Audio Recording

Presenter: Dr. Penelope Ziegler

Substance use disorders are among the most common causes of morbidity and premature mortality in the United States. Our country is in the midst of an epidemic of opioid drug addiction and accidental death from opioid overdoses, which involves both prescription and illicit opioids. Nevertheless, these disorders - where treatment is effective and often life-saving - frequently are misdiagnosed, undiagnosed and untreated. Dental professionals need to be aware of the risk factors, warning signs and symptoms of substance use disorders in themselves, co-workers and patients, since early treatment of alcohol and drug problems can prevent the serious and often fatal consequences of untreated addiction. This presentation will provide an overview of these disorders. It also will emphasize prevention of problems in dental patients through use of careful screening and appropriate intervention when symptoms are detected.