National Opioid Crisis

Name: National Opioid Crisis
SKU: 359441
Availability: InStock

$10.00

Course Overview

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.

Learning Objectives

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.

Categories: $19, CEU Courses, Online CEU Courses

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