For my presentation, I looked at how opioid prescribing in dentistry connects to the larger opioid crisis. Before researching this topic, I mostly associated opioid misuse with hospitals or medical settings. I was surprised to learn that dentistry is often a patient’s first exposure to opioids, especially for younger patients after procedures like wisdom tooth extraction. 
     One thing that stood out to me was the issue of leftover pills. Many patients do not use their entire prescription, and those extra pills often stay in medicine cabinets where they can be shared or misused. This made me realize how important patient education and responsible prescribing are in dental care.
     Access to care also plays a role. When patients cannot reach a dental office, they often go to the emergency department for pain, where they may receive opioids instead of actual dental treatment. 
     This topic made me think more about how dental professionals can help reduce risk through non-opioid pain management and patient education.