Heather B. Allen, RDH, BSDH, MSHCM, is an assistant professor of clinical
comprehensive dentistry in the Dental Hygiene Program at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO) School of Dentistry. She has been a dental hygiene educator for 13 years and a practicing clinician for 19 years. Allen is a liaison to the American Dental Education Association Commission on Change and Innovation in Dental Education and a past president of the New Orleans Dental Hygienists’ Association (NODHA). She can be reached at: hharo@lsuhsc.edu..
By supporting the prescription drug monitoring program, promoting the proper disposal of opioids, and encouraging opioid stewardship, dental hygienists can make a difference in this public health issue.