Richard L. Wynn, Ph.D., is a professor of pharmacology in the Department of Neural and Pain Sciences at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. He is a nationally recognized speaker, author, columnist, and consultant on dental drug therapeutics and drug information for the dental professional. He is the lead author of the most recognized chairside dental drug reference book, Drug Information Handbook for Dentistry, now in its 29th edition. Wynn keeps the dental profession informed about current issues relative to drugs in dentistry, including new therapeutic agents, new drug interactions, and newly reported adverse reactions in dental patients. He researches the literature daily for new reports of interest to the profession.

Every dentist seeking renewal must complete a two-hour board-approved course on proper prescribing and disposal of prescription drugs. Dentists who do not prescribe prescription drugs are not exempt. For dentists holding drug dispensing permits, the course may not be taken to fulfill the continuing education requirements contained in SB 603, Chapter 267, Laws of Maryland 2012. ​This course fulfills the MSBDE (COMAR 10.44.22) requirement for re-licensure, which must be completed every other renewal cycle for re-licensure.

The goal of this course is to articulate and inform licensees about the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners requirements (COMAR 10.44.22) and to address the role that dental practitioners play in preventing prescription drug abuse. 

The prescription drug abuse epidemic: what do we need to know and how to decrease its impact in our community. Review proper writing of prescriptions, disposal of unused medications and protection of prescription pads.

• Identify the problem of prescription drug abuse.
• Identify patients at risk for abuse
• How to mange post op pain without narcotics
• Review proper use and disposable of prescription medications
• Writing of prescriptions and protection of prescription pads

Topics to be covered: 

• Prevalence in the population and the Maryland community.
• List commonly abused prescription drugs
• List commonly abused non-prescription drugs
• Definitions of commonly used terms
• Pain Management strategies
• How to recognize prescription drug abuse
• Legal implications of non-medical distribution /sale of prescription drug s
• Mechanisms of addiction
• How to prevent prescription drug abuse
• Treatment
• Chronic pain patients
• Disposal of controlled substances
• Prescription writing review

After completing the course, the participant will be able to: 

1. Write a prescription in the proper format for an opioid pain reliever 
2. List the nonopioid drugs as opioid alternatives for post-surgery pain control 
3. Know the 5 DEA schedules of drugs and the important drugs within each 
4. List the most commonly abused prescribed drugs 
5. Recognize dependent patients and doctor shoppers 
6. Know best practices for handling and disposal of controlled substances  
7. Be familiar with support services for dependent practitioners 

Upon completion of the online course, participants are required to pass an online post-course assessment with a minimum grade of 75%.

Once the online course has been accessed, no refunds will be provided.

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