vcc.ca
DHYG 3170: Pharmacology in Dental Hygiene 2
Effective date
September 2026
Department
Dental Hygiene
School
Health Sciences
Description
This course provides an in-depth exploration of the pharmacologic principles needed for safe and effective clinical dental hygiene treatment. The focus of this course is on accessing and analyzing information on drug properties, mechanisms of action, dosages, intended effects, interactions, and adverse reactions that impact dental hygiene care.
Credits
2.0
Year of study
3rd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
DHYG 2270.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Discuss a variety of chronic conditions and diseases that require the use of prescribed pharmacological agents.
- Describe the classifications, mechanisms of action, adverse reactions, contraindications and dental hygiene considerations associated with commonly prescribed drugs and those used in dentistry.
- Identify the oral health implications associated with commonly prescribed drugs, including the contraindications to dental hygiene treatment, vasoconstrictor use, and their relationship to periodontal disease.
- Evaluate the implications of providing dental hygiene care to a variety of complex situations including clients with a substance use disorder.
- Describe common oral conditions and the pharmacological agents used in their treatment.
- Discuss possible drug interactions and oral side effects produced by pharmacologically active ingredients that are contained in herbal and/or alternative medicines.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 30
Total Hours: 30
Total Hours: 30
Instructional Strategies
Instructional strategies includes online case-based; collaborative learning; group work; and discussion.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Assignments |
70% |
6-8 Knowledge Assessments/Module |
|
Final Exam |
30% |
Case-based Group Exam |
Course topics
- Drugs used in the Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease Antimicrobial Agent used in Dentistry Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Drugs Endocrine/Metabolic Disorders and Anti-Neoplastic Drugs Neurological and Psychiatric Drugs Common Oral Conditions and Drugs Used in Their Treatment Special Considerations-Substance use disorders, Pregnancy and Herbal Remedies
Learning resources
Course resource information will be supplied by the department/instructor.
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.