(PO-039) Pilot Assessment of Cannabis Use Among Dental Urgent Care Patients

Author: Zachary R. Santoro, B.S. – Student, A.T. Still University Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health
Author: Paul Wehner, B.S. – Student, A.T. Still University Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health
Author: Herschel Gaddy, B.S. – Student, A.T. Still University Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health
Author: Cory Henry, B.S. – Student, A.T. Still University Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health
Author: Brandon J. Crivello, D.M.D. – Assistant Professor, Director of Urgent Care, A.T. Still University Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health
Author: Joan M. Davis, Ph.D. – Professor, Assistant Dean of Research, A.T. Still University Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health
Submitter: Brandon J. Crivello, D.M.D. – Assistant Professor, Director of Urgent Care, A.T. Still University Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Healt

Objectives: Increasing prevalence and normalization of cannabis use causes concern regarding its safety and overall health risks as little is known, including the effects on oral health. Understanding cannabis-related behaviors of dental patients is important given the potential health consequences and need for further research. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess self-reported cannabis use among patients seeking urgent dental care and to establish baseline data to support future investigations.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used to survey adult patients (18+ years) who voluntarily disclosed cannabis use during routine patient assessment in a walk-in community health center-based dental school urgent care clinic between November 2020 and March 2021. Assessment included self-reported reason(s) for use, method(s)/form(s) of use, history and frequency, in addition to tobacco use. This project received IRB approval.

Results: Of the 27 participants, 18 (67%) used cannabis for recreational purposes only and 9 (33%) used for both medical and recreational purposes. The top three most common forms were blunt (67%), edibles/drinks (56%), and bowl/pipe (4%). Of those who used a blunt, 71% reported using cannabis daily in the past 30 days compared to 27% for edibles/drinks and 43% for bowl/pipe. 18 (67%) participants used cannabis to manage their dental pain most commonly in the form of a blunt, and all users indicated a noticeable improvement in their symptoms. Of the 9 participants reporting medical use, only 3 (11%) participants used an FDA-approved form. All users reported cannabis use for more than one year, and 16 (59%) participants also reported tobacco use.

Conclusion: Overall, cannabis use among participants occurred in different forms, was primarily for recreational purposes, and was motivated by dental pain. Further investigation is needed on this important topic to collect additional data.