NEW MEMBER CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTS SAFE PRESCRIBING PROCEDURES

The pandemic increased overdose deaths across the country and in Virginia. According to the CDC, 70% of all fatal drug overdoses were caused by opioids.

We know that safe prescribing can help prevent opioid abuse.

The Virginia Dental Association is committed to providing resources that help our members more effectively connect and communicate with patients. To achieve this goal, the Council on Marketing has been focusing on an educational campaign to highlight how the VDA and its members are committed to safe prescribing to prevent opioid abuse.

Here’s what the campaign toolbox includes:

• PDF campaign flyer – A printable 8½ by 11½ flyer that details stats about the opioid epidemic and how

VDA dentists are focusing on safe prescribing. • Sample social media posts and copy – A handful of images you can use on your practice’s social media pages to communicate your commitment to safe prescribing.

You can access the downloadable materials at vadental.org/opioids.

Your Dentist is Committed to Fighting Opioid Addiction

Safe prescribing helps prevent opioid abuse.

70,630 70%

overdose deaths that involved opioids in 2019*

of all fatal drug overdoses were caused by opioids*

Overdose deaths increased due to the pandemic

Final data won’t be available until the end of 2021, but the CDC estimates that overdose deaths exceeded 94,000** in 2020. That’s the largest single-year percentage increase in the last two decades.

Let’s lower those numbers.

The Virginia Dental Association and its member dentists are committed to safe prescribing to prevent opioid addiction.

There’s a safer way to manage pain.

Over the counter (OTC) medications are safer and can be more effective for pain management.

Open wide.

Ask about OTC pain management options as an alternative to opioids. If you want to have a conversation about addiction or other concerns, your dental team is ready to listen.

Talk to your dentist if you have questions about opioids, opioid-free dental policies or this office’s prescribing practices.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and needs help, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

*Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/deaths/index.html **Source: CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/drug-overdose-data.htm