A patient with known opioid use disorder demands a prescription for narcotic pain medication. What is the most appropriate course of action?

The dentist's responsibility when dealing with a patient with opioid use disorder who is seeking narcotic prescriptions is to refuse to enable substance abuse and to refer the patient to an appropriate addiction specialist or pain management specialist. Prescribing opioids to a patient with known opioid use disorder without a legitimate dental diagnosis is unethical and potentially illegal. Alternative analgesics such as NSAIDs and acetaminophen should be used for dental pain management. Calling 911 is inappropriate unless there is an immediate safety concern.