Under what circumstances may a dentist prescribe medications and controlled substances?

Dentists may prescribe medications and controlled substances ONLY FOR DENTAL-RELATED conditions. Under no circumstances may a dentist prescribe anything whatsoever outside the course of his/her practice of dentistry (e.g., cold medicines, headache remedies, ulcer medications, etc.). To do so is a serious violation of the laws and regulations, and a dentist may be disciplined by the Board. A dentist must avoid self-prescribing, and any medications prescribed for office staff or family members must be solely for dental-related conditions and must be clearly and specifically documented in the patient's file. Refer to Miss. Code Ann. §73-9-61.

Are licensed Mississippi dentists allowed to prescribe any and all products to assist their patients with smoking cessation?

Yes. At its meeting on 11/21/2003, the Board reiterated its position that licensed Mississippi dentists may prescribe any and all products to assist their patients with smoking cessation. Refer to Miss. Code Ann. §73-9-3.

Are dentists allowed to prescribe sinus medications as such medications may relate to dental treatment?

Yes. At its 08/06/2010 meeting, the Board determined that licensed Mississippi dentists are allowed to prescribe medications for the treatment of sinus problems as related to dental treatment.

Are Mississippi dentists required to register with the Mississippi Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP)?

Yes. At its 04/01/2016 meeting, the Board amended Regulation 35 to require that every dentist licensed by the Board who prescribes, administers, or dispenses any controlled substance within the State of Mississippi, or who proposes to engage in the prescribing, administering, or dispensing of any controlled substance within the State of Mississippi, must be registered with the Mississippi Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP). Additionally, once registered with the PMP, Mississippi licensed dentists shall adhere to all guidelines, protocols, and restrictions adopted by the PMP, inasmuch as failure to do so shall subject the Mississippi licensed dentist to disciplinary action. Refer to Board Regulation 35.