Course Abstract:

TAKE THE EXAM
Contact Hours (CE): The Academy of Dental Learning and OSHA Training, LLC, designates this activity for 2 continuing education credits (2 CEs).
Cost: $30.00
Questions? Contact Us: Phone: 518-209-9540, or Email: cesupport@dentallearning.org
Published: October: 2014
Reviewed: August 2023Expires: September: 2026
Video Length: 62 minutes
Course Instructor: Howard J. Pactovis, DMD
No conflicts of interest are reported by the author or by educational planning committee members.

Educational Objectives

• Define opiods used in pain management.
• Describe assessment tools to assess pain level in patients.
• List opiods used in pain management.
• Describe proper dosage for opiods used in pain management.
• Define effective pain management;
• State the risks of abuse and addiction associated with opioid medication;
• Identify patients at risk for substance use disorders;
• Describe techniques for counseling patients about the side effects, addictive nature and proper storage and disposal of prescription medications;
• Identify appropriate prescription quantities for prescription medications that have an increased risk of abuse; and
• List opioid antagonists, overdose prevention treatments and instances in which a patient may be advised on both the use of and ways to access opioid antagonists and overdose prevention treatments.

Course Description

According to M.G.L.A 94C section 18, practitioners who prescribe controlled substances shall be required as a prerequisite to obtaining or renewing their license to complete appropriate training relative to the following:

1. Effective pain management
2. Identification of patients at high risk for substance abuse
3. Counseling patients about the side effects

The safe use of opioids and management of dental pain is receiving new scrutiny by regulatory agencies and dental boards. Several states now require an approved course that addresses pain management, opioid safety, and regulatory compliance.

This 60 minute video course, presented by national educator Howard J. Pactovis, D.M.D., gives a didactic overview of opioid safety and pain management, along with practical assessment tools in the clinical dental setting. The course reviews general and specific guidelines for best clinical practices.

This course is suitable for all members of the dental team, and especially for the dentist who ultimately is responsible for pain management and opioid safety for their dental patients.

How to Take This Course