Management of Dental Pain and Appropriate Opioid Prescribing Practices

Categories: Mandatory Compliance Courses, Public Health

Author(s): Thomas Viola

Course Type: Self-instruction journal and web based activity

Target Audience: Dental Assistants, Dental Hygienist, Dentists from novice to advanced

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Educational Objectives

• Describe the pharmacology and mechanism of action of opioid and non-opioid analgesics
• Explain the intended role of opioid and nonopioid analgesics in the management of acute dental pain, as well as situations which may preclude their use, based on a patient's underlying medical conditions
• Discuss appropriate prescribing practices for opioid analgesics to utilize in everyday clinical situations
• Describe techniques useful in developing individualized pain management plans as well as strategies useful in identifying potential opioid addiction and counseling on treatments

Abstract

Management of acute odontogenic pain is accomplished through a clinical approach that successfully incorporates both opioid and nonopioid analgesics. It is critical for dental clinicians to not only employ appropriate prescribing practices when utilizing opioid and nonopioid analgesics to treat pain, but to also apply best practices when assessing pain control and educating patients on opioid-associated risks and opioid safety. This program will provide an overview of techniques for effectively assessing and managing dental pain, appropriately prescribing analgesics, and educating patients on proper handling of opioid medications and its adverse effects. It will also provide strategies for identifying patients at risk for substance abuse and counseling patients on agents used in the management and treatment of opioid use disorder.