3. Pain at the desk — without promising a pad

Reception scripts

Do not say “the dentist will just give you antibiotics”. Say you will be examined, that drainage or local treatment is often what works, and that drugs are used when infection is spreading or the clinician decides they are needed. Offer analgesia advice consistent with your practice protocol (paracetamol/ibuprofen unless contraindicated — you are not prescribing over the phone if that is not your role).

Remote requests

A prescription without an examination is a last resort, not a business model. If you cannot see the person, you still need enough history to judge spreading infection and sepsis risk, and a plan for face-to-face care. Record it.

Leftover courses

Do not tell people to finish a neighbour’s leftover amoxicillin. Do not keep a private stash of opened bottles for “good patients”. Return unused stock through the proper medicines pathway.

Next module

Module 2 covers first-line thinking, allergy, duration, delayed prescriptions, and documenting the conversation.

Always follow current UK dental antimicrobial guidance and the BNF. This is not a prescribing formulary.