How Dentists Can Combat Opioid Abuse
A Harsh Reality
Every day, over 115 people in the United States die from an opioid overdose. Of these deaths, 40 percent involve a prescription opioid. This epidemic is a national crisis that is only just starting to get the attention it demands. For a while, most research into combating the opioid epidemic focused on patients who have been prescribed opioids to treat chronic pain. But recent studies have shown dental professionals also need to be aware of their role in this crisis. A review published in the December 2018 edition of The Journal of the American Dental Association examined the opioid prescription habits of dental professionals between 2000 and 2017. Researchers used a modified Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses approach to identify relevant literature from five different databases. The review determined that “dental practice does not always align with proposed guidelines for opioid prescribing.” This is a huge problem because dental professionals are the ones who most frequently prescribe opioids to youths between the ages of 10 and 19.
have on a patient’s likelihood of becoming addicted. A study published in the JAMA Internal Medicine last year found 6 percent of patients between age 16 and 25 who received initial opioid prescription from their dentist were diagnosed with opioid abuse within the year. For comparison, in that same time frame, only 0.4 percent of a similar group who were not prescribed dental opioids were later diagnosed with opioid abuse. It is impossible to predict who will develop an opioid addiction, so it is crucial that health care professionals be cautious from the start. Last March, the American Dental Association announced a new policy on opioid mandates which included the support of “statutory limits on opioid dosage and duration of no more than seven days for the treatment of acute pain.” If a young patient needs to undergo some major treatment or surgery, like wisdom teeth removal, it is important for dental professionals to be aware of the high risk their patient faces. By educating patients and their guardians on these risks and prescribing opioids responsibly, dental professionals can help stop opioid abuse before it starts.
There is mounting evidence that demonstrates the impact a first-time opioid prescription can
Have a Laugh
Citrus and Avocado Salad
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 425 F.
•
1 blood, cara cara, or navel orange, sliced 1/8-inch thick and deseeded 1 Meyer or regular lemon, sliced 1/8-inch thick and deseeded
2. In a rimmed baking sheet, toss citrus slices with 1 tablespoon oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast citrus until lightly charred and caramelized, about 10–15 minutes. Let cool. 3. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine onion and lemon juice. Season with salt and let sit for 5 minutes. 4. Add citrus, arugula, and mint to onion mixture. Drizzle with remaining oil, season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss thoroughly. 5. Add avocado, combing very gently to not crush avocado.
•
• • • • • • •
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 bunch arugula
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves 1 avocado, cut into wedges Salt and pepper, to taste
Inspired by Bon Appétit
3
Westchester Office • 914-251-0313
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker