Opioids, Dentistry and Addiction: The Dentist’s Role in Treating Pain [Webinar]

Drs. Sharon Parsons and David Kimberly presented a one hour webinar on October 21, 2021 that covered the important topic of Opioids, Dentistry and Addiction: The Dentist’s Role in Treating Pain. The United States experienced a tragic rise in drug overdose deaths in 2020, which was largely caused by inappropriate use of opioids. Viewers will hear from a practicing dentist and an oral surgeon about the positive role dentists can play to help mitigate the opioid crisis. Additionally, viewers will gain a better understanding about substance use and addiction as well as learn about the best options currently available for the treatment of acute pain.

Please note: A Certificate of Completion can be claimed by participants of this archived webinar, available through our partnership with the Providers Clinical Support System – please go to the event page on pcssNOW.org.

• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) 
• ADA.org/Opioids
• ADA.org/Wellness 
• Providers Clinical Support System (PCSS)

Dr. Parsons graduated from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 1981. She currently owns a group practice in Columbus, Ohio where she practices with two associates. She has been active in all levels of organized dentistry and is a Past President of the Ohio Dental Association. She is a member of many professional organizations including the Pierre Fauchard Academy, the International College of Dentists, the American College of Dentists, The Academy of Operative Dentistry, the International Team for Implantology and the Association of Women Dentists. She was the recipient of the Lucy Hobbs Humanitarian award and the Icons of Dentistry award.

Dr. Parsons raised two sons, Sean and Michal Herman. Her younger son, Michael practices with her. Her older son, Sean, died of an opioid overdose in 2015. This has led her to educate others about opioid prescribing and addiction. She has presented to numerous groups in Ohio and at the American Association of Pediatric Dentists in Chicago in 2019. 

Dr. David Kimberly

Dr. Kimberly is an oral surgeon in private practice in Akron. He is a past president of the Ohio Dental Association, the Akron Dental Society, past chair of the ODA’s Council on Dental Care Programs and Dental Practice and the Ethics Subcommittee. He is a member of the American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, International College of Dentists and American College of Surgeons. Dr. Kimberly earned his B.S. and D.D.S. degrees from the Case Western Reserve University and his M.D. degree from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine.