Opioids & Pain Management Guidelines-Dentists: all states except Calif | 3 CE

Opioids Overview & Guidelines for Dentists | Pain Management Review  

Credit Hours/CEs 3

Published May 2019 |  Reviewed December 2022 | Expires: August 2026

Course Description

Our Opioids & Pain Management CE course gives dentists a clear, practical update on safe, effective pain management with and without opioids, for all U.S. states except California. You’ll review the pharmacology and physiology of pain, how opioid and non‑opioid medications work, and how to choose the right regimen to control dental pain while minimizing risk.

The course covers current information on the U.S. opioid crisis, prescribing guidelines, risk factors for misuse and addiction, and documentation tips that protect both patients and providers. Packed with clinical examples, decision-making guidance, and curated external resources, it’s designed to help dentists improve patient outcomes, reduce opioid-related complications, and stay aligned with state regulatory expectations.

 ***NOTICE*** All states except for California which must be approved by the Dental Board of California (DBC). We are now approved to offer the California Opioid course for dentists.

Learning Objectives

• Know the principles of pain management for acute pain in dental patients.
• Understand basic pharmacokinetics of opioids.
• Understand the mechanisms of opioid agonists and antagonists.
• Understand the physiologic mechanisms of pain.
• Identify opioid dependence and screening techniques for narcotic abuse.
• Apply best practices guidelines for opioid prescribing & the use of alternate medications.
• Access current information & resources regarding the opioid crisis in the U.S.
• Be able to integrate safe prescribing methods for opioids in your practice.

Sources/Editors/Authors
MaryLou Austin, RDH, MS, Howard A. Boone, MD
Public Domain Information Sources: CDC, NIH, HHS, Washington Medical Agencies, ADA Opioid Policies, Bree Collaborative, et al.

Questions?  FAST response: MyDentalCE@gmail.com

MyDentalCE.com accepts no commercial or other monetary support for any of our courses or business operations. We are dedicated to evidence-based and bias-free information in our courses. Our administrative staff, editors, and faculty have signed conflict of interest declarations on file at MyDentalCE.com. ADA CERP Nationally Recognized Provider and Academy of General Dentistry nationally approved CE provider (#373218) in all states (except for New York Infection Control 4 CE initial registration course. California RP #5100.