RESUMEN
The prescription opioid crisis has involved all sectors of U.S. society, affecting every community, socioeconomic group, and age group. While federal and state agencies are actively working to deal with the epidemic, medical and dental providers have been tasked to increase their awareness of the issues and consider ways to safely prescribe opioids and, at the same time, effectively treat their patients' pain. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, under the leadership of Governor Charles D. Baker and his administration, challenged the state's four medical schools and three dental schools to improve their curricula to prepare the next generation of clinicians to deal with this crisis in an evidence-based, effective, and sympathetic way. This Perspectives article outlines the national prescription opioid crisis, details its effects in Massachusetts, and describes the interdisciplinary collaboration among the Commonwealth, the three dental schools, the Massachusetts Dental Society, and a concerned student group. The article also describes the efforts each dental school is undertaking as well as an assessment of the challenges and limitations in implementing the initiative. The authors hope that the Massachusetts model will be a useful resource for dental schools in other states.
Asunto(s)
Analgésicos Opioides/uso terapéutico , Trastornos Relacionados con Opioides/prevención & control , Mal Uso de Medicamentos de Venta con Receta/prevención & control , Facultades de Odontología , Analgésicos Opioides/efectos adversos , Curriculum , Educación en Odontología , Humanos , Comunicación Interdisciplinaria , Relaciones Interinstitucionales , Massachusetts , Facultades de Odontología/organización & administración , Sociedades Odontológicas/organización & administraciónRESUMEN
This article describes a model of opiate risk stratification with a special focus on dentistry and oral surgery. A brief overview covers the scope of the US opioid abuse and misuse epidemic, and the role of the dentist in mitigating the problems of diversion and misuse of controlled substances. The expanding role of dentistry is summarized. An assessment outlines gathering critical risk information, screening questionnaires, access to state prescription monitoring programs, and communication with cotreating providers. Special populations are discussed. Barriers and possible solutions for effective implementation of these strategies are summarized.
