HomeMy WebLinkAboutDHY-200
Division of Health Professions
Department of Dental Hygiene
Course Syllabus
DHY 200 Pharmacology for Dental Hygiene
Semester and year: Summer U (1st year)
Section Number: 001
Meeting Times: DHY 200-001
Location:
Instructor:
Office Location
Phone:
Departmental Secretary: Mary Geminiano
Office Hours: By appointment
Email Address:
Course Description:
This course examines medications routinely prescribed for medical and dental conditions
and the role of the dental hygienist in patient assessment and treatment planning.
Systemic medications, complementary medicine, anesthesia, and oral pharmacotherapy
will be included. Local anesthetic agents will be emphasized.
• Credits: 2 (2 lecture, 0 labs)
• Prerequisites: DHY-201, DHY-205, DHY-209
• Co-requisites: None
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this course, the dental hygiene student will be able to:
Student Learning Outcome: Means of Assessment:
1. Discuss the history of pharmacology and exhibit an
understanding of its importance to dental hygiene
Quizzes, Exams
2. Identify references of drug information to be used in
practice
Quizzes, Exams, Top 100
Drugs Assignment
3. Explain basic pharmacokinetics and related factors
that affect a drug’s ability to produce a therapeutic
effect.
Quizzes, Exams
4. Recognize the generic and trade names of some of
the most commonly prescribed drugs, demonstrate
their correct pronunciation and be able to classify them
according to their principle therapeutic indications.
Quizzes, Exams, Top 100
Drugs Assignment
5. Identify a drug listed on an accurately completed
patient medical history and explain:
• the patient’s medical conditions
• the drug’s basic mechanism of action and effects
• the drug’s potential adverse reactions, interactions
and contraindications
• implications and considerations important to patient
management during dental treatment
Quizzes, Exams, Top 100
Drugs Assignment, Dietary
Supplement Research
Paper
6. Review the etiology of most common disease states
and describe the classes of drugs used in their
treatment
Quizzes, Exams
7. Discuss and compare the classes of drugs used in
dental practice for:
• local anesthesia
• pain and anxiety management and prophylaxis
• treatment of infection
• treatment of oral conditions.
Quizzes, Exams
8. Exhibit familiarity with drugs commonly used in the
event of a medical emergency in the dental office.
Quizzes, Exams
9. Identify those drugs which are commonly abused,
discuss the medical, legal and social implications of
their abuse, and the impact of their abuse on dental
therapy
Quizzes, Exams
10.Read prescriptions and exhibit familiarity with form
and content.
Quizzes, Exams
INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY:
Teaching Methods
Learning Experiences/Activities
1. Lecture
2. PowerPoint Presentations
3. Top 100 Drugs Homework
Assignment
4. Dietary Supplement Research Paper
5. Quizzes
6. Exams
1. The student will attend lectures in which
new concepts of pharmacologic therapy
are presented via powerpoint
presentations, and in-class group
discussions.
2. The student will complete ten
quizzes and two exams to assess
their understanding and retention of
the material.
3. The student will complete a Top 100
Drugs homework assignment in
which they research a selection of
the most frequently prescribed brand
name drugs. For each of the
selected drugs, the student will
identify the drug’s brand name,
generic name, pharmacologic class,
therapeutic indication and clinical
dental considerations.
4. The student will select one herbal
dietary supplement and their
recognition and understanding is
measured in their ability to prepare
an organized, logically presented
and properly formatted and
documented written research report.
American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Entry Level Competencies for the
Allied Health Professionals (Core Competencies (CC) include:
Professional Knowledge
1. Professionalism
1.1 Apply professional values and ethics in all endeavors.
1.2 Adhere to accreditation standards and federal, state and local laws and regulations.
1.3 Promote quality assurance practices based on accepted standards of care.
1.4 Demonstrate interpersonal skills to effectively communicate and collaborate with
professionals and patients across socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
2. Safety
2.1 Comply with local, state and federal regulations concerning infection control protocols
for blood-borne and respiratory pathogens, other infectious diseases and hazardous
materials.
2.2 Follow manufacturers’ recommendations related to materials and equipment used in
practice.
2.3 Establish and enforce mechanisms to ensure the management of emergencies.
2.4 Use security guidelines and compliance training to create and maintain a safe, eco-
friendly and sustainable practice compatible with emerging trends.
2.5 Ensure a humanistic approach to care.
2.6 Uphold a respectful and emotionally safe environment for patients and practitioners.
3. Critical Thinking
3.1 Demonstrate critical and analytical reasoning to identify and develop comprehensive
oral health care solutions and protocols.
3.2 Apply individual and population risk factors, social determinants of health and
scientific research to promote improved health and enhanced quality of life.
4. Scientific Inquiry and Research
4.1 Support research activities and develop research skills.
4.2 Use evidence-based decision-making to evaluate and implement health care
strategies aligned with emerging trends to achieve high-quality, cost-effective and
humanistic care.
4.3 Integrate accepted scientific theories and research into educational, preventive and
therapeutic oral health services.
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
5.Health Education and Community Connection
5.1 Endorse health literacy and disease prevention.
5.2 Communicate and provide health education and oral self-care to diverse populations.
5.3 Facilitate learning platforms for communities of interest by providing health education
through collaboration with dental and other professionals.
5.4 Promote the values of the dental profession through service-based activities.
5.5 Evaluate outcomes for future activities supporting health and wellness of individuals
and communities.
6.Advocacy
6.1 Promote an ethical and equitable patient care and practice environment by
demonstrating inclusion of diverse beliefs and values.
6.2 Uphold civic and social engagement through active involvement in professional
affiliations to advance oral health.
Professional Development and Practice
Professional Growth
7.1 Commit to lifelong learning for professional and career opportunities in a variety of
roles and settings.
7.2 Engage in research, education, industry involvement, technological and professional
developments and/or advanced degrees.
7.3 Demonstrate self-awareness through reflective assessment for continued
improvement. Business Practices
8.1 Facilitate referrals to and consultations with relevant health care providers and other
professionals to promote equitable and optimal patient care.
8.2 Promote economic growth and sustainability by meeting practice goals.
8.3 Create and maintain comprehensive, timely and accurate records.
8.4 Protect privacy, confidentiality and security of the patients and the practice by
complying with legislation, practice standards, ethics and organizational policies.
Leadership
9.1 Develop and use effective strategies to facilitate change.
9.2 Inspire and network with others to nurture collegial affiliations.
9.3 Solicit and provide constructive feedback to promote professional growth of self.
Discipline-specific (Dental Hygiene) competencies:
DH. 1 Essential Knowledge
DH. 1.1 Apply the knowledge of the following sciences during the dental hygiene process
of care: Microbiology, Human anatomy and physiology, Human cellular biology,
Chemistry, Biochemistry, Immunology and pathology, Nutrition, Pharmacokinetics
DH. 1.2 Apply the knowledge of the following behavioral sciences during the dental
hygiene process of care: Sociology, Psychology, Interpersonal communication
DH. 2 Person-centered Care
2.1 Assessment
DH.2.1.1 Accurately collect and document a comprehensive medical, dental, social health
history and diagnostic data.
DH.2.1.2 Critically analyze all collected data.
DH.2.1.3 Identify predisposing, etiologic, environmental and social risk factors for person-
centered care.
2.2 Dental Hygiene Diagnosis
DH.2.2.1 Analyze comprehensive medical, dental and social health history.
DH.2.2.2 Integrate observational and diagnostic data as part of the dental hygiene
diagnosis.
DH.2.2.3 Use predisposing, etiologic, environmental and social risk factors for person-
centered care.
2.3 Planning
DH.2.3.1 Use the patient’s assessment to establish an optimal and realistic, person-
centered dental hygiene care plan through mutual communication.
DH.2.3.2 Use all aspects of the dental hygiene diagnosis in combination with the person’s
values, beliefs and preferences to develop a dental hygiene care plan through shared
decision- making.
2.4 Implementation
DH.2.4.1 Obtain informed consent based on the agreed-upon treatment plan.
DH.2.4.2 Execute individualized treatment based on the patient’s dental hygiene
diagnosis.
DH.2.4.3 Integrate educational, preventive and the therapeutic services to provide
comprehensive person-centered care.
DH.2.4.4 Use specialized skills and evidenced-based technology to promote dental and
periodontal health.
DH.2.4.5 Continuously re-evaluate for modifications to achieve desired outcomes.
2.5 Evaluation and Documentation
DH.2.5.1 Evaluate the effectiveness of completed services.
DH.2.5.2 Analyze treatment outcomes of the dental hygiene process of care to determine
improved health and modifications.
DH.2.5.3 Modify dental hygiene care plans as necessary to meet goals of patient and
clinician.
DH.2.5.4 Identify necessary referrals for success of the treatment outcomes, including
intraprofessional and interprofessional health care providers, supporting professions and
patient advocates.
DH.2.5.5 Accurately document assessment findings and data, dental hygiene diagnosis
and care plan, implementation, outcome evaluation and any communication between
professionals and patient and anyone else in the circle of care.
Course Texts and/or Other Study Materials:
Weinberg, M., Theile, C.W., Fine, J.B., Oral Pharmacology for the Dental Hygienist, 2nd
Ed. Pearson Publishing, 2012
ISBN#: 978-0132559928
Instructional and Online Additional Resources
Health Professions Librarian:
Joan Dalrymple jdalrymple@bergen.edu
Bergen Community College Library
https://bergen.edu/library/
BCC Library Citation Guide
https://bergen.libguides.com/citationguides
/apa
American Dental Hygienists Association:
www.adha.org
American Dental Association:
www.ada.org Dictionary.com (or App)
https://www.dictionary.com/
Medical Dictionary https://www.merriam-
webster.com/medical
International Federation of Dental
Hygienists http://www.ifdh.org/
American Dental Education Association
http://www.ifdh.org/
New Jersey Dental Hygienists Association
https://www.njdha.org/
Journal of Dental Hygiene (JDH)
http://www.adha.org/jdh
Journal of the American Dental Association
(JADA) (https://jada.ada.org)
Journal of Dental Education
(http://www.jdentaled.org/
Journal of Allied Health
(http://www.asahp.org/journal-of-allied-
health/)
Journal of Dental Research
(http://journals.sagepub.com/home/jdr)
Access http://www.adha.org/access-
magazine
Grading Policy:
The course instructor will evaluate the performance and conduct of each student during
the semester and will determine the final course grade.
Class Participation 10%
Research Paper 15%
Top 100 Drugs Assignment 15%
Midterm Exam 20%
Final Exam 20%
Total Grade 100%
Grading Scale
92-100 A
89-91 B+
83-88 B
80-82 C+
75-79 C
Below 75 R
Incomplete (Not all requirements
fulfilled)
*N
A cumulative average of 75 must be achieved in each of the didactical and
clinical portions of the course. When a student has not been able to earn a
“C” grade or better, in either category, the student will be required to repeat
the course. Some clinical items will carry a higher weight based on semester.
(Clinical Competencies). *Time frame provided to complete requirements to
achieve Pass Grade.
A grade of C or better in all DHY courses must be maintained for progression to
the next Dental Hygiene course.
Class Participation
Participation in live lectures is mandatory.
Students are expected to attend all scheduled lectures.
Students are expected to view all recorded asynchronous lectures (should they become
necessary) within the expected timeframe.
Top 100 Drugs Homework Assignment
Students will complete a worksheet of the therapeutic indications and dental
considerations of the 100 most frequently prescribed brand name drugs.
Dietary Supplement Research Paper
Each student will select one herbal product to research for origins, product names,
dosage information, efficacy, mechanism of action, therapeutic indications, adverse
effects, dental considerations and interactions with drugs, especially those used in the
practice of dentistry.
Quizzes
All quizzes will be conducted online (as indicated in the Curriculum Outline).
Each quiz will consist of 10 multiple-choice questions drawn from the week’s class
session, including any supplemental handouts and homework assignments.
Midterm Examination
The Midterm Examination will be administered online via Canvas and will consist of 50
multiple-choice questions, drawn from all material covered from the start of the
semester.
Final Examination
The Final Examination will be administered online via Canvas and will consist of 100
multiple-choice questions drawn from all material throughout the semester.
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
https://catalog.bergen.edu/content.php?catoid=13&navoid=666&hl=%22instructor%22&r
eturnto=search
• All students are expected to attend punctually every scheduled meeting of each
course in which they are registered.
• Attendance and lateness policies and sanctions are to be determined by the
instructor for each section of each course.
• These will be established in writing on the individual course outline.
Attendance will be kept by the instructor for administrative and counseling
purposes.
The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) requires that students complete a
minimum number of clinical and didactic hours in the program; therefore, students are
expected to attend all class/lab sessions.
Attendance is critical to the successful completion of the program. All program classes
and activities must be prioritized. Scheduling conflicts must be resolved by the student so
that program classes and activities are met.
It is the student’s responsibility to be on time for all classes, labs, and clinical sessions.
Attendance, lateness policies, and sanctions are to be determined by the instructor of
each course. These will be established in writing on the individual course outline.
The penalty for more than two (2) unexcused absences (i.e., a doctor’s note) will be a
loss of credit in this course and will result in the student repeating the entire course.
NOTE: Two (2) tardies will equal one (1) absence.
Consequently, excessive absenteeism and tardiness may impact work ethics and course
grades. Therefore, it may become necessary to withdraw from a course due to excessive
absenteeism.
Other College, Divisional, and/or Departmental Policy Statements:
DRESS CODE
Students are expected to exhibit a professional appearance as noted in the Student
Handbook.
ACADEMIC CONDUCT
The Dental Hygiene faculty adheres to the policy statement governing academic conduct as
outlined in the Bergen Community College Catalog.
https://catalog.bergen.edu/content.php?catoid=13&navoid=671&hl=%22conduct%22&returnto=
search#procedure-thecode
Faculty reserve the right to delay the return of exam grades until all students have taken the exam
and faculty review of the exam has been completed.
Cheating, plagiarism, and unethical behavior will not be tolerated. Any student who has
demonstrated any of the above behaviors will be disciplined according to college procedures.
*Note: An instructor may establish other guidelines regarding academic integrity consistent with
the College policy.
https://catalog.bergen.edu/content.php?catoid=13&navoid=666&hl=%22plagiarism%22&retur
nto=search
Cheating, plagiarism, and unethical behavior will not be tolerated. Any student who has
demonstrated any of the above behaviors will be disciplined according to college
procedures.
Cell phones are not permitted in classrooms, laboratories or clinics unless they are part
of the learning activity.
Students are not permitted to use any type of recording device to tape lectures or clinical
sessions.
Children are not permitted in classrooms and/or laboratories.
Food is not permitted in classrooms, laboratories, clinic reception area or clinical areas.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY
Dental hygienists are health care professionals who ‘focus on preventing and treating oral
diseases.’ They play an important role in society by providing services that contribute to
the health and well-being of individuals and their communities and must always display
ethical behavior. This obligation begins in dental hygiene school and continues
throughout one’s professional career. The American Dental Hygienists’ Association’s
Code of Ethics establishes behavioral standards to guide the public’s expectations of trust
and accountability. These ethical standards include a commitment to honesty,
truthfulness, full disclosure, accuracy, fairness, and integrity. You are expected to be
guided by these standards and follow the Dental Hygiene Department rules of conduct
during any testing situation. All students are expected to pass examinations on their own
merit without assistance and are expected to maintain confidentiality with respect to
examination content. Behavior that results in misconduct or irregularity in the examination
process is a very serious matter. Violation of the rules of conduct or examination
regulations may result in the voiding of examination results or other appropriate
penalties.
The Dental Hygiene Program will adhere to the Academic Integrity Policy of Bergen
Community College, which is stated in the College Catalog. Violation of academic
integrity may be defined to include, but not limited to cheating, plagiarism, falsification
and fabrication, abuse of academic materials, complicity in academic dishonesty, and
personal misrepresentation. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the behaviors
that constitute academic dishonesty. Please refer to the Bergen Community College
Catalog for more information.
COURSE ISSUES
If a problem arises with any aspect of this course, it is the responsibility of the student
to bring the problem to the attention of the primary faculty member. If the issue
involves any other faculty member, the student will be referred to discuss the problem
with the faculty member that is involved. The primary faculty member will not change
any evaluation grade issued by clinical faculty members.
To facilitate resolution of any issues that may arise, students must follow this protocol.
Students should not make appointments with the Dental Hygiene Department
Academic Department Chairperson, other faculty members or administration without
first addressing the issue with the primary faculty member.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
Students who require accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) can request these services from the Office of Specialized Services. To learn
more about how to apply for services, please visit them at: https://bergen.edu/current-
students/student-services-departments/disability-services-office-of-specialized-services/
ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
Bergen Community College is committed to ensuring the full participation of all students
in its programs. If you have a documented disability (or think you may have a disability)
and, as a result, need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this class, complete
course requirements, or benefit from the College’s programs or services, contact the
Office of Special Services (OSS) as soon as possible at 201-612-5270
or www.bergen.edu/oss
To receive any academic accommodation, you must be appropriately registered with
OSS. The OSS works with students confidentially and does not disclose any disability-
related information without their permission. The OSS serves as a clearinghouse on
disability issues and works in partnership with faculty and all other student service
offices.
SERIOUS ILLNESS, INJURY/PREGNANCY
Overall good health is essential to the practice of dental hygiene. To successfully
complete the program, full participation in all areas of practice is required, regardless of
medical conditions.
A student in the Dental Hygiene Program who sustains a serious illness or injury or
becomes pregnant must present written medical permission to attend classes and
clinical practice at the time of resuming studies.
The pregnant student needs to be aware of the risks of working in the dental field for the
unborn child. Occupational risks include heavy lifting, radiation, chemical, drug, and
toxins exposures, exposure to blood and airborne pathogens.
Pregnant students must provide the Dental Hygiene Department Chair and Clinical
Coordinator with written permission to participate in radiology and clinical courses. The
Health Services and the course instructor must also receive copies of this medical
clearance.
Pregnant students must wear a fetal monitor badge in addition to a radiology badge
during all clinical and laboratory sessions (second, summer, third, and fourth semesters).
A due date must be noted in writing by the attending physician. Please consult wit h the
Department Chair or Clinical Coordinator for more information and necessary forms.
PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT
This course uses Canvas and follows institutional and legal guidelines to ensure the
privacy and confidentiality of all students. Processes and systems used in this course—
including online learning platforms, assessments, and communications—are designed to
protect student information in accordance with FERPA (Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act) and institutional policies.
Any submitted assignments, discussions, or evaluations are handled securely and are
accessible only to authorized individuals. Students are encouraged to refrain from sharing
personal health or academic information in public forums and to contact the instructor
directly with any sensitive concerns.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT STATEMENT
HR-003-001.2018-Policy-Prohibiting-Sexual-Harassment.pdf (bergen.edu)
https://bergen.edu/wp-content/uploads/HR-008-001-2023-Title-IX-Policy-and-
Procedures-Updated-11.2025.pdf
STATEMENT ON ACCEPTABLE USE OF BCC TECHNOLOGY:
Acceptable-Use-Policy.pdf (bergen.edu)
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Bergen Community College provides exemplary support to its students and offers
a wide variety of opportunities and services. A comprehensive array of student
support services, including advising, tutoring, academic coaching, and more, is
available online at https://bergen.edu/currentstudents/.
SIDNEY SILVERMAN LIBRARY ONLINE RESOURCES:
https://bergen.libguides.com/dental
COURSE OUTLINE, READING ASSIGNMENTS, COMPETENCIES and CALENDAR
This course outline and calendar is subject to change depending on the progress of the
class. Due to the amount of material to be covered in this course, it is recommended that
you read your textbook chapter(s) before the lecture to familiarize yourself with the
material that will be covered in the lecture session. You are responsible for the information
covered in assigned readings; materials covered in lecture, course goals, and supporting
core competencies. Following each session, you should re-read the required reading
assignment, complete any identification exercises, and review any lecture notes.
Course Outline/Schedule and Calendar:
Date Topic Activity
Class #1 Introduction to Pharmacology Quiz #1
Class #2 Drug Action and Handling Quiz #2
Class #3 Autonomic Pharmacology Quiz #3
Class #4 Cardiovascular Pharmacology Quiz #4
Class #5 Gastrointestinal Pharmacology
Midterm Exam Review Quiz #5
Class #6 Respiratory Pharmacology
Midterm
Examination
Quiz #6
Class #7 Pharmacology of Pain Relief Quiz #7
Class #8 Anti-Infective Pharmacology Quiz #8
Class #9 CNS Pharmacology
Endocrine Pharmacology
Quiz #9
Quiz #10
Top 100
Drugs Due
Research
Papers Due
Class #10 Final Examination
NOTE: Every attempt will be made to follow this syllabus. The course instructor reserves
the right to make changes as necessary. Some content may not be included as both class
time and student progress permits.