Opioid Course For Dentists

Dentists play an important role in preventing opioid misuse and abuse due to their unique interaction with patients who may be at risk for opioid abuse and misuse. In order to educate and equip them with the tools and knowledge to provide attentive and responsible care for these patients, an opioid course for dentists has been developed. The course provides dentists with an in-depth understanding of the opioid epidemic and how it affects not only those struggling with addiction but also the communities the disease affects. The course provides dentists with the skills they need to help their patients receive the best care while avoiding dependency on opioids. Dentists learn strategies to help patients manage pain without using opioids, when possible. The course focuses on providing pain management strategies that minimize the need for opioids, such as lifestyle and alternative therapies as well as using lowdosage pain medications as needed. Dentists also learn how to properly prescribe opioids and how to monitor their use. The course also guides dentists on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of opioid addiction and how to help their patients who are already struggling with addiction. Dentists learn the stigma behind addiction, how to properly refer their patients for treatment, and how to continue to support them on their recovery journey. Overall, this course for dentists provides best practices for opioid prescribing and management that will help foster positive health outcomes for their patients and their communities.