Description
This continuing education program is designed for general dentists and dental specialists and focuses on responsible opioid prescribing for acute, moderate, and severe dental pain. Participants will learn contemporary strategies to minimize the risk of opioid misuse, including educating patients about the risks and benefits of opioids, conducting thorough assessments, and implementing screening for substance use disorders. The course also emphasizes the use of prescription monitoring programs to track prescribing patterns and identify concerning trends. By the end, participants will be equipped to prescribe opioids safely and responsibly, enhancing patient care and addressing public health concerns related to opioid misuse.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Discuss the epidemiology and genesis of the opioid crisis.
- Review trends in opioid prescribing by various specialties.
- Describe different types of opioids and their pharmacokinetics.
- Explain the effects of opioid pain medications on the body and brain.
- Practice safe and competent opioid prescribing for acute pain management.
- List commonly prescribed opioids and NSAIDs in dentistry, along with their side effects.
- Recognize signs of opioid tolerance and withdrawal symptoms.
- Discuss pharmacologic agents used in the treatment of opioid use disorder, including opioid antagonists.
- Examine the risks of abuse and addiction associated with opioid medications.
- Identify sources of misused prescription opioids.
- Understand current evidence-based consensus recommendations and guidelines regarding the use of opioids in dental practice.
- Evaluate patients’ risk factors and treatment needs based on individual circumstances and overall substance abuse risk.
- Discuss the role of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) and the impact of mandatory PDMPs on the prescription of opioid analgesics by dentists.
Contact Hours : 3 Hours
Course Fee: $30 / Participant
Prerequisite: None
Author: Jennifer A. Gershman, Ph.D. (Dr. Gershman has co-authored several articles and books dealing with various topics within the field of pharmacology. Other areas of expertise include the pharmacology of street drugs and chemical dependency.)
AGD PACE Subject Code: 346 – Opioids, controlled substances, and pain management
Teaching Method: An online, text-based self-study course with a post-test. This format is ideal for those who prefer independent learning at their own pace, without audio or video. Participants engage with written materials, creating a focused, distraction-free learning environment. The course also includes an assessment to evaluate understanding and retention. A minimum score of 70% is required to pass and receive a certificate of completion.
Course Completion Certificate: A Printable (PDF) Certificate By Email.
Target Audience: Dentists, Dental Hygienists, and Dental Assistants.
Provider/Author Disclosure: Biologix Solutions LLC has no commercial interest in any products or services discussed or shared in this educational activity or with the commercial supporter. No manufacturer or third party has had any input into course content development.

Biologix Solutions LLC – Nationally Approved PACE Program Provider for FAGD/MAGD credit. Approval does not imply acceptance by any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement. 4/20/2013 to 4/30/2029. Provider ID# 352738
Cancellation / Refund Policy: By completing your purchase from Biologix Solutions LLC through PayPal, you agree that you are purchasing digital, non-tangible products/services/training courses and, as such, are not entitled to a refund once you have accessed them.
If you have any questions, please contact us by phone or email before purchasing an online course. For the complete list of approvals, please visit https://blxtraining.com/accreditations/.
AGD PACE / CE Broker Reporting: Within 24 Hours of Completion.
Fulfill Mandatory (Opioids in Dental Practice – Opioid Prescribing – Controlled Substance) Continuing Education Requirements: Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Nevada, New Mexico, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and all other States who requires controlled substance CE for dental professionals.
Florida Board of Dentistry: Prescribing Controlled Substances (3 hours) – CE Broker Course Tracking # 20-589325
- Dentist
- Dental Hygienist
- Health Access Dental
- Dental Teaching Permit
- Dental Residency Permit
- Dental Temporary Certificate
District of Columbia: This course counts toward DC’s requirement to complete 3 hours (10% of continuing education hours) in topics designated as public health priorities.
