Addressing The Opioid Epidemic Requires “New And Innovative Solutions.”

In an opinion piece for The Hill’s “Pundits Blog,” Jason Friesen, founder of Trek Medics International, and Jeff Schlegelmilch, a senior adviser at the nonprofit organization, discuss the opioid epidemic, stating that with the rising number of drug overdose deaths, “new and innovative solutions” are needed “to combat it from all angles.” Friesen and Schlegelmilch state that utilizing “life-saving treatments” such as naloxone, is necessary to defeat the epidemic. The authors describe efforts at the national level to address the opioid epidemic, such as the 21st Century Cures Act and the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, adding that although healthcare reform brings uncertainty, it also presents “an opportunity for states to approach the opioid epidemic with the full ingenuity our nation has to offer.”

Learn More about Preventing and Treating Dental Cavities

CAMBRA, which stands for CAries Management By Risk Assessment, is a system that dentists use to evaluate and treat patients with signs of dental caries, or tooth decay. CAMBRA was developed using scientifically-proven data (evidence-based medicine) on the evaluation and treatment of patients with dental caries. The CAMBRA method looks at all aspects of the processes that lead to the development of dental caries, and is an extremely effective way of treating the problem of tooth decay.

CAMBRA takes into account all of the different factors that affect an individual's caries risk, including:

• Current oral health status
• Diet
• Oral anatomy
• Oral health habits

The MyCAMBRA Self-Assessment App
As an Assistant Clinical Professor at UCSF, Dr. Kinsel has developed an iPad app that helps patients follow their own CAMBRA treatment progress. The app quickly identifies decay risks (moderate, high, extreme) with each patient’s specific treatment recommendations. Each patient receives individualized information on their oral health, and what they can do at home to stay on track. MyCAMBRA is available for dentists at the

Op-Ed: Dental Care Must Be Included As An Essential Benefit For Adults

In an opinion piece in the Washington Post, Dr. Donald L. Chi, a pediatric dentist and associate professor at the University of Washington School of Dentistry, states that in order to help ensure “everyone has a chance at good oral health,” dental care must be “recognized as an essential benefit.” Dr. Chi states that this would involve “including comprehensive dental coverage in Medicaid and the ACA as well as in Medicare (where it is excluded).” Doing so would help undeserved adults receive needed dental care, and although this would require funding, it would “also be an investment” since “fewer emergency room visits would result in cost savings,” writes Dr. Chi. In addition, Dr. Chi says adults with good oral health would experience “less suffering” and would be more apt to find employment “without the fear of appearance-related discrimination.”

Medicare Advantage Plans Often Include Dental Coverage

The Motley Fool includes dental care among its list of “surprising things Medicare doesn’t cover.” While “Medicare does not cover routine visits to the dentist, nor will it pay for common treatments like root canals or fillings,” the article notes many Medicare Advantage plans do offer dental coverage. The article recommends people “shop carefully for coverage, paying attention to premiums, the type of dental benefits provided, and the network of covered providers.”

Receiving Preventive Care Among Tips To Stay Healthy And Live Longer

        In an article and broadcast on its website, shares tips on how to stay healthy and live longer, while avoiding hip fractures. The tips include standing on one leg at a time while brushing teeth for two minutes to help with balance, along with incorporating jumping into exercise routines, receiving enough calcium and vitamin D3 each day, and managing stress. TODAY also emphasizes the importance of preventive care, including dental visits, to maintain health and avoid higher health costs in the future.

        MouthHealthy.org provides oral health information by life stages, including for adults between 40 and 60 and adults over 60.

ADA, Dental Industry Addressing Opioid Prescribing Habits

NPR reports many dentists are working to prescribe fewer opioids, “with state dental boards and associations issuing new guidelines for patients and practitioners.” The article notes that Dr. Paul Moore “studies the usefulness of ibuprofen and other” non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in pain management; Dr. Moore “worked on a recent update of the American Dental Association’s prescribing guidelines for opioids.” The guideline recommends dentists consider over-the-counter pain relievers as the “first-line therapy for acute pain management.” At the state level, Pennsylvania now “requires new dentists and those renewing their clinical license to get training in the best practices of opioid prescribing.” The article mentions that Pennsylvania dentist Dr. Joel Funari, who specializes in oral and maxillofacial surgery, participated in a working group in 2014 “to develop prescribing guidelines for dentists” in Pennsylvania. Dr. Funari and his colleagues found NSAIDS are “very effective” for treating dental pain. Their findings are published in The Journal of the American Dental Association.

Flossing Encouraged To Promote Overall Health

The Los Angeles Times includes flossing in a list of several steps to help people “live a healthier life.” The article notes that despite a story last year questioning the benefits of flossing due to a lack of research, the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourage people to continue the practice. The signs of non-flossing are apparent to dentists, says Dr. Alexandre-Amir Aalam, clinical assistant professor at USC’s Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry. Flossing cleans between teeth, removing the plaque and debris that brushing cannot reach. The article encourages people to speak to their dentist for the correct flossing technique.