Our special needs patients require special care. In this program we will identify the patient with special needs and discuss the role of the dentist in the management of special needs patients. We will evaluate the treatment planning steps for those with special needs including planning for specific conditions, providing access to care, delivery of care, and ethical and legal issues. 

How do we best care for our aging population? Explore the issues surrounding the treatment planning and care of geriatric patients including polypharmacy, oral hygiene, oral health, mental deficit and systemic illness. In addition, we will discuss the need for careful analysis of the patient's condition to include cognitive, family, and ability. This program will review skills necessary to provide better communication with older patients.

A growing number of our patients today are vaping, using other forms of tobacco and/or using some form of cannabis.  This presentation will discuss ways to speak to our patients and communities about the use of these products, how to discuss the oral and systemic health concerns, and about resources for both provider and patient education.

This lecture introduces attendees to the rising problem of overdoses related to opioids, to include fentanyl, in their home communities. We will also discuss the practitioner's responsibility to monitor our prescriptions. Information will be provided about the pharmacology of opioids, recognition of an overdose, reversal agents and medico-legal concerns.

Here in the US, we are experiencing a rising problem of opioid overdoses, including fentanyl, in our home communities. As dental professionals, we have a responsibility to monitor our prescriptions to protect our patients and neighbors. Join me for a discussion of the pharmacology of opioids and learn to recognize an overdose while gaining an understanding of useful reversal agents. We will also examine the medico-legal concerns of prescribing these medications. 

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

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Date Available: 11/1/24

Date Reviewed: 3/1/25

Date Removed: 10/31/25