The Cleveland Patch (4/18, Mosby) reports a new study from Case Western Reserve University found that “opioids are not the most effective way to manage dental pain.” Instead, a combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen provides more effective pain relief for adults, according to the findings published in The Journal of the American Dental Association. “What we know is that prescribing narcotics should be a last resort,” said Dr. Anita Aminoshariae, an associate professor in the dental school’s Department of Endodontics and one of the study’s authors.
Separately, the Peoria (IL) Journal Star (4/18, Renken) notes that the American Dental Association announced in March a new interim policy on opioids that supports mandatory continuing education for dentists, prescription limits, and utilization of prescription drug monitoring programs.
The study referenced above is one of four cover articles in the April issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association focusing on the subject of opioids and dentistry. The other cover articles examine opioid prescribing patterns among US dentists; disparities in opioid prescriptions for Medicaid dental patients; and prescription monitoring programs.
For more information about opioids, including upcoming webinars and prescriber tips, visit ADA.org/opioids. In addition, the ADA Practical Guide to Substance Use Disorders and Safe Prescribing helps dental practitioners identify and treat patients with drug addiction, prevent drug diversion, and properly manage and prescribe controlled substances.
Article provided by the ADA Morning Huddle
Tagged: Opiods, Dental pain, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, american dental association, dentists, prescriptions