Thurs., Nov. 3, 2022
1:00pm – 4:00pm (3 CE hrs)
Room TBD
Speaker: Thomas Viola, R.Ph., CCP, CDE, CPMP
Recommended for: Everyone
Management of acute odontogenic pain is accomplished through a clinical approach that successfully incorporates both opioid and nonopioid analgesics. It is critical for dental clinicians to not only employ appropriate prescribing practices when utilizing opioid and non-opioid analgesics to treat pain but to also apply best practices when assessing pain control and educating patients on opioid-associated risks and opioid safety. This program will provide an overview of techniques for effectively assessing and managing dental pain, appropriately prescribing analgesics, educating patients on adverse effects and proper handling of opioid medications, as well as strategies for identifying patients at risk for substance abuse, and counseling patients on agents used in the management and treatment of opioid use disorder.
Course Objectives:
- Describe the pharmacology and mechanism of action of opioid and non-opioid analgesics
- Explain the intended role of opioid and nonopioid analgesics in the management of acute dental pain, as well as situations which may preclude their use, based on a patient’s underlying medical conditions
- Discuss appropriate prescribing practices for opioid analgesics to utilize in everyday clinical situations
- Describe techniques useful in developing individualized pain management plans as well as strategies useful in identifying potential opioid addiction and counseling on treatments
Thomas Viola, R.Ph., CCP, CDE, CPMP, is a board-certified pharmacist, educator, author and speaker. Tom Viola has earned his national and international reputation as the go-to specialist for making pharmacology practical and useful for all members of the dental team. As the founder of Pharmacology Declassified, Tom provides valuable insight on the complex interplay between dental pharmacology and systemic disease state management. As an educator, Tom serves as a member of the faculty of over 10 dental professional degree programs. As an author, Tom contributes to several professional journals and currently serves as a consultant to the ADA’s Council on Scientific Affairs. As a speaker, Tom has presented over 1000 informative, engaging continuing education seminars to dental professionals since 2001.
Mr. Viola is not associated with, employed by, nor consults for any manufacturer, supplier, or retailer of dental instruments or materials.