Chad Wagner
1st Delegate
University of Minnesota

Kathryn Rothas
1st Delegate
New York University

Overdose deaths from prescription drugs have tripled from 1999–2014 (1). The CDC reported 64,070 opioid related deaths in 2017, a 21% increase from 2016. Natural and semi- synthetic opioids including hydrocodone and oxycodone were responsible for 14,427 deaths (22.5%) (2). Dental professionals are leading prescribers of immediate release opioids (3) and studies estimate over half of all dental opioids go unused (4). As the majority of abusers’ report obtaining opioids from a family or friend (5) unused dental opioids provide opportunity for abuse (4). The CDC and ADA have released statement regarding prescribing opioids and the management of acute dental pain. Their guidelines include use of prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMP), evidence-based prescribing, as well as continued-education regarding opioid analgesics (6). CODA accreditation emphasizes the use of evidence-based dentistry in their accreditation standards. There is increasing evidence that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are as effective, if not more effective, in treating post-operative dental pain (7). As the American Student Dental Association supports dental students in their pursuit of education, it is important that we encourage institutions to educate members based on scientific evidence; therefore, be it