Ethics & Law · single question
A patient addicted to opioids requires extensive dental treatment. When is the BEST time to provide dental care?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Treat after the patient has received counseling and support for their addiction
B) After counseling and addiction support — CORRECT.
For a patient with active opioid addiction requiring extensive (elective) dental treatment, the ideal approach is to: (1) address urgent/emergency dental needs, (2) refer the patient to addiction medicine/counseling, and (3) plan comprehensive treatment once the patient is stabilized in their recovery. Prescribing opioids to an actively addicted patient for elective dental work is contraindicated.
A) Treating immediately without addressing addiction risks prescribing opioids inappropriately and enabling addiction.
C) Refusing treatment violates the duty to provide emergency care and patient rights.
D) Prescribing opioids to an actively addicted patient is contraindicated for elective care.
For a patient with active opioid addiction requiring extensive (elective) dental treatment, the ideal approach is to: (1) address urgent/emergency dental needs, (2) refer the patient to addiction medicine/counseling, and (3) plan comprehensive treatment once the patient is stabilized in their recovery. Prescribing opioids to an actively addicted patient for elective dental work is contraindicated.
A) Treating immediately without addressing addiction risks prescribing opioids inappropriately and enabling addiction.
C) Refusing treatment violates the duty to provide emergency care and patient rights.
D) Prescribing opioids to an actively addicted patient is contraindicated for elective care.