Opioid prescribing patterns of oral and maxillofacial surgery residents.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to report on the opioid prescribing patterns of oral and maxillofacial surgery residents for routine office-based procedures.

STUDY DESIGN

A survey was sent to current resident members of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS). The survey asked questions related to the quantity and duration of opioids prescribed and if such factors as type of procedure, education, and prior opioid abuse by patients influenced prescription behavior.

RESULTS

There was a positive relationship between the prescribing culture of residency and prescribing pattern (P value < .001). Concerns about factors that promote addiction were negatively associated with prescribing patterns (P value < .02). Prescribing culture and concerns about factors promoting addiction together explained 10% of the total variation. Residents receiving instruction on the risks of narcotic were less likely to prescribe opioids.

CONCLUSIONS

Creating a culture in residency programs aimed at reducing factors that promote addiction may be the best method to reduce overprescription of opioids during training.