Cannabis and e-Cigarettes (vaping): Health Effects & Advising Patients (Parts 1 & 2)

(1.5HR, recorded webinar)

Current trends show a move away from cigarette use and toward nicotine e-cigarettes (vapes)—particularly for younger generations. While this increased use of e-cigarettes potentially represents a less harmful alternative to conventional tobacco cigarettes, it isn’t without its negative health effects. What are the impacts of products like cannabis and e-cigarettes on patient’s oral and overall health? How can dental professionals intervene to help patients who routinely use these products?

In this course, Barry J. Taylor, DMD, will provide an evidence-based overview of marijuana (cannabis), its history, trends in use, and its impact on oral and overall health. Benjamin W. Chaffee, DDS, MPH, PhD, will then discuss e-cigarette products and the rapidly changing patterns of tobacco use. By the end of the course, attendees will understand the role dental professionals play in understanding the health implications of non-cigarette products and how to provide proper patient treatment and counseling.


Learning Objectives:
• Understand the Endocannabinoid System and the effects of cannabinoids on the human body
• Describe how marijuana and tobacco affect oral and overall health
• Recognize the current trends in the marketing, regulation, and use of emerging tobacco and nicotine
products, including electronic cigarettes (vapes)
• Identify in-office communication strategies to address patient marijuana and tobacco use


Benjamin W. Chaffee, DDS, MPH, PhD
Dr. Chaffee is Associate Professor of Oral Epidemiology and Dental Public Health at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) and Director of the UCSF School of Dentistry Program in Global Oral Health. His NIH-funded research includes studies of new and emerging tobacco products (particularly use among adolescents), dental professional engagement in tobacco cessation, early-life influences of children's oral health, and dental caries management. Dr. Chaffee has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and has been nationally recognized for excellence in teaching.

Barry Taylor, DMD
Dr. Taylor is the Executive Director of the Oregon Dental Association (ODA) and is a volunteer Clinical Assistant Professor at the Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry. Prior to attending the OHSU School of Dentistry, he worked as a research assistant for two years in the field of Neuropsychopharmacology at the U.S. Veteran’s Hospital in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Taylor served as ODA’s editor for nine years and also served as the President. He was a member of the ADA’s Council on Communications. 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.
Arcora Foundation is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Arcora Foundation designates this activity for 1.5 continuing education credits.

If you have questions or would like more information about this course, please contact Karen Lewis at klewis@ArcoraFoundation.org or 206-528-7344.

Original Release Date: April 2022
Expiration Date: April 2025