Managing controlled drugs

The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 provide a legal framework which dental professionals rely on when prescribing patients with, and managing controlled drugs. The act gives healthcare professionals the ability to possess, produce, supply and administer some drugs that would otherwise prompt prosecution under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

Dental professionals should be aware of their responsibilities when supporting patients with these pharmaceutical products. This includes aspects of the General Dental Council’s ‘Standards for the Dental Team’, which requires clinicians to provide patients with treatment that is in their best interests, including the provision of controlled drugs exclusively when they are deemed necessary.