Analgesic prescribing patterns in a group of dentists

Dentists have an increasing number of analgesic agents available to enable them to deal with pain relief. Each of these agents has advantages tempered by undesirable side effects. Five years ago the authors conducted a survey of dentists to compare analgesic prescribing habits. A follow-up study was conducted to ascertain any changes in analgesic therapy prescribing habits. It was determined that most dentists prefer to prescribe on an as-needed basis rather than by the clock. New drugs in the marketplace have not changed the approach of dental practitioners in handling pain management; similarly, prescription writing patterns have not changed appreciably in the last five years. More restraint probably could be used in prescribing narcotic agents.