The Hidden Dental Toll of the Opioid Crisis: Clinical and Liability Risks
Thursday, January 28, 2027
1:30 – 2:30 pm
Course Code:
437TL
Cost:
$39
Credits:
1
CE Hour
NO CHARGE FOR ADA MEMBERS – REGISTRATION REQUIRED
$39 Non-Member Fee
This course reviews the hidden oral health effects of the opioid crisis, with emphasis on patients receiving medication-assisted treatment such as methadone and Suboxone. Attendees will examine evidence linking these therapies to xerostomia, rampant caries, tooth fracture, and early failure of restorations and definitive treatment. The program will discuss how delayed diagnosis, recurrent breakdown, and poor documentation may increase clinical and liability risk. Participants will learn practical strategies for patient education, caries prevention, and coordination of care with treating physicians.
Speakers
Learning Objectives:
- Identify oral findings associated with methadone, Suboxone, and chronic opioid use
- Recognize patterns of rampant caries, xerostomia, tooth fracture, and restoration failure in high-risk patients
- Differentiate medication-related dental damage from neglect, dietary, and other etiologies
- Assess liability risks related to delayed diagnosis, inadequate documentation, and unrealistic treatment expectations
- Develop evidence-based prevention plans including fluoride therapy, salivary management, and recall intervals
- Implement patient education strategies to improve home care and treatment compliance
- Coordinate care with physicians and addiction specialists regarding MAT therapies and oral health concerns
- Apply risk-management principles to treatment planning, informed consent, and long-term prognosis discussions
The Massachusetts Dental Society is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider
ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at
ADA.org/CERP