Survey results published in the Journal of the American Dental Association Oct. 21 show a large number of dentists continue to prescribe opioids despite knowing effective alternatives.
Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C., received 291 survey responses. Of the 269 completed surveys, 84 percent of respondents said they believed combinations of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophens are as effective or more effective than opioids. But 43 percent said they regularly prescribe opioid medications.
Of the dentists who prescribed opioids, 9 out of 10 said they were less likely to prescribe opioids to patients ages 11-18 years old, and 48 percent said they were less likely to prescribe opioids to patients 19-25 years old.
Researchers concluded that the prevalence of opioid prescriptions contradicts evidence showing the effectiveness of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs over opioids. Researchers added that more education, prescription drug-monitoring programs and national guidelines are needed to to align clinical practice with current evidence.