Management of Acute Dental Pain-Online

This online activity reviews evidence-based approaches to managing acute dental pain, emphasizing the appropriate use of NSAIDs and ADA-endorsed guidelines over opioids. Participants will learn to apply chairside decision tools, communicate effectively with patients, and integrate patient preferences to develop personalized, guideline-aligned pain management plans in clinical practice.

Target Audience

Physicians, Fellows, Residents, Advanced Practice Providers, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners and other clinical staff.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

  • Compare the benefits of NSAIDs versus opioids in the management of acute dental pain.
  • Summarize key recommendations from the ADA-endorsed guideline for managing acute dental pain.
  • Apply the chairside guide to determine appropriate pain management recommendations for specific clinical scenarios.
  • Demonstrate effective communication strategies when discussing pain management with patients.
  • Integrate patient feedback to collaboratively formulate a personalized pain management plan.
  • Implement ADA-endorsed guideline recommendations into routine clinical practice.
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.25 AAPA Category I CME
  • 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
    The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
  • 1.25 ANCC
    UPMC Provider Unit is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation
  • 1.25 Attendance
Course opens: 
05/08/2026
Course expires: 
05/08/2029

Course Planners:

  • Kip Benko, MD, MS - Clinical Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh
  • Phil DaVisio, DMSc, PA-C- Past President of SEMPA; Physician Assistant, The Permanente Medical Group
  • Erica May, DNP, FNP-BC, AG-ACNP-BC, ENP-C, APRN- Assistant Professor, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing; Catawba Valley Health System, Hickory, NC

Course Director:

  • Deborah Polk, PhD - Associate Professor of Dental Public Health in the School of Dental Medicine, Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences in the School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh

Conflict of Interest Disclosure:

No members of the planning committee, speakers, presenters, authors, content reviewers and/or anyone else in a position to control the content of this education activity have relevant financial relationships with any companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.  

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

The information presented at this CME program represents the views and opinions of the individual presenters, and does not constitute the opinion or endorsement of, or promotion by, the UPMC Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences, UPMC / University of Pittsburgh Medical Center or Affiliates and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Reasonable efforts have been taken intending for educational subject matter to be presented in a balanced, unbiased fashion and in compliance with regulatory requirements. However, each program attendee must always use his/her own personal and professional judgment when considering further application of this information, particularly as it may relate to patient diagnostic or treatment decisions including, without limitation, FDA-approved uses and any off-label uses.

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In support of improving patient care, the University of Pittsburgh is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Physician (CME)
The University of Pittsburgh designates this enduring material activity for a maximum of 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit[s]™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Physician Assistant (AAPA)
The University of Pittsburgh has been authorized by the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 1.25 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

Nursing (ANCC)
The maximum number of hours awarded for this Continuing Nursing Education activity is 1.25 contact hours.

Other health care professionals will receive a certificate of attendance confirming the number of contact hours commensurate with the extent of participation in this activity.

 

 

Available Credit

  • 1.25 AAPA Category I CME
  • 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
    The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
  • 1.25 ANCC
    UPMC Provider Unit is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation
  • 1.25 Attendance
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