Relevant drugs used in dentistry Flashcards
Outline
All drugs are available by prescription from the dentist to a patient (Prescription only medicines - POM) or available to buy ‘over the counter’ without prescription are detailed in the Dental Practitioners’ Formulary (DPF) section of the British National Formulary (BNF). + this is issued to all practising dentists by the department of health.
What is it?
It is an invaluable guide to the drugs available, as well as giving details of their actions, dosages, contraindications + side effects. The dentist may prescribe any other drugs on a private basis, although special rules + regulations apply to those categorised as controlled drugs (Pethidine, Midazolam etc)
How are they applied?
Drugs may be applied externally, such as ointments + creams or taken internally such as tablets, capsules + oral solutions. When applied externally, their strength tends to be record as a percentage, while those used internally are recorded as milligrams for solids or millilitres for liquids
