OVERVIEW

WEBINAR: Green Dentistry: Cannabis & Teeth is organized by Metro Denver Dental Society (MDDS) and will be held on Apr 30, 2026.

Description:
Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States. Thirty-five states currently have legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes, while 15 states have legalized it for recreational use. It is estimated that over 10% of the US population uses marijuana at least once a year.

This course is an unbiased and evidence-based presentation of marijuana and its role in dentistry. We will present an introduction to the history of marijuana and trends pertaining to its use. Next, we will provide a basic science review regarding the Cannabis plant, the drug marijuana and the Endocannabinoid System. We will review how marijuana use affects oral and general health. Finally, we will address areas of possible dental research related to cannabinoids.

Objectives:

Comprehend the Endocannabinoid System, what cannabinoids are and how marijuana is connected.
Understand how marijuana affects oral health, specifically detailing oral pathology, dental caries and periodontal disease.
Understand how marijuana affects patients’ general health and provide information on possible interactions of marijuana with commonly prescribed medications.
Learn how to communicate with patients who regularly use marijuana.
Explore future areas of research on cannabinoids regarding anxiolysis, bone metabolism, wound healing and inflammation.

Format:
Live Virtual, On-Demand available for 3 months following the webinar.