Substance abuse is at an all-time “high,” with substance use now recognized as one of the leading causes of disability in Canada. As dental professionals, we must acknowledge the reality that many of our patients live with substance use disorders. Findings such as advanced caries, severe hyposalivation, and poor plaque control are often the result of depressant, stimulant, or opioid misuse.
In this course, you’ll learn how to recognize signs of substance abuse during routine dental examinations, how to address concerns with patients, how to develop and deliver safe and effective dental treatments, and how to manage pain using non-opioid medications.
Note: Course content does not include marijuana.
Participants will learn:
- How to identify the three categories of commonly misused drugs: opioids, depressants, and stimulants
- How to recognize physical, behavioral, and oral indicators of substance misuse during a routine dental exam
- How to discuss substance misuse with patients using motivational interviewing techniques
- Evidence-based strategies for managing dental pain with non-addictive analgesics
DDS, MPH, FADI - Oakland, California
Dr. Brown earned her dental and master’s degree in public health from the University of California, Los Angeles, and completed a residency in dental public health at the University of California, San Francisco. Her research on the effects of drug use and caries severity has garnered international interest and positioned her as a leading expert on substance use. She is the Senior Community Health Planner for San Mateo County, leading a county-wide response to the opioid epidemic. Dr. Brown is the recipient of the 2025 UCSF Alumni Practitioner Award for her boundless clinical empathy, understanding, and caring across multiple domains of health care.
