About this guidance

This guidance aims to facilitate drug prescribing within primary care dental practice and is based on the British National Formulary (BNF), BNF for Children (BNFC) and the opinion of experts and experienced practitioners.

It reflects current relevant legislation and professional regulations and should be used in conjunction with the BNF and BNFC.

This guidance applies to all patients, including adults, children and those with special needs, who would normally be treated in the primary care sector.

The guidance does not include advice on prescribing for those in a secondary care environment or for practitioners with special expertise who may prescribe a wider range of drugs.

This guidance was originally provided in a printed format, with the first edition published in 2008, a second edition published in 2011 and a third edition published in 2016.

The list of drugs that can be prescribed by dentists within the NHS in Scotland includes all drugs in this guidance. Although dentists can prescribe additional drugs within the NHS, they have a duty to prescribe only within their competence and to adhere to guidance from their local formulary committees.