Virtual CE Summit – Michigan Dental Association

Date/Time
11/21/2025
8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location
Live Webinar

Speaker
See below

Fee: See below

CE Credits: Varies by webinar

AGD Code: See below

The Michigan Dental Association presents a remote day of learning offering courses that meet license requirements including: Implicit Bias, Infection Control, Dental Ethics, and DEA MATE training, which can also be counted as pain management credit, too. The DEA-MATE course block includes three webinars totaling eight credits. The License Requirements course block includes four courses for five and a half credits.

DEA-MATE COURSE BLOCK

‘Mind Over Molars!’: The Role of Peripherally-Acting Non-Opioid Analgesics in Dental Pain Management

Speaker: Tom Viola, DDS
Time: 8 – 10:30 a.m.
DEA-MATE Block Course Fee: $99.95/per person; $199.95/Nonmember DDS
Individual Course Fee: $45/MDA DDS and Staff; $70/Nonmember DDS
AGD Code: 346
CE Credits: 2.5

As the dental profession continues to shift away from routine opioid prescribing, non-opioid analgesics have taken center stage in pain management protocols. This course is designed to equip dentists with the most current evidence and clinical guidance on the safe, effective use of non-opioid medications — including NSAIDs, acetaminophen, and combination therapy — for the treatment of acute dental pain. Emphasis will be placed on pharmacology, dosing strategies, contraindications, and patient-specific considerations, with a focus on minimizing risk while maximizing pain control. Participants will leave with the tools to confidently manage pain using opioid-sparing approaches aligned with today’s best practices.

Describe the mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic effects of commonly used non-opioid analgesics, including NSAIDs and acetaminophen.
Compare the efficacy of non-opioid medications to opioid analgesics for the treatment of acute dental pain.
Recognize contraindications, adverse effects, and drug interactions associated with non-opioid analgesics, especially in medically complex patients.
Develop individualized pain management plans that emphasize non-opioid options and minimize opioid exposure.

This course counts toward Michigan Board of Dentistry’s pain management requirement and the DEA MATE requirement to obtain or renew the controlled substance pharmacy license for dentists.

‘On My Last Nerve!’: The Role of Centrally-Acting and Opioid Analgesics in Dental Pain Management

Speaker: Tom Viola, DDS
Time: 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
DEA-MATE Block Course Fee: $99.95/per person; $199.95/Nonmember DDS
Individual Course Fee: $45/MDA DDS and Staff; $70/Nonmember DDS
AGD Code: 346
CE Credits: 2.5

Opioid analgesics have long played a role in managing acute dental pain, but their use now requires careful consideration due to the ongoing opioid crisis and evolving clinical guidelines. This course provides dentists with an evidence-based framework for the judicious use of opioids in dental practice. Topics include indications for opioid use, comparative effectiveness with non-opioid alternatives, risk assessment for misuse, appropriate dosing and duration, and regulatory compliance. Emphasis is placed on safe prescribing practices, patient education, and the integration of opioid therapy into a broader, multimodal pain management strategy.

Describe the pharmacology, therapeutic effects, and appropriate indications for opioid analgesics in dental practice.
Differentiate between opioid and non-opioid analgesics in terms of efficacy, safety, and patient-specific considerations.
Identify patients who may benefit from opioid therapy for acute dental pain and those at higher risk for misuse or adverse outcomes.
Recognize signs of opioid use disorder and understand how to refer patients for appropriate care.

This course counts toward Michigan Board of Dentistry’s pain management requirement and the DEA MATE requirement to obtain or renew the controlled substance pharmacy license for dentists.

‘Welcome to The Dark Side:’ The Use of Illicit Substances … and the Illicit Use of Licit Substances …And Their Dental Implications

Speaker: Tom Viola, DDS
Time: 2 – 5 p.m.
DEA-MATE Block Course Fee: $99.95/per person; $199.95/Nonmember DDS
Individual Course Fee: $45/MDA DDS and Staff; $70/Nonmember DDS
AGD Code: 346
CE Credits: 3

Substance misuse—whether involving illicit drugs or the inappropriate use of prescription medications—presents growing challenges for dental practitioners. This course equips dentists with the clinical insight and judgment needed to recognize the oral and systemic effects of substance use, safely treat affected patients, and mitigate risk in the dental setting. Participants will explore commonly encountered substances such as methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, benzodiazepines, stimulants, and prescription opioids, and learn how these substances impact anesthesia, healing, behavior, and drug interactions. Through real-world cases and evidence-based guidance, dentists will gain confidence in navigating treatment planning, communication, and referrals for patients struggling with substance use or exhibiting signs of misuse.

Understand how specific substances (e.g., methamphetamine, cocaine, cannabis, opioids, benzodiazepines) impact anesthesia, healing, and patient management.
Assess the risks of drug interactions and adverse events when providing treatment to patients who use or misuse substances.
Modify treatment plans and pain management strategies for patients with active or historical substance use.
Implement appropriate communication strategies for discussing substance use with patients in a nonjudgmental manner.
Recognize oral, behavioral, and systemic signs of substance use or misuse.

This course counts toward Michigan Board of Dentistry’s pain management requirement and the DEA MATE requirement to obtain or renew the controlled substance pharmacy license for dentists.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS COURSE BLOCK

Infection Control Update

Speaker: Marie Fluent, DDS, CDIPC, FACD
Time: 9 – 10:30 a.m.
License Requirement Block Course Fee: $79.95/per person; $179.95/Nonmember DDS
Individual Course Fee: $35/MDA DDS and Staff; $60/Nonmember DDS
AGD Code: 148
CE Credits: 1.5

Dental professionals in the state of Michigan are now required to complete at least one hour of continuing education in infection control for license renewal. This webinar will highlight requirements under the new administrative ruling that include CDC infection control guidelines, personal protective equipment requirements, and protocol for sterilization of handpieces.

Describe pertinent CDC Guidance documents to ensure safe dental care.
Discuss the importance of handpiece sterilization after use.
Understand PPE requirements for safe clinical care and for other tasks within the dental setting.

This course counts towards Michigan’s Infection Control requirement.

Implicit Bias Training Part 1

Speaker: Marita Inglehart, Dipl. Psych., Dr. phil., Dr. phil. habil.
Time: 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
License Requirement Block Course Fee: $79.95/per person; $179.95/Nonmember DDS
Individual Course Fee: $35/MDA DDS and Staff; $60/Nonmember DDS
AGD Code: 770
CE Credits: 1.5

This webinar introduces participants to the concept of implicit biases by demonstrating their power in professional and dentistry-related settings. It explores how implicit biases can change over time and in which circumstances we are more likely to use them.

Define the term implicit bias and how its existence can be demonstrated.
Identify how implicit biases matter in professional and dentistry related settings.
Describe in which circumstances we are most likely to utilize implicit biases.

This course counts toward the Certified Dental Business Professional program. Earn 1.5 credits in the Service/Communication category. Click here for more information on the MDA Certified Dental Business Professional program. Look for this logo for other CDBP-qualifying courses.

This course counts towards Michigan’s implicit bias requirement for licensed health care professionals. Implicit bias training is in addition to any continuing education training required for your profession.

Helping the Modern Dental Practice Recognize Certain Ethical Issues

Speaker: Sean Murphy
Time: 1 – 2 p.m.
License Requirement Block Course Fee: $79.95/per person; $179.95/Nonmember DDS
Individual Course Fee: $25/MDA DDS and Staff; $50/Nonmember DDS
AGD Code: 555
CE Credits: 1

This course discusses some of the ethical issues currently facing dental practices, and provides attendees with options to consider for these various ethical issues. The format for the course, which involves real world hypotheticals, is meant to be both entertaining and engaging.

Learn how to handle requests for inappropriate treatments.
Learn how to supervise dental team members.
Learn how to furnish dental records.
Properly disclose conflicts of interest.

This course counts toward Michigan’s ethics, jurisprudence, and delegation of duties requirement.

Implicit Bias Training Part 2

Speaker: Marita Inglehart, Dipl. Psych., Dr. phil., Dr. phil. habil.
Time: 2:30 – 4 p.m.
License Requirement Block Course Fee: $79.95/per person; $179.95/Nonmember DDS
Individual Course Fee: $35/MDA DDS and Staff; $60/Nonmember DDS
AGD Code: 770
CE Credits: 1.5

This webinar analyzes how implicit biases matter and provides concrete examples and research results showing how implicit biases matter in dentistry-related settings and especially when communicating with patients. The discussion will also include ways in which the content of implicit biases can be changed and how to respond to bias-based micro aggressions.

Describe the role of personal and educational experiences in shaping implicit biases.
Identify the strategies individuals can utilize to change the content of implicit biases.
Discuss possible responses to implicit bias-based micro aggressions and the costs and benefits of these different response strategies.

About the speakers … With over 30 years’ experience as a board-certified pharmacist, clinical educator, professional speaker and published author, Tom Viola has earned his national and international reputation as the go-to specialist for making pharmacology practical and useful for all members of the dental team. As the founder of Pharmacology Declassified, Viola provides insight into the complex interplay between pharmacology and physiology. He has presented over 1,000 informative, humorous and engaging continuing education seminars and webinars to dental professionals internationally since 2001, and has served as a contributor, chapter author and peer reviewer for several pharmacology textbooks. Viola currently serves as a consultant to the American Dental Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs.

Dr. Marie Fluent is a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry with a dental career spanning 35 years that includes roles as dentist, infection control coordinator, office manager, and dental assistant. Additionally, she has extensive experience and expertise as a clinical instructor, educator, speaker, author, and consultant. Fluent is passionate and deeply committed to improving dental infection control and patient safety. Through her writing, webinars, and invited lectures, she has educated thousands of dental professionals and students nationally and internationally. She has written numerous articles on infection control in the dental setting, OSHA compliance and responsible antibiotic prescribing. She serves as Education Consultant for the Organization for Safety, Asepsis, and Prevention.

Dr. Marita R. Inglehart is a professor of dentistry in the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and an adjunct professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. She received her education at the University of Mannheim in Germany where she also was a faculty member. She came to U-M as a visiting professor in the Department of Psychology in the 1980s. In 1990, she began to teach behavioral science courses for U-M dental and dental hygiene students. She currently serves on the NIDCR – Secondary Data Analysis Review Board and is a Fellow of the Association of Psychological Science.

Sean Murphy, JD, currently serves as the chief executive officer for the Harris County Medical Society, the country’s largest county medical society, representing approximately 13,000 Texas physicians in the Houston area. In this role, Murphy works with a 24-person team to provide advocacy, financial savings, informational resources, continuing education, and valuable benefits to Texas physicians and their practices. Before joining HCMS, he worked at the Arizona Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists. During his career, Murphy has earned AzDA’s 2020 President’s Award, Missouri’s statewide 2019 In-House Counsel Award for the healthcare profession, and was chosen as a Leading Lobbyist as part of the Association TRENDS 2018 Salute to Association Excellence.

Registration Instructions

NOTE: There is a two-step registration process for the live webinars:

STEP 1: Register through the MDA for tracking in your CE history.

STEP 2: Save the viewing link found in the MDA email confirmation to watch the live webinar on the date it occurs.

Cancellation Policy

Fees for MDA live webinars are non-refundable.

Questions?

Call the MDA Continuing Education Department at 517-346-9402, or email Amanda Mclean.