Table 4 Anxiolytic and pain relief prescribing choices
From: A survey of prescribing practices by general dentists in Australia
| Â | N* | % |
|---|---|---|
Percentage of dentists responses when asked about their choices of medicines for anxiolysis | Â | Â |
Does not prescribe | 93 | 24 |
Diazepam and/or temazepam | 252 | 66 |
Refer to medical doctor | 19 | 5 |
Other | 18 | 5 |
Appropriateness of dose and/or regimen of those who prescribed anxiolytics | ||
 Appropriate prescription of anxiolytic (single dose one hour prior to the procedure) | 141 | 54 |
 Two doses of anxiolytic used (night before and prior to the procedure) | 87 | 34 |
 More than 2 doses used, or choice of anxiolytic outside the guidelines | 31 | 12 |
Percentage of dentists who combined > 1 anxiolytic | ||
 Yes (combined > 1) | 4 | 1 |
 No (did not combine/did not prescribe) | 378 | 99 |
Percentage of dentists who use nitrous oxide | ||
 Uses nitrous oxide | 131 | 34 |
 Does not use nitrous oxide | 251 | 66 |
Percentage of dentists who use methoxyflurane | ||
 Uses methoxyflurane | 34 | 9 |
 Does not use methoxyflurane | 348 | 91 |
Percentage of dentists responses when asked about their choices of medicines for pain relief | ||
Choices for a simple extraction (mild pain relief) | ||
 Prescribes an NSAID in addition to analgesics | 299 | 78 |
 Prescribes analgesics only | 61 | 16 |
 Inappropriate choice of analgesia or analgesia not recommended in TG | 15 | 4 |
 No prescription | 7 | 2 |
Choices for multiple extractions (moderate-severe pain relief) | ||
 Prescribes an NSAID in addition to analgesics | 239 | 63 |
 Prescribes analgesics only | 105 | 27 |
 Inappropriate choice of analgesia or analgesia not recommended in TG | 36 | 9 |
 No prescription | 2 | 1 |