Pharmacology
Anti-Allergy Medication (OTC vs Prescription)
It is very important for a dental hygienist to be aware of different medication, as a health care provider. Anti-allergy medication is one of the most common medication used by different patients we meet everyday. This research enhanced my clinical understanding by learning the difference between OTC and prescribed Anti-allergy medication. By learning adverse effects, and how it can affect dental treatment, I learned what can be expected from the patients and possible recommendation.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
We created a pamphlet and a poster relating to Obstructive Sleep Apnea to present in front of the class. We listed different signs & symptoms, risk factors, and different treatments: (1) Mandibular advancement device, (2) Tongue Retaining device, (3) Surgery. This enhanced my clinical understanding because dental hygienist can play an important role in acknowledging sleep disorder. Through extra & intra-oral examination, the position of the mandible, the pharyngeal space and the size of the tongue & tonsils can be examined. Also, as a dental hygienist, by asking questions related to these symptoms and we can recommend patients to go see a physician for further evaluation.
