Cannabis & Oral Health: Effective Approaches to Managing Patients Under the Influence 

Empowering dental professionals to effectively care for patients using cannabis.

Course Description

With the rise in cannabis use and evolving legal landscapes, dental professionals need to be equipped to care for patients who may be under its influence. This course addresses the clinical, ethical, and legal aspects of treating such patients, offering evidence-based strategies to ensure safety and quality care.

Participants will explore the physiological effects of cannabis on oral health, learn how to handle complex patient interactions, and develop best practices for managing this unique patient population. 

KIMBERLY FARLEY | MSH, RDH

Main Presenter

Kimberly Farley | MSH, RDH

Kimberly has over 25 years of experience as a clinician, educator, and oral health leader. She is the founder of Oral Health and Wellness Learning LLC (OHWL), a health education company within the cannabis industry. She has written papers on cannabis and oral health and received a master’s degree in leadership in healthcare at Nova Southeastern University. Kimberly is a member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, the National Dental Hygiene Association, and the American Dental Educators Association. She is licensed in New York, Maryland, and Washington, DC. 

Educational Objectives

  • Identify and explain the physiological effects of cannabis on the oral cavity. 

  • Apply communication strategies to effectively discuss cannabis use and its impact on dental care with patients. 

  • Describe how cannabis use affects oral health, including impacts on dental treatment. 

  • Demonstrate the ability to employ patient communication techniques to discuss cannabis use, successfully guiding conversations to promote informed patient care.