A Dental School Survey Assessing Dental Student Knowledge, Attitudes and Prescribing Behavior Regarding Opioid Use and Abuse

Abstract

Purpose/Objectives: While improvements have been made in the amount of opioid prescriptions written by dentists, studies continue to show wide variability in opioid prescribing practices among dentists, suggesting additional education in this area is needed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate opioid knowledge, attitudes and prescribing behaviors among dental school students. Methods: The authors conducted a web-based survey of dental students at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry from 2016 through 2018. The survey was comprised of demographic information, student knowledge of clinical and regulatory interventions to reduce prescription opioid abuse, student attitudes and knowledge regarding the magnitude and causes of opioid misuse and abuse, and student opioid prescribing patterns. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine whether calendar time or progression in the dental program were associated with differences in survey responses. Results: The response rate was 43.67% for a total of 586 dental student participants over the course of this study. The knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding opioid use and abuse among dental students was influenced by both the dental school program curriculum as well as the passage of time during which the evolution of students views and awareness about opioids impacted their responses. Conclusions: Misperceptions and a lack of knowledge influence dental student attitudes and behaviors related to prescription opioids. Understanding the influence of the dental school curriculum and the passage of time on dental students’ knowledge, attitudes, and prescribing behavior may assist in guiding the development of dental curriculum to improve best practices in pain management and prevent the misuse, abuse, and diversion of prescription opioids. Academic dentistry plays a significant role in targeting gaps in student knowledge and understanding that will lead to the development and consistent implementation of best practices for pain management and safe opioid prescribing in dentistry