782: Synthetic Opioids in Dentistry – Tom Viola, R.Ph., C.C.P.

We think we know about drugs and the people who use them. But there is so much we get wrong — and it could be harming our patients! To help you prevent harm and improve your prescribing practices, Kirk Behrendt brings back Tom Viola, “Mr. Pharmacology” and founder of Pharmacology Declassified, to share critical information about synthetic opioids and how it can affect your patients and practice. To expand your knowledge on this complex topic, listen to Episode 782 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Tom:

• Send Tom an email: [email protected] 
• Join Tom on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tomviolarph
• Follow Tom on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pharmacologydeclassified
• Learn more on Tom’s website: https://www.tomviola.com
• Listen to Tom’s podcasts: https://www.tomviola.com/category/podcasts

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

• Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
• Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
• Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
• See the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/event
• Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
• Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

• Watch the video version of Episode 782: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos

Main Takeaways:

• Patients are more medically complex than ever.
• Be familiar with current, older, and mainstream drugs.
• There will always be a new drug to be concerned about.
• Some drugs that your patients take will go under the radar.
• Use pharmacology to deduce the right questions to ask patients.
• A complete medical history can prevent dangerous drug interactions.
• Ask patients what they take, why they take it, and if they took it today.
• Don't assume anything when it comes to medication and patients’ health.
• Always document that you had the drug use conversation with your patient.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

2:14 Tom’s background.

5:10 The importance of pharmacology to your practice.

7:25 Why this is an important topic.

10:08 The Matthew Perry situation, explained.

16:36 How to have the conversation with patients.

21:45 How to document the conversation.

23:48 Three questions you always need to ask.

28:56 Other things to know about synthetic opioids.

32:55 Final thoughts.

35:05 More about Tom and how to get in touch.

Tom A. Viola, R.Ph., C.C.P. Bio: 

With over 30 years of experience as a pharmacist, educator, speaker, and author, Tom Viola, R.Ph., C.C.P., has earned his reputation as the go-to specialist for delivering quality continuing education content through his informative, engaging presentations. His sellout programs provide an overview of the most prevalent oral and systemic diseases, and the most frequently prescribed drugs used in their treatment. Special emphasis is given to dental considerations and strategies for effective patient-care planning.

As a clinical educator, Tom is a member of the faculty of 12 dental professional degree programs and has received several awards for Outstanding Teacher of the Year. He instructs dental hygiene students and practice dental hygienists in pharmacology and local anesthesia in preparation for national board exams. As a published writer, he is well-known internationally for his contributions to several professional journals in the areas of pharmacology, pain management, and local anesthesia. In addition, he has served as a contributor, chapter author, and peer reviewer for several pharmacology textbooks. As a professional speaker, he has presented continuing education courses to dental professionals internationally since 2001. Meeting planners agree that Tom is their choice to educate audiences within this specialty.