Dentists Being Encouraged to Take a Proactive Role in Addiction Prevention

Dental professionals are being encouraged to take a more proactive role in addiction prevention. Dentists write 12 percent of all opioid prescriptions. While often necessary to combat dental pain, opioids come with a high risk of misuse. That’s why UnitedHealthcare Dental is focusing on reducing painkiller prescriptions and promoting proper use. Chief dental officer Dr. Ted Wong stresses there are alternatives.

Following recommendations from the CDC, first-time opioid prescriptions written by UnitedHealthcare Dental health professionals will be limited to three days for people aged 19 and younger.