Prescribing, Controlled Substances, and Prescription Monitoring
Prescribing authority
A dentist may prescribe within the scope of dental practice - for conditions the dentist is treating. Prescribing outside that scope, or for family members without a documented patient relationship, is a disciplinary risk. Controlled substances require a valid DEA registration and compliance with Arkansas prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) requirements.
The PDMP
Arkansas requires prescribers to check the PDMP in specified circumstances before prescribing certain controlled substances, particularly opioids and benzodiazepines, and to report dispensing data. Traps include questions that assume PDMP checks are optional, or that a single check suffices indefinitely.
Prescription mechanics
Prescriptions must include required elements: prescriber identification, patient identification, drug, strength, quantity, directions, and refills. Schedule II substances have stricter rules (no refills, specific format requirements). Watch for questions about electronic prescribing mandates and about delegating prescription signing - a prescription may not be signed by staff.
Worked example
A dentist prescribes an opioid after an extraction. The correct practice is to check the PDMP where required, prescribe the smallest effective quantity, counsel the patient on disposal and risks, and document the rationale. Rule of thumb: every controlled-substance prescription should be justified in the record by a documented diagnosis and a risk assessment.
Trap patterns
Look for 'the dentist may prescribe for a friend' or 'staff may call in a refill' scenarios; both are wrong.