Dental clinicians must now incorporate the advent of recreational and medical marijuana usage in their patients’ medical histories and polypharmacy assessments. As marijuana and its science may not have been taught in school to the vast majority of dental clinicians, even simple questions such as “What is THC?” and “What is CBD?” are frequently encountered. Also, dental professionals are generally not aware of how their patients consume these substances. This course will outline the human endocannabinoid system and how THC and CBD affect the brain and body. It will also discuss the current legal landscape, patient comorbidities, and pharmacologic adverse reactions that are more dangerous in dental patients if they are using marijuana. Malpractice liability issues in patients who are using recreational and medical marijuana will be addressed from an informed consent perspective. Finally, the course will discuss oral medicine issues that can occur with cannabis (THC/CBD) use, such as increased caries, fungal infection, periodontal disease, and oral cancer.
Educational objectives
At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Summarize the human endocannabinoid system
- Outline comorbidities that will be more problematic in dental patients who are consuming cannabis products
- Describe the elevated risks with polypharmacy patients and THC/CBD consumption undergoing dental therapy
- Summarize oral medicine issues that can arise with patient consumption of THC/CBD
About the Author
Eric S. Bornstein, DMD, BS, is a biochemist, dentist, and photobiologist. He has managed six human clinical trials in the infectious disease space, including periodontal disease. He has patented technologies in the areas of lasers, circadian medicine, and biofilm eradication. Dr. Bornstein is widely published in peer-reviewed journals such as Current Trends in Microbiology, Dentistry Today, and Compendium. He currently delivers CE webinars for the Institute for Natural Resources (inrseminars.com) on the subjects of circadian medicine, inflammation, pharmacology, marijuana, vaping, opioids, hallucinogens, and periodontal disease.
Quick Access Code: 22254
Image Credit: 155000616 © Feelgoodsk | Dreamstime.com
Course Includes
- 1 Lesson
- 1 Test
- Course Certificate
CE credit(s): 3
Course Type: Written
Published Date: October 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: 3-5933-22254. Expires September 30, 2027. “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.
11/1/2022 to 10/31/2024.
Provider ID# 320452
AGD code: 550
Endeavor Business Media is designated as an approved Provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Inc. #AADHPNW (January 1, 2022–December 31, 2024). 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-218-2-2025-3
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.
