Drug abuse in oral and maxillofacial training programs.

Concern about drug dependence in other medical specialties involving constant exposure to anesthetic and sedative drugs prompted a survey of oral and maxillofacial surgery programs. One hundred sixteen programs were surveyed; 78.5% responded, and 51% of the responding programs reported at least one suspected incident of drug dependence. Twenty-six confirmed cases were reported. Meperidine and fentanyl were the most frequently abused substances. Behavioral changes and information supplied by co-workers were the most frequent reasons for confrontation of residents suspected of drug abuse by superiors. Detailed follow-up information was often sketchy and unavailable. Drug abuse may be more common than usually thought in oral and maxillofacial surgery programs and on the same level as that observed in anesthesia training programs.