PAIN MANAGEMENT IN DENTISTRY
Responsible Opioid Prescribing
 

PAIN MANAGEMENT IN DENTISTRY

Responsible Opioid Prescribing

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COURSE SUMMARY: This webinar offers an in-depth exploration of contemporary pain management strategies in dentistry, emphasizing responsible opioid prescribing amidst the ongoing opioid crisis. The course explores the types and physiology of pain, equipping dental professionals with evidence-based techniques to manage acute and chronic dental pain effectively. It covers pharmacological interventions, including NSAIDS, acetaminophen, corticosteroids, opioids, alongside non-pharmacological methods like ice/heat therapy and muscle relaxants. Special attention is given to opioid prescribing guidelines, dosage calculations using Morphine Milligram Equivalents (MME), and alternative approaches to minimize opioid reliance. The sessio also highlights the risks associated with opioid use, particularly in young patients, and discusses the latest Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) from the American Dental Association (ADA) for acute dental pain management. The role of antibiotics in pulpal pain is critically evaluated, underscoring the importance of appropriate indications. 

By the end of the webinar, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of safe, effective, and ethical pain management practices tailored to modern dental care.

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LEARNING OB JECTIVES

By participating in this webinar, dental professionals will be able to:

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1. Differentiate Types and Mechanisms of Pain

   • Identify and distinguish between nociceptive, inflammatory, neuropathic, and functional pain in dental contexts.

   • Explain the physiology of pain transmission, including the roles of A-delta and C fibers, and how inflammatory mediators influence pain perception.

2. Apply Evidence-Based Pain Management Strategies

   • Implement non-opioid pharmacological options (NSAIDs, acetaminophen) as first-line treatments for acute dental pain.

   • Utilize corticosteroids, diphenhydramine, and long-acting anesthetics for specialized cases, understanding their mechanisms and indications.

   • Recognize the role of non-pharmacologic interventions such as ice/heat and muscle relaxants.

3. Navigate Responsible Opioid Prescribing

   • Calculate Morphine Milligram Equivalents (MME) to ensure safe opioid prescribing, adhering to CDC guidelines (<50 MME/day and <100 MME per prescription).

   • Identify high-risk populations, particularly adolescents and young adults, and implement appropriate prescribing practices to mitigate addiction risks.

   • Understand the pharmacological effects of opioids on the brain and the potential for addiction and long-term cognitive implications.

4. Integrate Clinical Practice Guidelines into Patient Care

   • Apply the 2024 ADA Clinical Practice Guidelines for managing pain following extractions and in cases of pulpal pain.

   • Counsel patients on realistic pain expectations, analgesic use, and the risks associated with opioid therapies.

5. Critically Evaluate the Role of Antibiotics in Pain Management

   • Recognize when antibiotics are inappropriate for pulpal and periapical pain management, reserving their use for systemic infections.

   • Review scientific studies debunking the efficacy of antibiotics in managing irreversible pulpitis and other localized dental conditions.

6. Enhance Patient Communication and Safety

   • Educate patients on safe medication use, proper storage, and disposal of opioids.

   • Employ state Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMP) to prevent overprescribing and detect potential misuse.

7. Comply with Legal and Continuing Education Requirements

   • Understand the DEA's requirement of 8 hours of continuing education on opioid prescribing for license renewal.

   • Stay informed on state-specific mandates regarding opioid prescriptions and controlled substance tracking systems.

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Reserve your space today to stay at the forefront of best practices in dental pain management. Your commitment to lifelong learning makes a lasting difference for both your patients and your profession.

Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you at the live session!

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CREDITS: This continuing education activity is designated for 2 credits

DURATION: 2 hours

AGD PACE SUBJECT CODE:  134, 157, 340

MODE: Electronically Mediated | Live interactive continuing education webinar

SPEAKER:  Thomas M. Paumier, DDS  (Bio below)

COURSE FEE:  $95 USD

AUDIENCE: Dentists and Dental Hygienists

TECHNOLOGY REQUIRED:  Mobile device, laptop or desktop with internet connection | Google Chrome Browser

INSTRUCTIONS:  Dental CE Academy hosts all webinars using the ClickMeeting platform. Upon registration and payment you are sent a confirmation email from no-reply@clickeeting.com with a link to join. Be sure to check your spam/junk/promotions folders. For assistance email support@dentalcenow.com, we are happy to help you.

TRAINING MANUAL:  Distributed via email 1 day prior to all attendees upon registration

QUIZ FOR CE CREDIT VERIFICATION: Quiz is completed to receive CE credit sent to your email.​

DISCLOSURE OF SPEAKER AND FACULTY COMMERCIAL RELATIONSHIPS: According to Dental CE Academy's  Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Policy, faculty and speakers for any course are expected to disclose any economic support, personal interests, or potential bias that may be perceived as creating a conflict related to the material being presented. Disclosure statements are printed in each course description and announced by moderators or individual speakers at the beginning of each presentation. This policy is intended to alert the audience to any potential bias or conflict so that participants may form their own judgments about the material being presented.

​CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE OF SPEAKER: This webinar is not sponsored.

​DENTAL CE ACADEMY DISCLAIMER: The views expressed and opinions and materials presented during these live and recorded presentations represent the personal views and opinions of the individual speaker and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Dental CE Academy or its parent company, Virtual Dontics®. Dental CE Academy assumes no responsibility for the content of the presentations made by the individual speakers. Any suggested protocols for treatment, materials, or services may be based upon the speaker's own clinical experience and should not be construed as Dental CE Academy recommended or endorsed. Selected presentations may include exploratory research or experimental procedures and are intended for informational purposes that may lead to interest and scientific breakthroughs in the fields of dentistry.    Dental CE Academy appreciates its educators who share their knowledge and expertise. This level of dedication to dentistry allows our profession to expand and thrive and provokes necessary discussion and understanding.