, emphasizing their therapeutic uses, mechanisms of action, and potential side effects relevant to dental care. Throughout this course, you will: Learn the Basics of Pharmacology: Gain a solid foundation in pharmacological terminology, drug classifications, and pharmacokinetics (how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted). Understand Drug Actions and Reactions: Study the pharmacodynamics of various drugs, including how they produce their effects and the factors influencing drug response. Explore Dental-Specific Pharmacology: Focus on medications commonly used in dental practice, such as local anesthetics, antibiotics, analgesics, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Understand their indications, contraindications, and proper administration techniques. Develop Safe Medication Practices: Learn to identify and manage potential drug interactions, adverse reactions, and allergies in dental patients. Emphasize the importance of patient history and communication to ensure safe and effective pharmacological care. Apply Knowledge to Clinical Scenarios: Engage in case studies and practical exercises that simulate real-world dental scenarios, allowing you to apply your pharmacological knowledge to clinical decision-making. This course aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively integrate pharmacological treatments into your dental practice. By the end of the course, you will be well-prepared to make informed decisions regarding medication management and improve patient outcomes in your dental care.

Learning Target Outcomes: On successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Describe the sources, classification and nomenclature of drugs. 2. Discuss core pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic concepts. 3. Discuss pharmacological properties of drugs affecting cholinergic and adrenergic neurotransmission. 4. Discuss the pharmacological management of non-communicable diseases [Hypertension, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and asthma]. 5. Discuss the pharmacological properties of drugs affecting the GIT. 6. Discuss the pharmacological properties of anti-microbial agents in dentistry. 7. Discuss the pharmacological properties of local and general anaesthetics. 8. Discuss the pharmacological properties of anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic agents [NSAID\'s, opioids, corticosteroids, acetaminophen]. 9. Describe the principles of drug use in special populations [paediatrics, geriatrics, pregnancy and lactation, renal and hepatic impairment]. 10. Describe adverse drug reactions and drug interactions. 11. Describe the dental implications of systemic medications and commonly used topical agents in dentistry.

Prerequisite: N/A

Prerequisite Sentence: N/A

Credit Point: 15

Offered In: Semester 1,2