Prescription Medications

$10.00

Course Overview

Prescription medications are an integral part of modern dental practice, used to manage pain, treat infections, and facilitate anxiety-free treatment. However, the landscape of pharmacology is constantly evolving. This course provides a comprehensive review of the most commonly prescribed drugs in dentistry, emphasizing evidence-based protocols for efficacy and safety. It covers the mechanisms of action, indications, and dosage guidelines for analgesics, antibiotics, and anxiolytics, with a special focus on responsible opioid stewardship and antibiotic resistance.

Beyond what the dentist prescribes, the course delves into the complex medical history of the dental patient. With polypharmacy on the rise, particularly in the aging population, dental professionals must be adept at identifying potential drug interactions and adverse effects. The curriculum explores the top medications prescribed by medical physicians—including anticoagulants, antihypertensives, and psychotropics—and their direct implications for dental treatment planning and surgical management.

Finally, this course addresses the legal and ethical responsibilities inherent in writing prescriptions. It outlines the requirements for proper prescription writing, the use of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMP), and the management of special populations such as pregnant, pediatric, and medically compromised patients. By mastering these concepts, clinicians can ensure they are prescribing safely, legally, and effectively.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

Explain the fundamental principles of pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) relevant to dental practice.
Compare the efficacy and safety profiles of NSAIDs, acetaminophen, and opioids for the management of acute odontogenic pain.
Identify current guidelines for antibiotic stewardship, including indications for prophylaxis and the treatment of orofacial infections.
Recognize the top classes of medications prescribed by medical doctors and their potential interactions with dental drugs.
Discuss the management of patients taking anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents before oral surgery.
Calculate appropriate maximum dosages for local anesthetics and vasoconstrictors based on patient weight and health status.
Describe specific prescribing modifications required for pregnant, nursing, pediatric, and geriatric patients.
Demonstrate the correct format for writing a prescription and utilizing Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMP) to prevent misuse.

Categories: $19, CEU Courses, Online CEU Courses

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2 Hour Infection Control

$10.00|2.0 CEU|120 min

Course Overview

Infection control is a foundational responsibility in dental practice, directly impacting the safety of patients, clinicians, and auxiliary staff. This course provides a comprehensive review of current infection control principles as they apply to dentistry, including the science of disease transmission, the hierarchy of disinfection and sterilization, and the classification of instruments and clinical surfaces. Participants will gain a clear understanding of key pathogens of concern in the dental setting—such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, hepatitis viruses, and HIV—and the rationale for core protective measures, including immunization against Hepatitis B and strict adherence to standard precautions.

Building on these fundamentals, the course offers detailed, step-by-step guidance on implementing aseptic technique throughout the dental office and laboratory. Topics include appropriate use of personal protective equipment, hand hygiene protocols, operatory setup and turnover, instrument processing workflows, and the selection and use of chemical disinfectants. Special attention is given to the sterilization and maintenance of handpieces, management of suction systems and dental unit waterlines, safe handling of radiographic equipment and impression materials, and proper segregation, treatment, and disposal of contaminated waste in compliance with regulatory standards.

Finally, the course addresses the ethical and legal dimensions of infection control, particularly as they relate to the care of patients with HIV and other infectious diseases. Real-world case law is reviewed to clarify professional obligations, anti-discrimination requirements, and the importance of consistent, documented protocols. The curriculum concludes with practical office and laboratory checklists, along with strategies for communicating infection control procedures effectively to patients and team members, ensuring both regulatory compliance and a high level of trust and confidence in the dental environment.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

Define and accurately use key infection control terminology, including sterilization, disinfection, standard precautions, critical and semi-critical instruments, and levels of disinfection.
Describe the modes of transmission and clinical significance of major pathogens relevant to dentistry, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C viruses, and HIV.
Explain the rationale for Hepatitis B vaccination in dental personnel and outline appropriate post-exposure management and follow-up.
Select and correctly utilize personal protective equipment (PPE)—including gloves, masks, protective eyewear, and clinical attire—based on the procedure and anticipated exposure risk.
Implement evidence-based protocols for operatory asepsis, including surface barriers, environmental surface disinfection, management of spills, and regulated waste handling in compliance with local regulations.
Design and maintain an effective instrument processing workflow, from presoak and ultrasonic cleaning through packaging, sterilization, and biological monitoring (spore testing) for various sterilization methods.
Apply appropriate aseptic techniques for high-speed and slow-speed handpieces, air/water syringes, ultrasonic scalers, impression materials, radiographic equipment, and evacuation systems.
Describe best practices for infection control in the dental laboratory, including handling of incoming and outgoing cases, pumice and rag wheel management, and communication of disinfection responsibilities between office and lab.
Summarize current recommendations and regulatory expectations for dental unit waterline quality, including CFU/mL targets and options for flushing, chemical treatment, and filtration.
Interpret the ethical and legal obligations related to treating patients with HIV and other infectious diseases and integrate these requirements into practice policies, documentation, and patient communication.

Advances in Dentistry

$10.00|2.0 CEU|120 min

Course Overview

The field of dentistry is currently undergoing a technological and material revolution that is fundamentally changing the way clinicians diagnose, plan, and execute treatment. From the digitization of workflows to the development of "smart" bioactive materials, the modern dental practice is becoming more efficient, precise, and patient-centered. This course provides a comprehensive survey of the latest innovations shaping the industry, moving beyond traditional analog methods to explore the cutting-edge tools that are becoming the new standard of care.

Participants will explore the rapid expansion of digital dentistry, including the integration of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) with intraoral scanning for seamless implant planning and the rise of chairside CAD/CAM and 3D printing technologies. The curriculum also delves into the shift towards minimally invasive dentistry, highlighting advanced laser therapies and air abrasion techniques that preserve natural tooth structure. Furthermore, it examines the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a diagnostic aid, helping clinicians identify pathologies with greater accuracy and consistency.

Beyond hardware and software, this course investigates the biological advancements in restorative materials. It covers the transition from passive, inert materials to bioactive formulations that actively stimulate remineralization and healing. By understanding these developments, dental professionals can enhance clinical outcomes, improve patient comfort, and ensure their practice remains competitive in an increasingly high-tech healthcare landscape.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

Describe the workflow and clinical benefits of integrating CBCT and intraoral scanning technologies.
Compare and contrast subtractive manufacturing (milling) with additive manufacturing (3D printing) in dental applications.
Identify the indications for various laser wavelengths in both hard and soft tissue procedures.
Explain the mechanism of action of bioactive restorative materials and their role in secondary caries prevention.
Discuss the principles of minimally invasive dentistry, including resin infiltration and air abrasion.
Evaluate the current applications of Artificial Intelligence in caries detection and radiographic analysis.
Analyze the role of regenerative techniques, such as Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF), in wound healing and oral surgery.
Formulate a plan to implement teledentistry and remote monitoring tools into daily practice.

AIDS: HIV-1 Vaccine Update

$10.00|2.0 CEU|120 min

Course Overview

Since the discovery of HIV-1, Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) has transformed the disease from a fatal diagnosis to a manageable chronic condition. However, a safe and effective preventive vaccine remains the elusive "holy grail" needed to end the global epidemic. This course provides a comprehensive update on the current state of HIV-1 vaccine research, examining why traditional vaccine strategies have failed and highlighting the innovative approaches currently in clinical trials.

Participants will explore the complex biology of the HIV envelope trimer and the groundbreaking work on broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs). The curriculum covers the latest advancements in germline targeting, mRNA vaccine platforms adapted from COVID-19 success, and the results of major Phase 3 trials like HVTN 702 and the Mosaic study. Understanding these mechanisms provides insight into the future of immunology and viral eradication.

Beyond the science of vaccinology, this course reinforces the vital role of the dental team in the holistic care of patients living with HIV. We will review current best practices for oral health management, the oral-systemic link in HIV infection, and the dentist's role in recognizing oral manifestations that may signal treatment failure or undiagnosed infection. This knowledge equips practitioners to provide compassionate, evidence-based care while staying informed on the horizon of prevention.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

Explain the biological challenges that have historically hindered HIV-1 vaccine development, including viral mutation rates and immune evasion.
Define “broadly neutralizing antibodies” (bnAbs) and their significance in modern vaccine design strategies.
Summarize the findings and limitations of recent major vaccine efficacy trials (e.g., Uhambo, Mosaico).
Describe the application of mRNA technology in the development of next-generation HIV immunogens.
Differentiate between sterilization immunity and functional cure in the context of HIV research.
Recognize common oral manifestations of HIV/AIDS and their clinical management in the dental setting.
Discuss the current role of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) as a biomedical prevention strategy alongside vaccine research.
Implement up-to-date infection control and post-exposure protocols specific to dental practice.