Dentistry & the SBIRT Model: How You Can Help Patients with Substance Abuse Issues

What you'll learn:

With more than 20% of the population engaging in hazardous substance use, putting their own health or the health of those around them at risk, the odds are that most dentists will have numerous patients with an alcohol or drug problem. Dentists can often see the signs of chronic substance use in a variety of oral health problems. Despite the pervasiveness of alcohol and drug misuse, many dentists feel they do not have the knowledge or training to screen or counsel patients about alcohol and drugs. Implementing the SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment) model can help.

Upon completing this course, Dentistry & the SBIRT Module, participants should be able to:

• Describe the prevalence of substance use, abuse and dependence
• Explain the general consequences of substance use, abuse and dependence
• Associate the connection between substance use/abuse/dependence and oral health
• Describe the reasons why dentists should have a better understanding of substance use, abuse and dependence
• Identify the steps in the SBIRT process
• Explain how to screen patients for alcohol and drug use
• Describe how to conduct a brief intervention
• Explain how to make a treatment referral
• Compare and contrast the value and feasibility of implementing SBIRT in dental settings

Who is this course designed for:

Dentists, other dental professionals, registered nurses, advanced practice nurses, nurse educators, physicians, social workers, allied health professionals, family and friend caregivers.