Dentistry & the SBIRT Model: How You Can Help Patients with Substance Abuse Issues

With more than 20% of the population engaging in hazardous substance use, putting their own health or the health of those around them at risk, the odds are that most dentists will have numerous patients with an alcohol or drug problem. Dentists can often see the signs of chronic substance use in a variety of oral health problems. Despite the pervasiveness of alcohol and drug misuse, many dentists feel they do not have the knowledge or training to screen or counsel patients about alcohol and drugs. Implementing the SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment) model can help.