Presented by: Justin Bonner, DDS Board Certified in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery & Garrett Starling, MD Board Certified Anesthesiologist

 Safe and Effective Pain Management in the Dental Office 

Course Description:
Eff. 01/01/2021 TSBDE Rule 104.1(B) requires “licensed dentist(s) whose practice includes direct patient care to completed not less than 2 hours of continuing education annually, and not less than 4 hours for each biennial renewal, regarding safe and effective pain management” NOTE: THIS CE REQUIREMENT IS NOT DEPENDENT ON WHETHER A DENTIST HOLDS A DEA REGISTRATION AND THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS FOR ORTHODONTISTS.

Course Objectives:

• Understand the pharmacological properties of opioids, including their classification, mechanisms of action, and effects on the central nervous system.
• Identify the different types of opioid receptors and their roles in producing analgesia and undesirable effects.
• Explain the concept of preemptive analgesia and its potential benefits in pain management.
• Recognize the risks associated with opioid use, particularly respiratory depression and ventilatory effects.
• Describe the development of tolerance and dependence with prolonged opioid use, including their impact on analgesic efficacy and withdrawal symptoms.
• Discuss the importance of proper dosing and monitoring when administering opioids to minimize adverse effects and ensure patient safety.
• Evaluate the relative strengths of different opioids by converting their dosages to oral morphine equivalents.
• Analyze the role of opioids in pain management, including their effectiveness in relieving continuous dull pain versus sharp, intermittent pain.
• Identify strategies to mitigate the risks associated with opioid therapy, such as careful patient selection, dose titration, and monitoring for signs of respiratory depression.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the therapeutic and adverse effects of opioids to facilitate safe and effective pain management practices in clinical settings.

2-Hour Self-Instruction

AGD Subject Code: 340

Original Release Date: 7/1/2019 

Review Date: 2/14/2024

Expiration Date: 2/14/2027

This course is self-instruction hosted by Dental Compliance Specialists. For questions or assistance, please email [email protected] or call 817-755-0035.

Refunds/Exchanges allowed up to 7 days after the course is purchased providing the certificate of completion has not already been obtained. To request a refund, email [email protected] or call 817-755-0035.