Following a 2016 bill that aimed to combat the opioid epidemic, California limited the ability of dentists to prescribe opioids. Dentists are now only allowed to prescribe opioids for acute pain, and the prescription must be for no more than seven days. This change was made in an effort to reduce the number of people who are addicted to opioids. Prior to 2016, dentists were able to prescribe opioids for up to 30 days.
There are a number of reasons why this change was made. First, opioids are highly addictive, and even short-term use can lead to addiction. Second, opioids can have serious side effects, including respiratory depression, constipation, and nausea. Third, there are a number of other effective pain relievers that are available that do not have the same risks as opioids.