Helping dentists prescribe fewer opioids to young patients
Empowering dentists to reduce opioid prescriptions to young people
This study is all about helping dentists find better ways to manage pain for teens and young adults after dental work, so they can use fewer opioids by teaching both dentists and patients about safe, non-opioid pain relief options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11021030 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to empower dentists to reduce opioid prescriptions for adolescents and young adults following dental procedures. It focuses on developing a comprehensive approach that includes educating dental providers and patients about effective non-opioid pain management options. The project will test a new method that combines academic detailing, patient education, and the distribution of non-opioid analgesics to manage acute dental pain. By addressing the knowledge and motivation of providers, the research seeks to significantly lower the rates of opioid prescriptions in this vulnerable population.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults who are undergoing dental procedures that typically involve pain management.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing dental procedures or those who do not require pain management will not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer pain management practices for young patients, reducing their risk of opioid misuse and addiction.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown that educational interventions and non-opioid pain management strategies can effectively reduce opioid prescriptions, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oyler, Douglas — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Oyler, Douglas
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.