KNOWLEDGE AMONG DENTISTS ABOUT THE USAGE OF OPIOID ANALGESICS IN DENTAL PRACTICE

Abstract

Pain management is very common in the dental practice. Analgesics are the best option for treating pain. Conventional analgesics are classified as opioids and nonopioids, but the older terms „„narcotic‟‟ and „„nonnarcotic‟‟ continue to be used interchangeably. Dependence and tolerance are well-known features with regular use of opioid analgesics although this should not necessarily inhibit prescribing in palliative care. The dentist should have a clear knowledge in prescribing opioid drugs to the patients. The aim of the study was to assess dentists regarding knowledge, attitude and opinion on prescribing opioid analgesics in dental practice.A close ended questionnaire comprising 10 questions regarding knowledge, precautionary measure, indication, guidelines in prescribing opioid analgesics in dental practice was distributed to 100 dental practitioners. Data will be tabulated and analysed by computing the percentage response for each question. The results of this study showed that the majority of the dental practitioners (83%) were aware and some of them (17%) were unaware regarding the usage of opioid analgesics in dental practice. Most of the respondents in this study knew the background of opioid drugs, indication, contraindication and their usage in dental practice. However, dentists should be cautious in prescribing any form of drugs to the patient.