Addressing the Opioid Crisis

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.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
After reading this course, the participant should be able to:

1. Discuss the significance and severity of the opioid crisis in the United States.
2. Define the prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) and the National Prescription Drug Take Back Days.
3. Recognize the signs and symptoms of opioid overdose and understand the role of naloxone in reversing the effects of opioids.
4. Describe and promote opioid stewardship.

This course was issued in September 2020 and expires September 2023. The authors have no commercial conflicts of interest to disclose. This 2 credit hour self-study activity is electronically mediated.