HealthPartners Institute will use $2.9 million grant to address opioid use and pain management following dental extractions
Researchers at HealthPartners Institute are conducting a four-year study to determine the most effective way to reduce the use of opioid pain medication for dental extractions. The study is funded with a $2.9 million grant from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Brad Rindal, DDS is leading this research.
“There is this myth that opioids are better and stronger because they are narcotic drugs,” said Rindal. “Actually there is evidence that they are not. This study is partially addressing the myth and patient perception about opioids and look at the alternatives which will reduce the exposure of opioids to a susceptible age group… teens and young adults.”
This work supports HealthPartners’ goal to reduce the use of opioids.
About HealthPartners Institute
HealthPartners Institute is part of HealthPartners, the largest consumer-governed, non-profit health care organization in the nation with a mission to improve health and well-being in partnership with members, patients and the community. One of the largest medical research and education centers in the Midwest, the Institute has about 450 studies underway each year, trains more than 500 medical residents and fellows and more than 500 students, and provides continuing medical education for 25,000 clinicians as well as patient education and clinical quality improvement. For more information, visit healthpartnersinstitute.org.