Opioid Prescribing to Dental Patients in the Military Health System
Abstract
Opioid abuse is an epidemic in the United States. Misuse and diversion of prescription medications contribute to the problem. Dentists are the fifth leading specialty for the prescription of immediate release opioids, writing over 18.5 million prescriptions each year. If prescribed inappropriately, in quantities that exceed need or for young and opioid nave patients at risk of developing addiction, these prescriptions have the potential to lead to misuse and diversion. Objective: The objective of this study was to describe opioid prescription rates, patient characteristics, and type of dental visit at which dentists more frequently prescribe opioids to patients treated in the Military Health System.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1128104
Entities
People
- James A. Shaul
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences