Coming From All Directions: Protecting Girls and Women from the Impact of Substance Use

Abstract

Dentists may assist in protecting their female (and male) patients from unhealthy substance use conditions. Prevalence is so high that daily, nearly every U.S. health care provider sees patients either at risk themselves or experiencing negative effects of substance use by a friend, family member, or co-worker. Health care practice-based interventions employ simple universal standardized screening, brief advice, and occasional referrals to specialists and/or community resources. Youth prevention strategies reduce risk and build protective factors.