What to do when you suspect cannabis use by an employee or coworker in your dental practice

April 1, 2025
Do you suspect that one of your team members is using cannabis? Why would a dental professional even do that? What kind of policy should you have about cannabis use? Join us in this episode of Medical History Mysteries as we answer these questions and more.

What do you do when you suspect your employee or coworker is under the influence of cannabis in your office—with or without the telltale smell?

Why would a dental professional even use cannabis? Dentistry is hard. What used to be a recreational drug may now have become an operational drug. They may actually use the drug to help them get through the busy day ahead.

Join us in this episode of Medical History Mysteries as we talk about what to do if suspicion arises regarding cannabis and colleagues, law considerations, and what kind of policy to have for your dental office.

Thumbnail image credits Vanessa Nunes / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

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Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Clinical Insights newsletter, a publication of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group. Read more articles and subscribe.

About the Author

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, is the chief editor of DentistryIQ and editorial co-director 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].

Related:

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, named chief editor of DentistryIQ

About the Author

Tom Viola, RPh, CCP

With more than 30 years’ experience as a board-certified pharmacist, clinical educator, professional speaker, and published author, Tom Viola, RPh, CCP, has earned the reputation as the go-to specialist for making pharmacology practical and useful for dental teams. He is the founder of Pharmacology Declassified and is a member of the faculty of more than 10 dental professional degree programs. Viola has contributed to several professional journals and pharmacology textbooks, and currently serves as a consultant to the American Dental Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs.