Presented by Dr. Barry Taylor

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.

Dr. Barry Taylor is the Executive Director of the Oregon Dental Association and is a volunteer Clinical Assistant Professor at the Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry. Before attending the OHSU School of Dentistry, he worked for two years as a research assistant in Neuropsychopharmacology at the U.S. Veterans Hospital in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Taylor served as ODA’s Editor for 9 years and as President. He was a member of the ADA’s Council on Communications. He also has had leadership positions with the Oregon Academy of General Dentistry, American College of Dentists, Academy of General Dentistry, Delta Sigma Delta and the American Dental Association. Dr. Taylor has been awarded the “Dentist of the Year” from both the Oregon AGD and the Washington County Dental Society, as well as Alumni of the Year from the OHSU School of Dentistry.

Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026

Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm

Rate:
$0 MDDS Member
$0 MDDS Member Dental Team
$25 MDDS Non-member
$25 MDDS Non-member Dental Team

Location: Zoom Webinar

CE Credits: 1.5

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

Speaker Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None reported.

Cancellation Deadline: April 24, 2026

Registration Deadline: April 29, 2026

Cancellation Policy
Cancellations will be accepted and are entitled to a refund provided they are received at MDDS by the cancellation deadline. Refunds will not be given for cancellations after the cancellation deadline.