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Nicotine Pouches and Oral Health

COURSE NUMBER: 693

Katie Pondolfino, RDH, BSDH, MAAL

Credit Hours:

2 Hour(s)

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This course prepares oral health care professionals to review current scientific evidence-based literature on how oral nicotine pouches impact oral health, oral disease and systemic health, to ensure this information is effectively communic...

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Overview

This course prepares oral health care professionals to review current scientific evidence-based literature on how oral nicotine pouches impact oral health, oral disease and systemic health, to ensure this information is effectively communicated and disseminated to patients through patient education. This course reviews oral nicotine pouches (ONPs) features, Federal Drug Administration regulations, nicotine correlation to brain development, and nicotine replacement therapy. The course reviews dental caries, oral mucosa, periodontal conditions/alveolar bone destruction, stain, gastrointestinal, risk of cancer in correlation to ONPs usages. Finally, the course highlights the oral health care provider’s professional role in addressing this new public health trend of ONPs usage in our youth and young adults.


As nicotine products become increasingly prevalent among adolescents and young adults globally, oral health care professionals must be prepared to address these emerging current health trends. Oral nicotine pouches are deemed a rising detrimental public health concern, promoting dual tobacco usage within our youth. ONPs are heavily promoted on social media, intentionally targeting younger audiences and capturing significant interest. Social media, advertising and marketing trends that promote oral nicotine pouches (ONPs) as a safer alternative, than other nicotine products appear favorable to youth, which could mislead younger adults to develop dual nicotine dependency, in conjunction with e-cigarettes.


Dental professionals can collaborate with public health workers, pediatricians, educators, and smoking cessation specialists to create educational programs aimed at preventing the use of nicotine pouches and other products among adolescents. They have an ethical obligation to reach vulnerable populations by informing patients of current trends that impact their overall health.

  • Intended Audience:

    Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Dental Assistants, Dental Students, Dental Hygiene Students, Dental Assisting Students

  • Date Course Online:

    Jun 6, 2025

  • Last Revision Date:

    NA

  • Course Expiration Date:

    Jun 5, 2028

  • Cost:

    Free

  • Method:

    Self-instructional

  • AGD Subject Code(s):

    158

  • Technical Requirements:

    Stable internet connection and the latest version of browser and device software are recommended.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the dental professional should be able to:


  • Understand the composition and usage of oral nicotine pouches (ONPs) including different brands and features.
  • Analyze the impact of ONPs on oral health including their impact on dental caries, oral mucosa, periodontal conditions and the risk of cancer.
  • Evaluate the role of oral health professionals, understanding ethical obligations and the professional role in patient education, health history assessment and collaboration with other health providers.
  • Examine regulatory and marketing strategies surrounding ONPs.
  • Assess the impact of nicotine on adolescent brain development including potential for addiction and long-term cognitive and behavioral consequences.
  • Discuss nicotine replacement therapy and smoking cessation.
  • Identify strategies for prevention and education, including educational programs and collaboration.

Disclaimers

  • P&G is providing these resource materials to dental professionals. We do not own this content nor are we responsible for any material herein.
  • Participants must always be aware of the hazards of using limited knowledge in integrating new techniques or procedures into their practice.  Only sound evidence-based dentistry should be used in patient therapy.

Note:  Registration is required to take test.

Author(s)

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement

  • Ms. Pondolfino reports no conflicts of interest associated with this course. She has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Katie L. Pondolfino RDH, BSDH, MAAL is an adjunct professor at Empire State University, where she teaches community health, leadership in healthcare and health-care ethics. She is also an adjunct professor at the University of Bridgeport in ...

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Submission Information

Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) Submission For credit transfers to appear in your AGD account in real time, make sure to add your AGD membership number in the field provided on the “Share Your Test Score” page.


CE Broker For all states that use CE Broker for licensure, “proof of completions” are electronically reported the first of every month. If a course was taken in November, the “proof of completion” will be submitted the beginning of December.

Recognition

AGD Pace Logo

Approved PACE Program Provider

THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY


Nationally Approved PACE Program Provider for FAGD/MAGD credit.

Approval does not imply acceptance by any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement.


8/1/2021 to 7/31/2027

Provider ID# 211886

AADH Logo

AADH Approved Program Provider

Procter & Gamble is designated as an approved Provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Inc. #AADHPGC (January 1, 2024-December 31, 2025). Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial Board of Dentistry. Licensee should maintain this document in the event of an audit.