“Take It On The Run, Baby!”

It’s a fast-paced world and many patients may seek the assistance of substances to cope and get through their busy, trying days.

The use and abuse of both licit and illicit substances has the potential to produce adverse reactions and life-threatening

medical emergencies during dental treatment. This comprehensive program will explore strategies for identifying the dental patient using and abusing substances, as well as techniques for effective patient management and treatment. Special emphasis will be given to a discussion of patients with previously existing or current substance abuse and the impact on patients using cannabis for medical and recreational purposes.

Course Objectives:

• Discuss the impact of substance dependence and abuse on dental therapy and on overall patient health.
• Identify the most common illicit and licit substances of abuse and dependence and discuss:
• Street names
• Common adverse effects
• Oral manifestations
• Dental treatment considerations
• Describe techniques useful in identifying and successfully managing patient substance use and dependency.

Biography:

With over 30 years’ experience as a board-certified pharmacist, clinical educator, professional speaker and published author, Tom Viola, R.Ph., C.C.P. has earned his national and international reputation as the go-to specialist for making pharmacology practical and useful for all members of the dental team. As the founder of Pharmacology Declassified, Tom provides valuable insight on the complex interplay between pharmacology and physiology so that clinicians may be knowledgeable about not only the dental considerations of medications used to treat systemic illness but also the systemic considerations of medications used to provide dental treatment. As an educator, Tom is a member of the faculty of over 10 dental professional degree programs and has received several awards for outstanding teacher of the year. As an author, Tom is well known for his contributions to several professional journals, has served as a contributor, chapter author and peer reviewer for several pharmacology textbooks and currently serves as a consultant to the American Dental Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs. As a speaker, Tom has presented over 1000 informative, humorous and engaging continuing education seminars and webinars to dental professionals internationally since 2001.