
Optimizing Dental Pain Management: Evidence-Based Non-Opioid Strategies in the Era of the Opioid Crisis
Post Date: 10/8/2026
CE Amount: 1.25
Categories: Opioids
COURSE OVERVIEW
The opioid epidemic continues to reshape clinical practice, placing increased responsibility on dental professionals to deliver effective pain control while minimizing risk. As one of the leading prescribers of immediate-release opioids, dentists play a critical role in advancing safer, evidence-based approaches to pain management.
This course provides a practical, clinically focused roadmap for managing acute dental pain without reliance on opioids. Participants will explore the latest guidelines, including the use of NSAIDs and acetaminophen as first-line therapy, and learn how to implement highly effective multimodal strategies such as the “2-4-24” regimen. The program also addresses patient risk factors for substance use disorder, with an emphasis on identifying vulnerable populations and improving prescribing decisions.
In addition, attendees will gain insight into emerging non-opioid therapies, evolving regulatory requirements, and real-world strategies to improve patient compliance and outcomes. Designed for immediate application in practice, this course equips clinicians with the tools needed to provide safe, effective, and responsible pain management in today’s evolving healthcare landscape.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By attending this webinar you will learn how to:
-
Apply evidence-based guidelines to select effective non-opioid analgesic regimens for acute dental pain management.
-
Evaluate patient-specific risk factors for opioid misuse and incorporate strategies to minimize opioid exposure.
-
Implement multimodal pain management protocols, including the optimized use of NSAIDs, acetaminophen, and adjunctive therapies.
-
Assess emerging non-opioid therapies and regulatory requirements to support safe, compliant, and effective prescribing practices.
COURSE SPEAKER

Mark Donaldson, BSP, RPH, PHARMD, FASHP, FACHE
Associate Principal, Pharmacy Advisory Solutions
827 Highland Drive, Whitefish, Montana, 59937
Mark Donaldson received his baccalaureate degree from the University of British Columbia and his Doctorate in Clinical Pharmacy from the University of Washington. He has practiced as a clinical pharmacy specialist, clinical coordinator and director of pharmacy services at many healthcare organizations in both Canada and the United States. He is currently Associate Principal of Clinical Pharmacy for Vizient’s Advisory Solutions, and lives in Whitefish, Montana. Dr. Donaldson is a Clinical Professor at the University of Montana, Clinical Associate Professor at the Oregon Health & Sciences University, and affiliate faculty in Dentistry at UBC. He has lectured internationally to both dental and medical practitioners focusing on dental pharmacology and therapeutics and is a leader in the field.
Dr. Donaldson has published numerous peer-reviewed works and textbook chapters. He serves on the Editorial Board for the Journal of the American Dental Association and is the 2016 recipient of the Academy of General Dentistry’s Dr. Thaddeus Weclew Award. In 2019 he was conferred by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) with the “Special Friend of Canadian Dentistry Award.” This award is given to an individual outside of the dental profession in appreciation for exemplary support or service to the profession as a whole. He can be reached via email at:
TARGET AUDIENCE
This course is intended for Dental Assistant, Dentist, Hygienist, and Office Manager from novice to advanced.
EDUCATIONAL METHOD
Self Instructional Online CE Course
IMAGE AUTHENTICITY STATEMENT
No images in this presentation have been altered.
SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY STATEMENT
Information shared in this continuing education activity is developed from clinical research and represents the most current information available from evidence-based dentistry.
KNOWN BENEFITS AND LIMITATIONS
Information in this continuing education activity is derived from data and information obtained from the reference section.
DISCLOSURE
Dental Learning presentation is made possible through the continued support of Septodont. Dr. Mark Donaldson is a consultant and/or speaker for the following companies and/or organizations: Dental Learning, Septodont. Dr. Mark Donaldson may receive an honorarium as compensation from the CE Supporter of this presentation and/or from Dental Learning for the time involved in preparing and delivering this online presentation.
Dental Learning is an approved AGD PACE Provider and California State Dental Board Provider of dental continuing education. Dental Learning strives to deliver balanced, objective and clinically relevant information grounded on scientific research. Lecturers who are invited to deliver Dental Learning CE webinars are advised to substantiate their claims with research-supported data and to disclose all commitments to, or relationships with, any commercial entity within the dental industry. In many cases, lecturers are sponsored by a dental manufacturing company, which provides them with support in the form of honorarium and/or dental products and equipment in order to help with clinical presentations. Prior to each live CE webinar, lecturers are made aware of the importance of delivering their presentations without commercial bias, and where appropriate, to mention a variety of different product choices that may be relevant to the subject matter of the lecture, for the educational benefit of the participant.
EDUCATIONAL DISCLAIMER
Dental Learning LLC sites offer content that include opinions, techniques, recommendations, etc. from a variety of writers and speakers that are not necessarily endorsed by Dental Learning LLC, its associates and sponsored Dental Affiliates. Viewers are responsible for verifying the validity, accuracy and relevance of all content before implementing any techniques, products or recommendations into their clinical setting. Viewers understand that Dental Learning LLC, its associates, writers, speakers and sponsored Dental Learning Affiliates are not in any way responsible or liable for any adverse events that may occur (i.e., in a clinical setting or anywhere) based on any information disseminated from Dental Learning LLC sites, including all Dental Learning sites.
The copyrights and other rights to the slides and video contained in a webinar posted on this website are owned by the speaker, Dental Learning LLC, and/or the sponsor company and/or its subsidiaries worldwide. Viewers are only authorized to view the content of the webinar (live and archive) at this Website and are not permitted to screen capture, record and/or download any content displayed in this webinar. You may not make any part of this Website available as part of another web site whether by hyperlink framing on the Internet or otherwise.
By signing up for this webinar/event or podcast, I agree to receive electronic messages, which may include educational events, promotions, product information and service offers, from Dental Learning or any of its course supporters. I understand that I may unsubscribe at any time using the opt-out link provided in every message.
AGD PACE and California State Dental Board Provider Statement
Dental Learning is an approved AGD PACE and California State Dental Board Provider of dental continuing education.
Questions regarding our Conditions of Usage, Privacy Policy, or other policy related material can be directed to our support staff by clicking on the "Support" link.
FEATURED COMPLIANCE
2026 More than Compliance, OSHA through a Post-Pandemic LensBy: Lisa Mayo, RDH, BSDH...Lisa Mayo, RDH, BSDH, MHA
Manufacturer: Dental Learning

Post Date: 2/19/2026
CE Amount: 2
Categories: Osha and HIPAA Train...Osha and HIPAA Training
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 established the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) whose charge was, and still is, to enforce protective workplace safety and health standards for the U.S. work force. Healthcare workers should be just as knowledgeable in OSHA standar...
FEATURED COMPLIANCE
2026 OSHA Requirement Training and UpdatesBy: Kayce Hollingsworth,...Kayce Hollingsworth, BS, EFDA
Manufacturer: Dental Learning

Post Date: 2/19/2026
CE Amount: 2
Categories: Osha and HIPAA Train...Osha and HIPAA Training
Kayce Hollingsworth, BS, EFDA is the owner of Dental OSHA Compliance Services, LLC. She lectures and consults on dental compliance to large groups and individual offices. She is also a Territory Manager for Shofu Dental Corporation. She has over 25 years of clinical and practical experience as an E...
