Management of Acute Dental Pain and Appropriate Opioid Prescribing
PDA’ S FAMILY VACATION DENTAL CONFERENCE
Saturday, August 16 | 8:15 a. m. – 11:30 a. m. About the Speaker
Management of Acute Dental Pain and Appropriate Opioid Prescribing
Thomas A. Viola, RPh, CCP
Three( 3) CE credits recommended for dentists, hygienists, dental assistants and EFDAs. Satisfies PA Act 124 CE requirement for license renewal in 2027.
Education Methods: lecture, slides and discussion
Management of acute odontogenic pain is accomplished through a clinical approach that successfully incorporates both opioid and non-opioid analgesics. However, moderate to severe dental pain often occurs well after office hours and away from our immediate supervision. Thus, it is critical for clinicians to be able to accurately identify a patient’ s need for pain control, develop an individualized pain management plan and assess the efficacy of analgesic agents employed.
This lecture will provide strategies for effectively managing dental pain with opioid and non-opioid analgesics and analgesic adjuvants, while also mitigating associated risks. Special emphasis will be given to appropriate practices for prescribing analgesics as well as identification and treatment of opioid analgesic abuse.
Upon completion of this lecture, participants should be able to:
• Understand the pharmacology and mechanism of action of opioid and non-opioid analgesics, as well as their potential for abuse.
• Identify the intended roles of these analgesics in the treatment of acute dental pain, as well as situations which may preclude their use.
• Discuss best practices for prescribing opioid analgesics as part of an individualized patient pain management plan.
• Describe techniques useful in recognizing and identifying potential addiction as well as avoiding potential drug diversion.
• Learn current protocols for the management and treatment of opioid addiction.
• Examine guidelines for proper storage and disposal of unused dosages.
Thomas A. Viola, RPh, CCP
Dr. Viola is a board-certified pharmacist, clinical educator, professional speaker and published author. Tom’ s programs provide an overview of the most prevalent oral and systemic diseases and the most frequently prescribed drugs used in their treatment. Special emphasis is given to dental considerations and strategies for effective patient care planning. Dr. Viola has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
MAY / JUNE 2025 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 17