International Trends in Dental Opioid Prescriptions - Takeaways - DentalSpire

International Trends in Dental Opioid Prescriptions

  • By

  • Kao-Ping Chua

  • Claudia Bruno

  • Sallie-Anne Pearson

  • Jonathan Brett

  • Sijia He

  • Romesh Nalliah

  • Chad Brummett

  • April 17, 2026

  • 0 min

Share

  • 1

    The US dental opioid dispensing rate was 2786.3 per 100,000 in 2021, significantly higher than other countries evaluated.

  • 2

    By 2024, the US dental opioid dispensing rate decreased to 2022.0 per 100,000, indicating a 27.4% reduction from 2021.

  • 3

    Despite the decrease, the US rate remains high compared to Canada, France, and other countries, suggesting further reduction opportunities.

  • 4

    Two-thirds of US dental opioid prescriptions are for tooth extraction, where ibuprofen and acetaminophen are effective alternatives.

  • 5

    Limitations of the study include lack of data on dosing and indications for prescriptions, affecting the understanding of dispensing rates.

Original Source(s)

International Trends in Dental Opioid Prescriptions

  • by Kao-Ping Chua, Claudia Bruno, Sallie-Anne Pearson, Jonathan Brett, Sijia He, Romesh Nalliah, Chad Brummett

  • April 17, 2026

Related Content

The Benefits of Fluoride: Addressing Public Concern and Supporting Topical Use

Medical cannabis authorization and opioid milligram equivalents over time in patients with chronic pain: a retrospective analysis

Liposomal Bupivacaine Shows Limited Clinical Benefit After Third Molar Extraction

Extended-release anesthetic did not significantly improve postoperative pain, raising questions about its routine use in dental surgery.