Pharmacy surveys.

The Division of Drug Control, Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, conducts approximately two pharmacy surveys per month on health care practitioners. These surveys determine whether a practitioner has prescribed controlled and dangerous substances appropriately. In some cases, dentists who may be suffering from drug dependence are identified through these pharmacy surveys and referred to the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners (SBDE). In addition to this disciplinary process, the SBDE may refer dentists to the Dentists' Well-Being Committee of the Maryland State Dental Association for evaluation and treatment. This paper reviews the procedures for requesting and conducting pharmacy surveys.