Did you know that more than 20% of hospital admissions are due to adverse drug reactions? Although dentists may prescribe less than 10% of all available drugs, your patients may be taking other medications, that are unfamiliar to you. Since polypharmacy is the norm, especially in the population aged 65 and over, this course should be considered essential to every practice setting today.

Do you have patients who are already on a presbribed medication before they come to your office? How about multiple prescription medications? Did you know that the likelihood of a drug interaction in a patient on five medications or more is greater than 50%? What if you are the prescriber who writes that fifth prescription? With so many new medications, herbal products, over-the-counter drugs and supplements available on the market, how can you be confident that the prescription you write is compatible with what your patient is currently taking?

PharmaNet is British Columbia’s province-wide network linking health professionals to a central data system since 1995. It keeps a record of every prescription dispensed in a BC community pharmacy and is administered by the Ministry of Health. For over twenty-seven years it has helped protect patients from drug interactions and dosage errors, allowed pharmacists and prescribers to know if a cheaper, equally effective PharmaCare benefit is available for patients and,it allows prescribing professionals the ability to access patient prescription histories. Now it is available to you!

As of June 1, 2022, dentists in British Columbia can become authorized to access PharmaNet. This joint initiative between the College of Dental Surgeons of BC and BC’s Ministry of Health marks a significant and positive change that will enhance the safety of dental patients and the public. Enrolment is now available for dentists and those they designate to support them – so this course is equally important for all dentists and staff.

This interactive webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of the British Columbia PharmaNet program, including step-by-step enrolment, benefits to all oral healthcare professionals and their patients, and case-based reviews to maximize the value of this tool and help seamlessly align the data with contemporary dental practice. Real-life scenarios will augment the delivery of key points and a problem-based learning approach is encouraged so that each participant’s questions are addressed. Prescribe with confidence, protect the safety of your patients.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Describe the PharmaNet system and identify three benefits to patients in accessing the database
• Understand the enrolment process and who is eligible to access the PharmaNet System • Know the specific data that the PharmaNet System provides and how to use that information in clinical practice
• Discuss the role of the PharmaNet System in contemporary dental practice
• Recognize specific areas of opportunity to enhance patient safety and improve prescribing practices through referral to the PharmaNet System