For patients who are in severe odontogenic pain, we need to prescribe an opioid. But are there things we should keep in mind in these situations? Absolutely. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the opioid epidemic, so these precautions are even more important.
In this episode of Medical History Mysteries, Drs. Tom Viola and Pamela Maragliano-Muniz outline the preliminary steps dental professionals must take before prescribing an opioid, as well as a handy guide for remembering them.
Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Through the Loupes newsletter, a publication of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group. Read more articles and subscribe to Through the Loupes.
Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, is the chief editor of DentistryIQ and editorial codirector of Through the Loupes. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano-Muniz began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano-Muniz owns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics. You may contact her at [email protected].
