A patient with known opioid abuse history enters the clinic, claims to be in pain with no apparent dental cause, and demands an opioid prescription, refusing to leave. What do you do?

Correct answer: C. Call 911

• A. ❌ Prescribing opioids to a drug-seeking patient without legitimate dental findings constitutes drug diversion and is illegal.
• B. ❌ Patient dismissal is a formal process — in this immediate emergency, 911 takes priority.
• C. ✅ Correct. When an opioid-abusing patient refuses to leave and aggressively demands drugs with no dental cause, this is a threatening situation. Calling 911 ensures safety for staff and the patient.
• D. ❌ Referral requires patient cooperation. In an immediate confrontational situation, 911 is appropriate.

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