Recent studies have shed light on the alarming impact of opioid addiction on children in the United States. A study published by JAMA Psychiatry revealed that an estimated 321,566 children lost a parent to drug overdose between 2011 and 2021, with the rate of parental overdose deaths increasing during this period. The study highlighted the need for comprehensive responses to address the economic, social, educational, and healthcare needs of children affected by overdose.

The opioid epidemic has reached a critical level, with devastating consequences for families and children. While much attention is focused on adult addiction, the impact on children is often overlooked. Growing up in a household with addiction is challenging, but losing a parent can have long-lasting effects on a child’s well-being.

Dr. James Babiuk, a concerned father and dental professional, has been actively raising awareness about the link between dental procedures and opioid addiction. Recognizing his role in contributing to the crisis, Dr. Babiuk developed TheWisdomToothDoc Technique in 2017 to address the issue. Research from Stanford University has shown that teenagers and young adults who receive opioid prescriptions from dentists or oral surgeons are at a higher risk of addiction.

Dr. Babiuk’s technique focuses on using NSAIDs instead of opioids for wisdom tooth extractions, aiming to minimize the risk of addiction and improve patient outcomes. Through his innovative approach, Dr. Babiuk has successfully performed thousands of extractions without opioids, leading to reduced pain, swelling, and faster recovery times for patients.

By advocating for opioid-free dental practices, Dr. Babiuk is working to change the standard of care and protect patients, especially children, from the risks associated with opioid use. His dedication to addressing the opioid epidemic within the dental community serves as a crucial step towards safeguarding the well-being of individuals and families.