The use and abuse of both licit and illicit substances can lead to adverse reactions and life-threatening medical emergencies during dental treatment. This comprehensive program will explore strategies for identifying dental patients who use or abuse substances, along with techniques for effective patient management and treatment. Special emphasis will be placed on patients with current or past substance use disorders, as well as on understanding the impact of substances used for both medical and recreational purposes.

Diabetes and its systemic complications are often compounded by multiple co-morbid conditions. This course offers an overview of diabetes mellitus, current treatment options, and the connection between diabetes and oral-systemic disease. Special focus is given to emerging therapies, including GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) agonists such as Ozempic (semaglutide) and dual-action GLP-1/GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide) agonists such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide), highlighting their expanding roles in managing both diabetes and obesity for improved overall health outcomes.

Management of acute odontogenic pain is accomplished through a clinical approach that successfully incorporates both opioid and nonopioid analgesics. It is critical for dental clinicians to employ appropriate prescribing practices. We’ll cover best practices when assessing pain control and educating patients on opioid-associated risks and safety. This program provides techniques for effectively assessing and managing dental pain, appropriately prescribing analgesics, educating patients on adverse effects and proper handling of opioids.

Note: This course helps to fulfill the Georgia Board of Dentistry CE requirement.

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Date Available: 10/1/25

Date Reviewed: 3/1/26

Date Removed: 10/30/26

In our information-saturated world, many patients turn to OTC medications, dietary supplements and even unregulated substances to manage their own health, including dental pain and anxiety. This course explores the growing trend of patient self-medication and the significant implications it has for oral health care. Dentists and dental hygienists will learn to identify self-medication behaviors, recognize potential risks and interactions, and engage patients in nonjudgmental informed discussion.

As dental implants become increasingly common, so do the complexities associated with their long-term success. Among the lesser-known, but critically important, risk factors are systemic medications that can compromise osseointegration, wound healing and bone metabolism. This course details how commonly prescribed drugs, such as bisphosphonates, SSRIs and proton pump inhibitors, can contribute to early dental implant failure. Dental professionals will learn how to assess medication risks, modify treatment plans accordingly and collaborate with prescribing providers to optimize patient outcomes.

Local anesthesia is foundational to pain control in dentistry, but effective and safe use requires a deep understanding of pharmacology, patient-specific considerations and evolving clinical protocols. Ideal for both dentists and hygienists, this course provides an in-depth review of local anesthetics used in dental practice and bridges pharmacology and therapeutics to enhance patient safety, comfort and outcomes.

Effective pain management is essential in dental care but requires balancing efficacy, safety and responsible prescribing. This course reviews the pharmacology, indications and clinical considerations of non-opioid and opioid analgesics for acute dental pain. Participants will learn to evaluate options, personalize pain management plans and address regulatory, ethical and public health concerns related to opioid use. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based prescribing, clear patient communication, and strategies to reduce misuse and dependency risks.