A PEER-REVIEWED ARTICLE | by Eric Bornstein, DMD
Dental professionals can play a central role in the early detection and intervention of polysubstance abuse in their patients. Physicians often overlook the oral indications of, and miss the correlation between, oral health and substance abuse if they fail to look in a patient’s mouth. Dentists and hygienists, with their specialized training in oral medicine, have a unique opportunity to identify drug use and addiction issues through direct observation of oral tissues, symptoms, and disease. In today’s world, with multisubstance addiction coinciding with the opioid crisis in America, there is a necessity for extended training in substance use and abuse recognition for dental professionals. Additional training will equip dentists and hygienists with the necessary tools to contribute more effectively to their patients’ overall health and well-being. This course will guide dental practitioners in the identification of polysubstance signs and symptoms, thereby facilitating the early detection of polysubstance abuse. Further, it will outline the oral manifestations associated with various substances of abuse. Finally, it will suggest courses of action and referrals for patients who have multisubstance addiction and problems.
Educational objectives
At the conclusion of this educational activity, participants will be able to:
- Discuss the role of drug addiction in dental health and disease
- Describe the relationship between polysubstance use and informed consent for dental procedures
- List the adverse drug reactions with dental pharmacology and polysubstance use
- Improve patient care with logical choices for pain control prescriptions
- Describe the implications for dentistry and other health-care professions
Image credit: 115123775 © Marija Stepanovic | Dreamstime.com
Quick Access Code: 22355
Course Includes
- 1 Lesson
- 1 Test
- Course Certificate
CE credit(s): 3
Course Type: Written
Published Date: DECEMBER 2024
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 3 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 $39.00 for 3 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:
Dental Board of California: Provider RP5933. Course registration number CA code: 3-5933-22355. Expires JANUARY 2028. “This course meets the Dental Board of California’s requirements for 3 units of continuing education.”
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: 010
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: AADHEBM-317-6-2025-3
Endeavor Business Media is an ADA CERP–recognized provider.
ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of dental continuing education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.
Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to CERP at ada.org/goto/cerp.
