Definitions
What are opioids? Provide an example.
- Medications that are often used to treat pain
- Including codeine, fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone and diacetylmorphine.
What can we as future dental hygienists do in practice for these individuals?
- Oral health education
- Oral cancer screening
- Regular recall appointments (every 3-4 months)
What are 2 ways we can promote policy change?
1. Increasing appointment duration
2. Interprofessional collaboration
What are 3 types of oral manifestations that opioids can cause?
1. Periodontal disease
2. Xerostomia
3. Gingivitis
4. Bruxism
5. Candidiasis
6. Mucosal dysplasia
What are some ways to reduce the stigma around opioid use?
- Instead of “junkie” use “a person who uses drugs”
- Instead of “addict” use “people who have used drugs”
- Instead of “drug abuse” use “substance use”
Why is policy change important? Specifically to this client group (opioid users)
- It is difficult to accurately quantify the needs of people with multiple conditions due to substance use
- It is important to try and make dentistry more accessible and implement policies that advocate for this client group