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Monday Roundtable Luncheon
Lin Chan, DDS
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Oral Health Program
Due to the increased use of cannabis, there is a need to educate oral health providers on the effects of cannabis on oral health. Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug according to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, and its use may increase due to its legalization in several states. Various administrative methods of cannabis, such as combustible, edible, and vaporized, allow for alternative cannabis products. These various cannabis products attract adolescents during the time their brains are still developing and can affect neuropsychological functions. Increased cannabis use can also cause oral health implications, such as xerostomia, periodontitis, and increased risk of caries. Oral health providers need to know the effects of cannabis to effectively manage the risk. The presentation is based on literature reviews.
The objectives of the presentation are to educate oral health providers on the following:
1. History and legalization of marijuana
2. Forms and methods of cannabis use
3. The mechanism of THC and the results on the general health and oral health
4. Recommended advice to provide to patients using cannabis