Georgia Board of Dentistry

This comprehensive course explores the essential elements of safe, effective, and compliant prescribing practices for dental professionals in the state of California. Designed for licensed dentists and healthcare professionals in dental settings, the course delves into the clinical, ethical, and legal responsibilities surrounding medication management, with a strong emphasis on controlled substances, pain management protocols, and risk mitigation.

Participants will gain a clear understanding of the California statutes and regulations governing the prescribing, dispensing, and documentation of drugs, including the use of the CURES (Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System) database, DEA registration requirements, and pharmacy board collaboration. The course covers dental office procedures for prescribing analgesics and antibiotics, including the selection of appropriate medications, identifying contraindications, managing polypharmacy concerns, and adjusting prescriptions based on patient-specific factors such as age, medical history, and comorbidities.

A significant portion of the course is dedicated to the management of patients with substance use disorders or those considered vulnerable to medication misuse. Dentists will be equipped with tools to recognize potential signs of drug-seeking behavior, apply best practices for screening and referral, and implement compassionate, ethical approaches to patient care. Guidelines for informed consent, patient education, and documentation are emphasized to support both clinical decision-making and regulatory compliance.

In addition, the course highlights evidence-based pain management strategies, including multimodal pain control, non-opioid alternatives, and post-operative pain treatment protocols designed to reduce reliance on opioids while maintaining patient comfort and safety.

This course empowers dental professionals to navigate the ethical complexities of modern practice with confidence and integrity. Participants will explore key dilemmas, such as balancing patient autonomy with professional recommendations, managing financial pressures while prioritizing patient welfare, and addressing inequities in access to care.

Implicit bias refers to the subconscious attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions, often without our conscious awareness. These biases can influence behavior and judgments in ways that may not align with our explicit beliefs or intentions. Culturally competent care in dentistry requires that professionals explore their implicit biases and cultural beliefs.

This course will explore cultural competency and implicit bias and their pervasive impact on various aspects of society, including the dental office and healthcare. Through a combination of self-assessment tools, interactive case studies, and practical strategies, learners will explore the subconscious biases that influence their decisions and behaviors. The course aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and mitigate these biases, fostering more inclusive and equitable environments in both personal and professional settings.

This course will enhance a dental professional’s ability to navigate the complex ethical challenges that arise in modern dental practice. Ethical dilemmas, such as balancing patient autonomy with professional recommendations, managing financial pressures while ensuring patient welfare, and addressing disparities in access to care, are integral to the profession. Dental professionals can strengthen patient trust, foster professional integrity, and improve decision-making in difficult situations by developing a deeper understanding of core ethical principles—autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and veracity. This course also equips dental professionals to handle emerging issues, such as the ethical use of technology and data, with confidence and responsibility. Ultimately, participating in this program ensures that dentists uphold the highest standards of professionalism and care, benefiting both their practice and their patients.

This course delves into the key factors that contribute to the safe and effective prescribing of medications. It examines best practices, regulatory guidelines, and clinical considerations that healthcare providers must navigate to ensure patient safety. Topics include understanding drug interactions, recognizing contraindications, tailoring prescriptions to individual patient needs, and staying informed about current pharmacological advancements. Emphasis is placed on minimizing risks, enhancing therapeutic outcomes, and fostering informed decision-making in medication management.