Presenter(s): Sharon Parsons, DDS, Past President Ohio Dental Association, and Practice Owner, Dental Associates; and David Kimberly, DDS, MD, Past President Ohio Dental Association, and Oral Surgeon in Private Practice 

Webinar Description: Join the American Dental Association and Drs. Sharon Parsons and David Kimberly for this one hour webinar that will cover the important topic of Opioids, Dentistry and Addiction: The Dentist’s Role in Treating Pain. The United States experienced a tragic rise in drug overdose deaths in 2020, which was largely caused by inappropriate use of opioids. Attendees will hear from a practicing dentist and an oral surgeon about the positive role dentists can play to help mitigate the opioid crisis. Additionally, attendees will gain a better understanding of the relationship between substance use and addiction, as well as learn about treatments currently available for acute pain. 

Educational Objectives:

• • Discuss addiction, how it happens and to whom
  • Summarize current pain control methods. Review safe options for patients
  • Describe dentistry’s role in fighting the opioid crisis

Support for the Program:
Funding for this initiative was made possible (in part) by grant no. 1H79TI081968 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.