Managing Cavitated Lesions in Patients Who Abuse Methamphetamine

An exploration of the effects of the nonmedical use of this drug on hard and soft oral tissues, as well as suggested clinical interventions.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
After reading this course, the participant should be able to:

1. Discuss the increase in methamphetamine abuse and prevalence of oral health issues as a comorbidity in long-term users.
2. Describe the potential oral manifestations of methamphetamine use.
3. List therapeutic approaches to address the oral health consequences of nonmedical use of the drug.
4. Explain the physiological effects of this stimulant, and the appropriate response when patients present with signs of use.

This course was issued in the November 2016 issue and expires 11/30/19. The authors have no commercial conflicts of interest to disclose. This 2 credit hour self-study activity is electronically mediated.