Implementation Tools such as resources and guidance allow for systemic implementation of the Wisconsin Dental Pain Protocol. Implementation Tools for the WDPP 1. Assess the Burden of Dental Pain in Your Community Assessing the burden of dental pain in your community to know its impact. If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it. Before implementing the WDPP, a community needs to know the prevalence and impact of dental pain on a community or individual hospital level. Collecting this baseline data also establishes the baseline for monitoring and evaluating the impacts of the WDPP. link to page Supporting Materials 2. Find Leaders and Partners to Create a Plan Gaining organizational, community, systemic leadership and commitment in order to launch program. Change requires leadership and every community has leaders. Identifying which organizations and individuals will bring people together, create a plan of action, and monitor outcomes is an indispensable first step to implementation. Leaders help others lead. link to page Supporting Materials 3. Engage Dental Providers and Establish the Referral Process Establishing care navigation to assure definitive dental care and prevent recidivism. If we don’t address the cause of the pain and infection, the patient will be back and in pain again. Every community and health system has people and processes to help patients find care. Without this final step, pain and infection are prolonged, not cured. link to page Supporting Materials 4. Train Clinical Staff Applying the WDPP clinical algorithm for non-opioid pain control and antibiotic stewardship for dental pain. Addressing dental pain and infection is low-hanging fruit. Clinical staff should agree to and utilize the best information in treating dental pain and infection, and assure their clinic has the resources and processes in place to make treatment second nature. link to page Supporting Materials 5. Demonstrate Impact Tracking and monitoring WDPP impacts on opioid prescriptions, use of local anesthetics, and referrals to local dental care Clinical, systems, and community leaders need to see that their work has impact. Creating manageable ways to monitor and evaluate outcomes assures quality improvement and celebration of success. If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it. link to page Supporting Materials 6. Launch and Maintain the WDPP Program All the partners having agreement and commitment that all the pieces are ready and it is time to begin; keep partners engaged on an annual basis The clinical algorithm is agreed upon and ED staff have been trained, local dental providers are willing to participate, a referral mechanism is in place, and all are in agreement as to a date to begin. Bringing partners together annually to review processes is vital to maintain the program. link to page Supporting Materials

5. Demonstrate Impact Clinical, systems, and community leaders need to see that their work has impact. Creating manageable ways to monitor and evaluate outcomes assures quality improvement and celebration of success. If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it. 1. Assess the Burden of Dental Pain in Your Community 2. Find Leaders and Partners to Create a Plan 3. Engage Dental Providers and Establish the Referral Process 4. Train Clinical Staff 5. Demonstrate Impact 6. Launch and Maintain the WDPP Program 5. Demonstrate Impact Tracking and monitoring WDPP impacts on opioid prescriptions, use of local anesthetics, and referrals to local dental care OVERVIEW Clinical, systems, and community leaders need to see that their work has impact. Creating manageable ways to monitor and evaluate outcomes assures quality improvement and celebration of success. If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it. VIDEO INTRODUCTION SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS Communicating Impacts of Model Guidance on the importance of evaluation, measuring impact of the program (evaluation questions and metrics), measuring progress and sharing results • Overview WDPP - Overview - Communicating Impacts of Model .pdf Download PDF • 150KB WDPP Program Progress Report Template A form to collect data on progress of the WDPP program, such as steps for implementation of the model, relationships with local stakeholders, education and training of providers, evaluation data, and successes, challenges and lessons learned about implementation of the program. • WDPP Program Progress Report Template Editable template: Spreadsheet (Excel) WDPP - Program Progress Report - spreadsheet2026 .xlsx Download XLSX • 98KB Editable template: Form (Google form – copy and adjust settings) 🟥 WDPP Program Progress Report - form Process Evaluation Referral Metrics Tracking Form The Dental Office Tracking form to track referral data can also be used to summarize the referrals per quarter or over the year to measure process metrics. • WDPP Dental Office Tracking Form for Dental Referrals Editable template: Spreadsheet (Excel) WDPP - Dental Office Tracking Form for Dental Referrals .xlsx Download XLSX • 157KB Editable template: Spreadsheet (Google spreadsheet) 🟥 WDPP- Dental Office Tracking form for Dental Referrals Hospital Metrics Guidance A spreadsheet for collecting and reporting on hospital data, that includes non-traumatic dental pain ( NTDP) visits to ED; repeat visits for NTDP; NTDP visits where opioid prescribed; and NTDP visits where local anesthetics are given; ICD-10 codes are also provided. • Collecting Hospital Data Editable template: WDPP Hospital Evaluation Metrics spreadsheet (Excel) WDPP Hospital Evaluation Metrics .xlsx Download XLSX • 146KB Editable template: WDPP Hospital Evaluation Metrics spreadsheet (Google spreadsheet) 🟥 WDPP Hospital Evaluation Metrics • Guidance on Assessing Data ASTDD - Guidance on Assessing ED data for Non-Traumatic Dental Conditions ASTDD-guidance-on-assessing-ed-data-for-ntdc .pdf Download PDF • 1.14MB Example Site Reports Example: Dane County - Dental Pain Initiative - 2019 Report Dane County - Dental Pain Initiative - 2019 Report .pdf Download PDF • 1.44MB Example: La Crosse County - Dental Pain Project - 2021 Report La Crosse County - Dental Pain Project - 2021 Report .pdf Download PDF • 410KB Technical Assistance For assistance with monitoring and evaluation, contact WDPP Evaluation Consultant, Andrea Gromoske at andrea@gromoskeconsulting.com .

< IN CLINIC TOOLS Clinical Care Videos and Resources The following long-form and short-form videos provide essential applied clinical information and demonstrations of clinical technique. Video Title Supporting documents Approaching Hospital Leadership Guidance on approaching hospital leadership to gain interest, support, and commitment to participate in a local WDPP program. • Overview WDPP - Overview - Approaching Hospital Leadership .pdf Download PDF • 143KB • Hospital Outreach Materials Hospital Leadership Meeting Example: Letter Example of WDPP Hospital Leadership Letter .pdf Download PDF • 58KB Example: Agenda Example of Hospital Meeting Agenda .pdf Download PDF • 98KB Example: Presentation Example of Hospital Leadership Meeting Presentation .pdf Download PDF • 1.08MB Editable template (Google slides) 🟥 Example of Hospital Leadership Meeting Presentation • WDPP Statement of Leadership Commitment Letter Editable template (Google doc) 🟥 WDPP Statement of Leadership Commitment Letter White Paper for Hospital Administrators A document that p r ovides background and rationale for implementing the Wisconsin Dental Pain Protocol • WDPP White Paper WDPP - White Paper for Hospital Administrators .pdf Download PDF • 210KB Hospital Communications Toolkit A toolkit to help hospitals showcase their commitment to the WDPP project both internally to staff and externally to the public • Overview WDPP - Overview - Hospital Communications .pdf Download PDF • 73KB • Communication Templates for Various Audiences Editable template: Internal Newsletter Article (Word doc) WDPP - Hospital Communications Toolkit - template 1 - internal newsletter article .docx Download DOCX • 109KB Editable template: Press Release (Word doc) WDPP - Hospital Communications Toolkit - template 2 - press release .docx Download DOCX • 109KB Editable template: Staff Emails (Word doc) WDPP - Hospital Communications Toolkit - template 3 - staff emails .docx Download DOCX • 109KB Editable template: Internal Website Content (Word doc) WDPP - Hospital Communications Toolkit - template 4 - internal website content .docx Download DOCX • 109KB Editable template: Media Talking Points (Word doc) WDPP - Hospital Communications Toolkit - template 5 - media talking points .docx Download DOCX • 109KB • Additional WDPP resources (list with links) WDPP - Additional Resources - Hospital Communications .pdf Download PDF • 97KB WDPP Model & Results (proof of concept) • WDPP Model and Results WDPP Model & Results 2.11.26 .pdf Download PDF • 259KB Introductory WDPP Presentation This presentation provides an overview of the WDPP model to introduce potential partners to all that is entailed. • WDPP Introductory Presentation WDPP Introductory Presentation-Apr2026-viewable .pdf Download PDF • 1.70MB Editable template (Google slides) 🟥 WDPP Introductory Presentation WI NTDP Models (early years) A presentation on the partners involved and the outcomes of the original WDPP model and models implemented in other communities. • WI Non-traumatic Dental Pain Model - early years WI Non-traumatic Dental Pain Models - early years .pdf Download PDF • 183KB WDPP Project Action Plan Depending on community assets and infrastructure, this spreadsheet tracks all the pieces, identifies timelines and holds others accountable. • WDPP Project Action Plan Editable template (Excel) WDPP - Project Action Plan spreadsheet .xlsx Download XLSX • 139KB Editable template (Google spreadsheet) 🟥 WDPP Project Action Plan Bringing Community Partners Together for Implementing a WDPP Program Guidance on recruiting, preparing, facilitating, and follow-up for a first community partner meeting • Overview WDPP - Overview - Bringing Community Partners Together for Implementing a WDPP Program .pdf Download PDF • 157KB • Partner List - spreadsheet Editable template (Excel) WDPP - Partner List spreadsheet .xlsx Download XLSX • 140KB • First Partner Meeting - materials Example: Agenda Example of first WDPP La Crosse meeting - agenda .pdf Download PDF • 439KB Example: Overview slides Example of first WDPP La Crosse meeting - overview.pptx .pdf Download PDF • 461KB Example: Data slides Example of first WDPP La Crosse meeting - data.pptx .pdf Download PDF • 246KB Technical Assistance For support from WDPP Advisory group members to approach hospital leaders or provide a WDPP overview at the first partner meeting, email WDPP Technical Assistance Provider, Lisa Bullard-Cawthorne at lisabc369@gmail.com .

The WDPP Clinical Algorithm provides basic diagnostic, treatment, medication, and referral guidance for dental pain and infection. The algorithm is evidence-based and was developed by emergency physicians, dentists, and oral surgeons to offer basic guidance to ED/UCC providers. The algorithm can and should be modified to represent each clinical system's standards and protocols. ON-SHIFT CLINICAL TOOLS: Dental Pain Clinical Algorithm The WDPP Clinical Algorithm provides basic diagnostic, treatment, medication, and referral guidance for dental pain and infection. The algorithm is evidence-based and was developed by emergency physicians, dentists, and oral surgeons to offer basic guidance to ED/UCC providers. The algorithm can and should be modified to represent each clinical system's standards and protocols. View and download the WDPP Clinical Algorithm (pdf) 🟥 Customize the WDPP Clinical Algorith m - editable version (Google slide, with editable fields for PAIN CONTROL and FQHC DENTAL CLINIC REFERRAL) For more information on the WDPP Clinical Algorithm, see WDPP Implementation Tool #4: Train Clinical Staff.

The Wisconsin Dental Pain Protocol (WDPP) is a systemic approach implemented by Emergency Departments and Urgent Care Centers to reduce opioid use for patients presenting with non-traumatic dental pain.   IMPLEMENTATION TOOLS 1. Assess the Burden of Dental Pain in Your Community 2. Find Leaders and Partners to Create a Plan 3. Engage Dental Providers and Establish the Referral Process 4. Train Clinical Staff 5. Demonstrate Impact 6. Launch and Maintain the WDPP Program The Wisconsin Dental Pain Protocol (WDPP) is a systemic approach implemented by Emergency Departments (ED), Urgent Care Centers (UCC), dentists and community partners to reduce opioid use for patients presenting with non-traumatic dental pain. The WDPP provides the evidence-based diagnosis, treatment and care management of oral pain and infection necessary to optimize ED and UCC staff time and resources. The WDPP also establishes referral systems within communities so patients can receive definitive dental care. Securing this care addresses the causes of their pain and reduces the likelihood of recidivism. This website provides resources and guidance for the systemic implementation of the WDPP in addition to on-shift clinical tools. Get started ON-SHIFT CLINICAL TOOLS Clinical Care Videos Dental Pain Clinical Algorithm Opioid and Non-Opioid Pain Control Antibiotic Guidance Local Anesthetic Administration A toolkit for evidence-based, non-opioid pain control and antibiotic guidance for dental pain.

Consistent with the WDPP Clinical Algorithm, the following pain control protocol is recommended: WDPP Evidence-Based Treatment Recommendations. ON-SHIFT CLINICAL TOOLS: Opioid and Non-opioid Pain Control Consistent with the WDPP Clinical Algorithm, the following pain control protocol is recommended. View and download the Evidence-Based Treatment Recommendations (pdf) View and download the Cochrane Review (pdf)

Consistent with the WDPP Clinical Algorithm, the following pain control protocol is recommended: WDPP Evidence-Based Treatment Recommendations. ON-SHIFT CLINICAL TOOLS: Local Anesthetic Administration Consistent with the WDPP Clinical Algorithm, the following pain control protocol is recommended. View and download the Evidence-Based Treatment Recommendations (pdf) For more information on the WDPP Clinical Algorithm, see WDPP Implementation Tool #4: Train Clinical Staff.

Assistance is available for those ready to launch and implement the Wisconsin Dental Pain Protocol. Assistance & Contact Info Assistance is available for those ready to launch and implement the Wisconsin Dental Pain Protocol. Email WDPP TA Provider, Lisa Bullard-Cawthorne

For a history and overview of the Wisconsin Dental Pain Protocol, please see the following materials. About For an overview of the Wisconsin Dental Pain Protocol, please see: WDPP Model & Results (pdf) Proof of concept, updated March 2026 WDPP poster (pdf) Poster displayed at the Wisconsin Hospital Association's 2026 Healthcare Quality Showcase, February 25, 2026 Group photo of all poster participants at the Wisconsin Capitol Rotunda WDPP Advisory Board Nadine Allen , MBA, CPHQ / Chief Quality Officer, Wisconsin Hospital Association Lisa Bullard-Cawthorne , MS, MPH / WDPP Developer; DPH, WI DHS - Retd. Debra DeNure , RDH, BAS / WDPP Developer; Public Health MDC – Retd. Russ Dunkel, DDS, FPFA, FICD, FACD / Wisconsin State Dental Director, WI DHS Andrea Gromoske , MSW, PhD, WDPP Evaluation Consultant David F. Gundersen , DDS, MPH / WDPP Developer Lacey Hellenbrand , CHES / Oral Health Educator, Oral Health Unit, DPH, WI DHS Lataysha James , MPH / Community Outreach, Harm Reduction Unit, DPH, WI DHS Robbyn Keuster , BSDH, RDH / Oral Health Unit Supervisor, WI DHS Christopher Okunseri , BDS, MSc, MLS, DDPHRCSE, FFDRCSI, ABDPH/ Professor in Dental Public Health, Marquette University School of Dentistry Bobby Redwood , MD, MPH, FACEP / Emergency Physician Jennifer Tranmer , MA / Communications, Harm Reduction Unit, DPH, WI DHS WDPP Participating Hospitals and Clinics Dane County UnityPoint Health-Meriter UW Hospital & Clinics SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital Stoughton Health GHC-SCW Clinics La Crosse County Emplify Health Gundersen Mayo Clinic Health System-La Crosse Co Polk/Barron Counties Cumberland Healthcare Amery Hospital & Clinics Marshfield Medical Center-Rice Lake Brown/Oconto/Marinette Counties Emplify by Bellin Bellin Health Oconto Hospital HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center HSHS St. Vincent Hospital HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital Aurora BayCare Medical Center Aurora Medical Center – Bay Area Chippewa/Eau Claire/Dunn/Barron Counties OakLeaf Clinics If you have questions about any of the information on this website: Contact WDPP

Consistent with the WDPP Clinical Algorithm, the following pain control protocol is recommended: WDPP Evidence-Based Treatment Recommendations. ON-SHIFT CLINICAL TOOLS: Antibiotic Guidance Consistent with the WDPP Clinical Algorithm, the following pain control protocol is recommended. View and download the Evidence-Based Treatment Recommendations (pdf) For more information on the WDPP Clinical Algorithm, see WDPP Implementation Tool #4: Train Clinical Staff.