The Opioid Crisis has fundamentally changed how we manage pain in children. Pediatric Dentists face escalating challenges in patient as well as drug therapy complexity. We will examine the wide array of alternative and traditional analgesics along with new ways of combining agents to enhance patient tolerance and efficacy. Strategies for educating and informing patients and parents about the risks and benefits of CBD, kratom, THC, NSAIDs, APAP, and Opioids will be discussed. Tools that enhance patient compliance and safety will be provided along with details about drug interactions important in dental pain control.

Learning Objectives:
discuss the FDA warning against prescribing codeine and tramadol for children under 12 years of age,
compare and contrast the AAPD position on pediatric pain control with that of the American Academy of Pediatrics,
list the most effective pediatric dosage regimens for NSAIDs, acetaminophen, hydroxyzine, and hydrocodone.