Drug Prescribing For Dentistry
Drug Prescribing For Dentistry is now available for users in the UK via a dedicated website, SDCEP Dental Prescribing (URL: www.sdcepdentalprescribing.nhs.scot).
Using the website ensures that users are accessing the most up-to-date information on prescribing in dental practice.
The SDCEP Dental Prescribing website has been updated to be consistent with BNF 87 (March-September 2024) and BNFC 2023-24.
Background
Drug Prescribing For Dentistry was first published in 2008 as a printed booklet and the second edition was published in 2011. An app to accompany the printed guidance, Dental Prescribing, was launched in 2012. The third edition of the guidance was published in 2016.
In 2023, a dedicated SDCEP Dental Prescribing website was launched for users in the UK. The website replaces the Dental Prescribing app and includes the most up-to-date information on prescribing in dental practice.
The SDCEP Dental Prescribing website provides the same content as the printed guidance and the app and has the advantage that it can be viewed on any mobile device or desktop computer.
Users can create a shortcut on their mobile device home screen to provide quick access to the SDCEP Dental Prescribing website. An internet connection is required.
SDCEP no longer provides updates to the printed guidance and users should access the SDCEP Dental Prescribing website for the most up-to-date information on prescribing in dental practice. The Dental Prescribing app is no longer supported or updated and should be deleted from all devices.
The SDCEP Dental Prescribing website has been developed with NES Technology Service.
About this guidance
Dental prescribing within the NHS is restricted to drugs included in the Dental Practitioner’s Formulary, which is incorporated within the British National Formulary (BNF) and BNF for Children (BNFC). To facilitate easy access to information that is most relevant to primary care dental practice, Drug Prescribing For Dentistry brings together advice on dental prescribing from the BNF and BNFC and presents it in a problem-orientated style. The information on drug prescribing on the Dental Prescribing website is based on the most recent editions of the BNF and BNFC. Advice on drugs used to manage medical emergencies is also provided, based on information provided in the BNF and BNFC, and guidance published by the Scottish Government in 2024. Comprehensive information on drug interactions and a bacterial infections management guide is also included.
The guidance is suitable for informing dental practitioners in the primary care sector, and applies to all patients, including adults, children and those with special needs, who would normally be treated in this sector. The guidance does not include advice on prescribing for those in a secondary care environment or for practitioners with special expertise who may prescribe a wider range of drugs. The intention is for the guidance to be used in conjunction with the BNF and BNFC.
For more information on the development of this guidance and tools to support its implementation, please see the SDCEP Dental Prescribing website.
Midazolam
Following the agreement that, due to supply and shelf life issues, the injection formulation of midazolam will replace Midazolam Oromucosal Solution in emergency dental kits, NHS Education for Scotland (NES) have prepared a training video to enable dental teams to familiarise themselves with the buccal administration of the injection solution. This can be accessed on TURAS Learn at Emergency treatment of a prolonged epileptic seizure using buccally administered 10mg in 2ml Midazolam using an oral syringe | Turas | Learn (nhs.scot).