< 2026 Topic Previews / Continuing Education Series

With medically complex patients becoming a routine part of dentistry, understanding and interpreting extensive medication histories is more important than ever.

This course equips dental professionals with the skills needed to analyze complex drug regimens, identify potential oral and systemic implications, and recognize red flags that may affect dental care. From cardiovascular and psychiatric medications to immunosuppressants and polypharmacy in older adults, attendees will learn how to assess risk, tailor treatment plans, and improve safety through effective communication and documentation.

Ideal for both dentists and dental hygienists, this course bridges medicine and dentistry with practical, case-based guidance.

Additionally, dentists and dental hygienists will be equipped with tools to recognize the oral and behavioral manifestations of substance use disorder (SUD), manage treatment safely and compassionately, and navigate the complexities of care coordination, relapse risk, and stigma.

SUD affects millions of individuals and presents unique clinical, ethical, and interpersonal challenges in dental practice. From methamphetamine-related caries to the implications of opioids, cannabis, alcohol, and emerging substances, participants will explore evidence-based approaches to providing nonjudgmental, trauma-informed, and effective dental care to this vulnerable population.

Learning Objectives

• Interpret complex medication lists and understand dental implications of commonly prescribed drug classes.
• Correlate medications with underlying medical conditions to support accurate risk assessment and comprehensive treatment planning.
• Develop strategies for gathering complete and accurate medication histories from patients, including over-the-counter drugs, dietary supplements and unregulated substances.
• Recognize polypharmacy and high-risk combinations that may impact dental treatment or require medical consultation.
• Define substance use disorder and describe its relevance to dental health and patient management.
• Recognize the oral and systemic signs of common substances of misuse (e.g., methamphetamines, opioids, alcohol, cannabis, sedatives).
• Identify the potential complications of SUD during dental treatment, including drug interactions, anesthesia risks, and infection concerns.
• Understand legal, ethical, and documentation considerations when treating patients with known or suspected substance use disorders.

About the Speaker

Thomas A. Viola, R.Ph., CCP, CDE, CPMP

With over 30 years of experience as a board-certified pharmacist, clinical educator, professional speaker and published author, Tom Viola has earned his national and international reputation as the go-to specialist for making pharmacology practical and useful for all members of the dental team.

As the founder of Pharmacology Declassified, Tom provides valuable insight into the complex interplay between pharmacology and physiology so that clinicians may be knowledgeable about the dental considerations of general medicine and the medical considerations of general dentistry.

As an educator, Tom is a member of the faculty of over 10 dental professional degree programs and has received several awards for outstanding teacher of the year.

As an author, Tom is well known for his contributions to several professional journals and pharmacology textbooks and currently serves as a consultant to the American Dental Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs.

As a speaker, Tom has been recognized by many industry organizations and associations as a leader in continuing dental education and has presented over 1,000 informative and engaging seminars and webinars to dental professionals since 2001.