Marijuana and the Dental Practice

This course introduces dental professionals to the pharmacology of Marijuana, including its dosage forms, routes of administration and adverse effects. Use of Marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes and decriminalization of the agent has intensified the need for dental health care providers to be aware of the incidence of use among their patients and its effect on systemic health and impact on oral health. Special emphasis will be placed on the effects of Marijuana on oral health and dental treatment, as well as the use of cannabis in dentistry for the management of patient anxiety and odontogenic pain. At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to: Identify systemic and oral health effects in patients using marijuana for medical and recreational purposes; Be familiar with demographics of marijuana use, methods of consumption, and legal aspects in the dental practice; Understand the mechanism of action of THC, drug interactions and potential side effects; Discuss management of chronic dental pain with use of cannabis and THC products; Understand the risks of periodontal disease, oral cancer development, and caries in the marijuana user.