Opioid Prescribing Patterns Among Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: A Regional Survey-Based Study.

We sought to obtain baseline statistics regarding the amount of opioid tablets prescribed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) in the New England area after office-based procedures and to identify factors that might be predictors of their prescription patterns. An anonymous online survey was e-mailed to practicing OMSs in the New England area. The survey explored the quantity of opioid medications prescribed for various procedures, how opioid precautions were given, practitioners' attitude toward opioid dependency, and whether certain surgeon- or patient-related factors influenced prescription behavior. Statistical analyses were used to categorize the OMSs according to their prescription patterns and to identify the most common factors affecting their decision to prescribe opioids. Of 315 OMSs, 151 (43%) responded to the survey. Our analyses were of complete data obtained from 118 respondents. For procedures, such as extraction of 7 or more teeth, the placement of 4 or more implants, office-based sinus surgery, cortical block grafts, and removal of third molar teeth, respondents indicated they typically prescribed 8 to 12 opioid tablets. For all other procedures, they typically never or rarely prescribed opioid tablets. The respondents were grouped into low-, medium-, and high-quantity opioid prescribers. Regardless of their grouping status, the respondents showed general agreement regarding their roles in reducing opioid prescription-related issues. No group differences were found in terms of the demographic variables. Relative to the factors predicting increased prescribing habits, the results suggested that OMSs working either exclusively or primarily in academic settings tended to prescribe fewer opioid tablets than those working primarily in the private setting (β = -2.73; P < .001). Additionally, 109 respondents (92.4%) reported that OMSs could play a role in decreasing opioid dependency. Most practicing OMSs in the New England area prescribed opioids after office-based surgery and are cognizant of the risks of opioid medications.

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Copyright © 2020 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.