Prescription Drug Abuse: Scope, Prevention, and Management Considerations in West Virginia

About the Course
The purpose of this basic-level course is to provide an overview of the problem of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. as a whole and in West Virginia specifically along with the knowledge that the misuse and abuse of these drugs likely exist among the patient populations dental providers serve. By becoming familiar with the pharmacology of the most commonly abused drugs, the risk factors for developing addictive behaviors, and the manner in which these medications are commonly acquired, dental providers will be positioned to curb prescribing practices that contribute to this growing problem and will be better able to serve their patients and their communities as informed prevention advocates.

Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, the learner should be able to:

• Describe the history and scope of prescription drug abuse and the role of the dental professional
• Define the terminology used in discussing prescription drug abuse
• Explain the pharmacology, physiology, and regulatory control of the prescription drugs that are most commonly abused and the extent and impact of their nonmedical us.
• Describe the populations most at risk for abusing prescription drugs and their access to those drugs.
• Discuss the tactics and resources available to manage and prevent prescription drug abuse in the dental practice

About the Author
Marc Szarejko, DMD, FAGD received his dental degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dentistry in 1985 and Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry in 1994. He has been an examiner for the State of Florida Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Examinations since 1994. He has also served as an expert witness for the State of Florida and for private companies. He has authored and edited many dental continuing education courses and has given presentations on varied dental topics to local, regional, and national audiences. He has served as a dentist in the county correctional system for nearly half of his career, where the incidence of HIV/AIDS is much higher relative to that of the general population. The surgical and nonsurgical dental treatment of HIV/AIDS patients is a common occurrence in this setting, allowing him to have a unique perspective of the oral manifestations of HIV/AIDS patients and in their dental treatment.

How to Receive Credit

• Read the entire course online or in print.
• Answer the final examination questions at the end of the course. A passing grade of 75% is required. Test questions link content to learning objectives as a method to enhance individualized learning and material retention.
• Provide required personal information and payment information.
• Complete the mandatory course evaluation.
• Print your Certificate of Completion.

Resolution of Conflict of Interest
Colibri Healthcare, LLC implemented mechanisms prior to the planning and implementation of the continuing education activity, to identify and resolve conflicts of interest for all individuals in a position to control content of the course activity.

Sponsorship/Commercial Support and Non-Endorsement
It is the policy of Colibri not to accept commercial support. Furthermore, commercial interests are prohibited from distributing or providing access to this activity to learners.

Disclaimer
The information provided in this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition.
©2023: All Rights Reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without the expressed written permission or consent of Colibri Healthcare, LLC. The materials presented in this course are meant to provide the consumer with general information on the topics covered. The information provided was prepared by professionals with practical knowledge of the areas covered. It is not meant to provide medical, legal, or professional advice. Colibri Healthcare, LLC recommends that you consult a medical, legal, or professional services expert licensed in your state. Colibri Healthcare, LLC has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that all content provided in this course is accurate and up to date at the time of printing but does not represent or warrant that it will apply to your situation nor circumstances and assumes no liability from reliance on these materials. Quotes are collected from customer feedback surveys. The models are intended to be representative and not actual customers.

Accreditation
Colibri Healthcare, LLC is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.

Colibri Healthcare, LLC is designated as a Nationally Approved PACE Program Provider for FAGD/MAGD credit. Approval does not imply acceptance by any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement. Current approval period is 1/1/2022 to 12/31/2025; Provider ID# 217536.

AGD code – 134