Managing the side effects of medications

Dental hygienists learn of the drugs taken by clients by conducting thorough comprehensive health history and pharmacologic history reviews. Many clients take multiple medications; therefore, dental hygienists must be aware of the issues related to drug use, including indications, interactions, and adverse drug effects. The ability to evaluate these issues is necessary to accurately assess client status and prevent situations that compromise client safety. Oral side effects are adverse effects that interfere with client function, and increase risks for infection, pain and possible tooth loss. The purpose of this continuing education course is to review adverse drug effects and to discuss appropriate dental hygiene interventions used to manage oral complications associated with commonly prescribed medications. Dental hygienists will learn to accurately diagnose oral complications of medication use, and make appropriate treatment recommendations to manage these effects. Timely recognition and professional interventions are necessary to improve client comfort and maintain oral health and function. Successful completion of the course objectives will be assessed by a post-test, to be completed by the learner after reading the article in its entirety. Two hours of continuing education course credit will be awarded following successful completion of the post-test.