Methamphetamine Information: Integrating Oral Health With Primary Care

Abstract

Abstract Illegal methamphetamine is on the rise in the US and dentists, physician assistants, and other health care providers may be unaware of the percentage of their patient population using this drug. Uncertainty about the appearance of early stages of “meth mouth” and what can be done for these patients has led to lack of care and referrals for further treatment and prevention. This lecture-based resource was designed to alert health care providers to recognize that the mouth mirrors overall health and that certain conditions, such as methamphetamine abuse, can be detected by dental and nondental professionals who may play a role in the early recognition, diagnosis, treatment, and intervention and ultimately prevent future abuse. This resource includes a PowerPoint file, which constitutes the core content of the module, as well as posters, other brief presentations, and test questions to assess student knowledge. Feedback from students has been very positive as reflected in standard teacher and course evaluations on file in our department. Regularly, students will send a follow-up note from their clerkships to share their clinical experiences in diagnosing an oral problem and successfully referring to the dentist for care. In summary, the need is great for updated information on methamphetamine information as oral health is integrated with primary care. Students, faculty, practicing dentists, physician assistants, and their supervising physicians may benefit from a heightened awareness of the need for integration and clinical updates related to their patients who may be using, producing, and sharing methamphetamine in their homes and neighborhoods.

Keywords

• Building Oral Health Capacity (BOHC) Collection
• Illegal Methamphetamine Users
• Effects of MA
• Early Recognition and Referral
• Multidisciplinary Teamwork