Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine speaks to dentists about opioid crisis
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine will speak to more than 200 dentists about prescription opioid abuse and the heroin epidemic in Ohio at the Ohio Dental Association Leadership Institute in Columbus on March 17.
“We are pleased to have Attorney General Mike DeWine speak to us about the opioid and heroin epidemic in Ohio because he has been a leader in assisting communities across Ohio address this crisis,” said ODA President Dr. Kevin Laing, a general dentist from Van Wert. “Dentistry has been at the forefront of addressing the opioid issue for several years now, and we continue to raise awareness within the profession by hosting presentations and courses like those included in this year’s ODA Leadership Institute.”
In addition to the keynote presentation by DeWine, the event also will feature a breakout session on “Dentistry’s Role in Addressing Ohio’s Opioid Crisis,” which focuses on the impact addiction is having on Ohio’s families and communities and considerations dentists should take into account when prescribing medications for patients.
“Continuing education in the best practices for prescribing helps dentists understand the physiological and psychological considerations of pain management, as well as the benefits of alternative pain treatment,” said Dr. Matthew Messina, a general dentist from Fairview Park. “By raising awareness about prescription drug abuse, we hope to encourage dentists to consider alternative methods for pain treatment, incorporate practical safeguards when prescribing opioids and consistently educate patients about how to properly use and secure opioids and other drugs.”
The Ohio Dental Association Leadership Institute is an award-winning workshop developed to help ODA member dentists become more successful and effective leaders.
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About the Ohio Dental Association
The Ohio Dental Association represents more than 5,000 member dentists, nearly 75 percent of the state’s licensed dentists. ODA member dentists provide more than $40 million in donated care and services annually, and they are bound by the highest ethical standards and have access to superior ongoing education, training and resources.