Responsibilities and Requirements for Prescribing Schedule II Opioids for California Dental Professionals

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 will award 2 continuing education hours.