PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This program will provide general Information about addiction, signs and symptoms of chemical dependency, “drug-seeking” behavior in patients, the process of treatment for chemical dependency, and the available resources for referral and treatment.  There will be a discussion of addiction in impaired healthcare professionals and what is necessary for treatment, aftercare, reentry, and monitoring.  The program will discuss the role of the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners and its Monitored Aftercare Treatment Program.

FACULTY (Phoenix & Prescott): Michel A. Sucher, MD, FASAM FACEP, currently practices addiction medicine and serves as medical director for the monitored aftercare programs for the Arizona State Medical and Dental Boards and the State Bar of Arizona.   Dr. Sucher’s certifications include Emergency Medicine and Addiction Medicine.  He is a Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians and a Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine.  Dr. Sucher is also certified as a medical review officer by ASAM.  From 1974 to 1994, Dr. Sucher worked as an emergency physician and emergency department director at both Scottsdale Memorial Hospitals.  He was President of the medical staff of Scottsdale Memorial Hospital-Osborn in 1994.  He holds teaching positions throughout the greater Phoenix metropolitan area.  Dr. Sucher is a nationally known speaker on addiction medicine and emergency medicine. 

FACULTY (Tucson): Dave Greenberg, MD, MPH, currently practices addiction and occupational medicine and is based in Phoenix, Arizona.  He was certified in addiction medicine by ASAM in 1987 and has worked at several well-known detoxification and treatment centers for substance abuse disorders.  He was the Assistant Director of BOMEX and presently is a medical director for the Arizona State Board of Medical Examiners' Monitored Aftercare Program.  During the 1980's, Dr. Greenberg served as a battalion and brigade surgeon in the infantry. 

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:  At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to:

• discuss chemical dependency issues as related to the general population and addiction issues specific to impaired healthcare professionals,

• identify “drug-seeking” behavior in dental patients and how to effectively deal with these patients,

• identify the role of the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners and its Monitored Aftercare Treatment Program in assisting impaired dentists and hygienists.

INTENDED AUDIENCE: Dentists, Dental Hygienists, and other Dental Professionals

CE STATEMENTS:  The Southwest Health Professions Education Center, Inc. (SEC) certifies this program for 3 contact hours.  A certificate of attendance will be awarded.

  

 

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Employee Education System is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.

Continuing Education Credit: The Department of Veterans Affairs, Employee Education System designates this activity for 3 continuing education credits. 

AGENDA:

1:00 PM - 1:15 PM            Registration

1:15 PM - 2:30 PM            Impairment in Health Professionals

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM           Afternoon Break

2:45 PM -  4:30 PM          The Role of the Arizona Dental Board
                                            Monitored Aftercare Treatment Program
                                            Dentists Concerned for Dentists 
                                            Drug Abuse in Patients

4:30 PM                             Program Closure and Evaluations

REGISTRATION FEES: Registration fee is $80.00 for dentists, $55.00 for all other dental professionals.  Fee for full-time VA employees is $11.00.  Includes break refreshments and course material.  Credit card registrations may be faxed to (928) 776-6137.  Visa, Mastercard, and American Express accepted. Payments must be received at least 5 days prior to the program to ensure registration availability.  Refunds, minus a $15 processing fee, will be made until 3 days prior to the program.  No refunds will be made after this date. There will a $20.00 processing fee for any returned checks. 
Confirmation letters will not be sent.