Event Description:

Substance abuse is at an all-time "high" in this country, with an estimated 1 out of every 7 Americans addicted to prescription or illicit drugs. As dental professionals, we must awaken to the reality that many of our patients have substance-use disorders and that our examination findings of advanced caries, severe hyposalivation, and poor plaque control are often the effects of depressant, stimulant, and opioid abuse. Learn how to recognize the clues of substance abuse from a routine dental examination, discuss your concerns and suspicions with patients, and use evidence-based practices for dental pain management. *Note: Course content does not include marijuana

Learning Objectives:
• How to identify the three categories of drugs (opioids, depressants, and stimulants) most abused by patients
• How to recognize the physical, behavioral, and oral clues of substance misuse during a routine dental examination
• How to discuss substance misuse with patients using motivational-interviewing techniques
• Office policies that safeguard both patients and practices
• Evidence-based practices for managing dental pain

* Zoom link to be sent closer to the program date. For Zoom system requirements, please visit this site.

Meet The Speaker:

Dr. Ronni Brown is a leader in dental public health focused on achieving equitable health outcomes for vulnerable populations. She is the Senior Community Health Planner for San Mateo County, responsible for overdose prevention, education, and awareness. The county's Narcan distribution project, led by Dr. Brown, was highlighted by ABC, CBS and Fox Bay Area news stations. Her passion for reducing stigmas associated with substance use disorders stems from a 27- year dental career at the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility and her research on the oral effects of methamphetamine. She is the author of the 1 Amazon Best Seller "A State of Decay" and is the recipient of the 2025 UCSF Alumni Practitioner Award for her boundless clinical empathy and caring across multiple domains of health care. Dr. Brown received her dental and master's degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and completed a dental public health residency from the University of California, San Francisco.

Schedule:

6:00pm- 9:00pm

Registration Fee:

• $100 - Non-Member Dentist
• $100 - Dental Team - Non-Member
• $75 - AzDA Dentist
• $75 - Dental Team - AzDA Member

Location:

Zoom webinar

Online