An old patient requests an opioid prescription for a trip overseas 'to relax.' The patient has had opioids prescribed before. What is the most appropriate response?

Correct answer: B. Refer the patient to their physician for evaluation

• A. Prescribing opioids for relaxation/travel anxiety is not an appropriate dental indication.
• B. Correct. When a patient requests opioids for non-dental indications (relaxation), the appropriate dental response is to REFER the patient to their physician. The physician can evaluate the appropriate need for anxiolytic or pain medications for travel. Dentists should not prescribe opioids outside of legitimate dental pain management.
• C. Dismissing the patient without resolution is not the most appropriate first response.
• D. A lower dose is still prescribing opioids for an inappropriate indication.