This practical presentation will help clinicians understand the extent and nature of the opioid crisis and how not to identify patients who may be seeking your practice to satisfy their opioid addition. Part 1 of this two-part program will also provide a logical and pharmacologically sound post-operative analgesic protocol. Number 1 Takeaway: Participants will learn tips on how to avoid being the “Office to seek-out if you want narcotics”. Dental clinicians can predictably diminish post-operative pain by understanding and utilizing a non-addictive multimodal pain control protocol.

Learning Objectives:

• How extensive is the opioid crisis?
• How can clinicians identify patients who are at risk for opioid abuse?
• What government regulatory agencies require clinicians to do and know.
• Opioid pharmacology for pain relieve and how it can lead to addiction.
• A logical multimodal analgesia protocol for the control of post-operative pain.

Fee: FREE for members, Non-Member:$70

*AGD Member discount applied at checkout.

Speaker: James L. Rutkowski, DMD, PhD

Subject Code: 340–Anesthesia,Pain Mgmt,Sedation, Pharmacology

Credit Hours 1.5

Speaker Bio: James L. Rutkowski DMD, PhD, earned his Bachelor of Science from the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and his PhD in pharmacology/toxicology from Duquesne University.

As an implant dentist, Dr. Rutkowski enjoys restoring patients to a state of well-being and confidence in their ability to chew and smile. His PhD in pharmacology provides him with an understanding of how to use salivary diagnostics to determine a patient’s hormone imbalance and, if necessary, how to correct it.

In addition, he lectures approximately 25 times per year at both research and dental conventions about bone grafting, surgical anatomy for implant dentistry, medical emergencies in the dental office, hormones and oral health, and women’s hormonal issues.