Managing Medically Complex Dental Patients

Course overview

Dental professionals must frequently draw upon their knowledge of pharmacology for optimal care of today's medically complex dental patients. However, armed with relatively brief exposure to such a vast subject during formal education and faced with ever-changing medication therapy guidelines, many dental professionals simply cannot keep up with the latest trends in disease state management. This program will provide an overview of the dental implications of prescription medications, non-prescription medications, herbal products, and nutritional supplements most frequently used by patients. As referred to in the recent DEA requirements, special emphasis will be given to aspects of the safe pharmacological management of dental pain and screening, brief intervention, and referral for appropriate treatment of patients with or at risk of developing opioid and other substance use disorders. 3 hours live credit - counts toward DEA 8-hour mandatory training