Prescription requirements

Recently, the RCDSO has received reports from pharmacists who have noted a growing trend in the number of prescriptions that are sent in by dentists bearing no signature and that are marked only by the prescriber’s stamp.

For prescriptions to be valid, dentists must include the signature of the prescriber, or, in the case of electronically produced prescriptions, a clear and unique identifier, which signifies to the dispenser that the prescriber has authorized the individual prescription. Stamps may not be used in place of a signature.

In addition to the prescriber’s signature, prescriptions must include the following:

• Name of the patient;
• Full date (day, month and year);
• Name of the drug, drug strength and quantity or duration of therapy;
• Full instructions for use of the drug;
• Refill instructions, if applicable;
• Printed name of the prescriber;
• Address and telephone number of the dental office where the patient’s records are kept.

If the prescription is for a monitored drug, as defined in the Narcotics Safety and Awareness Act, 2010, dentists must additionally provide:

• their RCDSO registration number;
• an identification number for the patient and the type of identification used. 

Dentists can visit the Ministry of Health website for a list of approved forms of identification.