The Prescription Opioid & Heroin Crisis: An Epidemic of Addiction

Dr. Kolodny provides an overview of the prescription opioid and heroin crisis. He explains the relationship between opioid prescribing and rising rates of morbidity and mortality associated with prescription opioids, heroin and fentanyl. Factors that led to the epidemic — including the role of the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare providers, professional organizations and regulatory agencies — are explored. The role of opioids in treatment of post-surgical dental pain and other types of acute and chronic non-cancer pain are also evaluated, and strategies required to bring the epidemic under control are discussed.

This course is included in AAOMS’s current CE online offerings that appear to count toward the eight hours required by the MATE Act to other session descriptions.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this program, participants should be able to:

1. Evaluate factors that led to the opioid addiction epidemic. 
2. Analyze trends in prescription opioid, heroin and fentanyl mortality. 
3. Examine the role of opioid prescribing by oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

Andrew Kolodny, MD
Waltham, Mass.
Relevant Conflict of Interest Disclosure: No Relevant Conflict of Interest Disclosures were reported.

An Internet-based CME Activity
Original Release Date: October 11, 2017
Review Date: May 14, 2022
Expiration Date: May 14, 2025
Estimated time to complete this educational activity: 1.0 hours
Method of participation: Self-Study

Continuing Education Provider Approval
The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider.

ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education.

ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons designates this activity for 1.0 continuing education credit(s).

AGD - Accepted Program Provider
FAGD/MAGD Credit
11/1/22-12/31/26
Provider ID# 214680

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons designates this internet-based enduring material for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.