What you need to know about Cannabis and oral health.

Course for doctors, hygienists, assistants, and front office staff.

Marijuana, also known as Cannabis, is the most common used illicit drug in the United States. Thirty-five states currently have legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes, while over 20 states have legalized it for recreational use. It is estimated that over 10% of the US population uses marijuana at least once a year.

This course is an unbiased and evidence-based presentation of marijuana and its role in dentistry. We will present an introduction to the history of marijuana and trends pertaining to its use. Next, we will provide a basic science review regarding the Cannabis plant, the drug marijuana, and the Endocannabinoid System. We will review how marijuana use affects oral and general health. Finally, we will address areas of possible dental research related to cannabinoids.

At the conclusion of the course the participants will:

1. Comprehend the Endocannabinoid System, what cannabinoids are, and how marijuana is connected.

2. Understand how marijuana affects oral health – specifically detailing oral pathology, dental caries, and periodontal disease

3. Understand how marijuana affects our patient’s general health and provide information of possible interactions of marijuana with commonly prescribed medications

4. Learn how to communicate with patients regularly using marijuana

5. Explore future areas of research with cannabinoids in regard to anxiolysis, bone metabolism, wound healing, and inflammation.

ISDS is an approved continuing education (CE) sponsor in the State of Illinois. Courses offered by ISDS, including this one, are approved for CE credit under the Illinois Dental Practice Act for license renewals, including both dentists and dental hygienists.