Nicotine Pouches and Oral Health
About This Event
This course prepares oral health care professionals to review current evidence-based literature on how oral nicotine pouches (ONPs) impact oral and systemic health and to effectively communicate this information to patients. It covers ONP features and brands, FDA regulations, nicotine’s effects on brain development, nicotine replacement therapy, and clinical impacts including dental caries, oral mucosa changes, periodontal conditions and alveolar bone, staining, gastrointestinal effects, and cancer risk correlations. The course also discusses marketing/regulatory strategies, the public health trend of ONP use among youth, and the oral health professional’s role in prevention, education and collaboration with public health workers, pediatricians, educators, and smoking cessation specialists. Format: self-instructional. AGD Subject Code: 158. Date online Jun 6, 2025; expiration Jun 5, 2028. Technical requirements: stable internet and up-to-date browser/device. Registration required to take test.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the composition and usage of oral nicotine pouches (ONPs) including different brands and features.
- Analyze the impact of ONPs on oral health including their impact on dental caries, oral mucosa, periodontal conditions and the risk of cancer.
- Evaluate the role of oral health professionals, understanding ethical obligations and the professional role in patient education, health history assessment and collaboration with other health providers.
- Examine regulatory and marketing strategies surrounding ONPs.
- Assess the impact of nicotine on adolescent brain development including potential for addiction and long-term cognitive and behavioral consequences.
- Discuss nicotine replacement therapy and smoking cessation.
- Identify strategies for prevention and education, including educational programs and collaboration.