Course Code: REL-ACU-0-RSUIOH
Hours: 0.75
Type: Online Course
Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2028
Learning Objectives:
Identify the oral health and systemic impacts associated with substance use, including tobacco, alcohol, and drug-related conditions.
Recognize the role of dental professionals in screening for substance use and providing appropriate referrals.
Recall effective communication strategies for educating patients about substance use and its impact on oral health.
Outline:
Section 1: Recognizing the Oral and Systemic Impacts of Substance Use
Introduction
Course Description
Learning Objectives
Understanding Substance Use
Defining Substance Use, Misuse, and Substance Use Disorder
Commonly Used Substances
Prevalence and Trends
Oral Health Manifestations of Substance Use
Tobacco
Alcohol
Drugs
Systemic Impacts of Substance Use and Their Relationship to Oral Health
Recognizing Signs of Trauma and General Neglect Potentially Linked to Substance Use
Unexplained Orofacial Injuries and Patterns of Bruising
Indicators of General Neglect
Objective Observation and Documentation
Knowledge Check
Key Takeaways
Section 2: The Dental Professional’s Role in Identification and Support
Screening and Referral
Brief Screening Tools and Integration into Practice
Integrating Screening Into Your Practice
Recognizing the Need for Referral
Types of Referral Resources
Effective Communication Strategies
Non-Judgmental Communication
Educating Patients on Oral Health Impacts
Motivational Interviewing Basics
Knowledge Check
Key Takeaways
Section 3: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Contributor
Resources
References
Subject Matter Expert: Harshil Patel, DDS
Dr. Patel is an experienced general dentist based in Richmond, Texas, with a diverse background spanning clinical practice, academic instruction, and dental consulting. He currently serves as an associate dentist at Sonrava Health and has provided dental care across various settings, including correctional facilities and pediatric clinics. With over a decade of experience, he has also held consulting and case review roles with organizations such as Acenta (Kepro), IPRO, and the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. A graduate of the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston and a General Practice Residency at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, he brings a comprehensive perspective to evidence-based, patient-centered care and dental policy compliance.
Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Dental Ancillary Personnel; Dental Hygienist; Dentist; in the following settings: Ambulatory Care.
Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.
Relias Learning has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias Learning will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias Learning at support@reliaslearning.com.
All courses offered by Relias Learning, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.
To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.
Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.