Opioid Related Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices in Dental Faculty and Students

Objectives: The US population consumes a disproportionate amount of the world’s prescribed opioids, which has led to a catastrophic public health crisis, partially fueled by dentists’ drug prescribing behaviors. A review of opioid-related content of the dental school curriculum indicated a limited and uncoordinated teaching approach. The objectives of this study were to assess (1) faculty and student opioid-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices (K-A-P) and (2) the need for relevant curriculum revisions.
Methods: A web-based RedCap survey consisting of a series of K-A-P statements was distributed to faculty and students (after pretest). We used Likert-type scales to elicit responses. Frequency distributions were calculated for faculty, DS1-2 and DS3-4 students respectively and chi-square was used to test relevant differences.
Results: Responses were received from 41% of the students (n=173, 75% were DS1-2) and 27% of the faculty (n=47). Opioid prescribing to patients was reported by 45% of faculty, 28% of senior students. Only few (14%) had suspected abuse among patients. Both faculty and students agreed (74%) that opioids are overused to treat dental pain and that dentist prescribing have contributed to the opioid epidemic (75.8%). Discrepancies between faculty and students were significant when it came to concrete knowledge (e.g. addictiveness of hydrocodone, p=0.00). Strong agreement (90%+) existed that dentists should discuss potential abuse issues with patients, however the lack of or limited training for identifying abuse or for how to educate patients was reported by both faculty (60-70%) and students (80%). Awareness of Oregon’s PDMP mandate was limited among students and only 36% of faculty had accessed it.
Conclusions:
There is a need for a concerted effort to improve opioid-related consistency and evidence based information in the curriculum. Uncertainty among student and faculty on opioid addictiveness, patient education, opioid guidelines and PDMP will require a school wide effort addressing opioid prescribing policy.