Date: March 23, 2026 | 7:00 PM CST/8:00 PM EST
Duration: 1 Hour
Credits: 1
Presenter: Tom Viola, R. Ph., C.C.P.
Sponsor: Haleon
Cost: Free
Effective management of acute odontogenic pain requires a thoughtful, evidence-based approach that integrates both non-opioid and opioid analgesics. Because moderate to severe dental pain often occurs outside normal office hours and beyond the direct supervision of the dental team, clinicians must be prepared to accurately evaluate pain, design individualized management strategies, and monitor the effectiveness of selected therapies. This program provides a comprehensive overview of current approaches to managing dental pain, including the appropriate use of non-opioid and opioid analgesics, as well as relevant adjuvant therapies. Emphasis is placed on clinical decision-making, risk mitigation, and best practices related to analgesic use, along with the recognition and management of opioid misuse and abuse within the dental setting.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Describe the pharmacology and mechanism of action of opioid and non-opioid analgesics.
- Identify the intended roles of these analgesics in the treatment of acute dental pain, as well as situations that may preclude their use.
- Discuss best practices for prescribing opioid analgesics as part of an individualized patient pain management plan.
- Describe techniques useful in recognizing and identifying potential addiction as well as avoiding potential drug diversion.
Presented By
With over 30 years’ experience as a board-certified pharmacist, clinical educator, professional speaker and published author, Tom Viola, R.Ph., C.C.P. has earned his national and international reputation as the go-to specialist for making pharmacology practical and useful for all members of the dental team.
As the founder of Pharmacology Declassified, Tom provides valuable insight on the complex interplay between pharmacology and physiology so that clinicians may be knowledgeable about not only the dental considerations of medications used to treat systemic illness but also the systemic considerations of medications used to provide dental treatment. As an educator, Tom is a member of the faculty of over 10 dental professional degree programs and has received several awards for outstanding teacher of the year.
As an author, Tom is well known for his contributions to several professional journals, has served as a contributor, chapter author and peer reviewer for several pharmacology textbooks and currently serves as a consultant to the American Dental Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs. As a speaker, Tom has presented over 1000 informative, humorous and engaging continuing education seminars and webinars to dental professionals internationally since 2001. Meeting planners and attendees agree that Tom is their choice to educate within this dental specialty.
Supported in part through an unrestricted educational grant by:
Course Content
Course Includes
- 1 Lesson
- Course Certificate
CE credit(s): 1
Course Type: Live Webinar
Published Date: March 23, 2026
This continuing education (CE) activity was developed by Endeavor Business Media with no commercial support.
This course was written for dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants, from novice to skilled.
Educational methods: This course is a self-instructional journal and web activity.
Provider disclosure: Endeavor Business Media neither has a leadership position nor a commercial interest in any products or services discussed or shared in this educational activity. No manufacturer or third party had any input in the development of the course content.
Requirements for successful completion: To obtain 1 CE credits for this educational activity, you must pay the required fee, review the material, complete the course evaluation, and obtain an exam score of 70% or higher.
CE planner disclosure: Laura Winfield, Endeavor Business Media dental group CE coordinator, neither has a leadership nor commercial interest with the products or services discussed in this educational activity. Ms. Winfield can be reached at lwinfield@endeavorb2b.com.
Educational disclaimer: Completing a single continuing education course does not provide enough information to result in the participant being an expert in the field related to the course topic. It is a combination of many educational courses and clinical experience that allows the participant to develop skills and expertise.
Image authenticity statement: The images in this educational activity have not been altered.
Scientific integrity statement: Information shared in this CE course is developed from clinical research and represents the most current information available from evidence-based dentistry.
Known benefits and limitations of the data: The information presented in this educational activity is derived from the data and information contained in the reference section.
Registration: The cost of this CE course is Free for 1 CE credits.
Cancellation and refund policy: Any participant who is not 100% satisfied with this course can request a full refund by contacting Endeavor Business Media in writing.
Provider information:
Endeavor Business Media is a nationally approved PACE program provider for FAGD/MAGD credit.
Approval does not imply acceptance by any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement.
11/1/2024 to 10/31/2028.
Provider ID# 320452
AGD code:
Endeavor Business Media is designated as an approved provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Inc. #AADHEBM (January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2026). Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial Board of Dentistry. Licensee should maintain this document in the event of an audit. AADH code:
