Online Dental Continuing Education Courses

Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), describes a complex group of symptoms that persist for weeks or months following the initial recovery from COVID-19. These symptoms can affect multiple organ systems and significantly impact quality of life. For dental professionals, understanding how Long COVID manifests and how it may influence patient care is essential to ensuring safe, compassionate, and effective treatment.

Patients recovering from COVID-19 may experience chronic fatigue, shortness of breath, altered taste and smell, headaches, and cognitive impairment, all of which can interfere with their ability to undergo dental procedures comfortably. Because dental visits can involve stress, airway management, and extended chair time, clinicians must adapt protocols to accommodate these lingering symptoms.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of Long COVID, emphasizing its systemic impact, clinical presentation, and the dental implications that arise from it. Participants will learn to assess patient risk, adjust treatment approaches, and implement care strategies that support the health and comfort of individuals affected by this post-viral condition.

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify the most common systemic symptoms and manifestations of Long COVID.

• Conduct thorough medical risk assessments and patient history reviews related to post-COVID conditions.

• Modify dental treatment plans to address fatigue, respiratory compromise, and cardiovascular variability.

• Recognize when collaboration with a physician or medical specialist is appropriate.

• Apply up-to-date infection control, scheduling, and communication practices for patients recovering from COVID-19.

• Demonstrate empathy and patient-centered communication that fosters trust and compliance during care.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the most persistent global infectious diseases and continues to pose significant challenges for healthcare systems, including dentistry. Although advances in public health have reduced its prevalence in many regions, the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains has renewed worldwide concern.

Dental professionals play a crucial role in recognizing the signs and symptoms of TB, understanding transmission risks within dental settings, and applying evidence-based infection control practices to safeguard both patients and staff. This comprehensive two-hour course examines tuberculosis as it relates to dental practice, covering etiology, clinical presentation, transmission, infection control measures, management of affected patients, drug therapy considerations, and occupational health guidelines.

Expanded sections explore global trends, antibiotic resistance, regulatory recommendations (CDC, OSHA, WHO), and case-based applications relevant to modern dental practice. The course emphasizes prevention, early recognition, interprofessional communication, and the ethical responsibilities of dental professionals in public health.

Upon completing this course, the participant will be able to:

• Identify the causative organism and describe the pathophysiology of tuberculosis.
• Recognize oral and systemic signs and symptoms that may indicate active or latent TB.
• Explain how TB is transmitted and the factors influencing its spread in dental environments.
• Describe appropriate infection control procedures to prevent occupational exposure.
• Discuss dental management considerations for patients with active or latent TB.
• Interpret the significance of diagnostic methods such as TST, IGRA, and molecular assays.
• Differentiate between drug-susceptible, multidrug-resistant (MDR), and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB.
• Evaluate the dental implications of common anti-TB medications and their side effects.
• Apply CDC, OSHA, and ADA infection control guidelines to clinical scenarios involving potential TB exposure.
• Assess case-based examples illustrating patient screening, referral, and emergency management protocols.
• Understand the role of dental professionals in TB prevention, early detection, and reporting to public health authorities.
• Summarize global trends and challenges associated with TB control and emerging resistance patterns.

Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide, affecting individuals across all ages and demographics. Despite significant advances in preventive dentistry, fluoride use, and oral hygiene education, dental caries continues to impose a major public health burden. Traditional preventive strategies rely heavily on patient compliance and access to care, which vary widely across populations.

The development of a caries vaccine represents a promising frontier in preventive dentistry. By targeting the specific bacteria responsible for tooth decay, primarily Streptococcus mutans, researchers aim to induce long-term immunity that could significantly reduce or even eliminate caries susceptibility. This course explores the scientific basis, development challenges, and future prospects of a caries vaccine, providing dental professionals with an understanding of its potential impact on oral health prevention strategies.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the biological basis of dental caries and the role of Streptococcus mutans in disease development.
• Describe the immunological principles underlying vaccine development for caries prevention.
• Identify key approaches and research milestones in the development of a caries vaccine.
• Discuss the challenges, limitations, and ethical considerations associated with caries vaccine research.
• Understand the potential clinical implications and public health benefits of an effective caries vaccine.

The DIAGNOdent is a laser fluorescence device used for the detection of dental caries, particularly in pits and fissures where traditional explorers may fail. This course explores the science behind laser fluorescence and how it aids dental professionals in identifying carious lesions that may be missed by visual and radiographic examination alone. It covers the operational principles of the device, distinguishing between healthy tooth structure and bacterial byproducts that fluoresce when exposed to the specific wavelength of light.

Participants will learn the proper clinical technique for using the DIAGNOdent, including the critical steps of cleaning, isolation, and calibration, which are essential for accurate readings. The course emphasizes the importance of combining these numerical values with clinical judgment and other diagnostic tools. It also addresses common pitfalls, such as false positives caused by stain, calculus, or plaque, ensuring accurate diagnosis and preventing overtreatment.

Finally, the curriculum details the maintenance and infection control procedures specific to the device to ensure longevity and patient safety. By understanding the capabilities and limitations of laser caries detection, dental professionals can enhance their diagnostic accuracy, promoting minimally invasive dentistry and early intervention. This course provides the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to integrate the DIAGNOdent effectively into daily practice.

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the principle of laser fluorescence and how it differentiates between sound and carious tooth structure.
• Identify the specific indications for using the DIAGNOdent device in clinical practice versus its contraindications.
• Demonstrate the correct procedure for calibrating the device prior to patient use to ensure baseline accuracy.
• Describe the step-by-step scanning technique for occlusal pits and fissures using the appropriate tips.
• Analyze the numerical readings provided by the device and correlate them with appropriate treatment options.
• Recognize factors that can produce false-positive readings, such as stain, calculus, and existing restorations.
• Discuss the limitations of laser caries detection compared to traditional radiographs and visual inspection.
• Outline the proper infection control and maintenance protocols for the DIAGNOdent handpiece and optical tips.

Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) has revolutionized endodontic therapy since its introduction, shifting the paradigm from simple mechanical obturation to biologically active tissue regeneration. Originally developed for perforation repairs, MTA’s unique hydraulic nature, biocompatibility, and ability to set in the presence of moisture make it the material of choice for a wide range of complex clinical scenarios. Its capacity to induce cementogenesis and promote hard tissue formation distinguishes it from traditional materials, offering superior long-term outcomes in vital pulp therapy, apexification, and root-end surgery.

This course provides a comprehensive review of the chemical and physical properties of MTA, its manipulation and handling characteristics, and evidence-based clinical protocols. Participants will explore specific applications including direct pulp capping, pulpotomy, root perforation repair, and regenerative endodontic procedures. By understanding the material science and mastering specific placement techniques, clinicians can effectively incorporate MTA into their practice to save teeth that might otherwise be deemed non-restorable.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the chemical composition, setting mechanism, and physical properties of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate.
• Describe the biological basis for MTA’s biocompatibility and bioactive potential in hard tissue formation.
• Identify appropriate clinical indications for MTA use, including vital pulp therapy and procedural accidents.
• Outline the step-by-step clinical protocols for direct pulp capping and partial pulpotomy using MTA.
• Discuss the management of root perforations (furcal and lateral) and the factors influencing prognosis.
• Compare the advantages and limitations of MTA versus Calcium Hydroxide and other bioceramic materials.
• Describe the technique for apical barrier formation (apexification) in teeth with necrotic pulps and open apices.
• Recognize handling challenges, potential for discoloration, and strategies to overcome placement difficulties.

Successful root canal therapy relies on complete elimination of bacteria, necrotic tissue, and debris from the root canal system while preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible. Despite modern rotary instruments and improved irrigants, conventional approaches cannot fully clean the microscopic spaces within the canal system—especially fins, isthmuses, apical deltas, and accessory canals. These anatomical complexities allow bacteria to persist even after thorough instrumentation, often leading to reinfection or post-treatment disease.

The development of multisonic endodontic irrigation systems, exemplified by the GentleWave System, represents a new phase in endodontic innovation. By combining advanced fluid dynamics, controlled acoustic energy, and negative pressure evacuation, these systems create powerful cleaning and disinfection effects that reach far beyond what traditional needle irrigation or ultrasonic activation can achieve.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of multisonic irrigation, detailing how these systems function, their clinical advantages, scientific validation, and integration into modern minimally invasive endodontic workflows. The material is designed for dental professionals who seek to understand not only how these systems work, but why they represent a significant evolution in the biological and technological approach to root canal therapy.

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the limitations of traditional endodontic irrigation techniques.
• Explain the principles of multisonic irrigation and how GentleWave technology works.
• Identify the components and steps of the GentleWave clinical protocol.
• Discuss the advantages and limitations of multisonic irrigation systems.
• Interpret the scientific evidence supporting their use in endodontic therapy.
• Integrate these systems into evidence-based endodontic practice.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disorder that affects a significant portion of the population, occurring when stomach acid or bile flows back into the food pipe. The constant backwash of acid irritates the lining of the esophagus and can cause severe damage to the oral cavity. This course provides an in-depth look at the etiology, pathophysiology, and clinical presentation of GERD, specifically tailored for the dental professional. It highlights the dentist's role in early detection, as oral manifestations often precede the diagnosis of the systemic condition.

The curriculum focuses on the distinct pattern of dental erosion associated with GERD, differentiating it from other forms of tooth wear such as attrition and abrasion. Participants will learn to identify specific erosion patterns on the palatal surfaces of maxillary teeth and the occlusal cupping of molars. The course also covers the multifactorial nature of the disease, including lifestyle triggers, anatomical defects like hiatal hernias, and the side effects of common medications that relax the lower esophageal sphincter.

Finally, this course outlines comprehensive management strategies, ranging from dietary modifications and pharmacological interventions to surgical options. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration between dental and medical providers to ensure holistic patient care. Dental-specific treatments, such as fluoride protocols, desensitizing agents, and restorative timing, are discussed to help clinicians protect and restore the dentition of patients suffering from this erosive condition.

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Define GERD and explain the dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
• Recognize the classic and atypical symptoms of GERD, including heartburn, regurgitation, and chronic cough.
• Identify the characteristic patterns of dental erosion (perimolysis) caused by intrinsic acid.
• Differentiate between erosion, attrition, abrasion, and abfraction.
• Discuss the impact of GERD on soft tissues, including mucosal inflammation and xerostomia.
• List common pharmacological treatments for GERD (PPIs, H2 blockers) and their dental implications.
• Formulate a preventive dental protocol for patients with active reflux, including fluoride therapies.
• Describe the multidisciplinary management approach and when to refer a patient to a gastroenterologist.

The geriatric population is the fastest-growing demographic in dental practice, presenting unique challenges driven by physiological aging and a high prevalence of chronic systemic conditions. As patients retain their natural teeth longer into life, dental professionals must navigate a complex landscape of "medically compromised" care. This course provides a deep dive into the common diseases affecting older adults, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders, and explores how these conditions directly impact oral health and treatment planning.

A central focus of this curriculum is the management of polypharmacy—the simultaneous use of multiple medications—which is ubiquitous in this age group. Participants will examine the oral side effects of common geriatric prescriptions, with a specific emphasis on xerostomia and its devastating sequelae like root caries and candidiasis. The course offers practical strategies for medication reconciliation, identifying drug interactions, and implementing aggressive preventive protocols to mitigate the effects of drug-induced oral disease.

Beyond pathology, this course addresses the functional and cognitive aspects of geriatric care. From adapting the operatory for mobility limitations to managing informed consent in patients with dementia, the curriculum empowers the dental team to provide compassionate, competent care. By mastering the intersection of medicine and dentistry, practitioners can significantly enhance the oral health-related quality of life for their aging patients.

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the physiological changes associated with aging and their implications for oral health.
• Identify common systemic diseases in the geriatric population (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, arthritis) and their impact on dental management.
• Define polypharmacy and evaluate the risk of adverse drug events and drug-drug interactions in the dental setting.
• Recognize the oral side effects of frequently prescribed geriatric medications, particularly xerostomia and gingival enlargement.
• Develop preventive and restorative strategies for managing root caries and periodontal disease in frail older adults.
• Assess the patient’s functional status (Activities of Daily Living) and modify treatment plans to accommodate physical and cognitive limitations.
• Implement communication techniques for patients with sensory impairments (hearing/vision loss) or cognitive decline.
• Discuss the ethical and legal considerations of treating patients with diminished decision-making capacity.

Herpes labialis, commonly referred to as cold sores, remains one of the most prevalent viral infections affecting the orofacial region. Dental professionals and clinicians frequently encounter patients seeking guidance on effective prevention and management of recurrent episodes. Recent years have seen increased interest in non-pharmaceutical interventions that may complement conventional antiviral therapies and improve patient outcomes.

Among the various complementary approaches, lysine supplementation has garnered significant attention for its proposed role in modulating herpes simplex virus activity and reducing outbreak frequency. Understanding the biochemical mechanisms, safety considerations, and current clinical evidence associated with lysine use is essential for practitioners involved in patient care and counseling.

This course provides an in-depth examination of herpes labialis pathophysiology, reviews established and emerging treatment strategies, and evaluates the scientific basis behind lysine supplementation for the management of cold sores. Participants will learn to integrate evidence-based recommendations into clinical protocols and patient education to optimize prevention and improve quality of life.

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the epidemiology, etiology, and clinical manifestations of herpes labialis.
• Explain the pathophysiology of HSV-1 latency and reactivation in relation to cold sore outbreaks.
• Summarize the role of lysine as an essential amino acid and its sources in the diet.
• Discuss the proposed mechanisms by which lysine supplementation influences HSV-1 viral replication.
• Evaluate current clinical evidence for lysine’s efficacy and safety in cold sore management.
• Develop appropriate protocols for integrating lysine supplements into herpes labialis prevention and treatment plans.
• Educate patients on proper use of lysine, lifestyle modifications, and safe supplement practices.
• Identify contraindications, limitations, and safety considerations associated with lysine use.
• Critically appraise ongoing research and emerging trends in herpes labialis therapeutics.

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infection is one of the most common viral diseases encountered by healthcare providers worldwide and represents a significant concern within dentistry due to its oral and perioral manifestations, potential for cross-infection, and lifelong latency. Every dental team member is likely to treat or interact with patients who harbor HSV, whether they present with visible lesions or are asymptomatic carriers. Because the virus can be transmitted through saliva and aerosols, oral-health professionals must recognize lesions, understand modes of transmission, and implement infection-control measures to protect themselves and their patients.

HSV exists in two main types. HSV-1 is typically associated with oral and facial infections, while HSV-2 is more often linked to genital disease. However, overlap between the two types has become common, largely due to changes in social behavior and exposure routes. The virus establishes lifelong latency within sensory neurons and can reactivate intermittently, producing recurrent lesions that may be precipitated by stress, sunlight, trauma, or dental procedures.

This course provides an in-depth review of HSV biology, epidemiology, clinical features, and its direct relevance to dental practice. Participants will learn to recognize early and recurrent infections, apply evidence-based management strategies, and integrate preventive protocols aligned with current CDC and OSHA standards. Special emphasis is placed on identifying patients at risk, preventing occupational exposure, and counseling patients regarding recurrence prevention and oral-hygiene maintenance.

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the molecular structure and replication cycle of HSV-1 and HSV-2.
• Discuss global epidemiology, common transmission routes, and population risk factors.
• Recognize oral and extra-oral manifestations of both primary and recurrent HSV infection.
• Differentiate HSV lesions from other vesiculoulcerative oral conditions.
• Explain latency, triggers for viral reactivation, and mechanisms of asymptomatic shedding.
• Identify appropriate antiviral and supportive therapies used in dental and medical settings.
• Apply comprehensive infection-control measures that minimize risk of cross-infection in dental environments.
• Develop treatment-modification plans for immunocompromised and pediatric patients with HSV.
• Integrate patient-education principles to promote prevention and early intervention.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) establishes the national standards for safeguarding patient health information and ensuring privacy in all forms of data management. Since its enactment in 1996, HIPAA has evolved to address emerging risks associated with digital communication, electronic health records, and mobile technology. Compliance is essential for all healthcare providers, including dental professionals, who handle, transmit, or store Protected Health Information (PHI) or its electronic counterpart, ePHI.

This course provides dental and healthcare professionals with a detailed understanding of HIPAA regulations, focusing on the Privacy, Security, Breach Notification, Enforcement, and Omnibus Rules. Participants will learn the requirements for safeguarding patient data, maintaining proper documentation, recognizing common violations, and implementing effective administrative, physical, and technical safeguards. The course also highlights the professional and legal responsibilities of covered entities and business associates, emphasizing best practices that ensure patient trust and regulatory compliance.

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the purpose, structure, and historical context of HIPAA.
• Define Protected Health Information (PHI) and electronic PHI (ePHI) and identify personal identifiers associated with them.
• Distinguish between covered entities and business associates and describe their respective responsibilities.
• Identify and describe the five primary HIPAA rules and their functions.
• Recognize the most common causes of HIPAA violations and the penalties for noncompliance.
• >Implement administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect PHI and ePHI.
• Understand the process for reporting breaches and notifying affected parties and authorities.
• Apply best practices for documentation, employee training, and risk management to maintain ongoing HIPAA compliance.
• Promote patient rights by understanding access, correction, and disclosure requirements under the Privacy Rule.

Immediate loaded dental implants represent a paradigm shift in oral rehabilitation, offering patients the potential for faster restoration of function and aesthetics following tooth loss. Unlike traditional implant protocols which may require several months of healing before prosthetic placement, immediate loading allows for the placement of a temporary or even definitive prosthesis within 48 hours of implant surgery. This streamlined approach responds to increasing patient demand for shorter treatment times and less invasive interventions while capitalizing on advances in implant design, surface technology, and surgical technique.

Clinical success with immediate loading requires a sophisticated understanding of osseointegration, primary stability, case selection, and restorative planning. Only when biological, mechanical, and aesthetic parameters are carefully evaluated can practitioners deliver reliable, long-term results. This course synthesizes current research, practical clinical protocols, and illustrative cases to guide dental professionals through the complexities of immediate loaded implants. Participants will learn to identify ideal candidates, anticipate challenges, incorporate evidence-based protocols, and deliver patient-centered, predictable outcomes.

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the biological principles underpinning successful immediate loading of dental implants.
• Identify ideal cases for immediate loading and understand key exclusion criteria.
• Describe surgical and prosthetic protocols required to achieve primary stability and rapid restoration.
• Recognize the influence of implant design, surface characteristics, and bone density on outcomes.
• Integrate digital workflows for planning and executing immediate loaded implant cases.
• Evaluate common complications and develop evidence-based strategies to avoid or address them.
• Compare immediate loading with traditional protocols in terms of indications, clinical results, and patient satisfaction.
• Apply current research to optimize patient selection, surgical technique, and restorative decision-making.

Jaw necrosis, an increasingly recognized clinical challenge, encompasses a spectrum of conditions that result in the localized death of bone tissue within the jaws. With the expanding use of antiresorptive and antiangiogenic agents, as well as improved cancer survival rates, dental and medical practitioners are encountering medication-related and radiation-induced jaw necrosis with greater frequency. Jaw necrosis can present significant morbidity, have a profound impact on patients’ quality of life, and often requires complex multidisciplinary management.

Understanding the epidemiology, underlying pathophysiology, and varied risk factors associated with jaw necrosis is critical for prevention and early diagnosis. The condition may arise from diverse etiologies—including drug therapy (notably bisphosphonates and denosumab), radiation for head and neck cancers, or trauma. Patient comorbidities, oral hygiene, dental procedures, and systemic health all contribute to susceptibility and prognosis. As an increasing number of patients present with histories that predispose them to osteonecrosis, evidence-based approaches to risk assessment, dental management, and patient counseling become essential in clinical practice.

This course offers a comprehensive examination of jaw necrosis, guiding participants through classification, risk identification, clinical diagnosis, prevention, and both medical and surgical management strategies. Upon completion, practitioners will be equipped with the tools to minimize risk, recognize early signs, coordinate multidisciplinary care, and optimize outcomes for affected patients.

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Define jaw necrosis and distinguish between its major types and classifications.
• Summarize the epidemiology, etiologies, and predisposing risk factors for jaw necrosis.
• Describe the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying medication- and radiation-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw.
• Evaluate and identify patients at increased risk using clinical and dental screening protocols.
• Apply evidence-based diagnostic criteria and staging systems in clinical assessment.
• Implement preventive measures and coordinate care before, during, and after at-risk therapies.
• Discuss medical, surgical, and adjunctive treatment strategies, including patient-specific considerations.
• Manage follow-up, monitor outcomes, and provide supportive long-term care to optimize quality of life.
• Critically review emerging research and anticipate future advances in the management of jaw necrosis.

Latex allergy has emerged as a significant occupational health concern in healthcare, particularly among dental professionals. Natural rubber latex (NRL) is widely used in gloves, masks, rubber dams, and numerous other dental products, making routine exposure unavoidable in many clinical settings. While latex products offer excellent barrier protection, they can also trigger hypersensitivity reactions ranging from mild skin irritation to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

This course provides an in-depth understanding of latex allergies in the context of dental practice. It covers the immunologic mechanisms, risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and evidence-based strategies for prevention and management. By understanding the nature of latex hypersensitivity, dental professionals can create safer environments for patients and staff while remaining compliant with OSHA and CDC infection-control standards.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Define latex allergy and differentiate between irritant, allergic contact, and immediate hypersensitivity reactions.
• Describe the immunologic mechanisms underlying latex sensitivity.
• Identify common sources of latex exposure in the dental office.
• Recognize early and severe clinical symptoms associated with latex allergy.
• Distinguish between Type I (IgE-mediated) and Type IV (delayed-type) hypersensitivity.
• Discuss diagnostic procedures used to confirm latex allergy.
• Explain cross-reactivity between latex proteins and certain foods.
• Implement strategies to minimize latex exposure in clinical practice.
• Select appropriate non-latex alternatives for dental materials and gloves.
• Apply OSHA and CDC guidelines for allergy prevention and emergency response.
• Develop an office protocol for managing patients or staff with known latex sensitivity.
• Promote patient and staff education to enhance awareness and safety.

The United States is currently facing a public health emergency of historic proportions: the opioid epidemic. This crisis, characterized by a dramatic rise in opioid misuse, addiction, and overdose deaths, has touched every corner of society. Dental professionals, as frequent prescribers of immediate-release opioids for acute pain, play a critical role in both the cause and the solution of this problem. This course provides a comprehensive examination of the epidemic's origins, its devastating impact on public health, and the specific responsibilities of the dental team in mitigating the risk of new addictions.

The curriculum delves into the science of pain management, challenging the traditional reliance on narcotics for postoperative dental pain. It presents compelling evidence that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), often in combination with acetaminophen, offer superior analgesia for odontogenic pain with a fraction of the risk. Participants will learn to navigate the latest prescribing guidelines from the CDC and the ADA, ensuring that when opioids are deemed necessary, they are prescribed in the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration.

Beyond prescribing, this course equips clinicians with the tools to identify patients at risk for substance use disorders. It covers the essential protocols for utilizing Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMP), screening for "red flags" in medical histories, and having difficult but necessary conversations with patients about potential dependency. By adopting a stewardship approach, dental professionals can ensure effective pain control while safeguarding their patients and communities from the tragedy of opioid addiction.

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Analyze the epidemiology of the opioid crisis and the historical factors that contributed to its rise.
• Explain the neurobiology of opioid addiction and the mechanism of action of mu-opioid receptor agonists.
• Compare the efficacy of opioid versus non-opioid analgesics for the management of acute dental pain.
• Implement the specific CDC and ADA guidelines for prescribing opioids in dental practice.
• Demonstrate the proper use of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMP) to prevent diversion and misuse.
• Recognize the clinical and behavioral signs of substance use disorder in dental patients.
• Formulate patient counseling strategies regarding the risks, storage, and safe disposal of opioid medications.
• Discuss the legal and ethical liabilities associated with prescribing controlled substances.