The ADA Adopts Opioid Use Policy

In October, 2016, the ADA adopted a new ADA Statement on the Use of Opioids in the Treatment of Dental Pain, which provides recommendations for dentists on prescribing opioids to patients. In addition to specific practice recommendations, the statement urges dentists to discuss treatment options with patients and to register with drug monitoring programs (such as CURES in California).

The abuse and diversion of prescription opioids is a serious public health problem in the United States. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), prescription opioids caused more than 14,000 opioid deaths in the United States in 2014. Dentists, their patients, and pharmacists can all play a role in identifying and preventing prescription drug abuse.

For our OSHA Review Subscribers: The July/August 2016 issue of OSHA Review in Section X of your OSHA Review binder covers prescription opioid drug abuse and provides information to help dentists make informed prescribing decisions.

Since 1992, OSHA Review, Inc. has provided dental professionals with comprehensive programs to support regulatory compliance and infection control. We are a registered continuing education provider in the state of California, specializing in Dental Practice Act, infection control, and OSHA training.