Identifying Substance Abuse & Related Mental Health Disorders in Patients for Dental Professionals

THIS COURSE DOES NOT SATISFY: Dental: 21 NCAC 16R .0206, and Hygiene: 21 NCAC 16I .0206.  To satisfy that requirement please click here.

This course is designed to equip dental professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to make a meaningful impact on patients dealing with Substance Use Disorders (SUD), including Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), and related mental health conditions. Through guidance from trusted organizations such as the American Dental Association (ADA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), dental professionals will gain valuable insights into recognizing, understanding, and addressing the effects of both substance abuse and mental health disorders in their patients. This course offers practical approaches for improving patient care, identifying at-risk individuals, and supporting those struggling with SUD and mental health challenges in the dental setting.

1.0 Credit Hour

Course Objectives:

1. Understanding the related mental health disorders with substance abuse.
2. How to help identify patients that are substance abusers or at higher risk of becoming abusers.
3. Understanding substance misusers and the impact on substance abuse.
4. ADA recommendations on dosage for potentially addictive pain relievers.
5. Determining use of alternative pain relivers.
6. Suggestions on how to talk to your patient about substance abuse.
7. Using your health care and community resources to guide your patients.
8. A look at some questions still to be answered about substance abuse and open research topics

This course empowers dental professionals to recognize, support, and provide resources for patients dealing with these issues in a compassionate and ethical manner.

THIS COURSE DOES NOT SATISFY: Dental: 21 NCAC 16R .0206, and Hygiene: 21 NCAC 16I .0206.  To satisfy that requirement please click here.