Overview

Cost: $50 for all 3 hours of CE for AGD members ($100 for all 3 hours of CE for non-members) 

Management of acute dental pain is accomplished through a clinical approach that successfully incorporates opioid and non-opioid analgesics. However, this normally occurs outside the dental office, away from our immediate supervision and we are often faced with the difficult task of managing patient pain while also avoiding adverse outcomes for both our patient and our communities. Thus, it is critical for clinicians to accurately identify the need for pain control and associated risks, and to assess the efficacy of analgesic agents to be administered.

This program will provide an overview of effective dental pain management and identification of addiction. Special emphasis will also be given to appropriate practices of prescribing opioids and individualized patient care planning.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of this program, 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        which 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.

·       Explain current protocols for the management and treatment of opioid addiction.

·       Discuss guidelines for proper storage and disposal of unused dosages.

AGD CODE: 340

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the standards of the Academy of General Dentistry Program Approval for Continuing Education (PACE) through the joint program provider approval of CE Zoom, LLC and Pharmacology Declassified. CE Zoom, LLC is approved for awarding FAGD/MAGD credit.