Sir, I was surprised to read an article (BDJ 2020; 229: 15-18) reporting that dentists cannot prescribe co-codamol. I have been prescribing it for years on a private prescription in different practices and never had an issue with it, as well as other drugs that are not on the dental practitioners section of the BNF.

After seeing the article, I checked the GDC website where it states: 'A dentist can prescribe any medicine from the British National Formulary (BNF) on a private prescription; however you must only prescribe medicines to meet the identified dental needs of your patients'. As for myself, I believe that many colleagues that deal with surgical procedures are prescribing it as it would be very counterproductive and difficult to seek medical advice every time you have procedures that are bound to cause moderate to severe pain. In that same light I believe that we may prescribe any medications that we judge to be beneficial and justifiable for the patient's dental condition.