Part of the Continuing Dental Education series.

Opioid drug abuse is considered a national crisis. It is important for the dental team to understand the factors contributing to opioid abuse, the kinds of opioids currently abused and the pharmacologic and toxicologic effects of those commonly abused opioids. It is also important for the dental team to understand how to manage dental pain to reduce opioid use and abuse. Furthermore, the dental team must understand how to care for a patient who is recovering from opioid abuse or addiction. The dental team must also be aware of and able to detect patients who may be seeking drugs for abuse or misuse.

Dr. Sims will review the common opioids of abuse and those drugs' effects on oral health and dental treatment. She will provide guidance for treating patients to reduce opioid exposure and those who are recovering from drug abuse.

Presented by: Pamela J. Sims, Pharm.D., Ph.D.