Suzanne has an impressive 25-year career in the healthcare industry, where she has gained extensive experience and knowledge in various areas. Her expertise spans dental assisting, nonsurgical periodontal therapy, practice management, pharmacology, special needs, emergency medical care, community and public health, health disparity and social justice, course design, and distance education. Suzanne has earned several certifications, including EMT, rescue technician, and firefighter through the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, as well as dental assisting and radiology from the Maryland State Dental Association. She holds a BSDH degree from the University Of Maryland School Of Dentistry (UMSOD) and an MSDH degree from Old Dominion University.

Suzanne’s research interests revolve around drug therapies for pain management, inflammatory diseases, neurotransmitter and hormone imbalance, drug delivery systems, and herbal/nutraceutical therapies. Currently, she is a clinical instructor and academic program director for dental hygiene in the Department of Advanced Oral Sciences and Therapeutics at UMSOD. She lectures for health science programs and professional organizations throughout Maryland. Additionally, Suzanne practices clinical dental hygiene in Maryland and Washington DC, applying her skills and knowledge in a hands-on setting.

This course meets the educational requirements for registered dental hygienists to apply for recognition to prescribe and administer medication.

The requirements for a Registered Dental Hygienist to be recognized to "Prescribe and Administer Medication" by the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners include all the following:

1. Complete the required 4 hours of training as part of an accredited dental hygiene program OR for those who are already licensed as registered dental hygienists, complete the required 4 hours of training as a continuing education course provided by an accredited dental hygiene educational institution. The 4-hour course must include the required curriculum topics listed and approved by the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners cited in the 2020 Maryland House Bill 749.
2. Complete a post-course assessment including a minimum of 22 questions, earning a minimum grade of 75% to pass the course and earn a certificate of completion. 
3. Complete the recognition to "Prescribe and Administer Medication" application and submit the application and course certificate to the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners for approval. (This will be covered/demonstrated in the class)
4. Prior to prescribing, those who are granted the recognition to "Prescribe and Administer Medication" by the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners must apply for and obtain an NPI number from the National Provider Identification website. (This will be covered/demonstrated in the class)
5. It is recommended that RDH recognized to "Prescribe and Administer Medication" take a 2 CE renewal course every other license renewal cycle (every 4 years - as dentists are required to do).

Course Topics will include:

• Responsible prescribing
• Principles of drug dispensing and disposal
• Drug classifications and scheduling
• National provider identification
• Pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics
• Adverse reactions and hypersensitivities
• Medical emergencies in the dental office
• Medical history review
• Antibiotic prophylaxis
• Drugs that may be prescribed/administered
• OTC drug considerations
• Adjunct therapy for non-surgical periodontal treatment
• Evidence-based decision making for drug therapy
• Documentation/record keeping requirements.

During this lecture, participants will:

• Recognize responsibility and risk management in prescribing and dispensing drugs.
• Discuss evidence-based drug prescribing for optimal patient safety and treatment outcomes.
• Review specific drugs applicable to nutrition, antibiotic prophylaxis, emergency medicine and non-surgical periodontal therapy.

Bring a mobile device (laptop, tablet, or cell phone) to complete the course assessment. 

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