This month, dentists with advanced training in root canals known as endodontists, will get together to discuss the latest and best practices for responsibly managing a patient’s pain and the steps that can be taken to minimize the risk for prescription drug abuse.
On Thursday, April 11, Omar Abubaker, D.M.D., will provide a presentation called “The Myths and Facts about the Opioid Epidemic and Management of Odontogenic Pain.” The presentation will address the extent of harm to public inflicted by the opioid epidemic and addiction in general within the U.S. The presentation will also review the role of the dental profession in causing this epidemic and explain how the profession can be part of the continued solutions. Dr. Abubaker is a chairman at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry.
Afterward, Ellen Byrne, D.D.S., Ph.D.; Kenneth M. Hargreaves D.D.S., Ph.D.; and Nikita Ruparel, M.S., D.D.S., Ph.D., will provide a course called “Management of Acute Pain.” The evidence-based class is designed to provide effective and practical strategies for managing acute dental pain emergencies and the latest information on NSAIDS, acetaminophen-containing analgesics and local anesthetics interactions. Dr. Byrne is a senior associate dean at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. Dr. Hargreaves is a professor and chair at the University of T
exas Health Science Center San Antonio. He is also chief editor of the Journal of Endodontics. Dr. Ruparel is also a professor at UTHSC San Antonio.On Friday, April 12, patient comfort and the best practices to manage reoccurring tooth pain will be discussed by a multi-disciplinary panel lead by Alan S. Law, D.D.S., Ph.D.
“A Multi-Disciplinary Approach for Managing Persistent Pain” will highlight the challenges endodontists face when treating a patient’s reoccurring tooth pain and cover a variety of diagnosis techniques and possible approaches for managing persistent pain.
This group discussion will feature different perspectives from; Karen Baker, B.S., M.S., an associate professor at the University of Iowa, Dr. Alferd Clavel Jr., Department Chair of Pain Management at Health Partners, Leesa Morrow, Ph.D., J.D., L.P., from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, and Donald Nixdorf, D.D.S., M.S., an associate professor also at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.
Dr. Law is a practicing endodontist who currently teaches at the University of Minnesota. He is a director for the American Board of Endodontics and past chair of the American Association of Endodontists Regenerative Endodontics Committee.
For more information, please contact the AAE by phone at 800-872-3636, by email at info@aae.org or visit aae.org. The AAE also maintains social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.
Note to reporters: Presentations may be available by request.
About the American Association of Endodontists
The American Association of Endodontists, headquartered in Chicago, represents more than 8,00 members worldwide. Endodontics is one of nine dental specialties formally recognized by the American Dental Association. The AAE, founded in 1943, is dedicated to excellence in the art and science of endodontics and to the highest standard of patient care. The Association inspires its members to pursue professional advancement and personal fulfillment through education, research, advocacy, leadership, communication and service.
