Guidelines for Dental Providers
PDA encourages members to use dental professional guidelines in the course of these guidelines are intended to be used as a resource and not a substitute for dentists using their best clinical judgment when determining the course of treatment for patients.
Pennsylvania Guidelines on the Use of Opioids in Dental Practices
In 2014, PDA joined the Department of Drug and Alcohol Program’s (DDAP) Safe and Effective Prescribing Practices and Pain Management task force. DDAP, in collaboration with the Departments of Human Services and Health, the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association, the health care provider community and other stakeholders, created this task force in an effort to reduce prescription drug abuse and overdoses in Pennsylvania.
The task force reviewed prescribing practices and drafting guidelines for health care providers who treat chronic non-cancer pain. The dental prescribing guidelines address the use of opioids for the treatment of acute dental pain, and are intended to help health care providers improve patient outcomes when providing dental treatment, including avoiding potential adverse outcomes associated with the use of opioids to treat pain.
Pennsylvania Guidelines on the Use of Opioids in Dental Practices
ADA Practical Guide to Substance Use Disorders and Safe Prescribing
The ADA Substance Use Disorders and Safe Prescribing book helps dentists identify opioid abuse and treat patients with substance use disorders or drug addiction.