The ADA is applauding the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for prioritizing opioids legislation.

In a May 21 letter to Sens. John Thune, R-SD, committee chair, and Bill Nelson, D-Fla, ranking member, ADA President Joseph P. Crowley and Executive Director Kathleen T. O’Loughlin thanked the legislators for their efforts and shared news of what the dental profession is doing to combat the crisis. This included highlighting the ADA’s new interim policy on opioids adopted in March as well as the Association’s free continuing education webinars and clinical reference manual, The ADA Practical Guide to Substance Use Disorders and Safe Prescribing.

“Additionally, the ADA has raised awareness about the misuse and abuse of opioid analgesics by partnering with many organizations, including the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Surgeon General,” they wrote. “We are now working with Congress to expand funding for the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act and urging federal agencies to tailor their prescriber education and outreach.”

For more information, visit ADA.org/opioids.