Prescribing and Prescription Writing for BDS Year 2

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which of the following correctly describes Patient Specific Directions (PSD) in dental prescribing?

PSD allows for blanket prescriptions applicable to all patients within a clinic.

PSD indicates a general protocol for prescribing medication to a group of patients.

PSD requires a signed instruction for a specific patient based on their individual assessment. (correct)

PSD can be created by any member of the dental team without a dentist's authorization.

What is the main purpose of the British National Formulary (BNF) in dental practice?

To serve as a marketing tool for pharmaceutical companies.

To provide a comprehensive list of non-prescription medications.

To present an authoritative source for drug information and prescribing guidance. (correct)

To inform dental professionals about guidelines for surgical procedures.

Which of the following is NOT a consideration for safe prescribing in dental practice?

Utilizing outdated prescribing protocols. (correct)

Ensuring compliance with local prescribing guidelines.

Assessing patient allergies and medical history.

Providing adequate patient education about the medication.

What is a significant requirement for a dental professional before prescribing medication?

Appropriate training and competence in the prescribed medication area. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of prescribing guidelines emphasizes the need for dental professionals to operate within their competence?

It mandates adherence to personal skill levels before performing specific treatments. Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT required for a Patient Specific Direction (PSD) regarding medication administration?

Written patient-specific prescription from an approved prescriber Signup and view all the answers

Which item is essential to include in a prescription?

The form of the medication Signup and view all the answers

Which guideline is primarily concerned with antimicrobial resistance?

Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance 2019-2024 Signup and view all the answers

In writing a prescription, which unit is not recommended to be abbreviated?

Microgram Signup and view all the answers

Which document would you refer to for guidelines on the use of Local Anaesthetic by dental professionals?

Protocol for the use of Local Anaesthetic and Fluoride Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of a Patient Group Direction (PGD) does NOT pertain to patient eligibility?

Patient's name and address Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended reference for Patient Group Directions?

NICE recommendations on PGDs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT included in the recommended prescription components?

List of patient’s allergies Signup and view all the answers

What is a key requirement for a Patient Specific Direction (PSD)?

The prescriber must assess the patient individually. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding Patient Group Directions (PGD)?

PGDs provide guidelines for groups of patients who meet specific criteria. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the British National Formulary (BNF)?

To offer information on prescribing and administering medicines. Signup and view all the answers

Which resource is primarily responsible for reporting suspected side effects to medicines?

MHRA Yellow Card Scheme Signup and view all the answers

What must a Patient Specific Direction (PSD) include?

Patient details, medicine, dose, and route. Signup and view all the answers

Which document provides guidance specifically tailored for drug prescribing in dentistry?

SDCEP Prescribing for Dentistry Signup and view all the answers

Who can use a Patient Group Direction (PGD)?

Non-prescribing healthcare professionals within specified criteria. Signup and view all the answers

Which resource provides up-to-date information for licensed medicines?

Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the NICE guidelines in dental prescribing?

To provide evidence-based guidance for prescribing and drug administration. Signup and view all the answers

What detail is not required in a Patient Group Direction (PGD)?

The individual patient’s medical history. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Prescribing and Prescription Writing 1 & 2

Course presented by Safiya Robinson, with slides from Dimitra Saliakelli and Dr Alana Metcalfe.
Targeted at BDS year 2 students.

Learning Objectives

Explore and discuss prescribing guidelines for dental professionals.
Gain knowledge of the prescription writing method.
Be familiar with the British National Formulary (BNF).
Follow correct prescribing guidance and protocols.
Understand which drugs and therapeutic agents dentists can prescribe.
Write prescriptions appropriately.

GDC Standards

Work within your knowledge, skills, professional competence, and abilities.
Only carry out tasks or treatments if appropriately trained, competent, confident, and indemnified.
Ensure training is appropriate for the task and equips you with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform it safely.

Things to Consider Before Prescribing a Medication

Patient beliefs, comorbidities, allergy status, drug history, adherence.
Patient's breastfeeding status, hepatic function, pregnancy, and renal function.
Patient cultural background, experiences, adverse drug reactions, and drug-drug interactions.

Exempt Patients

Check NHS guidelines for exempt patients at https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions-and-ph/ho-can-get-free-prescriptions/.
Patients may be exempt from paying for NHS prescriptions, based on guidance for pharmacists at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pharmacy-exemptions.
Check for NHS Maternity Exemption Certificates.

When Prescribing Check

British National Formulary (BNF).
NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) – Dental Practitioners' Formulary (https://bnf.nice.org.uk/dental-practitioners-formulary/).
NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) – British National Formulary for Children (https://bnfc.nice.org.uk/).
Local and national guidelines.
Protocols.

Resources

BNF (online and paper version available).
Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC).
MHRA Yellow Card (Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency).
UK Medicine Information (NHS).
SCRIPT (eLearning).
SDCEP Prescribing for Dentistry (Scottish Dental clinical Effectiveness Programme).

In Detail

BNF – information on selecting, prescribing, dispensing, and administering medicines (https://bnf.nice.org.uk/).
EMC – up-to-date information on prescribing and patient information for licensed medicines (https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc).
MHRA Yellow Card Scheme – Reporting scheme for suspected side effects to medicines, vaccines, e-cigarettes, medical devices, and incidents (https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/).

Other Resources and References

UK Medicine Information Service – evidence-based medicines advice and information (https://www.ukmi.nhs.uk/).
SCRIPT – eLearning programme to improve safety and competency among healthcare professionals around prescribing, therapeutics, and medicines management (e-lfh.org.uk).
SDCEP Prescribing for Dentistry – Document with evidence-based guidance (https://www.sdcep.org.uk/media/2wleqlnr/sdcep-drug-prescribing-for-dentistry-3rd-edition.pdf; https://www.sdcep.org.uk/media/ckgfnx3w/sdcep-drug-prescribin g-ed-3-update-june-2021.pdf).
Protocol for the use of Local Anaesthetic and Fluoride by Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists.
PGD Guidance (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/patient-group-directions-pgds/patient-group-directio ns-who-can-use-them).

Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance – WHO (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antimicrobial-resistance).
Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance 2019-2024 (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-5-year-action-plan-for-ani crobial-resistance-2019-to-2024).
FGDP guidance on antimicrobial prescribing (https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/dental-faculties/fds/faculty/news/archive/antimi biál-prescribing-guidelines/).
E-Learning – Antimicrobial Stewardship (https://www.baos.org.uk/elearning/).

PSD/PGD

Patient Specific Directions (PSD) – Instruction from a dentist to a non-prescribing healthcare professional for medicines.
Must include patient details, medicine form/strength, dose, frequency, date, route, and signature.
Patient Group Directions (PGD) – Written instruction for the supply and/or administration of medicines to named patients, authorised by an appropriate body.
Details needed for PGD include period of effect, medicine, restrictions, patient clinical criteria for eligibility, dose/strength, route of administration, frequency, and when to get advice.

Prescription Writing - What to include

Patient details (name, address, date of birth).
Medication name (no abbreviations).
Dosage form (capsules, liquid).
Strength (especially for liquid preparations).
Dose, frequency, and quantity.
Instructions.
Clearly written.

Abbreviations

Do not abbreviate 'micrograms' or 'nanograms'; write in full.
Some Latin abbreviations can be used.
Other information about patient procedures, collection logs, and medical records are included.

Clinical Notes

Include diagnosis, purpose, temperature, prescription number, medication prescribed, contra-indications, and warnings, and booked review appointments.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz focuses on key aspects of prescribing and prescription writing, tailored for second-year BDS students. It covers prescribing guidelines, the prescription writing method, and familiarization with the British National Formulary (BNF). Students will also learn about the responsibilities and standards expected of dental professionals when prescribing medications.