The opioid crisis is everyone`s crisis. Despite a decade of national attention fueled by federal resources, state laws, mass education and prescribing modifications, trends that alarmed us then look worse now. This talk will prepare the dental industry to develop pain management plans that maximize non-opioid therapies, educate patients on how to use and store opioids safely, identify risk factors for overdose and addiction, and understand emerging trends in youth drug use along with their impact on dental issues. This curriculum is designed to meet the three-hour state opioid educational requirements for medical license renewal.

Learning Objectives:
• Review safe opioid prescribing practices including and pain management alternatives
• Understand the neurobiology that drives addiction and medications for Opioid Use Disorder
• Discuss evolving trends in youth substance use disorders and their impact on dental health

Dr. Christi Jen

Christi Jen is the Clinical Pharmacy Manager at Mayo Clinic Arizona since 2021. Prior to joining Mayo Clinic, Dr. Jen served as Clinical Manager for 2 years and EM Clinical Pharmacist for over 11 years. She is a past Chair of ASHP`s Section of Clinical Specialists and Scientists and AzPA Health-System SIG Director-at-Large in 2020. She currently serves as Vice Chair of Mayo Clinic Arizona`s Opioid Stewardship Program Workgroup and currently collaborating with the AZ Department of Education and AZ Department of Health and Human Services on opioid stewardship efforts.

Dr. Gary Kirkilas

Dr. Gary Kirkilas is a pediatrician with a unique practice. His office is a 40 foot mobile medical unit that travels to various homeless shelters in Phoenix providing free medical care to families. He serves as a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, giving commentary on trending pediatric issues in the media. As a spokesperson, he is often called to speak on the effects of cannabis and other substances on children as well as advocate for more mental health access. He and his lovely wife, have four wonderful (most of the time) children and one dachshund.

Dr. Holly Geyer

Holly L. Geyer, M.D., is an Associate Professor of Medicine and dual board certified in Internal Medicine and Addiction Medicine. She serves as the physician lead of the Opioid Stewardship Program at Mayo Clinic in Arizona as well as Medical Director of Occupational Health. She is the author of the patient education book on pain and opioids, “Ending the Crisis: Mayo Clinic’s Guide to Opioid Addiction and Safe Opioid Use.” She presents internationally and has authored more than 120 journal articles, book chapters and abstracts. She has a passion for public education on the Opioid Crisis and has been active in opioid-related policy formation and advocacy at a state and federal level.