Reducing Pain and Prescribing Safely in Dentistry Post-test | September 1, 2022-August 31, 2025

Select the true statement regarding opioid prescribing for dental procedures.*

Opioid prescribing is increasing in younger adults.
Nearly 80% of young adults who receive an opioid for a tooth extraction have not been exposed to opioids previously.
More than 80% of all opioid pills prescribed are consumed.
Because opioids are prescribed short-term for dental procedures, there is no risk of misuse or addiction.

According to meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, the most effective strategy to manage pain associated with a tooth extraction is:*

Codeine
Codeine + acetaminophen
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen + acetaminophen

T.M. presents to the office for a dental procedure. T.M. has a remote history of gastrointestinal bleed, normal renal and liver function, and no known drug allergies. Before going home, T.M. receives a prescription for pain medication. Select the best pain management regimen for this patient.*

Hydrocodone 5 mg every 6 hours scheduled
Acetaminophen 500 mg and ibuprofen 400 mg every 6 hours, scheduled for 24 hours then as needed
Acetaminophen 500 mg every 6 hours as needed
Hydrocodone 5 mg and acetaminophen 500 mg every 6 hours as needed

Patients prescribed opioids after tooth extraction report reduced post-procedural pain and more satisfaction than patients who are not prescribed opioids.*

True
False

R.D. presents to the dental office for a tooth extraction. Upon completion of the procedure, R.D. reports experiencing severe pain. Prior to prescribing an opioid pain medication, the dentist should check the prescription drug monitoring program, discuss naloxone, and counsel the patient on safe storage and disposal of opioid medication.*

True
False

Which of the following is the most effective management option for pain caused by irreversible pulpitis?*

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen in combination
Oxycodone
Pulp extirpation
Antibiotics

Dentists are more likely to prescribe opioid medications for dental pain to which of the following patients?*

Uninsured adults
Medicare beneficiaries
Medicaid beneficiaries
Patients with private dental insurance

Patients who present to the emergency department with dental pain are less likely to be prescribed opioids after a visit than patients presenting with other forms of pain.*

True
False

J.L. is a woman who has a pulpectomy of tooth #4 after presenting with acute dental pain during her 33rd week of pregnancy. All of the following could be considered for post-operative pain management in this patient, except*

Ibuprofen
Acetaminophen
Amoxicillin
Oxycodone

Patients should be counseled that pain after a dental procedure will be as severe as the pain they experienced before the dental procedure, if they presented with acute pain.*

True
False

Reducing Pain and Prescribing Safely in Dentistry Post-test | September 1, 2022-August 31, 2025

Step 1 of 2

Join our newsletter