The dental hygienist can play a vital role in supporting patients with substance use disorder. Often hygienists are the health care professional spending the most one-on-one time with patients. Therefore, they are in a position to screen and advise patients on this issue. Patients often feel the most comfortable and have the strongest relationship with the hygienist, making it natural for hygienists to initiate this oftentimes difficult conversation. With the right skills and confidence, dental hygienists can serve as the first line of defense against risky substance use.
This on-demand webinar, recorded August 6, 2020, will help viewers:
- Identify substance use disorder as a treatable medical condition
- Recognize physical and psychological changes consistent with substance use disorder
- Practice effective communication with patients about substance use disorder
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.