The Opioid Crisis and its Impact on Dentistry: Navigating Prescribing Practices and Professional Responsibilities

Course Overview

This course addresses the critical intersection of dentistry and the opioid epidemic in the United States. Designed for dental professionals, the session explores the scope of opioid misuse nationwide, identifies the factors contributing to the opioid epidemic and highlights opioid-related prescribing practices specific to Dentistry. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of their professional responsibilities in opioid stewardship, learn strategies to identify risk factors for opioid misuse among dental patients and explore safer, evidence-based approaches to pain management. Through case scenarios, attendees will be better prepared to make informed, ethical decisions in clinical practice.

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Objectives

Upon completion of this session, participants should be able to:

Understand the scope of the opioid epidemic in the United States

Identify opioid-related prescribing practices in Dentistry

Recognize the impact of the opioid crisis on dental practice

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Presenter(s)

Disclosures & Policies

No Recording and Transcription Policy
To protect the privacy, security, and integrity of our programs, meetings, and events, recording of any kind is strictly prohibited unless expressly authorized in writing by the department director. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Video recordings (camera, phone, webcam, or other devices)
- Audio recordings (phone, microphone, digital recorders, etc.)
- Screen captures or screen recordings
- AI-based or automated transcription tools (e.g., apps or software that convert speech to text)

Guidelines: All participants are expected to respect this policy at all times. If recording is necessary as an accommodation, or for education or administrative purposes, prior approval must be obtained in writing. Unauthorized recording or transcription may result in removal from the session and/or further administrative action. Exceptions may only be granted by the department director in advance. Taking detailed notes is encouraged, and participants are welcome to take pictures of the presentation slides for personal use.

Purpose: This policy ensures a safe and respectful environment, protects sensitive and proprietary information, and upholds the confidentiality of all participants.

Financial Disclosure Statement
It is the policy of the UT Health San Antonio Office of Continuing Dental Education to ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all of its sponsored educational activities. All participating speakers, course directors, and planning committee members are required to disclose to the program audience any financial relationships related to the subject matter of this program. Relationships of spouse/partner with proprietary entities producing health care goods or services should be disclosed if they are of a nature that may influence the objectivity of the individual in a position to control the content of the CDE activity. Disclosure information is reviewed in advance in order to manage and resolve any possible conflicts of interest. Specific disclosure information for each speaker, course director, and planning committee member will be shared with the audience prior to the speaker’s presentation.

This educational activity is free from commercial bias. The planning committee, presenters, and authors have disclosed all financial relationships with commercial interests relevant to this content, and any potential conflicts have been identified and mitigated according to ADA CERP standards. No commercial entities have influenced the content, selection, or presentation of materials, and no product endorsements or promotional activities are included in this presentation. Any mention of products, services, or companies is solely for educational purposes and does not imply endorsement.

There is nothing to disclose for this course.

Course Refund Policy
Please review the Course Refund Policy by clicking here. This policy includes information regarding requirements that attendees must comply with to remain eligible to receive CE, cancelling your registration, course transfers, etc.

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Tuition

• Individual: $25

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Credit

Hours: 1

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the standards of the ADA Continuing Education Recognition Program (ADA CERP) through joint efforts of UT Health San Antonio. UT Health San Antonio is recognized by the ADA CERP as a provider of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.

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Original Date: 10/13/2025 | Review Date: 10/13/2025 | Expiration Date: 10/13/2028

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Information Regarding This Course
This online course is an independent learning activity, meaning that it is to be completed at your own pace (within the 30 days allotted for course completion) and involves learning and self-studying from prerecorded materials. It is asynchronous and does not include live interaction with the speaker. Once you watch and review all of the prerecorded materials, you will then complete an exam to asses your mastery and understanding of the content. If you have questions regarding the course content, please email Dr. Marwaha at marwaha@uthscsa.edu.

• For help or questions about this program, you can contact us at:
• Phone: (210) 567-3177
  Email: smile@uthscsa.edu
  
  Business hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Central Time

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